Hackensack churches plan to form non-profitLast updated: Friday November 25, 2011, 1:19 AM
BY MARK J. BONAMO
MANAGING EDITOR
Hackensack Chronicle
A consortium of Hackensack churches are planning to form a non-profit organization meant to address a range of social issues in the community.
According to Fr. Brian Laffler, pastor of the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Hackensack's 1st Ward, the new organization, which should be fully operational by February, was inspired by the CityServe event that occurred last summer.
The event, which took place in August in the space immediately surrounding the Marinello and Mellone Recreation Center, addressed the problems of drug and alcohol addiction in the city and gang violence. The CityServe event also offered guidance toward temporary and long-term solutions to these problems, as well as food donations, blood pressure screenings, and access to counseling and other social services.
Building on the success of the CityServe event, Laffler said that members of the churches involved will now form a non-profit organization under the same name to extend their outreach all year long.
"Our founding and primary principle will be how to serve Hackensack," said Laffler. "We want to raise awareness that there is help for people out there, and we want to continue out connections with the community."
The other churches involved with forming the new non-profit organization are The Summit Church, led by the Rev. Bill von Husen and the Rev. Gary Schmidt; The Gathering Church, led by Pastor Arthur Shadwick; and New Canaan Worship Center, led by Pastor Hernando Ruiz.
One immediate goal under discussion by the forming organization is a Christmas distribution of food and gifts; they will also begin planning for next summer's CityServe event.
"We have an entire dependence upon God," Laffler said with a smile. "We want to be of service to the city where we work and live."
To inquire about how to contribute to CityServe, call Laffler at 201-489-3286. For more information about CityServe, visit
www.cityserve.info.
Email: bonamo@northjersey.com
