Wayne VOAD Update October 10, 2011

Hi Everyone,  Please read the update I just received from Rev Karyn Ratcliffe.  Thank you

Dear Wayne residents,

In recent weeks, the Wayne VOAD has been busy arranging for ways in which flood-affected residents can receive various forms of assistance. To conduct some of these programs and events, we need donations and volunteers. Please read below for information about what we are doing. For more details, please subscribe to the Wayne VOAD newsletter by sending your full name with a request to WayneVOAD@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Rev. Karyn Ratcliffe

Chair, Wayne VOAD

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. 

FEMA Town Hall Meeting to be Held on Tuesday, October 18

7:00pm in the Council Chambers, Municipal Complex

FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) invite residents to the Wayne Township Council Chambers, 475 Valley Road, Wayne, where representatives will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance that may be available to those affected by Hurricane Irene. Presentations will be in both English and Spanish. It is not necessary to preregister.

Crisis counselors from Catholic Charities will also be on hand to help residents who may want more information about available counseling services.

A similar presentation will be held at First Reformed Church, 529 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains on Saturday, October 15, at 4:00pm. Both meetings are open to all residents. 

Wayne VOAD Assists With Halloween Events

The children of Wayne who were impacted by Hurricane Irene are invited to the following Halloween events:

HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE
Saturday, October 29, 10:00-11:30am
Packanack Clubhouse, Lake Drive West, Wayne

This event is being hosted by the Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops of Packanack Lake, the Packanack Lake Mother's Club and the Packanack Lake Association. Halloween costumes are being collected by the Girl Scouts. Information about how to obtain a costume will be forthcoming in a future e-mail.

Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required by sending an e-mail with names and ages of the children attending, # adults attending, phone # and street address to WayneVOAD@gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed to provide supervision during the event. Donations of small water bottles, apple juice, small drink cups, snacks, and trick-or-treat bags are also needed. If you are willing to help, contact WayneVOAD@gmail.com. 

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN PARTY
Sunday, October 30, 2:00 - 7:00pm
American Legion Hall
55 Mountainview Blvd., Wayne

This event is being hosted for flood-affected children by Yesenia Pucheta, a Wayne resident affected by Hurricane Irene. Volunteers are needed as well as donations of the following items: decorations, costumes, plastic utensils, candy and food. Suggestions and ideas are welcome. Please contact Yesenia at 973-955-7336 or ItsYessy@aol.com. For more information, see www.waynepatch.com. Thank you for your help! 

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.) Baskets must be picked up between 9am and 12noon at the PAL Building, 1 PAL Drive, on Saturday, November 19.

Volunteers are needed to help compile registrations, collect food, assemble baskets and distribute them. Organizations are also needed for bulk donations of food and gift cards. To volunteer or inquire about what is most-needed, please send an e-mail to WayneVOAD@gmail.com. 

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.