Jersey Cares

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Wanda Velez, Administrative Assistant at Arch Insurance. When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Wanda said “To be able to provide support in the organization and engage and focus on the volunteer experiences.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “I truly enjoyed participating in the Annual Diaper Drive and to be able to give to families in need since the pandemic.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Arch Insurance Group Inc.

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Kelly Ganning, Vice President - Human Resources at Everest. When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Kelly said “I was interested in giving back to my home state, supporting impactful initiatives and inspiring others to get involved.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “The annual coat drive is especially meaningful because everyone deserves to be warm and the drive creates a great opportunity to repurpose clothing and reduce waste.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Everest

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Joycelyn Conover, Producer at Leopard USA and our Associate Board Communications Chair! When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Joycelyn said “To find ways to give back to New Jersey. I'm a proud New Jersey girl and helping those in need throughout the state is important to me.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “All of the drives are important but the Diaper Drive and School Supply Drive to help our children. Giving children support in areas that can help their development means a lot.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Leopard USA

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Johana Valencia-Duque, Manager, Financial Reporting at Prudential Financial. When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Johana said “I am passionate about strengthening communities by connecting people to meaningful volunteer opportunities. Jersey Cares does incredible work in bridging the gap between organizations in need and volunteers eager to make a difference, and I wanted to contribute to that mission by helping guide and inspire others to give back.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “The Diaper Drive resonates with me the most because it addresses a fundamental, often overlooked need for families with young children. Diapers are expensive and essential, yet many families struggle to afford them. I love how this drive not only supports children’s health and well-being but also uplifts parents by easing their financial burdens. It’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while bringing the community together for a compassionate cause.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Prudential

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Jen Lee Almeida, COO of Pearl Media. When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Jen said “After participating through the Frosty’s Friends initiative for several years, I wanted to see how I could get more involved. I love how the impact of volunteerism is so tangible through Jersey Cares.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “Each collection/drive is so vital to our communities. But I love participating in the coat sorting effort during MLK weekend each year. Freezing in the cold while sorting through coats to donate to those in need - it really hits home!” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Pearl Media

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Elizabeth Trainor, Government Relations Manager at Hackensack Meridian Health and our Associate Board Fundraising Chair! When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Elizabeth said “I had the privilege of working with them as a corporate partner and was deeply inspired by their mission and the incredible people who bring it to life. Their commitment to creating meaningful volunteer opportunities and fostering community impact is truly unmatched. I fell in love with the way they bring people together to make a difference, and I wanted to support their efforts in a bigger way. Joining the board allows me to contribute to their mission and continue being a part of the powerful impact they make every day.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “Supporting the Frosty Friends program is one of my favorite ways to give back during the holiday season. There's something incredibly heartwarming about reading a personalized letter from a child and knowing that my response will bring their holiday wish to life. It's more than just a gift—it's about creating joy and making the season extra special for a child who might otherwise go without. Being part of this program reminds me of the true spirit of giving and how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders HACKENSACK MERIDIAN

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Diya Basu, Director of Marketing at the American Dairy Association and our Associate Board Vice President! When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Diya said “I’ve always felt that giving back should be woven into everyone’s core values. Growing up, acts of service weren’t just encouraged; they were a way of life, shaping how I see the world and the role I play in it. Joining this board felt like the perfect fit, giving me the chance to roll up my sleeves and contribute to initiatives that spark real change all throughout New Jersey. It’s not just about making an impact. It’s also about inspiring others to join in and keep the ripple effect of kindness going strong.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “The First Night Kit program at Jersey Cares holds a special place in my heart because it hits close to home. Growing up with a single mom, I was fortunate to never to have to ask for anything, but I saw firsthand how she went out of her way to support others in situations similar to hers. One story that stuck with me was of a relative of a friend of hers who escaped an abusive marriage with her young daughter. They needed everything—basic items and hope—and witnessing that as a child opened my eyes to how vital acts of kindness and support can be. This program is a beautiful way to extend that care by assembling kits for people in domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, foster homes, and other places where individuals are starting over. Knowing that these essential items reach those in need on their "first night" is a strong reminder of the power of community.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders American Dairy Association

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members over the next few weeks as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Carrey Wong, Regional Director, Legal Services of Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) and our Associate Board President! When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Carrey said “I believe in the power of people to do good and to make positive change in the world. I think that starts locally with our communities. I joined Jersey Cares Associate Board because I saw the impact that Jersey Cares was making, and I wanted to do more. I want to be a role model for my three boys that they can contribute to connecting services and donated items to nonprofits that need them.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “I love the Halloween Costume Drive, MLK Day, Diaper Drive and more - but my favorite has got to be the Youth Service Events, because it brings our children into the spirit of volunteerism to make a difference!” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

?? Meet the Jersey Cares Associate Board ?? We're thrilled to spotlight our Associate Board members over the next few weeks as a way to share the stories of the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and resources to support Jersey Cares' mission! Today we are highlighting Amanda (Maher) DiCarlo, Director of Marketing for Distinctive Brands Innovation at Campbell’s. When asked why she joined the Associate Board, Amanda said “To continue giving back to my local community and encourage others in my professional network to do the same. I wanted to continue my relationship with Jersey Cares into my professional life after co-founding a community service organization called Rutgers Cares during my time as a student that left a lasting impact on me.” When asked her favorite Jersey Cares Program, she said “The Diaper Drive and First Night Kit Drives resonate with me the most - I am passionate about helping women, children, and families in our local area who do not have access to basic essentials.” #BeTheChange #AssociateBoard #BoardDevelopment #EmergingLeaders The Campbell's Company

When it comes to building a stronger New Jersey, engaging everyone equitably to bring their best and enjoy all that life in New Jersey has to offer is key. This month, as we reflect on Black History Month, and beyond, we ask everyone to raise the bar on our hopes for our collective future and consider how our individual actions can build a better future for everyone. Check out the many projects serving predominantly Black and BIPOC Communities on our Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, or look into opportunities with our partners leading this work, like New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. And if you aren’t familiar, take some time to look into the rich history of Black people in America that has not been a part of the most common presentations. This month is a reminder, not an end game, so let’s take this opportunity to move forward, together. #BlackHistoryMonth #EquityInAction #BeTheChange