Liaisons – Affiliated Denominational Groups
UU FaithAction NJ
Facilitators: Ira Mendelsberg & Anita Young
Provides a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena. UU FaithAction engages in impacting social justice and public policy issues important to our state through Education, Research, Advocacy, Witness, and Service.
UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee)
Facilitator: Ira Mendelsberg
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a nonsectarian organization that advances human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world. We envision a world free from oppression and injustice, where all can realize their full human rights.
Affiliated Independent Groups
(Opportunities for community service)
Citizens for Swimming (C4S)
Liaison: Jan Bottcher
Since 1968, Citizens for Swimming (now a program of CAMP YDP) has been hosting children from Paterson at Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool. C4S endeavors to give inner-city kids the simple joy of summer fun in the pool – something they do not have access to in Paterson. We also arrange for daily swimming instruction so they can be safe around water for the rest of their lives. Typically, 50 to 100 children in preschool through 8th grade visit Graydon Pool for 3 weeks in August. C4S volunteers are involved in fundraising, acquiring donations of swimsuits, beach towels, and toys, organizing the celebration picnic, teaching water safety orientation to the children before they come to the pool, and, most importantly, hosting the children at Graydon Pool. Volunteers of all ages, including youth, are welcome.
NJAAF (New Jersey Abortion Access Fund)
Contact: Carol Loscalzo
NJAAF is a volunteer run fund whose primary mission is to provide financial assistance to those seeking safe, legal abortions. NJAAF partners with providers and social service agencies in New Jersey to help women access the care they need. NJAAF provides grants to help cover the cost of an abortion or related services.
Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition
Liaison: Elizabeth D. Ames, MD
The Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition is a coalition of northern New Jersey religious congregations, human rights organizations, and affiliated groups and individuals who have joined to provide humanitarian support and advocacy for political asylum seekers and asylees. Among the services the Coalition provides are housing, access to medical care, financial support, education/job training opportunities, language instruction, transportation, socialization, and liaison with attorneys. The goal is to help the asylees establish themselves and achieve durable self-sufficiency.
SHARE (Shared Housing Association for Ridgewood and Environs)
Contact: Marilyn Maney & Donald Campolo
Two residential homes in Ridgewood for 28 senior citizens operated by S.H.A.R.E., Inc., whose board includes members and friends of our Society and other religious organizations in our community. Volunteers are needed to prepare Saturday and Sunday dinners. The website is www.shareridgewood.org.
C.A.M.P Youth Development Program
Liaison: TBD
C.A.M.P. YDP is a non-profit preschool, after school and summer program in Paterson serving approximately 60 children ages 3 to 14. During the school year, our volunteers assist students in the preschool and after-school program with school work as well as provide enrichment activities. In the summer, volunteers chaperone Citizens for Swimming, a summer swim program at Graydon Pool in Ridgewood.
