One of the topics at Bridges Teens Tackle Homelessness Conference on Saturday, October 23, 2010, was student and teen homelessness and how it affects their education. Coincidentally, this article appeared this week in NJ Spotlight. It's everything that our students learned at the conference. See article:
Helping New Jersey’s Homeless Students
The number of homeless students in the state rose by almost 30 percent last year, topping 6,500
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/10/1026/2245/
Thursday, October 28, 2010
75 students attend conference on homelessness
Seventy-five high school students from 29 highs schools and religious institutions attended Bridges Outreach’s second Teens Tackle Homelessness conference on Saturday, October 23, 2010. The conference was planned by a high school steering committee representing students from several area high schools. Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child hosted the conference.
Jennifer Velez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services was the keynote speaker. Ms. Velez’ extensive experience in the fields of health and human services combined with her compassion for the people she serves made her an inspirational presenter for the conference. Her message urged audience members to be non-judgmental and to resist stereotyping people was well received.
In addition to the keynote speaker, the conference offered three workshops:”Homeless Teens” presented by Mr. Bilal Muhammad, Homeless Unit Liaison with the Newark Public Schools; Suburban Homeless addressed by Julia Orlando, Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack; and “Prevention and Solutions” was offered by Jose Ortiz, Deputy Director for Essex-Newark Legal Services. Students said they learned, “homelessness is close to home” and “just how hard it is to be in foster care.” Many came away feeling more inclined to help others in need and to not to judge people they see sleeping on the streets.
Roundtable discussions over dinner gave the teens a chance to meet and have a conversation with people who have personally experienced homelessness. One teen commented, “It opened my eyes to the different ways someone can find themselves homeless and how it can happen to anyone.”
Teens Tackle Homelessness was sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, Lena Willis Mission Fund, and Hilltop Community Bank and hosted by Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child.
Bridges is a non-profit organization based in Summit reaching out to homelessness in New York City, Newark, and Irvington for over twenty years. Bridges fulfills its mission to bring the housed and homeless together in community with the help of hundreds of volunteers every year.
Become a fan of Bridges Outreach on Facebook. See photos of the conference.
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Jennifer Velez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services was the keynote speaker. Ms. Velez’ extensive experience in the fields of health and human services combined with her compassion for the people she serves made her an inspirational presenter for the conference. Her message urged audience members to be non-judgmental and to resist stereotyping people was well received.
In addition to the keynote speaker, the conference offered three workshops:”Homeless Teens” presented by Mr. Bilal Muhammad, Homeless Unit Liaison with the Newark Public Schools; Suburban Homeless addressed by Julia Orlando, Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack; and “Prevention and Solutions” was offered by Jose Ortiz, Deputy Director for Essex-Newark Legal Services. Students said they learned, “homelessness is close to home” and “just how hard it is to be in foster care.” Many came away feeling more inclined to help others in need and to not to judge people they see sleeping on the streets.
Roundtable discussions over dinner gave the teens a chance to meet and have a conversation with people who have personally experienced homelessness. One teen commented, “It opened my eyes to the different ways someone can find themselves homeless and how it can happen to anyone.”
Teens Tackle Homelessness was sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, Lena Willis Mission Fund, and Hilltop Community Bank and hosted by Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child.
Bridges is a non-profit organization based in Summit reaching out to homelessness in New York City, Newark, and Irvington for over twenty years. Bridges fulfills its mission to bring the housed and homeless together in community with the help of hundreds of volunteers every year.
Become a fan of Bridges Outreach on Facebook. See photos of the conference.
# # #
Friday, September 3, 2010
1,000 Children Receive School Supplies
Bridges Outreach, Inc., in partnership with the Christ Child Society of Summit, distributed school supplies to 310 children on Thursday, August 25th and on Friday, August 26th at the Oakes Center in Summit. Any child in Summit who qualified for a free or reduced lunch was invited to receive a new backpack and any school supply they needed. Additionally, individual schools in Summit were supplied with additional backpacks and supplies to give to students as needed. “This was the first collaboration between Bridges and the Christ Child Society of Summit and it was a tremendous success. It can only get better next year,” commented Lois Bhatt, Bridges Executive Director. Bridges also distributed over 500 new backpacks to schools, shelters and libraries in Newark and Irvington for children in need.
New backpacks were purchased through contributions from individuals and grants from the Summit Area Public Foundation, the Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, the Carvel Foundation and the Victoria Fund and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. Collections points at St. Teresa’s in Summit, Westy Storage in Chatham and Bridges brought donations of thousands of notebooks, pens, pencils, and other sundry school supplies from individuals, corporations, and houses of worship.
The Christ Child Society of Summit is a non denominational organization that provides aid and supplies to at-risk children in Summit and neighboring towns.
New backpacks were purchased through contributions from individuals and grants from the Summit Area Public Foundation, the Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, the Carvel Foundation and the Victoria Fund and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. Collections points at St. Teresa’s in Summit, Westy Storage in Chatham and Bridges brought donations of thousands of notebooks, pens, pencils, and other sundry school supplies from individuals, corporations, and houses of worship.
The Christ Child Society of Summit is a non denominational organization that provides aid and supplies to at-risk children in Summit and neighboring towns.
Two Fun-Filled Days for Shelter Children
This summer, Bridges hosted two fun-filled one-day trips for children and teens from the Emergency Residency Program (ERP), a shelter in Newark. Wednesday, July 21st, was one hot day of summer fun in New York City for 16 teens from the ERP and 7 teen volunteers from Bridges along with five chaperones. The day started with a walk from Penn Station in New York City to Pier 83 to take the Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan. From there, the group stopped for lunch and then walked across the heart of Broadway to the NBC Studios for a tour of the studios and a view of the studios of many popular television programs.
On August 18th, younger children as well as a small group of teens from the ERP and 7 teen volunteers from Bridges along with adult chaperones spent the day in Philadelphia. The day began by boarding a tour bus in front of the ERP. Once in Philly, a tour guide from Philadelphia Trolley Works hopped on board to give a 90 minute tour of Philadelphia. Lunch at Drexel University and then the rest of the afternoon was spent at the Philadephia Zoo.
Both days provided a great opportunity for children from the ERP to experience a new city and to make friends with Bridges teen volunteers. This day was made possible through grants from the Sarah Ward Foundation, The Agnes and Thomas Carvel Foundation and the Victoria Foundation.
On August 18th, younger children as well as a small group of teens from the ERP and 7 teen volunteers from Bridges along with adult chaperones spent the day in Philadelphia. The day began by boarding a tour bus in front of the ERP. Once in Philly, a tour guide from Philadelphia Trolley Works hopped on board to give a 90 minute tour of Philadelphia. Lunch at Drexel University and then the rest of the afternoon was spent at the Philadephia Zoo.
Both days provided a great opportunity for children from the ERP to experience a new city and to make friends with Bridges teen volunteers. This day was made possible through grants from the Sarah Ward Foundation, The Agnes and Thomas Carvel Foundation and the Victoria Foundation.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ask Congress to Pass Child Nutrition Reauthorization This Year!
In a significant effort to move towards President Obama's (and New Jersey AntiHunger Coalition's) goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015, Congress needs to pass a strong Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) bill this year. The House bill, "Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act" (HR 5504), provides critical support for low-income children by improving their access to healthy food in school, at after school and child care programs, and during the summer.
Your Voice is needed on this issue! Please participate in a nationwide "Call-in to Congress and the White House" during the next two weeks before Congress adjourns for summer recess in August. Urge your members of Congress and President Obama to pass a robust CNR bill before the end of the 111th Congress.
CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-866-277-7617 to connect to your Representatives and Senators and to reach the White House.
For more information about Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) and H.R. 5504, log onto www.frac.org.
Your Voice is needed on this issue! Please participate in a nationwide "Call-in to Congress and the White House" during the next two weeks before Congress adjourns for summer recess in August. Urge your members of Congress and President Obama to pass a robust CNR bill before the end of the 111th Congress.
CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-866-277-7617 to connect to your Representatives and Senators and to reach the White House.
For more information about Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) and H.R. 5504, log onto www.frac.org.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Bridges Welcomes New Employees
We are pleased to welcome two new employees to Bridges.
Craig Prince recently joined Bridges as the Resource Coordinator. Craig will be working at Bridges on Tuesdays and Fridays. Craig will be responsible for the intake of all donated goods and coordinating the volunteers. He will also be procuring new goods. Craig will work closely with the Run Coordinators to prepare for the Runs. Craig has been a Bridges volunteer for many years overseeing a youth group from St. Elizabeth's Church in Linden and leading many Runs into New York City and Newark. If you would like to volunteer at Bridges, give Craig a call. 908-273-0176.
Chip Cliffe will assist Dan RosenHanst on the Friday nights Runs to New York City. Chip has a varied background that most recently includes being the Volunteer Coordinator of Camp Hope, Habitat for Humanity in St. Bernard, LA, were he was responsible for the housing and work assignments for 400-800 people per week working in the New Orleans area after Katrina. Dan and Chip will make a great team as Run Coordinators for the New York City Run.
Dan RosenHanst has been with us for more than a year. He has helped us greatly in our expansion to new Run sites in Newark in the past year. Dan will continue as the Run Coordinator for New York City, Newark and Irvington Runs.
Please join me in welcoming this new Bridges' team.
Craig Prince recently joined Bridges as the Resource Coordinator. Craig will be working at Bridges on Tuesdays and Fridays. Craig will be responsible for the intake of all donated goods and coordinating the volunteers. He will also be procuring new goods. Craig will work closely with the Run Coordinators to prepare for the Runs. Craig has been a Bridges volunteer for many years overseeing a youth group from St. Elizabeth's Church in Linden and leading many Runs into New York City and Newark. If you would like to volunteer at Bridges, give Craig a call. 908-273-0176.
Chip Cliffe will assist Dan RosenHanst on the Friday nights Runs to New York City. Chip has a varied background that most recently includes being the Volunteer Coordinator of Camp Hope, Habitat for Humanity in St. Bernard, LA, were he was responsible for the housing and work assignments for 400-800 people per week working in the New Orleans area after Katrina. Dan and Chip will make a great team as Run Coordinators for the New York City Run.
Dan RosenHanst has been with us for more than a year. He has helped us greatly in our expansion to new Run sites in Newark in the past year. Dan will continue as the Run Coordinator for New York City, Newark and Irvington Runs.
Please join me in welcoming this new Bridges' team.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Message from Francis Moses
Dear Volunteers:
After many years at Bridges, I have decided to retire. I will continue to be concerned about the situation of our homeless friends who are caught in the wilderness of life. One thing that I have taken away is the resilience, strength, and character of our street friends.
Over the years, I have watched young volunteers that you have nurtured change their perception of homelessness on a Run, seen their concern for our homeless friends, and appreciated their eagerness to make a difference. Volunteers of all ages who give up their time and resources to join a Run have a special place in my heart. You are the heart and soul of Bridges. I hope that you will continue your outreach with Bridges and assist my successors as they lead you and your groups on Runs. It has been my pleasure and honor to work with each and every one of you.
For those of you who know me well, you know that I am not one for parties or fanfare. So, please understand that it is my wish to retire quietly.
With deepest best wishes,
Francis Moses
Note from Lois: Many of you have asked in the last month: “Where is Francis? Is he okay?” Francis is fine and in good spirits and looking forward to this new stage of his life. We are grateful for his many years of service to Bridges, our homeless friends, and volunteers. He will be missed.
As Francis has said, he is not one for parties or fanfare. We will respect his wishes and let him retire quietly. If you would like to send Francis a card, I would be happy to pass it along to him. He does not read e-mail, but I would also be happy to print and give him any messages. We wish Francis health and happiness and the company of good friends and family in his retirement years.
P.O. Box 1444, Summit, NJ 07902
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