By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: This week, Jeff Friedman, founder and CEO of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), explains, in his own words, the organization’s partnership with Bessie Green Community.
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Newark’s Bessie Green Community, a founding Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) distribution partner, was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity in 1978. The non-profit began serving its neighbors by opening a clothing barn, soup kitchen, and food pantry, which are flourishing under the leadership and expertise of executive director Brenda Scott.
Bessie Green Community’s mission is to: “Feed, clothe and support our neighbors with compassion and dignity and provide a holistic approach to social service assistance in the community that ensures self-sustainability for our clients.”
Bessie Green provides life sustaining resources in what are considered food-deserts, “areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.”
Thanks to Livingston’s generosity, LPI volunteers have made many deliveries to Bessie Green each year since our inception in 2011. Over the years, I’m recalling fresh baked goods, diapers, bottled water, toiletries gift bags, coats, winter accessories, new and gently used family clothing, new cosmetics, baby items, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary products and new or gently used family footwear. Also, cases of new socks, gloves, winter beanies and underwear.
Generous Livingston residents may continue assisting LPI provide for families living below the poverty line and residents living out on the streets by visiting our updated website at njhomeless.org or paypal.me/njhomeless. For those with new or gently used donations, please send me an email at njhomeless.org for my Livingston drop-off address.
“Giving Season” ends on December 31. “Needing Season” continues on January 1, and runs all year.
Photo: Behind the scenes at LPI founding distribution partner Bessie Green Community, longtime kitchen and Clothing Barn manager Monique Kelly is key to the operational success of the community non-profit, Jeff Friedman said. “She is a trusted friend and supporter of LPI and its founder,” he continued.
