Morris Freeholders: Declare April 2017 at National Service Recognition Month

Published on April 18, 2017

RECOGNIZES THE EFFORTS MADE BY THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS

The Morris County Freeholders have proclaimed April 2017 as National Service Recognition Month in Morris County, calling attention to volunteer services provided by thousands of residents, whose efforts at food banks, doing taxes for senior citizens, helping needy veterans' find housing, and many other efforts greatly helps meet the challenges facing the county.

(JPG, 485KB) (l/r) Freeholders Deborah Smith and Kathy DeFillippo, RSVP's Mike Ferguson, and Freeholders Doug Cabana, Tom Mastrangelo, Hank Lyon, and Christine Myers

Towns and counties are increasingly turning to volunteers who help address some of the most pressing challenges that face our communities,'' said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana

From educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families, to providing health services and helping communities recover from natural disasters, they are vital to our communities.''

The proclamation was issued on April 12 in Morristown to Mike Ferguson, assistant director of the Skylands RSVP Volunteer Resource center.

(PNG, 5KB)A prime example of a group that offers remarkable volunteer services is the Skylands RSVP Volunteer Resource Center €“ which is sponsored by NORWESCAP.

It serves a five-county area, including Morris County, and in 2016 had 460 volunteers who provided 40,000 hours of volunteer service to 75 non-profit organizations, saving local agencies more than $942,000.

THE PROCLAMATION:

Whereas, service to others is a hallmark of the American character and central to how we meet many of our challenges in New Jersey and Morris County, with towns and counties increasingly turning to national service and local volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to help meet their needs; and

Whereas, volunteers address some the most pressing challenges facing our communities, from educating students for jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to providing health services and helping communities recover from natural disasters; and

Whereas, the Skylands RSVP Volunteer Resource Center €“ which is sponsored by NORWESCAP €“ serves a five-county area, including Morris County, and in 2016 had 460 volunteers who provided 40,000 hours of volunteer service to 75 non-profit organizations, saving local agencies more than $942,000; and

Whereas, these volunteers provided assistance to Medicare enrollees through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, health and wellness education through Project Healthy Living initiatives, independent living support through the Friendship at Heart and Food Delivery programs, and provided Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Financial Literacy programs; and

Whereas, volunteers in Morris County and across New Jersey demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, a commitment that remains with them in their future endeavors; and

Whereas, the federal Corporation for National and Community Service shares a priority with Morris County officials and counties and towns nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives, and strengthen communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Douglas R. Cabana, Director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, proclaim April 2017, as National Service Recognition Month in Morris County, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of service and volunteerism in our county.

Douglas R. Cabana, Director