Donations by ‘Mom Squad’ help maintain ‘hope in face of hardship’

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

EDISON — One of the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting and almsgiving — was evident in full force Feb. 25 at the Ozanam Family Shelter as an Edison-based mother’s group donated more than $2,000 in supplies Feb. 25 to the facility’s residents.

Cars, trucks and hand-pulled carts overflowing with bags of children’s toys, games, clothing, diapers, backpacks, books and other items rapidly filled the small parking lot of the shelter, operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM), on the frigid morning. Neetu Aneja, founder of the 300-member “Edison Mom Squad,” had learned of the Ozanam Shelter, proposed a donation of needed items, then urged her fellow mothers to donate newly purchased items from the list supplied by the shelter, according to Nicole Fernandez, service area director, Housing and Homeless Prevention.

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi presented the group with a proclamati`on of gratitude for their donation. “I heard about this and wanted to see it for myself,” he said. “It’s awesome to have moms come together like this for a noble cause. That’s what builds a community.”

Cynthia Bagner smiled as she saw the bounty carried into the shelter’s lunchroom. Now serving as the Ozanam Shelter’s resident attendant supervisor, she explained she had once lived in the facility about 23 years ago.

“There are currently 87 people here and we have a capacity of 102,” Bagner said. “This donation will bring the parents a lot of relief. These are things they won’t have to buy themselves.

“It’s like a family here, a safe environment. This is a blessing on both sides,” she added.

According to the CCDOM website, the Ozanam Family Shelter provides shelter for 16 single women and 26 families.

Services include temporary and emergency lodging, meals, physical and mental health assessments, crisis counseling, assistance with housing, employment and children's educational placement, case management and referrals. While living in the shelter, program residents work with case managers to improve their earning capacity and obtain permanent housing.

Fernandez also expressed gratitude for the donation, noting, “The Mom Squad’s moms understand how difficult it can be to be a new mom, have limited support or how it feels to have a bad day. As mothers, we want our children to not take on our burdens or stress. While at the shelter, it can be difficult for the children to fully comprehend what is happening.

“With these generous donations of toys, the children are able to take their minds off the stress or worry,” she concluded. “They are reminded of their worth and they feel valued. These types of donations can help maintain hope in the face of hardship.”

Ozanam Family Shelter is located at 89 Truman Drive in Edison, New Jersey. Middlesex County residents who are in need of temporary or emergency housing should call 211, the State’s Homeless Hotline.

For more information about Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. LIKE and visit Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways it help clients get the services and assistance they need.

Top right, some of the 87 residents of the Ozanam Family Shelter, Edison, which is operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, gather outside one of its buildings Feb. 25. Right, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, center, holds a proclamation of gratitude for the "Edison Mom Squad." The organization collected about $2,000 worth of peresonal care items and toys for the residents.

John Batkowski photos

Upcoming Catholic Charities Events

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen is hosting their first diaper distribution this April. Mark your calendars for this drive-thru event on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 from 4pm-6pm located at 288 Rues Ln, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Families will be receiving free diapers, children books, a new diaper bag and more. Register: https://bit.ly/CCDOMDiaperDistribution

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metchen invites you to support children and families by wearing Blue on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.