Community Corner
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey Supports Seniors
The non-profit's therapy dog program makes it unique
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is an organization devoted to supporting and assisting Senior Citizens, and providing a wide range of other services.
Unique to this agency, which has offices in Toms River and Whiting, is its therapy dog program.
Caregiver Canines, the organization’s therapy dog program started in 2009 to offer a heartwarming experiencing for seniors, according to Lynette Whiteman, CVCJ’s executive director.
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For over 17 years, the agency has been providing services to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and the volunteers who help them, according to this non profits website.
“Most therapy dog programs visit people in institutionalized setting such as hospitals and nursing homes. Our therapy dogs and their handlers go into the homes of the elderly who love dogs, but are no longer able to care for them,” said Whiteman. “Dogs also visit with Caregivers and those with dementia in their own homes which is truly special and heartwarming.”
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A few of the services this agency provides include: transporting seniors to medical appointments, taking them grocery shopping and providing friendly/pet visits to reduce loneliness.
Most recently, this organization was honored by the National Council on Aging as an Exceptional Nonprofit Agency.
“We were one of eight nonprofits nationwide to present at a National Summit in Washington DC in August 2011,” Whiteman said. “Our program was recognized for filling a very important community need and using volunteers in unique and fulfilling ways.”
Whiteman said CVCJ is in need of volunteers to provide medical transportation and are always looking for other volunteers to assist with fundraisers, such as coordinating them.
Additionally, if someone belongs to a club that donates to community groups to think about CVCJ as a worthwhile community-based organization to donate to.
“All the funds raised for CVCJ stays in Ocean County to help our neighbors. We are not associated with any national chapters so this is really a grass-roots organization,” she added.
To learn more about CVCJ and how to get involved as a volunteer or donate, visit www.caregivervolunteers.org.
