Volunteering is vital. It brings people together and strengthens communities in heartwarming ways. When individuals lend their time and talents, they not only support local organizations and causes but also create meaningful connections. These acts of kindness provide essential services to those in need while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved.
Volunteering helps bridge divides, nurture understanding, and build a more caring, resilient society. Ultimately, the spirit of volunteering enriches lives and helps us feel more connected and hopeful.
For our thankful issue we are highlighting just a few of the many amazing folks who give their time to worthy causes locally. We asked a few of our local services to nominate a volunteer from their organization.
You can sleep all night in Terry's Soul Kitchen
Theresa (Terry) Browne, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Toms River.
The volunteer staff along with our guests are amazed at the energy Terry has at 87-years of age. Over the last six years, Terry has volunteered on average three days per week and will sign up for extra shifts if she sees we are short staffed. She has even gone as far as to work a lunch service, go home, check her email, and see that we are requesting help for dinner service.
The volunteers praised Terry for her faithful service, great humility, and tireless dedication to our guests. She was commended for taking all new volunteers “under her wing” and training them with the utmost patience and kindness.
Big Brother Bryan makes a difference
Bryan Keelan, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Asbury Park
Bryan is a mentor who is committed. This has been evident throughout his match relationship with Little Brother Jaiden since 2019. Bryan remains a constant in Jaiden's life by attending wrestling matches, sharing meals, riding bikes around town, and even including Jaiden as a groomsman in his wedding. Bryan continues to be a constant source of support and guidance for Jaiden despite big changes in both of their lives
“My only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner," Bryan said. "However, everything happens for a reason and I’m so happy I was lucky enough to match with Jaiden.”
A Cattani who Loves Dogs
Dorian Cattani, @fosteringmama, Asbury Park
When Dorian Cattani and her boyfriend started fostering senior dogs, they envisioned a simple act of giving older pooches a place to be themselves. Caring for them has deepened their patience, empathy, and understanding in ways they never imagined. “It’s amazing how these senior dogs bring into our lives, reminding us of the beauty in resilience and unconditional love," Cattani said. "These older dogs often face abandonment or neglect, but you wouldn't know it as they come with such excitement for life and are so grateful for every treat they eat or toy they play with”.
For Cattani, the desire to give back came from her father, who taught her to "work hard and be kind to people."
Sisters are doing it for the community
Sister Joyce Valese and Sister Therese Dowd, The Center, Asbury Park
With a combined 135 years of service as Sisters of Saint Joseph, these two remarkable women have dedicated their lives to helping others. Their deep commitment to serving their community is rooted in their faith and desire to make a difference in the world.
Their friendship began in the 1970s while working together at in Newark. In the 1980s, they were missioned to a parish school in Bethlehem, PA, where they lived and worked for 23 years. When they relocated to St. Denis Parish in Manasquan, they became part of a warm and welcoming parish and were introduced to The Center, where they have volunteered in the kitchen for the past 12 years.
Their approach to volunteering is quiet but impactful. They find fulfillment not in recognition or material gain but in the simple act of working alongside others who share their dedication to improving the lives of those in need. Their service at The Center reflects the core values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose guiding principle is "to be a healing presence, advocating with and responding to persons experiencing marginalization, and addressing the systemic injustices responsible for the miseries of our day."
A gift in thrift
Joyce Ciallella, The Center ThriftShop, Asbury Park
Joyce, originally from Wall Township, moved to Belmar 50-years ago when she became a bride. She enjoyed a fulfilling 34-year career at Bell Laboratories before retiring. Joyce decided to retire and drew from her family's long history of community involvement. She and her children, who volunteer in their respective states, have always been dedicated to giving back. When The Center Square Thrift Shop opened nine years ago, she knew it was the perfect place to make a difference.
Good habits on display at at Habitat for Humanity
John Posner, Habitat for Humanity, Monmouth County
John is one of Monmouth County Habitat’s most dedicated volunteers. During the week, John volunteers with our construction team either working on one of our single-family affordable home builds or assisting with a home repair project. When John, who has volunteered for a dozen years, is not at the job site, he can usually be found at the ReStore on Memorial Drive. John is always eager and willing to help customers, repair items to find creative solutions to problems, and to act as a mentor to volunteers and students.
Volunteering bridges divides, nurture understanding, and builds a more caring, resilient society
Volunteering brings people together and strengthens communities