Our donors and volunteers make the community a better place for our children and families. In our series, Why I Give, we put the spotlight on some of the generous individuals helping to move our communities forward. This month we are recognizing Barbara Arnold.
Barbara Arnold | Supporter since 2000
What attracted you to the Acenda mission?
I support and believe in Acenda's mission because as an integrated health organization, they provide much needed innovative services that encompass the whole person. Their mission strives to enable each individual the opportunity to reach their greatest potential which helps make our communities a better place to live. Acenda has a very dedicated staff and the work of the organization is well-known throughout the community, state, and in some instances, the country. I am a proud supporter of Acenda and the work that they do.
Do you have an anecdote about Acenda that really moved you?
Spirit of the Holidays is one of my favorite programs that I volunteer for. It makes me feel good to know that we are helping parents provide for their children during the holidays. Walking around with each parent, helping them shop for their children, listening to them as they talk about their families, and knowing that they are so appreciative of our help, is so rewarding.
Why do you support Acenda?
I volunteer with Acenda and the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation/Mother's Matter because I enjoy helping others and I want to give back to my community. I try to be proactive and help people in need and hopefully make a positive change in their lives, and make our communities a better place to live. Mother's Matter touches the lives of thousands of women each year by making and delivering gift bags to women with special needs; such as women fighting cancer, women with critically ill children and women working toward a better life for their families. Our gift bags contain practical and pampering toiletries as well as essential items. Mother's Matter provides "Helping Hand" bags to Acenda's A Place to Call Home and Maternal Health programs to let mothers know that they are special and that we care.
When did you first get involved with Acenda?
I first became involved with legacy Robins' Nest and Cape Counseling in the early 1990s when I was working for the State of New Jersey, Division of Youth and Family Services, as a Contract Administrator. I was involved with both agencies as they grew and became leading organizations in the community. They provided much needed mental health and social and family services which helped families reach their greatest potential. I was honored when I was asked to participate on the Board of Trustees of Robins' Nest upon my retirement, July 2008.
What motivates you to stay involved? In your opinion, what is the most important work that Acenda does?
Volunteering at Acenda is special to me because I have seen the difference that so many programs make in the lives of the people they care for.
What do you hope Acenda will achieve in the near future? In the long term?
Looking to the future, I hope that Acenda continues its mission and is able to continue to expand services to encompass additional counties in New Jersey.
What would you tell others interested in getting involved with Acenda?
When volunteering at Acenda, you feel like you are a part of a family. Everyone is very knowledgeable and helpful. There are many ways to volunteer, from monetary donations to volunteering in one of their many programs. It takes a village to make a positive change.
Thank you, Barbara Arnold, for sharing your Acenda story! If you are interested in getting involved with Acenda, visit our get involved page or email development@acendahealth.org for upcoming opportunities.