The United Way of North Essex has been active in the Montclair community for 91 years. The United Way has supported a wide variety of groups in Montclair incuding the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and the Partners for Women and Justice. The United Way has a long list of constantly updated volunteer opportunities on its Web site including handing out voter information, tutoring troubled young children, and acting as role models for poor and disenfranchised youth.
Located on Park Street in Montclair, the College Women's Club Booksale Headquarters is a space for the College Women's Club twice-yearly book sales. All of the sales' proceeds go to fund scholarships for local high school senior girls.
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is located in Downtown Montclair, on Bloomfield Avenue. This non-profit agency was founded in 1969 and aims to help social causes and advocate for disadvantaged individuals and the children who are the future. It sponsors various programs including educational programs for adults, and summer and winter programs to enrich the lives of young adults and children including organized sports endeavours and much more. The Executive Director of Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is Albert E. Pelham. Visit its Web site to learn more about MNDC and what it does to enrich the lives of Montclair community members.
The Woman's Club of Upper Montclair is a nonprofit organization that is part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. This club offers a variety of programs aimed at community building, volunteering, empowerment and education. Programs include a book club, a needlework group and an art program. Club meetings are held weekly. Women are welcome to join for an annual fee.
This nationwide network of dedicated workers and organizers fight for social justice and to enusre that the voices of African Americans are heard. For nearly 100 years, NAACP members have been involved with transforming countless lives, whether it be at the ballot box or in the classroom.
The Township of Montclair Animal Shelter, Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement Department works to give help to Montclair's residents and animals. The aim is education, enforcement, rescue and rehabilitation. Melissa Neiss is the Senior Animal Control Officer.
There are always a variety of volunteer needs. For example, volunteers are often needed to help take injured and orphaned wildlfe to various wildlife centers across the state where they can be looked after properly.
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities should call 973-744-8600 or email [email protected].
Wide Horizons for Children is a child welfare agency that works to find permanent homes for orphaned and at-risk children, whether it be through adoption, child sponsorships or humanitarian aid. Indeed, Wide Horizons has donated more than $10 million to needy children around the world in the last three decades. Many humanitarian programs are designed to improve children's access to education, healthcare and adequate nutrition.
The organization also has adoption programs around the world including in China, India and the United States.
The New Jersey Environmental Federation is a non-profit organization that aims to protect the environment, particularly the water supply, from pollution. To become a volunteer or find other ways to get involved, be sure to sign up on the website provided.
Studio Montclair is a non-profit arts organization with a gallery at Academy Square on Plymouth Street. It offers lectures, demonstrations, workshops and regularly scheduled exhibits featuring the work of local and national artists. For more information about the organization's mission and history and a schedule of upcoming events, visit the Studio Montclair website.
The American Red Cross helps millions of people each year through a variety of means, including everything from disaster relief to safety training. In February of 2002, the Montclair Chapter of the American Red Cross merged with the Glen Ridge Chapter and in June of 2003 the two merged with the Nutley Chapter.
The American Red Cross offers CPR training every month. Dates vary, but class is generally held during three nights each month at the Montclair Chapter house, as well as at the Nutley site.
The American Red Cross also offers babysitting courses in Montclair and at the Nutley location at 169 Chestnut Street.
Toni's Kitchen has been dishing out food to the less fortunate in Montclair since 1982. The kitchen, situated at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, was named after its first cook, the late Toni Antoinette Green. Hospitality is number one as the kitchen is staffed mostly by volunteers from the area. The hot, nutritious and delicious meals contain food donated by local organizations, businesses and individuals. Local students also frequently get into the act. Meals are served every Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as on Christmas.
Al-Anon helps friends and family members of alcoholics deal with the challenges of living with someone who has a drinking problem. Similarly, Alateen is a recovery program designed for young people. Always, Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.
Al-Anon's recovery program is adapted from the program used by Alcoholics Anonymous and is centered around the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service. Anyone who is dealing with the problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend can become a member.
Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside organization.
PAWS provided a shelter in Montclair for 32 years, but after the township opened its own shelter, PAWS began to operate virtually. The organization still looks after many dogs and cats and is in need of foster families willing to provide temporary homes for these animals. PAWS provides the food and takes care of the vet expenses. Board member Ron Locascio said that fostering can go on for a few days or for a few months, and that often foster families decide to adopt the dogs and cats on a permanent basis.
Outpost in the Burbs is a unique nonprofit organization. It is dedicated to building and supporting the community through music, community service and cultural programs. Staffed by more than 100 volunteers, the organization hosts live concerts Friday nights throughout the fall, winter and spring. It donates its time and resources to local food banks and charitable initiatives, like Toys for Tots and Habitat for Humanity. It regularly hosts community activities, and updated concert and event schedules are available on the organization's website. It always welcomes support in the form of donations and volunteers.
Life Management provides in-home care. It offers a variety of programs including Senior Home Repair.
COPE Center, located on Bloomfield Avenue, is a nonprofit behavioral health care facility which has been in existence for more than 30 years. The center offers counseling and support services for individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, family problems, anger issues and AIDS. It also offers childcare services and has centers in Essex County, Montclair and Verona.