Time to spare, ideas to share, energy to make an impact? The principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people as a social responsibility rather than for financial reward is longstanding. VOLUNTEERISM counts!

Based in Phillipsburg, with programs throughout New Jersey, Norwescap is a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 NJ residents each year. Their myriad services support and enable people with low to moderate income to move towards a future where they can thrive.

Norwescap’s programs focus on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism/civic engagement. Volunteers are an integral cog in Norwescap’s operations, playing a significant role in achieving their mission.

From 2020-2022, Norwescap averaged 206 volunteers annually across all programs and counties. In 2023, there are 156 volunteers.

Mark Valli, Norwescap’s CEO, noted, “We are so appreciative of the many volunteers who give of their time to help our programs function. Unfortunately, since the onset of Covid, our volunteer base is not what it used to be and that continues to impact some of our operations.”

He added, “Our strategic outlook includes recovering the 25% drop in volunteers and adding back an additional 10%, if not more.”

In the current climate, as the need for these programs grows, so too does the need for volunteers. An ideal volunteer at Norwescap embodies dedication, reliability, and a passion for making a positive impact. Being open to learning and adapting, especially where specific training is required, sets up volunteers for success.

One program in need of volunteers in the very near future is the Norwescap Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. In addition to tax preparers, schedulers and greeters are also needed.

The VITA program was established to provide free tax assistance to individuals and families with limited income, assisting them in navigating the complexities of the tax system, and assuring they receive the full spectrum of tax credits they deserve.

Rochelle Ostenfeld, VITA Coordinator/Volunteer Manager, noted, “With tax season approaching, VITA is a critical program requiring dedicated volunteers. Despite challenges, we are committed to recruiting and training volunteers to meet the demands of this essential service.”

Norwescap, a leader in community services, along with its VITA partner United Way of Northern New Jersey, have issued a call for community members from all walks of life to volunteer with the VITA program in Warren and Sussex Counties in 2024.

Sue Warga, Outreach Specialist of Norwescap Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), commented, “This is a great program that Norwescap offers to the community-at-large. We serve the underserved.” She added, “We get more money into the client’s pocket than they could ever expect.”

Ostenfeld said, “Volunteers for VITA play a pivotal role in providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals.” Any adult with a passion for helping others is welcome. No prior tax experience is necessary, training will be provided. Visit Norwescap.org to sign up as a volunteer income tax preparer or other volunteer opportunities.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey  
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve life for families and individuals within their five-county footprint who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. United Way believes that by securing racial and economic equity for ALICE, they can improve life for all. They are investing in ALICE’s future in the workplace, at home, and across the community. They do this through initiatives that fill gaps in services, community partnerships, public policy work, and volunteer efforts. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. To learn more, call 973-993-1160 or visit UnitedWayNNJ.org.

Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. The organization offers a broad array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty and towards a future where they can thrive. Norwescap programs address immediate needs and build strategies for long term success, focusing on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism and civic engagement.

For more information about Norwescap and its initiatives, please visit norwescap.org.