Ozanam Family Shelter residents gifted with school supplies from local non-profit

For parents of young children residing in area shelters, the summer break goes all too quickly. These families struggle to purchase requested classroom school supplies, not to mention fulfilling the need for their child’s new backpacks, lunchboxes and back-to-school clothes. This year, a Helmetta-based non-profit organization is eager to help.
 
Members of The Community Team NJ were present at the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Ozanam Family Shelter at the end of July. After sharing a feast of pizza and cookies, the team handed out back-to-school wish lists to each family.
 
Tami McGeachy, one of the Community Team NJ members, said, “We could easily just drop off school supplies items, but we take a more personal approach.” She added, “We like to sit down with each family and find out exactly what their child needs and exactly what they like. These things help build confidence for children to start the new school year.”
 
Fellow Community Team NJ member Melissa Hallerman said, “If a child wants a Spiderman backpack, we want to get them a Spiderman backpack! If it’s something a child really loves, we want to get it for them.”
 
Cynthia Bagner, Ozanam Family Shelter’s Resident attendant supervisor noted, “The Community Team NJ is so amazing. They support us during Christmas, Easter, and this back-to-school event.” Bagner added, “We thank them for their continued support.”
 
Christopher Slavicek, Mayor of Helmetta, stopped by to show support for the Community Team NJ, meeting residents of the Ozanam Family Shelter and assisting with back-to-school forms. Mayor Slavicek became involved with the organization through Hallerman and supports them in their efforts.
 
“Small town, big heart, that’s our motto,” Slavicek said. “The Community Team NJ gives back for the greater good and they affect so many people in positive ways.” He adds, “Anyone can drop off school supplies, but it’s the team’s attention to detail that is really wonderful.”
 
McGeachy has a message for the parents of the Ozanam Family Shelter: to “Relax, take a breath, and focus on the rest of summer. We have you covered with school supplies!”
 
The Community Team NJ members mentioned that they would be purchasing and putting backpacks together for delivery to the Ozanam Family Shelter around August 22nd.
 
The Ozanam Family Shelter provides shelter for single women families. Services include temporary and emergency lodging, meals, case management and referrals, assistance with housing, employment and children’s educational placement. While living in the shelter, program residents work with case managers to improve their earning capacity and obtain permanent housing.
 
Applicants must be homeless in Middlesex County, be willing to answer questions during screening process, agree to refrain from use of alcohol and other drugs, be able to take care of themselves, be willing to abide by shelter rules, and may not be a threat to themselves, staff or other residents.
 
Ozanam Family Shelter is located at 89 Truman Drive, Edison., NJ, 08817. Their phone number is 732-985-0327.
 
For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. Like and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways CCDOM help clients get the services and assistance they need.
 
Tiffany Workman serves as diocesan Communications Specialist