New 'Nutley Corps' Volunteer Group Helps Residents in Need

The Nutley Department of Public Affairs has established ‘Nutley Corps,’ a volunteer service program for Nutley residents.

The Corp is envisioned as a network of citizen volunteers willing to use their skills, talents, expertise and life experiences to help fellow residents.

“As we were walking door to door over the past several months, numerous senior citizens and disabled residents would ask us to help them with minor things such as tightening a faucet, or putting a frame up, or tightening loose screws on a table," Rogers said. "Other citizens who suddenly found themselves under medical care and temporarily lost their mobility, needed help with walking their dogs. These may seem to be minor tasks to some, but for someone who just had a back operation, or who is suffering from an acute case of arthritis, such a task becomes overwhelming."

Rogers said the group would build on the volunteer spirit of Nutley residents working through Seniors Helping Seniors.  

"These volunteers have assisted many citizens with minor repairs through the former CARE Committee,” the Commissioner said. "They will continue working with us via Nutley Corps. We are now going to bring this program to another level."

One significant change made from the CARE program is that Nutley Corps Volunteers will not become involved with health care issues.  

“There are laws that require strict confidentiality with regard to a persons health," Rogers said. "This confidentially will be maintained through our health care professionals. Hence, if a citizen has a health care need, the Nutley Health Department will take of it, not the volunteer group."

Nutley Corps replaces the CARE program and will be expanded to include volunteers who have skills sets needed to assist senior citizens and disabled citizens with minor home repairs, and other temporaryneeds. 

“This is a great opportunity for retired citizens to get busy again,” says Robert De Bello, who will oversee Nutley Corps.

Volunteers with the following skills are needed:

• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Landscapers
• Citizens willing to temporary walk dogs for senior citizens and others who are temporary unable to perform these tasks, and other pet care.

Nutley High School students are welcome to join Nutley Corps and will receive a Certificate of Completion and letter of appreciation from the Department of Public Affairs to add to their college applications and resumes.

Nutley youth also involved in Scouting are encouraged to participate.

Once the Department of Public Affairs compiles a list of volunteers, a thirty- minute orientation meeting will be held.

To volunteer please call: 973-284-4976 or email RDebello@nutleynj.org .