ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Volunteers are the heart and soul of many organizations and the Bergen Family Center (BFC) in Englewood is a great example.
BFC President and CEO Mitch Schonfeld said, “I love the interaction between our volunteers and supporters working collaboratively with our staff, all doing their best to help our local community. From infants to older adults, BFC has a unique role in supporting our community, and our valued volunteers help to ensure that our mission is implemented-strengthening our community by providing vital services to all of our families.”
To thank their host of 100 volunteers the BFC recently held an appreciation dinner at the center’s spacious community room. This was the fourth year that the center has held this event and it has always been well attended. Seventy-five of the center’s volunteers joined staff members and guests in the festive affair.
In addition to Schonfeld, other staff members included Vice President Liz Corsini, Director of School Based Youth Services Mariam Gerges, Development and Communications Manager Nathalie Zapletal, Director of Development Alexis Cooperman, Supervisor of the Adult Day Program Holly Scipio, Activities Coordinator Anna Williams, BFC Treasurer George Milne and several others. They were joined by several board members.
Milne said that he served on the BFC Board for many years because he supports the connection and service that it provides to the community. “They do so much good for so many people, and everyone here is so enthusiastic!” he exclaimed.
Young volunteers are, indeed, enthused. Seventh grade volunteer Marni Schwarz said, “I just love working with the kids!”
The program began with a welcome by Schonfeld, who gave a tribute to Joan Van Alstyne Johnson, who passed away in March.
Van Alstyne Johnson was a pillar of the community and volunteered at numerous Englewood organizations for over 70 years. Her grandparents were among the founders of what is now the BFC.
Schonfeld recalled a little-known humorous story about Johnson.
“When she was 15, Joan founded a group called ‘the Surprise Club,’ because when they met every Monday, the kids didn’t know what they were going to do. One Monday, Joan, who was only 15, ‘borrowed’ her father’s car, packed at least eight youngsters into it and drove them down to the boat basin for a day of fun.”
Schonfeld also mentioned that Johnson served on the board of the South East Senior Center for Independent Living (SESCIL), which the BFC is in the process of acquiring.
A warm welcome was also given by Corsini, who came to the dinner with her daughters Charlotte and Zoey, both of whom are volunteers.
Corsini spoke about how important volunteers are to the BFC. As an example, she cited the contingency of ladies from the National Council of Jewish Women Bergen Council Section (NCJWBCS) that were present. This is the organization that started the BFC’s innovative program of Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY). HIPPY is a parent involvement school readiness program that helps parents prepare their 3, 4, and 5-year-old children for success in school and beyond.
Corsini thanked the “Many volunteers that we see every day as well as those that we don’t see every day.”
Next, the audience was shown a dramatic video produced by Zapletal that depicted several of the BFC programs that are assisted by volunteers
Throughout the evening, people enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, desserts and wine.
As the event concluded, each volunteer was given a large canvas tote with the BFC logo.
Photos by Hillary Viders
