The City of Newark's G.I. Go Fund Veterans Transition Center in partnership with Newark Now was able to bring holiday cheer to Newark veterans in need and their families with donations of new toys, coats and warm clothing on Thursday, December 24, 2009, at Newark City Hall.
"Liberty demands constant sacrifice, and countless numbers of men and women from this community have stepped forward and made those sacrifices for us. In an unequivocal and collective voice, Newark says 'thank you' to our veterans for their commitment and sacrifice. Today we shared in the warmth of this special holiday season, while helping to build a stronger, prouder, and better Newark," Mayor Booker said in a statement.
The City of Newark's G.I. Go Fund Veterans Transition Center was able to provide toys, coats and warm clothing this year thanks to support received from Newark Now.
"We have so many veterans who are fortunate to be home for the holidays but are short in funds to buy presents for their loved ones. We are grateful for the support we are receiving from Mayor Booker and Newark Now to continue to meet the mission of empowering our veterans and giving them the recognition they deserve," said Newark's G.I. Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous.
Newark Now was founded by Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker in 2002 to provide Newark residents with skills, tools, and support to transform their neighborhoods. After a robust outreach effort, Newark Now's work began with seven brave grassroots organizations during the summer of 2003. Today, those seven organizations are some of the most successful grassroots organizations within the City of Newark and have been joined by many more grassroots organizations that partner with Newark Now to improve their neighborhoods.
Over the years, Newark Now's work has evolved. Today, Newark Now is an intermediary organization that partners with municipal government, residents, grassroots organizations, and the philanthropic community to catalyze the achievement of significant positive outcomes throughout the city. The organization channels the efforts and energy of the grassroots community to improve safety, economic independence, and civic participation. More information on Newark Now can be found at www.newarknow.org
"During these tough economic times, it is important to recognize that there are many Newark veterans who are struggling to provide for their families," said Newark Now President Edgar Izurieta. "We are delighted we were able to support our veterans by teaming up with the G.I. Go Fund this year. I hope all of Newark's families are blessed this holiday season with health, happiness and a prosperous new year!"
The G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center of Newark is a non-profit office that provides and coordinates a vast array of services and support to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Currently operating from an office located in the basement of Newark City Hall, the G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center provides veterans with support for VA enrollment, mental wellness, securing employment, education advancement, and financial support, among other things. The center is unique, as it is the first-ever partnership between a municipality and a non-governmental organization (NGO) to support veterans and address their issues in the nation's history.
The center has seen and communicated with nearly 350 veterans since its inception in November 2008, connecting them with the VA and state agencies for the benefits entitled to them. In addition nearly 5,000 veterans from across the state and 600 Newark Veterans have attended G.I. Go Job Fairs, taking the opportunity to meet with 150 different employers. G.I. Go outreach events have reached 600 veterans, 300 of whom are homeless, connecting them with the various federal, state and non-profit agencies dedicated to assisting our nation's veterans. G.I. Go's financial assistance program has helped 16 different veteran families avoid foreclosure, eviction, and utility shut-offs, and provided 26 different families with much-needed emergency grocery assistance.
For 20-year-old Central Ward resident and Army Specialist Tyshoan Harbison, the assistance received today from the G.I. Go Fund and Newark Now was unexpected and greatly appreciated. Specialist Harbison is home for the holidays with his family after returning to Newark last Thursday from tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"This was unexpected and really nice! Since my return home from a recent tour in Afghanistan I've been spending a lot of time reconnecting with my four children. I have two sons and two daughters who haven't seen me in a while and I haven't had the opportunity to go Christmas shopping yet. On behalf of my family, I would like to thank the Mayor, G.I. Go Fund and Newark Now for helping my family to have a Merry Christmas," said Specialist Harbison.
Army Veteran Federico DeJesus of the North Ward said it was a prayer that was heard when he found out about holiday help the City was providing to military veterans and their families. "As a veteran I'm collecting disability and social security. It's been a tough year financially and I didn't think I would be able to provide gifts for my children and grandchildren this year. The support received today is greatly appreciated."
For more information on other G.I. Go Fund programs, visit www.gigofund.org or call the G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center at (973) 802-1479. For information about this or all other Newark municipal policies and programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.
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