The Governor’s Office of Volunteerism (GOV) offers New Jersey’s 1.5 million volunteers technical assistance, the latest information about trends and best practices in volunteerism, and provides recognition to individuals and groups that enhance New Jersey’s communities through service.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service supports the work of the GOV, helps to analyze and prioritize community needs, and identifies the resources to meet those needs through volunteerism and service. GAC members build partnerships with the business community, county volunteer centers, voluntary organizations active in disasters, schools and colleges, the public and non-profit sectors, and volunteers of ages and backgrounds.

Major initiatives of the GOV and GAC includes the state volunteerism conference and the annual Governor’s Jefferson Awards.

Newark, NJ – Two local community volunteers, Augustine (Auggie) DeVito of Long Branch and Chad Murphy of Sea Bright were honored at the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, June 9, at the Newark Museum. They were among 22 volunteer individuals and groups recognized for their voluntary service each year from among one 1.5 million New Jersey volunteers who devote millions of hours of community service annually.

The Jefferson Awards provide occasion to honor those who help others with no expectations of receiving acknowledgement or financial reward for their work. The program was introduced in New Jersey by Governor Tom Kean in the 1980s, having begun at the national level in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service. The program’s philosophy is from President Thomas Jefferson and his beliefs in citizens providing leadership, excellence and entrepreneurship in serving and giving back to the country.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno addressed and thanked the volunteers, and said the work they do goes beyond what the government might accomplish, and at considerable costs. Other speakers voiced similar sentiments, backed by the applause of everyone in the 300 seat auditorium.
Read more

Trenton, NJ –Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today participated in two volunteerism events in Seaside Heights and at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)in Newark to recognize individuals who have dedicated their time and efforts to rebuild New Jersey communities severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The events were part of an ongoing celebration of service during National Volunteerism Month in April.

“Although nearly 18 months have passed since the storm, it’s important to not only remember, but promote the fact that so many volunteers remain engaged in the recovery process,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “These dedicated individuals are committed to restoring the communities that were affected in New Jersey, and in doing so deserve our highest praise and gratitude. Without their efforts, many families would not yet have been able to return to their homes, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to thank them personally.”

To begin the day’s activities, Lt. Governor Guadagno assisted volunteers from the North Carolina Baptist Men(NCBM) as they worked on rebuilding a home in Seaside Heights. Due to the storm, the home suffered considerable damage and was infiltrated by three feet of water.

“We have completed 73 work requests and have 16 open jobs at this time,” said Billy Layton, who oversees NCBM’s Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts.  

The NCBM is a national and international ministry dedicating to helping those in need, dating back to its first disaster response in Red Springs, North Carolina in 1984. The ensuing three decades have witnessed them assist in numerous events across the United States and throughout many other parts of the world.

Lt. Governor Guadagno’s next stop was at NJIT, where she attended a reception honoring student volunteers who engaged in community service as part of Alternative Spring Break.

This year, more than 340 NJIT students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteered throughout Bergen County, Newark, Jersey City, and across the Jersey Shore to rebuild and restore local communities. In doing so, they assisted with a variety of tasks that included beach replenishment to renovating homes to distributing food and clothing.

“Spring Break has traditionally been a time for college students to unwind. To see so many students give up their vacations to engage in community service projects that benefit New Jersey families in need is truly commendable,” noted Lt. Governor Guadagno.“They are true role models and set a wonderful example for their peers.”

As of March 20, 2014, New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), which is responsible for logging total state volunteerism efforts, reported that 209,148 volunteers from New Jersey and across America have served 1,452,320 hours with non-profit groups since the beginning of Sandy recovery. This service, in turn, is estimated to have a total dollar value exceeding $41 million.

Those interested in seeking volunteerism opportunities in New Jersey, or who simply wish to learn more about the efforts of the Governor's Office Volunteerism, are encouraged to visit Volunteerism.NJ.gov.

The NJ Department of Corrections is seeking individuals and organizations to embrace the ‘Call to Service’ to assist us in strengthening our educational initiatives through prison tutoring. This meaningful volunteer opportunity is a satisfying way of giving back to your community and making a difference in someone’s life.

The average reading ability of our incarcerated population is only
at a 5th grade level. The Office of Educational Services needs
tutors to assist with our Adult Basic Education program and our Adult Secondary Education program to help improve the reading skills
of our population and prepare them to obtain a high school equivalency diploma.

Whether you decide to volunteer once a week or a couple of days per week, committing yourself to service is a major step. Your time spent as a volunteer will have a significant impact on these individuals and give them a chance to make a better life for themselves.

Volunteerism also brings great benefits to the state of New Jersey including reduction in the recidivism rate by enabling the offender to be better prepared to reenter our communities. We need any help you can offer and look forward to hearing from you.

Do not hesitate to respond to the “Call for Service” for contacting the NJ Department of Corrections - Office of Educational Services at 609- 292-4036, Extension 5324 or 5325.