By Diane Blaszka
Hamilton, NJ n February 19, 2014 n As it celebrates 20 years of providing free caregiving for people who are elderly and/or disabled, Hamilton-based nonprofit Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) is also marking a year of record-breaking service levels. Executive Director Jane Latini describes 2013 as “both blessed and overwhelming.”
With more than 300 volunteers from 27 interdenominational congregations, ICGMC reaches all corners of Mercer County, providing such basic services as transportation to doctors’ offices, grocery shopping, friendly visiting, respite care, light housekeeping, telephone reassurance, occasional meal preparation, indoor/outdoor chores, minor home repairs and other non-medical help. With 2010 Census data indicating that seniors aged 65+ are the fastest-growing age cohort in Mercer County, ICGMC is witnessing high demand first-hand, as evidenced by the following 2013 service statistics:
• 387 homebound seniors and people with disabilities receiving free caregiving services: a 21% increase over the 319 served in 2012 (319).
• 196 new homebound seniors and people with disabilities served: a 92% increase over 2012 (102).
• 309 active ICGMC volunteers: a 22% increase over 2012 (253).
• 15,015 hours of service provided by volunteers: a 27% increase over 2012 (11,821). These hours included a 59% increase in shopping assistance and a 30% increase in hours spent helping care receivers with such things as chores, meal prep, light housekeeping and paperwork.
“ICGMC’s staff and volunteers knew we had an incredibly busy year. Yet, the year-end statistics surprised even us!” states Latini. “The need for caregiving continues to grow, so we are working to scale our offerings so no need is left unmet — and so more people can age in their homes. As much as we love it, our work is not possible through love alone. As Interfaith Caregivers enters our 20th year, our impact is growing — and the need for financial support to keep our doors open and realize our mission has never been greater.”
Funded by individual, congregation, corporate, foundation and government support, the nonprofit’s major supporters ($1,500 or above) last year included: County of Mercer Office on Aging; Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI), a Division of Programs in the Department of State; United Way of Greater Mercer County; Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF); Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President’s Grant Fund of PACF; F.I.S.H. Foundation, Inc.; Concordia Foundation; Bunbury Company; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Danellie Foundation; Lebensfeld Foundation; Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund; Curtis W. McGraw Foundation; Karma Foundation; New Jersey Foundation for Aging; Roma Bank Community Foundation; Laurenti Charitable Trust; Fred C. Rummel Foundation; Sisters of Saint Francis; Lillian Pitkin Schenck Fund; Mary G. Roebling Foundation; Lawrence Township Community Foundation; Wallerstein Foundation; Henry E. Niles Foundation; Harold Wetterberg Foundation; Stark and Stark; and Zonta Club of Trenton/Mercer.
To request services, volunteer and/or support Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, visit www.icgmc.org and/or call 609-393-9922.
