Commissioner Grifa Continues Christie Administration "Season of Service" By Volunteering at Eva's Village

Non-Profit Organization in Paterson Provides Food, Shelter, Health Care, and Addiction Treatment to Very Low-Income Individuals


 

PATERSON, N.J. – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lori Grifa today volunteered at Eva's Village in Paterson by serving lunch to shelter residents and other patrons of the social service organization, which provides food, shelter, addiction treatment, and medical and dental care to very low-income individuals. Commissioner Grifa's community service was part of the "Season of Service" announced by Governor and First Lady Christie on Thanksgiving Eve.

"As many households prepare to exchange gifts and sit down to family dinners for the holidays, it is easy to forget the less fortunate who struggle to simply meet their everyday needs," said Commissioner Grifa. "If the more fortunate in the community can do their part to offer some time or donations to their local service groups, they can offer an underprivileged neighbor a better holiday season. A huge amount of gratitude can come from just a little bit of effort in this season of giving."

The "Season of Service" initiative was started to encourage volunteering, highlight service opportunities in the state, and call attention to those New Jerseyans who are already volunteering in their communities. It kicked off the day before Thanksgiving when Governor Christie, First Lady Mary Pat Christie and three of their four children volunteered at the Ladle of Love soup kitchen at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Burlington City. Since then members of the Governor's cabinet have volunteered their time and will continue to do so throughout the month.

Eva's Village is a comprehensive non-profit social service organization with one of the largest and most respected anti-poverty initiatives in New Jersey. It occupies a campus of 12 buildings, within a three block radius in downtown Paterson. Approximately 580 men, 470 women and 185 children are served annually in all of the Eva's Village sheltering and substance abuse programs and about 350 people 365 days a year receive a hot lunch from Eva's Village Kitchen. Volunteers can assist patrons at Eva's Village by serving in Eva's Kitchen, donating food and other supplies, providing in-kind services, and conducting fund raising programs. More than 50 percent of Eva's Village funding is provided through the donations of private individuals, churches, civic groups, foundations and businesses.

Commissioner Grifa, the DCA, and the Department's affiliated agencies have assisted Eva's Village in the past. In October, Commissioner Grifa joined volunteers to help build a playground for the children of Eva's Village. Also, the DCA and New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency provided more than $11 million in financing for Eva's Village Apartments, an affordable supportive housing community for low-income households and for formerly homeless individuals who are leaving emergency shelters, transitional housing, and addiction recovery programs.

To volunteer at Eva's Village or to learn more about the organization, visit www.evasvillage.org or call (973) 523-6220 for more information.

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