Wayne VOAD Update
Nov. 2, 2011
Dear People of Wayne,
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As this week's unseasonable snowstorm has shown, disaster can strike at any time. Schools were closed and many residents were still without power on Halloween. The good news is that most of Wayne has already had their power restored, and the Office of Emergency Management expects power to be restored through the township very shortly. Residents-in-need are urged to contact the Wayne Township Department of Social Services for resources available through Wayne VOAD.
Please note the following volunteer opportunities offered by Wayne VOAD:
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Volunteers Needed for Incident Command Training
Wayne VOAD is looking for approximately a dozen volunteers to attend an Incident Command System (ICS) basic training course. The course will help volunteers understand the roles and responsibilities of those who are first responders to an event. The course will be held in the municipal building on a date that is convenient for the participants. To participate in the class, please email your name and address ASAP to WayneVOAD@gmail.com so that arrangements can be made.
Volunteers Needed for Red Cross Shelter Training Wayne VOAD is looking for volunteers to receive basic training from the Red Cross in shelter management so that we can assist Wayne Township in the event that a shelter needs to be established. To enroll in the class, please email your name and address ASAP to WayneVOAD@gmail.com so that arrangements can be made.
Wayne VOAD To Distribute Thanksgiving Baskets
Wayne VOAD will be assembling Thanksgiving baskets for all flood-affected families that request one. Families must preregister by sending a request with your full name, street address, phone number(s) and # adults and children in your family to WayneVOAD@gmail.com. (Please indicate the age of the children.)
To date, only a small number of families have registered to receive a basket. If the number remains low, the baskets will be distributed on Sunday, November 20, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Valley Road. Note that this is a change in date and venue from our previous announcement. All families registered for a basket wil be notified by e-mail about when and where to pick it up in the week before Thanksgiving.
Wayne VOAD Partners With Catholic Charities
Wayne VOAD has entered into an agreement with Catholic Charities (Diocese of Paterson) to utilize their long-term case management system as a way of helping Wayne residents through the disaster recovery process. This organization was selected due to their extensive experience with case management and their willingness to help. Assistance will be offered to any flood-affected individual regardless of their religion.
Residents who have suffered a loss due to Hurricane Irene can apply for assistance with food, clothing, shelter, utilities and other ongoing needs by calling 973-279-7100 ext. 33.
For more information about Catholic Charities, go to www.catholicharities.org.
Free Counseling Services Available
Free counseling services for individuals affected by the flooding are available until at least the end of October through Project Recover, a program being offered by New Bridge Counseling Services in Pompton Lakes. The program is designed to address the "disaster stress" being felt by so many residents as they struggle to keep up with their daily lives while also dealing with so many new storm-triggered responsibilities. Symptoms of disaster stress include difficulty with memory and concentration, irritability, withdrawal from others, and anxiety whenever it rains. To inquire about counseling, go to www.newbridge.org or call 973-316-9333.
Help Get VOAD Organized
The Wayne VOAD is in the process of putting together a formal structure for organizing our ongoing activities as well as a disaster plan for future implementation. We are looking for individuals interested in helping out in the following areas: Communication, Facilities, Publicity, Special Events, Sheltering, Disaster Preparedness and Fundraising.
If you would be interested in helping out in any of these areas, please e-mail your name and phone number to WayneVOAD@gmail.com.
Sign Up to Receive Our Newsletter
Wayne VOAD is developing an e-mail distribution list so we can communicate with township residents who want to be informed about our ongoing relief and recovery operations. If you would like to be on our list, please send your full name and e-mail address to WayneVOAD@gmail.com. Thank you for being part of our community response.
Donations to VOAD Are Welcome
To make a donation, please mail a check payable to "The Wayne Interfaith Network" and mail it to: Wayne VOAD, 189 Berdan Avenue, PO Box 275, Wayne, NJ 07470. Checks and gift cards can be dropped off on Monday through Thursday, 9am - 2pm. All donations will be used to help those impacted by the flood.
At this time, Wayne VOAD has ceased collecting all items while we assess the community's needs. If you are a business or organization that is conducting a collection to help those who have been flooded, please make sure you have contacted an agency that is willing to receive your collected items, as most organizations have been inundated with donations and aren't accepting any more.
Find Us on Facebook
Wayne VOAD has a Facebook page which was very helpful during our response to Hurricane Irene. It helped us keep in touch with people and share information about what was happening and where help was needed. There are also many pictures posted there. Please visit us for up-to-date news about Wayne VOAD.
