Read HERE. When William Hacket was asked to host a free event at his Trenton barbershop to help ex-offenders get their criminal records expunged, he jumped at the chance to help. “We are thankful to be a vessel for anything positive for others,” said Hacket, who opened Razor Sharp barbershop in 2001. “If there’s something that we know that could benefit other people, we… want to be a part of it.” On Wednesday, Hacket co-hosted the “Fresh Start: An Expungement Clinic” event at Razor Sharp, 20 Passaic St., with Stono Public Affairs, a Trenton-based lobbying firm, and the New Jersey Office of…

Listen here: https://wmmr.com/episodes/volunteers-of-america-fighting-human-trafficking/ Amanda Leese,  SVP of Program Operations, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, and Alison Accettola, Senior Vice President for Government Relations,   discussed the Volunteers of America programming fighting human trafficking.    While trafficking can involve forced labor VOA focus on sex trafficking, of women, children and men.  Everyone is vulnerable, through fraud and coercion or by threats of violence to the victim and their family.  They discussed their close work with local law enforcement to protect the victim, and the reentry programming they offer.   They stress that education and awareness is vital for children and their…

January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this pressing human rights issue. This year’s national awareness month theme, “Connecting the Dots,” underscores the importance of collaboration and a holistic approach to prevention. Throughout this month, and every day, VOADV reaffirms our commitment to providing services for survivors through partnerships, education and outreach. The Importance of “Connecting the Dots” The theme “Connecting the Dots” highlights the need to recognize and address the intersections between economic mobility, social relationships, technology, and the dangers of trafficking. At VOADV, “Connecting the Dots” is more than a theme; it…

Collingswood, N.J. – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) has officially launched the 2024 Adopt A Family program, marking a milestone year as they prepare to serve the largest number of families in the program’s 14-year history. Adopt A Family’s mission is to connect Delaware Valley families with donors who can help make the holiday season brighter by providing toys, food, and other basic necessities to those in need of assistance. “This year, we’re reaching more families than ever before, which reflects the incredible support and kindness of our community,” says Daniel L. Lombardo, President/CEO of VOADV. “The holidays aren’t…

(TRENTON, NJ) – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) today announced the launch of the Safe Return Legal Navigator Program. Building on the principle of meeting people where they are, the newest Safe Return/Navigator Program will enhance the existing IMPACT (Immediate Mobilization of Police Assisted Crisis Teams) service delivery model. “The Safe Return Legal Navigator program is a crucial extension of the many services VOADV provides,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, VOADV President and CEO. “By bringing legal assistance straight to those who need it most, we are reinforcing our commitment to direct, immediate services. Safe Return Legal Navigator will expand…

Amani House, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s 25-bed transitional housing program for men, is committed to providing comprehensive support to homeless men in Mercer County, NJ. Amani House offers a safe space where individuals can work towards stability and self-sufficiency through a variety of specialized programs and resources. One of the key partnerships Amani House has developed is with the WorkWell program, a New Jersey-based initiative designed to help people reenter society after incarceration. WorkWell focuses on providing job training and life skills through ongoing training cycles. These programs are crucial for empowering participants with the tools and resources they…

Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Foundation, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey and Volunteers of America Delaware Valley announced Monday they have launched an innovative new program called “Chance for Change” that provides a digital avenue for customers to donate safely and effectively to help those in need. They also announced a new partner in their longstanding effort: New Jersey Transit. The Chance for Change platform will be accessible online and through QR codes available on posters at NJ Transit facilities, digital advertising screens, on social media and on the NJ Transit mobile app. The various platforms will provide a secure platform for NJ Transit…

Forced labor and sex-trafficking are on the rise in New Jersey, and the state now has an independent unit within the state police department handling such cases. “You could say it’s an epidemic in New Jersey, it is growing quite rapidly,” said Detective Sgt. Rick Hershey, who supervises the New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking unit in South Jersey. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 170 human trafficking cases were identified in New Jersey by investigators in 2023 from calls to the hotline, up from 137 cases in 2022 and the largest total since 2019, when 247 such cases were identified. Cassidy Egan,…

NJ Transit, Jersey Shore rocker Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen Foundation and two other charities launched a more helpful solution for people in need who are asking riders for spare change. The program, “Chance for Change” allows passengers to donate electronically to charities that will use the money to get help from everyday necessities to substance abuse counseling to housing for the unhoused and others in need. Officials speaking at a launch event at the Red Bank train station Monday called it a better option than giving a person cash for a one time, well-intentioned handout for coffee or food. The program…

https://www.fox29.com/video/1499616