JBWS' Holiday Project

October-December, 2024

What is the Holiday Project?

 

JBWS' Holiday Project provides comprehensive support to people experiencing domestic violence throughout the holiday season. We host a children's Halloween party in October, a Thanksgiving distribution in November, and several festive programs in December. Our Holiday Boutique and Adopt-A-Family program alone serves over 650 people impacted by domestic violence. 

Thanksgiving Project

JBWS' Thanksgiving Project acknowledges that the holidays might look different for families impacted by domestic violence. In an attempt to restore some sense of normalcy for clients, JBWS distributes everything necessary for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. This includes fresh produce, non-perishable items, pies, and a choice of ham, pork shoulder, turkey, or a vegetarian option to help clients celebrate the holiday with foods representative of their culture. 

 

Thank you to our numerous community volunteers who made the 2023 Thanksgiving Project a success including: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, for helping us prepare for our Thanksgiving Project distribution, Dartcor Food Services for making Thanksgiving meals for our residential clients, as well as Interfaith Food Pantry, individual donors, and groups who all made this project possible! 

 

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Holiday Boutique 

Far too often, people impacted by domestic violence have experienced financial abuse in their relationship. They may have been forbidden to work, harassed at their place of employment, forbidden from advancing their career, or have had their abusive partner controlling their finances. This can make the holidays particularly difficult for families impacted by domestic violence because they may not have the funds necessary to purchase presents.

 

JBWS’ Holiday Boutique removes some of this financial hardship by enabling clients to get presents entirely free of charge. Upon entering the boutique, each client is encouraged to take numerous gifts for each of their children and themselves. Some of the possible options for presents include: educational games, home decor, sports equipment, clothing, jewelry, stuffed animals, cologne, puzzles, dolls, building blocks, self-care items, electronics, make up, and books for all ages.

Holiday Boutique
Holiday Boutique 2

“Thank you so much for the holiday gifts for me and my children.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated as well as your time and effort in picking the gifts.  You captured each of us so wonderfully. I am so truly grateful.  May you have a happy and healthy holiday season!”

 

-Client Testimonial 

I want to extend a special thank you to my shopper, who went above and beyond, allowing me to take my time and choose the things my family needed. Your genuine concern made a significant difference during what can be a challenging time for us. Reflecting on the growth and strength I've gained through JBWS, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Your support during a period of domestic violence provided a safe haven for me and my children.

-Client Testimonial 

The sense of love and care I experience every time I visit is a testament to the incredible impact JBWS has had on our lives. As the holiday season approaches, your contributions make a significant difference. The gift cards, financial assistance, and holiday provisions ensure that families like mine can still create special moments for our children, despite economic challenges. Your dedication to helping others shines through, and I am truly blessed to be a recipient of your generosity.

-Client Testimonial 

"As you know I just moved into my apartment and didn’t have much.  The gifts for me and my son were perfect.  I now have things to make my house feel like a home.  Happy Holidays.”

 

-Client Testimonial 

"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and generosity you have shown to myself and others at JBWS. On my recent visit, the staff's kindness and compassion were truly heartwarming. From the warm welcome at the front desk to the thoughtful assistance in selecting items, each interaction left me feeling cared for."

-Client Testimonial 

“No matter how many phrases and words I say to describe feelings of joy, I will not be able to describe what your gift added to us.  The gifts were more than wonderful.  Thank you very much for thinking of us and your continuous support.  Thank you for everything 🙏🏻🌹

 

-Client Testimonial 

"Dear giver who has opened their heart and pockets to give my kids a Christmas that I wouldn't be able to give them without your generosity. Thank you isn't enough, and I could never repay you for making this such an amazing time for my family. You are the true meaning of Christmas and my family and I are forever grateful. Blessings to you and your family. " 

 

-Client Testimonial 

“I just wanted to thank you for everything. My littles ones are going to have the best Christmas ever thanks to JBWS and the donors. Can you let the donors know that I’m extremely thankful for all of the amazing gifts they got my little babies and me. God bless JBWS and the donors.  Happy holidays. THANK YOU SO MUCH!”

 

-Client Testimonial 

“Hola, mil gracias por todo.  Todo estaba bello y mis ninos estan felices.  No le habria podido dar estas navidades sin ustedes."

 

-Client Testimonial 

Your unwavering support allows me to navigate through tough times with a sense of hope and joy.  Thank you for being the driving force behind the incredible work JBWS does. Your donations not only provide material support but also serve as a reminder that there is a community of caring individuals standing with me. 

-Client Testimonial 

Adopt-A-Family 

JBWS’ Adopt-A-Family program allows members of our community to shop for all our client’s needs this holiday season. From cookware items and bedding sets to bicycles and video games, JBWS’ Adopt-A-Family program ensures that our clients have everything they need for a peaceful holiday season.

 

In the words of a former client, “Christmas morning was full of excitement. The shelter family gathered to open presents. Santa had paid a surprise visit. The sounds of laughter were everywhere as children showed off their new toys and sported new clothes. The holiday spirit shone on my home. There would be peace on this day.”

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By The Numbers 

JBWS’ Holiday Project served more clients than ever before in 2023! During November, JBWS was able to provide Thanksgiving assistance to 179 non-residential families and 66 residential clients received Thanksgiving meals just before Thanksgiving Day.

 

Our Adopt-A-Family program benefited 247 clients this year, up from 198 in 2022, while our Holiday Boutique supported 655 clients, up from 559 in 2022. We also provided over $24,500 in gift cards to clients throughout the Holiday Project.

 

The extensive support provided through the Holiday Project would not be possible without the 930 service hours provided by more than 130 volunteers, the 39 staff that worked on the Holiday Project, and 85 donors that supported both the Holiday Boutique and Adopt-A-Family program.

Jbws holiday project

Thank You to Our 2023 Supporters! 

Mitena Prentoska, Actalent

Nancy McLindon, Angel’s Wings Foundation

Christine Ferguson, Atlantic Health - Chilton Medical Center

Diana LaFiura, Barre 3

Rosanna Oliviero, Becton Dickinson

Boonton Women’s Club

Susan Hansen Coughlin Midlige & Garland LLP

Lexi Beard Crestbridge

Mary Beth Donoghue, Day Pitney

David Graber, Dr. Graber Chiropractic Center

Paul Lewandowski, Dr. Lewandowski Chiropractic

Alisa Ferguson Ferguson Consulting Group & Friends International

Sophie Ferronato, Fortnightly Club of Summit

Kathleen Matrale, Green Village Volunteer Fire Dept Auxiliary

Ashley Bellucci, Guest Worldwide

Diane/Missy Cellar Hillsdale Park Presbyterian Church

Cathy Thompson, HNTB Corporation

Sammy Mendez, Ivy Rehab Center

Kathy McNall, Joyful Noise Daycare

Rebecca Zajos, Kessler Rehab

Monique Loh Kienlen Lattmann Sotheby’s International Realty

Kindness for Christopher

Josh O'Neill, Knights of Columbus Council 359 - Morristown

Kay Lang, Land's End

Erin Colquhoun Lee and Associates

Trish Russo, Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church School

Christine Zelinsky, Mary Kay

Janette DeSousa, McKesson

Deb Smith, Morris County Republican Club

Casey Slinger, Morris County Sheriff's Department

Morris County Superintendents

Joan Marie Goddard, Morris Plains Farmers Market

Jim Harrington, Morris Spine & Sport

 

Jamie Rough, Morristown Girl Scouts

Christine Heinicke, Morristown High School Needle Arts Club

John Nancey, Mt. Tabor Methodist Church

Kim and Chip Sgro, Nana's Gifts

Notre Dame of Mount Carmel

Tammy Baird, Park Avenue Club

Elizabeth Mejia, Parsippany Hills High School Student Council

Parsippany Police Dept & UPS

Shital Shanbhag Pharmacosmos Therapeutics

Anne Fields, Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township

Carol Gilbert, Presbyterian Church of Morristown

Joan Marie Goddard, Provident Bank

Lisa Holloway, Randolph High School

Anne Shulman, Riker Danzig LLP

Roxbury Social Services

Nicole Giglia, Seton Hall University

Ingrid Davidson, Sherman Atlas

Sr. Mary Ann Tracey, Sisters of Charity

Sons of Italy

Laura Nelson, St. Ann's Church

Jane Flynn, St. Virgil Rosary Society

Karen Rossilli-Kiefer, TeamPar & Selfless Elves

Debbie McCollough, Teva

Amy Villegas, The Hartford

Maribel Mohr, The Peck School

Adele DiBari, The Rippel Foundation

Sue Mistretta, Troopers United Foundation

Judi Ricucci, Unico

Janet Ryans, United Methodist Church – Mt. Tabor

Susan Perkins, Weichert Realtors of Chatham

Brigitte Winans, Weichert Realtors of Mt. Lakes

Karen DeChristopher, Women's Club of Parsippany & First Presbyterian of Rockaway

Katerina Lipat, Zimmer Biomet

Lisa Favata

Kathy Fehon

Dawn Gabriel

Kelley Kurtzman

Helen & Greg Le Frois

Judy Pescatore

Stacey Seligson

Amy Wiwi & Family

Melissa Flynn

Deanna Furino

Robin Giamarino

Liz Harper Operation Holiday

Cindy Homer Hearts of Watchung

Eileen Jankunis

Rita Karachun

Amy/Nicole Klug

Susan Kovaks

Kimberly/Jeff Lavecchia, BASF

Jenny Mayfield

Chelsea Nolan, MP Moms Connection

Tazha Perez, UBS

Megan Ramirez Bueso Blake Center

Pat and Randy Rossilli

Christine Symecko, Junior League of Morristown

Jennifer Tritto, Atlantic Health

Amy Villegas, Hartford Financial

Denise Wenoggle, Rotary Club of Morristown

Laura and Vanessa Randolph Mommy and Me

Erin Amaty, Wyndham Hotles & Resorts

Noel Briordy, Crum & Forster

Michelle Fabian, Deloitte

Christina Le, PwC Women in Leadership ERG

Jamie Molchan, Ernst & Young

Interfaith Food Pantry

Ann O’Keefe, O’Keefe Family

Kelly Paone, Verizon