VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

Christie is one of our most dedicated volunteers here at Families for Families! We are so grateful for her commitment to the organization and to families we serve!

How were you first introduced to Families for Families?

After my mother in law passed in 2021 I was talking to my neighbor Erin, who is on the board of Families for Families, and she told me about the furnishing great starts program. We had a house to clean out and were able to donate almost everything in the kitchen, beds, dressers, linens, towels, chairs, a kitchen table and so much more. Seeing so many of her belongings being used by other families made the clean out so much easier.

How has volunteering for Families for Families had a positive impact in your life?

Spending time volunteering at Families for Families has reinforced to me how lucky so many of us are in our community and also how much need there is so close to Wyckoff. I have learned more about the issues and barriers in place for people with housing and food insecurity and how difficult it is for our clients to navigate the system.

I have made some wonderful new friends, and have stepped out of my own comfort zone to become a client coach.

Families for Families programs and activities for the clients and families remind me that we should do what we can to leave the world, and the people in it in a better place than it was the day before.

Please share a memorable moment you have had at one of our events or while working with Families for Families:

The times I enjoy the most when I am at Families for Families are shopping with he clients. Helping women choose not only what they need for their new home, but also what they want and accessories that they like is rewarding and also a lot of fun for me and hopefully for the client as well.

I also love the summer picnic and having fun with all the kids!

Andrea has been a tremendous asset to our organization! We are extremely thankful that she chose to become part of our team!

How were you first introduced to Families for Families?

Prior to retirement I knew in addition to a personal agenda to include reconnecting with family and friends, I wanted to volunteer in my community. Poking around, I came upon Redefining Retirement through the Bergen Volunteers. Through that organization I selected 2 nonprofit organizations which interested me and I said “I can do that”. One of those organizations was Families for Families

How has volunteering for Families for Families had a positive impact in your life?

I always appreciated where I came from, a loving close knit family and circle of friends. My family sacrificed to give me and my siblings what we needed and a few things of what we wanted. We were raised with a good work ethic and I worked very hard to enable me to enjoy retirement. I have always been aware that others were not so lucky no matter how hard they try/ I am pleased to assist in whichever area F4F needs, to lend a hand either out front with clients or behind the scenes.

Please share a memorable moment you have had at one of our events or while working with Families for Families:

When I assist in the food pantry it is wonderful to see smiles of thankfulness and gratitude from clients. It was a very small gesture but it was a pleasant surprise when a gentleman gave me a hug as he was leaving and could not thank me enough.That speaks volumes to the dedication of the organization, staff and volunteers.