Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Category: Nonprofit

  • Dreams Do Come True

    On December 13, 1992 I wished there was someplace to refer families when no other resources were available to help with energy bills. Little did I know then that it would lead to the creation of New Jersey SHARES, a statewide energy nonprofit organization.

    Today, I need your help to keep my dream alive and to help New Jersey families stay warm. On February 1 & 2, 2018 NJ SHARES will be holding an event “Cool Down for Warmth” to both raise funds and to make our mission better known in our state of New Jersey.

    We’re building an Ice House – yes, an ICE HOUSE – in Newark to highlight the critical importance of heat during the cold winter months.

    You can help by making a donation. The average grant needed to restore/maintain utility service is about $400. Your donation makes a difference and may be eligible to be matched dollar for dollar by your utility company. So if you can give $50, it will have the impact of $100.

    Read my personal story then visit my fundraising page, New Jersey SHARES Ice House Challenge. Thank you.

    For more information on becoming involved, visit NJ SHARES Cool Down for Warmth Fundraising page.

  • International Rescue Committee Seeks Volunteers

    An email was recently sent by New Jersey’s leading refugee resettlement agency seeking volunteers. I urge you to read their message below. You can directly help arriving refugee families.

    The International Rescue Committee resettles over 70% of refugees arriving to New Jersey. If you would like to learn more about how refugees arrive in New Jersey, consider attending our Introduction to Refugee Resettlement Webinar, held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am. Please RSVP here.

    In addition:

    • IRC provides low cost and quality immigration legal services to anyone in the community. Under the supervision of a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited representative, clients receive assistance with a wide range of immigration related applications, including adjustments of status (green cards), family reunification petitions, employment authorization documents and citizenship applications. The IRC recently launched a new system for initiating citizenship applications online. Start your citizenship application today or call us at 908-351-5116 X116 to speak with our immigration department or schedule a consultation.
    • IRC is seeking community and faith based groups to be paired directly with a newly arriving refugee family through our HOME program (Housing Outreach Mentorship Education). Fill out this survey if your group is interested.

    Thanks so much.

    Visit IRC’s New Jersey website for additional volunteer opportunities or call Alison Millan, Resettlement Director, at 908-351-5116.

  • Operation Stand Down in Morristown

    The sixth annual Morristown Veterans Stand Down will take place Thursday, September 28 from 11am to 1pm at the Ukranian American Cultural Center, located at 60 North Jefferson Road in Whippany.

    This event offers New Jersey’s homeless and at-risk veterans personalized, one-on-one guidance to over 50 free federal, state, public and private supportive services, as well as information and resources. The event also provides social and personal care, including haircuts, legal resources, health and dental screenings, clothing, nutritious meals, housing referrals, information on VA benefits and employment assistance.

    Free transportation for veterans is available for residents of the following counties:

    Bergen County:
    10:00 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    1 Bergen County Plaza
    Hackensack, NJ (building next to the Courthouse)

    Essex County:
    9:30 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    East Orange VA Building #1
    385 Tremont Avenue
    East Orange, NJ (in front of main building)

    Morris County:
    10:00 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    Morristown Train Station
    122 Morris Street
    Morristown, NJ (at front entrance to train station)

    Passaic County:
    10:00 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    401 Grand Street
    Paterson, NJ (City Administration Building)

    Somerset County:
    8:30 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    Lyons VA Building #53
    151 Knollcroft Road
    Lyons, NJ

    *Sussex County:
    9:45 to 10:00 AM pickup – Returning veterans after event
    Chatterbox Restaurant Park-and-Ride
    1 State Highway 15
    Augusta, NJ
    *Veterans must contact the County in advance to sign up for the bus by calling (973) 579-0480. Bus will return with Veterans after event ends.

    Stand Down in Morristown is organized and coordinated by the nonprofit organization
    Community Hope. Their mission is helping individuals, including veterans, and their families, overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness and poverty by providing housing and support services.