A new community outreach task force will now ensure that when there’s need, the best help is on the way.
Mayor Paul Hoelscher, paired with Rev. George Kaden of the Community Church, invited representatives from local organizations to form the first Community Outreach Task Force in January. The mayor hopes that a united front would alleviate the overlap in need-based services from community groups.
"For example, we lost four people from town in 9/11," said Hoelscher. "In each case, you had the Lion’s Club do something and Club 60 do something. If we had the ability to get [all community groups] together then we can better coordinate activities."
Members of organizations such as the American Legion, Harrington Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Girl Scouts discussed task force funding, organization and publicity at the Jan. 14 meeting.
Kaden said that he would like each group to compile lists of its services so that the task force may eventually divide into subcommittees. Each organization would retain its identity.
"We [task force] would act as a filtering body so when need comes to our attention, we will provide helpful services to those in need," he said.
Services range from offering transportation and babysitting to collecting food and monetary donations to those on welfare.
Girl Scout leader Robin Martin said that her 200 Girl Scouts have collected school supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims and volunteered at blood drives.
Similarly, American Legion member Robert Shortal said that while the American Legion lacks money, it has the manpower. He already volunteers by driving the elderly to the bank.
One of the biggest challenges, agreed task force members, would be identifying need without breaching confidentiality. Kathie Elgert, of Social Services & Welfare, plans to make referrals while maintaining families’ privacy, according to the reverend.
The next Community Outreach Task Force meeting is scheduled for March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Church, 1 Spring St.
"We know there’s need in Newark, but we’ve got people here with problems and why should they be ignored?" said Shortal.
