It's Time to Help Charities That Keep Morris County's Neediest Afloat
By Robert L. Parker
The squeeze is on at nonprofits serving Morris County residents. The same financial troubles that are driving up demand for help are sapping funding from programs. As executive director of one of those organizations, NewBridge Services Inc., I can tell you it is a painful dilemma.
Who do I turn away? Senior citizens asking for help to stay in their homes? Young adults who dropped out of high school and are looking for a second chance through our GED and career development program? Local schools that ask us to come in and teach students resiliency skills - to combat bullying and peer pressure, for example - so the children can safely navigate their world?
I don't believe that we, the Morris County community, can turn our backs on any of them. In tough times, services for those most likely to fall through the cracks are more important than ever. The people in need are your neighbors, your friends, maybe the guy who pours your coffee every morning as you head to work. Supporting local charities provides a lifeline to fellow residents, but beyond that, it improves our community as a whole.
NewBridge opened its doors in 1963, providing counseling services that had been in short supply. Over the years, we responded to the needs of the communities we serve by adding substance abuse treatment, housing and specialized programs for children and seniors. While our headquarters is in Pequannock, we provide services throughout Morris and Passaic counties and beyond.
I am proud that NewBridge now helps 15,000 of your neighbors each year. When a popular priest was murdered in Chatham in October, we were in the local schools to comfort students. We respond to community crises hundreds of times a year as part of a county-wide team. Without donations, we will not be able to keep that up.
My point is this: the nonprofits that serve Morris County need your help so we can continue our good work. I believe all of us should strive to be local philanthropists. I realize the terminology can intimidate, conjuring visions of people of extraordinary wealth who have a staff to disseminate donations to their chosen charities.
But the word philanthropy means lover of mankind and I believe we all have that desire and capacity. The holidays provide each of us a time to reflect on what we are grateful for and to commit to helping others overcome life's challenges, whether that be drug addiction, a bullying classmate or the basic need for shelter and food.
I hear so many families complain about clutter and having too much stuff, which leads me to this suggestion: this holiday, instead of buying each other more stuff that you'll just complain about in a couple of months, take the money you would have spent and donate it to a local charity that takes care of your community. Would I like you to donate to NewBridge? Of course. But what I truly hope is that you will become a regular supporter of some local charity and embrace the role of philanthropist.
Should you choose to support NewBridge, you can make donations online at www.newbridge.org, by mail at P.O. Box 336, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or by calling Nina McCormack, director of development, at (973) 839-2521 ext. 2246.
I invite you to visit our website and learn more about what we do. May you and yours enjoy the holidays and help make 2010 better for all who call Morris County home.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Parker, executive director
NewBridge Services, Inc.
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.