Fall 2015
Jamie's Pathway to Work
by Stephanie Ames
Two years ago, Jamie* came to to CUMAC’s Pathways to Work, a program designed to provide critical job skills and resume boosting opportunities to help participants move on to employment. She was assigned to our Community Closet, which acts as a disaster relief center and thrift shop, where she would help sort donations, stock shelves, and assist management in meeting day-to-day needs in the busy center. Jamie was a single mom who often had trouble finding childcare for her son. She had a lot of personal issues that made it hard for her to get to work every day. She was unemployed, had little money and no child support coming in, lacked reliable transportation, and was struggling to access food and other necessities for her family. These are the types of complex issues that can’t be easily set aside, and Jamie always came to work with problems weighing heavy on her shoulders. She was never clear of worry and her work performance showed it.
Gene, assisting a customer in our Community Closet. Photo credit: Kristin Slaby
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Still, the management in our thrift shop saw something special in Jamie, an untapped but undeniable potential that came through. As our Thrift Shop Assistant Coordinator, Gene, always says: “You can always look at who comes and you can tell who really wants more responsibility, more guidance. With a little direction, it is amazing to see the way people blossom.” With that ethos, Gene and Teresa, the Thrift Shop Manager, begin to give Jamie more responsibility within the shop to see how she would respond to it. They put her in charge of clothing, making her the go-to for all color coding, sizing, and organization on the floor.
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Theresa may have a soft spot for helping Pathways participants grow. She says she often remembers her own start in the Pathways to Work program, where as she learned the ropes and gained responsibility she grew to love her work, eventually becoming a staff member and moving up the ranks to become Thrift Shop Manager. Her story is mirrored in Jamie’s, who “picked up beautifully” with more responsibility and guidance. Gene remembers that with the extra responsibility around the shop attitude changed and her work ethic blossomed. She’d take off her jacket in the morning and get right to it, diving in with rapt attention to detail and ownership of her domain. As told by Gene, “She got so good that, before we knew it, we’d lost her to a major department store!”
Before long, Jamie did exactly what time in Pathways is supposed to help people do. She went out searching for a job and landed one in record time. Within a few short weeks of landing a job in a major retail giant, Jamie came back excited to tell us that she had become assistant night manager, with major responsibilities for other staff, money management and closing the building at the end of the day! Our staff fondly remembers being “just floored it had happened so fast and so, so proud of her.” One major concern of ours — one that is faced by many low-income families and individuals once they find jobs — was that Jamie was taking a few buses to get to and from work. Her shifts would end late at night and she’d have to walk home from the bus stop. But Jamie promised us that she always had her boyfriend wait for her and walk back with her, and that they made it work.
Just recently, Gene was walking from a parking lot across the street into our building when a car stopped and a women jumped out, engulfing her in a huge hug. That woman was Jamie, who was beyond excited to tell Gene “I’m so glad I saw you and get to show you I have a car now! No more taking the bus!” She had her son, now a handsome, chatty kindergartener, safely and happily tucked in the back seat and heading off to school. As told best by Gene, “That’s what it’s all about here. You get your beginning and you move on from there. Now she’s able to afford a car, insurance. I bet she never dreamed in her lifetime that she’d own a car and would be driving it and taking on all the responsibility that comes with it! She learned her work ethic here and used it to position herself in the corporate world. She’s making life better for herself, her family, her son. That’s exactly what it is all about.”
On any given day, around 40 individuals receive job training through the Pathways to Work program. They help fill a multitude of roles that are vital to making our mission possible. In return, they have the opportunity to learn new skills, boost their resume and move on to gainful employment. We are honored to work with each of the participants that come through our doors and are overjoyed when they move on to opportunities and careers.
If you’d like to make a donation to help CUMAC change lives, you can do so here. Funding is critical to making stories like these possible. If you have a job related skill you’d like to teach, or job opportunities to share, we’d love to work with you and can be reached at info@cumacecho.org.
*Name has been changed.
Before long, Jamie did exactly what time in Pathways is supposed to help people do. She went out searching for a job and landed one in record time. Within a few short weeks of landing a job in a major retail giant, Jamie came back excited to tell us that she had become assistant night manager, with major responsibilities for other staff, money management and closing the building at the end of the day! Our staff fondly remembers being “just floored it had happened so fast and so, so proud of her.” One major concern of ours — one that is faced by many low-income families and individuals once they find jobs — was that Jamie was taking a few buses to get to and from work. Her shifts would end late at night and she’d have to walk home from the bus stop. But Jamie promised us that she always had her boyfriend wait for her and walk back with her, and that they made it work.
Just recently, Gene was walking from a parking lot across the street into our building when a car stopped and a women jumped out, engulfing her in a huge hug. That woman was Jamie, who was beyond excited to tell Gene “I’m so glad I saw you and get to show you I have a car now! No more taking the bus!” She had her son, now a handsome, chatty kindergartener, safely and happily tucked in the back seat and heading off to school. As told best by Gene, “That’s what it’s all about here. You get your beginning and you move on from there. Now she’s able to afford a car, insurance. I bet she never dreamed in her lifetime that she’d own a car and would be driving it and taking on all the responsibility that comes with it! She learned her work ethic here and used it to position herself in the corporate world. She’s making life better for herself, her family, her son. That’s exactly what it is all about.”
On any given day, around 40 individuals receive job training through the Pathways to Work program. They help fill a multitude of roles that are vital to making our mission possible. In return, they have the opportunity to learn new skills, boost their resume and move on to gainful employment. We are honored to work with each of the participants that come through our doors and are overjoyed when they move on to opportunities and careers.
If you’d like to make a donation to help CUMAC change lives, you can do so here. Funding is critical to making stories like these possible. If you have a job related skill you’d like to teach, or job opportunities to share, we’d love to work with you and can be reached at info@cumacecho.org.
*Name has been changed.
Remembering Mr. CUMAC
by Lynne Bruger
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Michael DeVore, a vital part of the CUMAC family for over 20 years, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Mike first came to CUMAC as a client, when we were a simple pantry run out of a defunct church on 21st Avenue. Clarence Bugg, the pantry manager at the time, invited Michael to begin volunteering. Michael started out sporadically, but increased his visits when CUMAC was split between Madison Park Epworth and Paterson Avenue United Methodist Churches. In fact for the last 2 years we were at the churches, Michael was at CUMAC almost every single day helping out wherever needed – unloading vehicles, sorting food, and helping clients with their packages.
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His consistency and dedication to CUMAC were rewarded when we purchased our current facility in 1999 and needed to hire more staff. Our Executive Director Rev. Pat Bruger put Clarence in charge of the warehouse and hired Michael as the Referral Office Manager. In the 15 years we have been in this building the tasks of Michael’s job have evolved, but the primary function remained to make sure our hungry neighbors received the food they needed. And Michael took quiet pride in just that.
Michael was never a man of many words, but you somehow always knew where he stood on things, and at CUMAC that was solidly on the side of meeting our clients’ needs. If a mother came in with an infant, and the pantry wasn’t stocked with the appropriate food or diapers, Michael would march out into the warehouse to find them himself. Despite his seemingly gruff exterior, it was obvious to those who knew him that Michael had a huge heart, and a particular soft spot for kids in the pantry. He became known as “Mr. CUMAC” to many children who accompanied their parents to pick-up food. And when Michael fell ill, many of our clients asked about him on a regular basis – a testament to the impact he had on their lives.
CUMAC will miss our dear friend Michael, immensely. We are planning a community memorial service at CUMAC on Friday, November 20th at 3pm. All are welcome to come celebrate Mike’s life. To honor his love of cooking and eating, we will share a potluck meal following some story sharing.
CUMAC will miss our dear friend Michael, immensely. We are planning a community memorial service at CUMAC on Friday, November 20th at 3pm. All are welcome to come celebrate Mike’s life. To honor his love of cooking and eating, we will share a potluck meal following some story sharing.
School Supply Drive Gives Students a Reason to Smile
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our churches, corporate partners, and individual donors, in August, CUMAC equipped almost 400 students with the tools they need for a successful year of study. The supplies donated helped us pack numerous backpacks and those that we received already packed were full to the brim with materials for the upcoming school year. Youth in kindergarten through 12th grade throughout Paterson benefit from our annual supply drive and were able to begin this year fully prepared thanks to your kind contributions.
This year we made an effort to give students specifically what they will need to succeed, including the right kind of calculator. Our donors came through in a big way! CUMAC received numerous Texas Instruments scientific and graphing calculators required by the schools and on standardized state tests, which we were able to give to students and also directly to the math department of Paterson Public Schools and our neighbor, The Panther Academy. This semester, instructors have been able to ensure that each student has access to this expensive, but critical tool so Paterson students can stay competitive in an increasingly fast paced learning atmosphere.
This year we made an effort to give students specifically what they will need to succeed, including the right kind of calculator. Our donors came through in a big way! CUMAC received numerous Texas Instruments scientific and graphing calculators required by the schools and on standardized state tests, which we were able to give to students and also directly to the math department of Paterson Public Schools and our neighbor, The Panther Academy. This semester, instructors have been able to ensure that each student has access to this expensive, but critical tool so Paterson students can stay competitive in an increasingly fast paced learning atmosphere.
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Jeni, a participant in CUMAC’s Pathways to Work program and a beloved part of our referral office, came in one day in September beaming. Her son Michael had been placed in an advanced program at school after his teachers noticed his potential and ability. Jeni said she owed that, in part, to the confidence he gained from his new backpack and the tools he had to begin the year. She was elated, so proud of her son, and very grateful to CUMAC.
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I’m hopeful that a new bag full of proper tools can encourage a young person and inspire confidence and a desire to succeed. Thank you for equipping today’s youth with tools for a successful future!
Along with school supplies, CUMAC also collected toiletries for displaced or homeless students in the Paterson school district. If you would like to ensure that these students remain prepared all year long, CUMAC will be accepting additional school and toiletry items in the month of January to augment supplies, which may be dwindling come second semester. Contact Leigh Ross with questions.
Along with school supplies, CUMAC also collected toiletries for displaced or homeless students in the Paterson school district. If you would like to ensure that these students remain prepared all year long, CUMAC will be accepting additional school and toiletry items in the month of January to augment supplies, which may be dwindling come second semester. Contact Leigh Ross with questions.
Welcome CUMAC's Newest Staff Member
Shanee Alston has been a part of the CUMAC family for two years now, assisting our programs in almost every way you can imagine. She began her time with CUMAC as a part-time AmeriCorps member, originally in charge of clothing and other day-to-day tasks in the Community Closet. Her talent and enthusiasm quickly led her to become an assistant manager, before moving to CUMAC's Referral Office for a full-time AmeriCorps term. Since then, Shanee has continued to take on more responsibility with great ease, ensuring that our pantry is able to serve all who come our way. Last month, Shanee was officially hired as CUMAC's Food Pantry Supervisor. "“It feels great to be part of the staff now" says Shanee. "I like what I do, since the day I walked in the door, so it’s even better now." What's her favorite part about coming to CUMAC every day? "The smiles we get. We get smiles all day long. And that shows you that you’re making a change and you’re doing something good.”
Welcome to the staff and thank you for all that you do, Shanee. We're thrilled to have you on board!
Welcome to the staff and thank you for all that you do, Shanee. We're thrilled to have you on board!
The Action Against Hunger Food Drive
The Action Against Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the North Jersey Media Group, was held on Sunday, October 4. The annual collection, celebrating its 24th year, is the largest food drive of its kind in the tri-state area, spanning across four counties for one big day of giving. CUMAC, which coordinates the food drive for Passaic County, saw a tremendous turnout for the event. Over 200 volunteers came together to sort and pack food at CUMAC’s building, while dozens helped collect and transport food from over 30 different sites and supermarkets across northern New Jersey.
The Record and other local papers helped publicize the drive and 1010 WINS, one of the event sponsors, even stopped by CUMAC to spread the word! See CUMAC’s Executive Director, Rev. Pat Bruger, and others in clips from around our building here.
Though we were shy of our goal, together we collected over 26,000 pounds of food! CUMAC will continue sharing the food with its clients and the 19 other local pantries that assisted at the event. CUMAC and this network of pantries are collectively serving over 17,000 people per month. With a record number of NJ residents struggling to meet their basic needs and the holiday season around the corner, the food collected at the Action Against Hunger Food Drive is more important than ever. Thanks to everyone who helped make the drive a huge success!
The Record and other local papers helped publicize the drive and 1010 WINS, one of the event sponsors, even stopped by CUMAC to spread the word! See CUMAC’s Executive Director, Rev. Pat Bruger, and others in clips from around our building here.
Though we were shy of our goal, together we collected over 26,000 pounds of food! CUMAC will continue sharing the food with its clients and the 19 other local pantries that assisted at the event. CUMAC and this network of pantries are collectively serving over 17,000 people per month. With a record number of NJ residents struggling to meet their basic needs and the holiday season around the corner, the food collected at the Action Against Hunger Food Drive is more important than ever. Thanks to everyone who helped make the drive a huge success!
Battle of the Bells, Part 2
by Leigh Ross
Our 2nd Annual Battle of the Bells on October 10th was not only a wonderful night, it exceeded all our expectations! The incredible generosity of those in attendance helped to raise over $3,000 to continue our mission of feeding people and changing lives. Four choirs competed for the opportunity to perform at next year’s Beatles Night and each one sounded incredible. This year, the Newfoundland UMC’s Bell Choir joined Butler UMC, Caldwell UMC, and Wayne UMC, bringing some new energy and lovely musical talent.
I am always touched by the kindness and commitment of our supporters, but I was personally blown away by this event. Each choir, our host church, our Chief Organizer Guy (Dave Philp), and his awesome YouChoose Band put in a tremendous amount of time and energy into this growing event. The sanctuary at Butler UMC that evening was a true inspiration, illustrating the good that can come from people united by cause – and beautiful music!
Listening to the YouChoose Band got us excited for Beatles Night II when we can again enjoy an incredible concert full of Beatles music and hear the winner of the Battle – Wayne UMC – perform their moving rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine.
This year we requested donations of baked goods and boy did we receive! I was so overwhelmed by the abundance of goodies and they were all so delicious. Thanks to those donations, the money raised will go directly to our feeding program.
I am always touched by the kindness and commitment of our supporters, but I was personally blown away by this event. Each choir, our host church, our Chief Organizer Guy (Dave Philp), and his awesome YouChoose Band put in a tremendous amount of time and energy into this growing event. The sanctuary at Butler UMC that evening was a true inspiration, illustrating the good that can come from people united by cause – and beautiful music!
Listening to the YouChoose Band got us excited for Beatles Night II when we can again enjoy an incredible concert full of Beatles music and hear the winner of the Battle – Wayne UMC – perform their moving rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine.
This year we requested donations of baked goods and boy did we receive! I was so overwhelmed by the abundance of goodies and they were all so delicious. Thanks to those donations, the money raised will go directly to our feeding program.
Finally, I’m grateful for those who attended and chose to spend the evening helping to make a difference in our community. Your presence provided the energy and made the evening magical! To all those involved in our Battle of the Bells, you are quite literally changing lives. If you’ve never been to one of our concert events, I encourage you to join us. You won’t regret it!
Around the Community
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The Buono Family turned their daughter’s first birthday party into an opportunity to help feed those in need. In lieu of birthday gifts for Lena, the Buonos asked their friends and families to make a donation to CUMAC. The party collection was a great success, raising over $400 while spreading hunger awareness. You can find the full story on our blog. Thanks to Maya, Paul and Lena for fighting hunger in such a creative way!
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The Buono family celebrating their daughter's first birthday.
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Staff of Valley National Bank stop by CUMAC to drop off a monetary donation and food collected at their annual Breast Cancer Walk.
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Valley National Bank hosted a donation drive at its 7th Annual Breast Cancer Walk collecting over 1,400 pounds of food for CUMAC! Bank employees, customers and others brought in food items during the drive and the collected food items were delivered to CUMAC, along with a $3,000 monetary contribution in support of CUMAC’s mission. Valley’s bank branches throughout Passaic County will continue to collect food items for CUMAC until November 20, 2015.
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We are so grateful for the support, especially at a time of year when so many families are struggling to make end’s meet. Thank you Valley National Bank!
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It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our long-time supporter and friend, Leon Varjian, who recently passed away at the age of 64. He was known and loved around our food pantry as "the cereal man." He has done so much to collect food to help the hungry in the 15+ years we've known him. Over the years, Mr. Varjian taught class after class about the need in our community, encouraging the students to collect volumes of food.
Leon, we will greatly miss your kindness, your generosity and your willingness to act on behalf of those in need. This world won't be the same without you, but know your legacy will live on in the countless students you've encouraged to mirror your life of service. |
Leon, being honored at CUMAC's HELP Dinner in 2006.
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We’d also like to send a special thank you to Midland Park High School, which held a special dress-down day collection in Leon's honor to support CUMAC's mission.
Read more about Leon's life of service in this article from The Record.
Read more about Leon's life of service in this article from The Record.
Running Down Hunger in a Big Way
Volunteers, runners and walkers alike came together on Sunday, October 25 to support the 5K to Scare Hunger Away at the Garret Mountain Reservation in Woodland Park, NJ. The Halloween-themed race to benefit CUMAC was the first of its kind. It wasn’t the prettiest of mornings, but over 100 runners and walkers braved the weather in costume to take part in the inaugural race, bringing plenty of Halloween spirit and energy.
Robert Barwick, organizer of the event and owner of Barwick Group Marketing and Events, is originally from Paterson and created the race as a way of giving back to his hometown. “I now live and work in Wayne, but Paterson will always be my home,” says Barwick. “I’m trying to do what I can to help.”
Seeing a unique opportunity to utilize two decades of event coordination experience, Barwick asked CUMAC, an organization he has supported for years, to team up for the event. “Our business niche is coordinating running events so we thought why not combine what we do for a living with a charitable effort that works closely with a place we call home,” says Barwick.
Robert Barwick, organizer of the event and owner of Barwick Group Marketing and Events, is originally from Paterson and created the race as a way of giving back to his hometown. “I now live and work in Wayne, but Paterson will always be my home,” says Barwick. “I’m trying to do what I can to help.”
Seeing a unique opportunity to utilize two decades of event coordination experience, Barwick asked CUMAC, an organization he has supported for years, to team up for the event. “Our business niche is coordinating running events so we thought why not combine what we do for a living with a charitable effort that works closely with a place we call home,” says Barwick.
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Several members of the CUMAC staff participated and dressed up as M&M’s to pay tribute to Hugh Dunlop, CUMAC’s founder. Hugh would often bring a bowl of the popular snack to events as a way of attracting visitors. When someone would stop by Hugh's table to grab a handful of M&Ms, Hugh would tell them about all of the people in our community who didn’t have anything to eat and how they could help make a difference. Often, that candy bowl was enough to bring in a new supporter.
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Some of CUMAC's staff in costume at the race.
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There were no M&M’s at the finish line, but participants were greeted with plenty of candy, giveaways and trick-or-treat stations. All in all, it was a great day that helped raise hunger awareness, as well as food and resources for CUMAC. We’d like to send our deep appreciation to all who showed their support. The hundreds of pounds of food collected and money raised will help keep CUMAC’s shelves stocked as we prepare for the busy holiday season.
Thanks for helping us run down hunger! We hope to see you at next year’s race.
Thanks for helping us run down hunger! We hope to see you at next year’s race.
Together We're Making a Difference
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CUMAC provides critical support to our neighbors struggling with hunger each and every day. We rely heavily on donations to accomplish our work. Please consider making a donation today. With your support, CUMAC's pantry has served over 31,000 people this year, and our other community programs like the Community Closet, Pathways to Work, and Place of Promise are providing our neighbors with the resources they need most. It's all thanks to supporters like you!
$50 will feed a family of four for a week. $60 will keep one of our trucks on the road for a full day, allowing us to rescue, transport and distribute food to our community. Your donation in any amount will ensure we can help all who come to us in need. DONATE TODAY |
WAYS TO HELP CUMAC
CUMAC's 18th Annual HELP Dinner
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Join us on Tuesday, November 17 as we celebrate 30 years of fighting hunger and all of the wonderful people that make our work possible at the 18th annual HELP Dinner! This special evening is being held at The Tides in North Haledon and will feature a delicious dinner, social hour, silent auction, scholarship and award presentations, and some fun stories & surprises. Tickets to the dinner are $75 and all proceeds will benefit CUMAC's fight against hunger in New Jersey. To buy your ticket visit our event page.
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Passaic Valley Rotary River Run 5K
Help us turn miles into meals at the Passaic Valley Rotary’s annual River Run 5K and Kids Fun Run on Sunday, November 29! The race, which traverses through the communities of Little Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park, begins at 9:30am at the Little Falls Recreation Center and will include raffles, cash prizes, food & refreshments, and medals for all children and top finishers. Race entry costs $25 and proceeds will help benefit CUMAC. To sign up visit the race page or make checks payable to the Passaic Valley Rotary (Dr. Gregory Liss, P.O. Box 200 Little Falls, NJ 07424). We hope to see you there!
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NJ Devils Fundraiser Night
It’s that time of year again! CUMAC is teaming up with the New Jersey Devils for our 2nd annual fundraiser night! Join us on Friday, December 11 at 7PM at the Prudential Center as the NJ Devils face the Detroit Red Wings. Bring your friends, families and coworkers because every ticket we sell will help feed those in need in our community! Tickets are $45 and every attendee will receive a special gift from the NJ Devils. To purchase your tickets visit our event page! Attendees will have the option to pick up tickets on or before game day. Questions? Contact Adrian Diaz at 973-742-5518 or adiaz@cumacecho.org
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Mark your calendar!
18th Annual HELP Dinner — November 17
More information can be found on our events page.
Passaic Valley Rotary River Run 5K — November 29
Holiday Wish List - November and December
If you would like to fill the wish of a child, contact Leigh Ross by 12/1
Giving Tuesday — December 1
CUMAC's 2nd Annual NJ Devils Game Fundraiser — December 11
Visit the event page to buy your tickets.
Have-a-Heart Auction - February 13
More information can be found on our events page.
Passaic Valley Rotary River Run 5K — November 29
Holiday Wish List - November and December
If you would like to fill the wish of a child, contact Leigh Ross by 12/1
Giving Tuesday — December 1
CUMAC's 2nd Annual NJ Devils Game Fundraiser — December 11
Visit the event page to buy your tickets.
Have-a-Heart Auction - February 13
Thank you for helping CUMAC feed people & change lives!
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