COMMUNITY SERVICES TOUR MARCH 17, 2010
With the effect of a major hurricane still in evidence that was continuing to knock out power and water, and had devastated trees and property in our area, 12 stalwart members of NCJW BCS enjoyed visits and tours of two of the community services supported by our section: Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative in Hackensack, and Bergen Family Center in Englewood. Sadly, we were not able to visit, as planned, the Swim-In program at the Jewish Community Center in Tenafly as the entire facility was still without power.
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative
To welcome and offer us refreshments at BVMI was Janet Finke, director of fund-raising; Dr. Art DeSimone, Medical Director; and Joan Wright, Director of Development. They described to us how the BVMI health-care facility provides free primary and preventative medical care to Bergen County working residents who have neither medical insurance nor the means to pay for care. We toured the 3,400 square feet facility, comprising six exam rooms; lab; nurses' station; multi-purpose room for training and volunteer programs; three offices; reception room with children's area; and three restrooms. This superb facility, which opened in November 2009, is totally funded by contributed income, and the healthcare professionals are all volunteers.
People in photo - Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative:
NCJW Bergen County Section: (Alphabetically) Carole Benson; Alma Brotmen; Sandy Feinberg; Dottie Glantz; Estelle Greene; Myrna Levine; Marcia Levy (Board BVMI); Gloria Lieberstein; Ellie Lubin; Evelyn Masheb; Judy Obolsky; Elaine Pollack; Shelly Winner.
BVMI: Dr. Art DeSimone, Medical Director; Janet Finke, director of fund-raising; Joan Wright, Director of Development
Bergen Family Center
At the BFC in Englewood, the President, and CEO, Mitch Schonfeld greeted us. He led us to the room where the Shining Lights program was in full swing and also the new children’s room. A team of NCJW volunteers was entertaining a large audience of seniors who were having a fine time. In another room set with tables for lunch. Mitch told us about the history of BFC, which has been helping families since 1898. We learned that the Shining Lights program provides day care at BFC and care management for homebound elderly, some of whom are visually impaired. He showed us a video, made by a volunteer, "Our Story", where we saw in action the very many services BFC provides. These include an after-school program for children of working parents, adolescent services, and HIPPY (Home Instruction Program for Pre-School Youngsters.) Rachele Albanese, HIPPY Coordinator, gave us an overview of the HIPPY program designed to train parents in the skills and confidence needed to be their children's "first teacher", and Noula Llosis, BFC's registered nurse came to tell us about the part she plays in the care of BFC's clients. Ina Miller Silverstein and Marcia Levy provided a delicious lunch.
People in photo CS Tour Bergen Family Center:
NCJW Bergen County Section: (Alphabetically) Carole Benson; Alma Brotmen; Sandy Feinberg; Dottie Glantz; Estelle Greene; Myrna Levine; Marcia Levy; Gloria Lieberstein: Ellie Lubin; Evelyn Masheb; Judy Obolsky; Elaine Pollack; Shelly Winner.
NCJW Bergen County Section BFC Shing Lights Volunteers: Celia Argintar; Marlene Furer; Roslyn Halper; Marcia Levy; Adele Plotkin; Erika Reis; Ina Miller Silverstein (Board BFC); Phyllis Schriger BFC: Mitch Schonfeld, President & CEO; Rachele Albanese, HIPPY Coordinator.
Carole Benson, VP Community Services