Message from Community Chest Campaign Chair Greg Eagan
A local 15 year old boy tells us how depressed he was as a result of his parents getting divorced. He began to smoke pot once in a while, which shortly turned into every day. After a night of binge drinking and random drugs, he crashed his car into a tree. He said he did not care whether he lived or died. What would you do if this were your son?
Thankfully he lived and was sent to a place called Touchstone Hall. It houses boys with substance abuse problems in Rockleigh and was founded by Vantage Health System. The boys, ages between 13 and 17, live there full time while overcoming their addictions. While attending school, they also learn both social and family skills which will enable them to integrate back into society. This young man will now graduate from high school on time and possibly attend college. Soft spoken and with moist eyes, he says he is most determined on rebuilding his relationship with his family.
For those of you new to the Chest, let me tell you a little bit about our history. We are an umbrella organization that raises money and then distributes it to local charities that meet our criteria. We have been doing this since 1933, so we must be doing something right.
The concept of the Chest began when a Swiss priest tied a box to a tree with the words “give and take!” written on it. Those with spare money could leave a donation, and those in need could take money from the box to help buy necessities such as food and clothing.
One of the most philanthropic individuals of the last 50 years was Brooke Astor. I found it interesting to read that she visited each of the two thousand charities she supported. She wanted to see with her own eyes, where her money was going.
She is known to have said “Money is like manure, it should be spread around."
I could not agree more. Asking for money can be a little awkward for me. It is not my nature to ask for anything, but when you visit these local agencies and witness suffering or need in our own community, it changes your entire outlook.
Next time you are leaving Eagle Paint, look across the street to the right. You will see a beautiful three story white building that was built in the early 1900’s for a furniture manufacturer. Rather than furniture, the building now manufactures hope.
You see, Vantage Health System was a grass roots start up in 1957 with the mission to help the mentally ill. Years ago, these people were shipped off to an institution never to be heard from again. In 1963 President Kennedy enacted a Community Health Act to get people out of institutions and back into the community. His vision was that people suffering with cognitive and medical problems had a greater chance of recovery with the help of the local community and family.
Vantage Health System provides help to both individuals and families. The numbers are staggering as they assist more than 3,000 people a year suffering from schizophrenia, depression or other mental and developmental issues. These are families with either very low or no income.
How complicated would your life be if you had to care for a sibling with Alzheimer's and you were broke!
While you are at work, Vantage would take them in for the day, providing them with medical supervision, meals, guidance and companionship. Vantage allows this person to maintain a high quality of life in a safe environment, while they remain living in the community with you.
Gail Sternitzke, head of Clinical Services tells a story about a patient who had many problems. With one eyeglass lens missing, he would run into the parking lot and disrobe. It was common for him to lose control and randomly throw objects in the lobby. At one point, this man said he would like to get a job. Rather than say no, Gail responded with “if you would like a job, what steps do you think you have to take?”
So together, they decided it would involve him taking his medication, exhibiting self control, going on a job interview and being responsible. So this man now has a sense of hope and empowerment and sure enough… gets a job as a bagger in a grocery store. Months later, Gail relays with a smile, he took a plane to Hawaii to attend his brother’s wedding.
Brooke Astor also said,
“Money that was made in New York should stay in New York.”
Again I could not agree more.
Your donations to the Community Chest Serving Englewood, Tenafly and Englewood stay right here in our community.
Here is how the process at the Chest works.
Numerous local agencies in financial need, submit a request for funding to our board. After a thorough review to understand what function their organization provides to our community and why they need our assistance, we then allocate the funds from our annual campaign. The money goes to roughly 20 local agencies. We decline many requests for various reasons. I say this because I want you to know it is a very thoughtful process in determining who receives our assistance
I recently sat down with Reverend Walton at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He has a personality and smile that explodes as soon as you meet him and clearly he is a man that cares greatly about his community. Reverend Walton founded Calvary Cares several years ago. It is an education-based after school program for both grammar and high school students.
During the day, the students attend either the Englewood public or charter schools. Then they are off to Mt. Calvary for the afternoon session. These kids are here because they want to learn and have dreams of getting ahead in life. When they arrive at 4 p.m., each student starts with a hot meal and then spends the next 2 hours being taught enrichment classes. Calvary Cares gives these kids a positive destination to go to after school. They also sponsor a SAT prep class in Englewood, Hackensack and Patterson. It is a 3 day review class helping college bound students prepare for the SAT. At the end of the year, the community comes together to a barbecue to celebrate their accomplishments. Reverend Walton beams, as he tells us of the hundreds of people from the community who attend.
I feel confident Brooke Astor would approve of the Chest’s model. Keep it local and spread it around.
For some reason, we are the lucky ones who are able to leave some money in the box. Imagine your life for a moment if you had to approach the tree and take money out!
So, on behalf of the Chest and the local agencies you support, I would like to say thank you for joining us. I would also add, would you be so kind to tell a friend about our organization and the good work we do. During our meetings, we often struggle with how many citizens are not familiar with the Community Chest Serving Englewood, Tenafly and Englewood Cliffs. So, thank you for your support and, if you would, please tell a friend about this fine organization and why you support it.
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