Young volunteers participate in Day of Action

NewBridge youth partner with United Way to beautify Madison playground

Students from NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS and Summer Youth Employment Program volunteered at United Way's Day of Action by mulching playgrounds at Kirby Children's Center of the Madison Area YMCA. From left, Isaaic Torres of Denville; Jason LaPaglia, 70001 staff member; Raymar Gaskins of Morristown; Meghan McEnerney of Long Valley; Juan Fortunato of Dover; Matt Pryor of Flanders; Gabby Carcano of Dover; Troy Kelly of Cedar Knolls; Amanda Garritta of Parsippany; and Mary Moorehouse of Denville.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ- July 17, 2008 - Summertime for many kids means lazy days sleeping in, swimming, and hanging out with friends. For a dozen Morris County youth, however, summer 2008 will remain engrained in their memories as one of hard work and achievement. These young men and women participated in United Way's Day of Action by mulching playgrounds at FM Kirby Children's Center of the Madison Area YMCA, and for them, this was a day "off."

These young men and women are enrolled at NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, a program that provides high school dropouts with the tools and support to achieve their state-issued high school diploma, career and life skills training, counseling and job placement; and the NewBridge Summer Youth Employment program, which provides teens with volunteer and work experience.

"When the volunteers saw the 18-wheeler filled with mulch, their eyes opened wide in awe of the job ahead of them," said Jill Worrall, Employment Services Coordinator, NewBridge, who supervised the volunteers with Jay LaPaglia, Educational Coordinator, NewBridge. "It was a hot and humid day, and they worked so hard. In fact, our youngest volunteer wouldn't stop-we had to convince him to take a break!"

The youth volunteers were participants in United Way of Morris County's Day of Action, part of a nationwide United Way campaign for people to work together to benefit the greater good of communities.

To learn more about NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, Summer Youth Employment Program or NewBridge's other programs and services, visit www.newbridge.org or call toll-free (888) 746-9333.

About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-686-2200 or click here.