Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ) www.caregivervolunteers.org has received an operating support grant from the NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives, a Division of Programs in the Department of State. The mission of the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives is to eliminate barriers to funding and other resource opportunities, create greater access for partnership and enhance the capacity of faith and community-based organizations.

CVCJ is an interfaith nonprofit agency dedicated to providing free supportive services to the frail elderly and the homebound, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. With funds from the Office of Faith Based Initiatives, CVCJ will be able to expand the number of seniors receiving services based on an increase of referrals to their various programs.

According to Lynette Whiteman, Executive Director of CVCJ, “We are so pleased that this grant will allow us to form a stronger partnership with Community Medical Center’s home health department, the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and the Canaan Christian Church. Our goal is to develop and implement an educational training program that will empower the people already going out into the senior communities with the information needed to help them connect to the vital programs offered by CVCJ, specifically Respite Care.”

CVCJ assists more than 2000 Senior Citizens a month through the use of 1000 dedicated volunteers. Services include medical transportation, grocery shopping, relief for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease caregivers, reassurance phone calls and friendly/pet therapy visits. CVCJ has offices in Whiting and Toms River. For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, call Mary O. Malagiere, 732.505.2273 X 211 or visit www.caregivervolunteers.org