New Jersey’s Elder Ombudsman James W. McCracken talks to seniors at a recent World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event.

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, which advocates for people over age 60 living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, is currently recruiting and training volunteers to be placed in nursing homes throughout the state.

“Becoming a Volunteer Advocate is an incredibly rewarding opportunity for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elderly citizens living in nursing homes,” said James W. McCracken, who was appointed the state’s Elder Ombudsman in 2010. “This is a high-impact volunteer position and we give our Volunteer Advocates all of the training and support they need to get the job done.”
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Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and volunteers from the North Carolina Baptist Men(NCBM) who worked on rebuilding a home in Seaside Heights.

Trenton, NJ –Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno 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.”
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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.