Hope House "Blessings" sing out at St. Francis in Denville

Members of  the  Hope House Blessings choral group , from Hope House  Dover, NJ , brought smiles and cheers to Senior residents at Saint Francis Residential Community and Franciscan Oaks Health Senior Living Center on Tuesday July 5, 2011

The highlight of the day was watching the faces of the attendees light up as we sang our “oldies and patriotic”  medleys. Members of the audience sang and swayed as Blessings vocalist,  Retta Suttles the volunteer leader of this chorale , connected with every piano key possible to bring music alive in the room. Some danced with their canes, while others came out of their quiet selves, as familiar melodies and lyrics resounded about them.  One dear woman stated,

“ You should leave your jobs and form a group, you’re GOOD!"

The only dim light of the day was that all the vocal group became stuck in the elevator with out air-conditioning performance for a short period right before their performance . However, their yellow paper plate sun props for their rendition of “You are My Sunshine” came in handy as emergency fans. Within minute the Hope House Blessings was performing and entertaining the gathering as if nothing happened.

For more info click here http://www.hopehousenj.org/

Summer 2011 Message from The Executive Director

While summer may be upon us we have not slowed down at Hope House. Our food pantry volume is up 14% from this time last year and the volume of food distributed is increased by 30% since last year.  We could not provide the high quality food pantry services at Hope House without the support of community partners and the generous donations from faith communities, groups and local food banks.  Thanks to our seven amazing food pantry volunteers, we continue to serve over 500 families a month who are in need of food security.  Our volunteer hours have also increased 45% since this time last year.

We know the BEST volunteers are at Hope House.  Among our exemplary volunteers, is the Toledo family from Randolph. Bishop Serratelli recently presented the Toledo family the Vivere Christus award for their compassion to others. 

Hope House strives to be a quality Human Services provide. We are also proud of our recent re-accreditation by the Council on Accreditation for 2011 through 2015.

At Hope House we believe we are of the community, for the community and that was most evident at our 40th Anniversary Dinner at which we recognized two terrific volunteers.  Tom Vazquez and Mark Andreano for their commitment to community service.  In June we participated in Discover Dover Day, with a presentation of our LEAP dance program participants, a creative after school program founded by Randolph High School senior Amanda Keller. 

Amanda was among the candidates for the NJ Governor’s award this year for her performing arts advocacy efforts on behalf of low-income immigrant children.

Advocacy and community building takes many forms at Hope House. Whether it is the Ray of Hope vegetable garden or the new meditation garden, Hope House brings like minded people together to serve others.  Our good friends the Knights of Columbus Council #6320 and the Notre Dame Senior Alumni Group continue to “make things happen” and help our clients.

On June 22^nd we hosted a program given by Legal Services on tenant and landlord rights to foster self advocacy and empowerment of local residents.

A Hope House delegation recently traveled to Washington DC to advocate for the unmet needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.  As you can see, Hope House is committed to serving our community and empowering those in need. 

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to join us for an Hour of Hope tour, you will be filled with Hope!

God Bless you always!

                                      ~Diane Silbernagel

                                        Executive Director

                                        Hope House

11th Annual Father Martin Hope Golf Classic

Father Martin on the First Tee

On the beautiful, sunny Monday that June 20^th, 2011 turned out to be, 92 golfers attended the 11^th Annual Father Martin Hope Classic to support Hope House.  The Hope Classic was held at the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany this year.  Thanks to the hard work of a committed and dedicated committee, this year’s outing generated more golfers and sponsors than Hope House has had in years.  “We are very grateful for all the sponsors, supporters and volunteers who made this event a success…” Diane Silbernagel, Executive Director of Hope House stated. 

After a day of golf, filled with special contests and selected holes, the golfers and guests were welcomed back at the beautiful club house for a cocktail hour and delicious dinner.  Father Martin Rauscher thanked and blessed everyone for their support.  Joseph Duffy, Hope House Board President and President of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Paterson, also shared his gratitude and stressed how the money raised will support the needed programs and services that Hope House provides to over 10,000 individuals a year in our area. 

Prizes Galore

Fr. Martin with Hope House Staff and Volunteers...a great Day!

LEAP Dancers Perform at Discover Dover Day Festival

On Sunday, June 12^th, Hope House’s LEAP class had the pleasure of performing at the Discover Dover Day Festival. Fourteen boys and girls who had participated in the spring session entertained the audience at the festival with their jazz performance choreographed to the Glee version of “Don’t Stop” originally by Fleetwood Mac.

“It was really exciting that all the kids participated and that their parents attended and cheered them on enthusiastically,” said dance teacher and program coordinator, Amanda Keller, “they worked really hard on the dance and it showed.”

 LEAP (Love Embrace and Perform) is a not-for-profit dance program that began in the winter of 2010. Many of the students are the children of Hope House’s clients who would normally not be able to afford dance classes. “It’s so great to work with these kids,” Keller said, “They are so well-behaved and appreciative of what we do.”

 The students and their teacher hope to have an opportunity to perform many Discover Dover Day Festivals to come.

Got Golf?

Only a few more days.... 

"11th Annual Father Martin Rauscher Golf Classic"
                           June 20, 2011

     * The Knoll Country Club, Parsippany, NJ

                   1:00pm Shotgun Start

           $250 per golfer  or join us for dinner!

                 Help support Hope House and those we serve!

          Please contact ckarina@hopehousenj.org or 973-361-5555 ext. 143

Dover Days - June 12 , 2011

Save The Date !!!

Come and Visit Hope House Tables

Sunday June 12, 2011

at Crescent Field in Dover

12 – 6 PM

Celebrate with us Dover’s rich History, Culture, Art and Business at the

Discover The Treasures of Dover

Discover Dover Day Festival

Profile your business or organization or just attend for the fun:

·        Live Music and Entertainment

·        Artists and Crafters  

·        Food

·        Children’s Activities

http://discoverdoverday.org/ 

Hope House Supporters Receive 2011 Vivere Christus Award

His Excellency The Most Reverend Arthur Joseph  Serratelli established the  honor  of The Vivere Christus Award to recognize the contributions of the laity to the mission of Christ and the Church. "Essential to the work of the Church are the many dedicated lay women and men of the Diocese of Paterson who continually live as faithful stewards of God's grace and generosity," Bishop Serratelli said. "The goal of this recognition is to acknowledge the value and importance of the laity and to express gratitude and appreciation to those who unselfishly give of their time, talent and treasure for the building up of God's Kingdom."

On May 22, 2001 several Hope House friends , supporters and stakeholders were recognized with this award. We congratulate and thank them and  all the  honorees:

• Eugene Cracovia - St. Vincent Martyr , Madison
• Philomena DeSopo - CFCS
• Margaret Feyl - St. Clement , Rockaway
• Jefffery Mantelli -  St. Matthew , Randolph
• Rene and Martha, Stephen and Gabriella Toledo , and Delia and Belen Oliva ( Martha Todeo's parents) -  Hope House

"We sanctify all we are grateful for " - Anthony DeMello SJ