JCC Cares Gives Volunteer Opportunities to Rockland Residents

Give back this holiday season. There are plenty of non-profit groups right here in Rockland County's backyard that need extra help and volunteers. All these groups came together yesterday at JCC Rockland for the JCC Cares. Formerly Nanuet Cares, local non-profits and governmental agencies from the area gathered and informed the public about their services, offering educational brochures and volunteer opportunities.

A variety of organizations were present, ranging from theater and cultural centers to non-profit programs dedicated to aiding those who call. There was even a table for those who wish to donate money to a charity, but wasn't sure which one.

The event used to be held in the community room at the Nanuet Library, but with a big jump in the number of organizations involved, a move had to be made this year to JCC Rockland; thus, the name change.

"There were 20 in 2006, then 60 last year. The community room was packed," said Marc Silverstein from JCC Rockland. "This event lets people think about ?giving back where you live. There're charities nobody's heard about."

"We act as the middle man between the donor and the charity," said Matthew Viola, a representative for Charity Navigator. "The holiday season is a very popular time for charity work and we are more than willing to help people find a charity that will use that money most efficiently."

Although the holidays make everyone want to help out a neighbor, volunteers are needed year-round. Organizations such as Nanuet Ambulance were handing out information and collecting emails.
"We have sign-up sheets and information for whoever wants to volunteer," said Eric Roemish.
The Buddy Ball program, which matches children ages 8-18 with a special needs child, was also looking for volunteers. The special needs children interact and play games with the volunteer children, giving all involved a new perspective.

"No child is ever turned away and the special needs can range from a speech delay to Autism to Down syndrome," said Casey Ebeling, who volunteers in addition to spreading the word. "It's amazing. The kids get really attached. It's a great program."

Other organizations were looking for new members. Creative Response to Conflict, an organization that teaches children how to handle issues in a non-violent manner, hosts the three day Hudson Youth Leadership Academy workshop.

"We try to educate people and open their minds. We do school events and raise awareness, like explaining why saying things like "That's so gay" is hurtful. The workshop teaches how to be a leader and get those around you to be open-minded as well," said Christopher Ohnesorge.
Marcia Scheer, of Child Care Resources of Rockland, added that these programs are vital since education is so important.

"In addition to finding child care providers for parents, we offer training to the child care provider so they keep the kids safe and educated. Education and care go together. It's about a learning environment," Scheer explained.

Some groups were informing residents of their services. Live United were giving out tax preparation flyers, as well as a schedule of free tax income preparation throughout Rockland County.
"One out of three people in Rockland County use our services. We collaborate with other Rockland groups to help the residents of Rockland as much as we can. The services are worth looking over," said Jacqueline Goldstein, Vice President of Resource Dev.

As the year comes to a close and the new one invites a new beginning, keep these organizations in mind. Volunteering is always a noble endeavor and never fails to make people smile.
Membership at the JCC Rockland is open to the community at large. The services, programs and facilities of the JCC Rockland are available to all residents of the community regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
The JCC Rockland campus in West Nyack serves as a hub for social, cultural, educational and fitness programs.