Group Enthusiasm and Empowerment: The Core of NJ/PA Helping Hands
In order to do good, I believe it is essential to surround oneself with people who will empower and inspire you to be better. The people I have worked with at NJ/PA Helping Hands have been nothing short of talented, determined, and awe-inspiring, and I think working with the organization can fuel anybody’s passion for goodness.
My work with NJ/PA Helping Hands began on the sidelines, regularly hearing stories about the organization’s growth from one of the co-founders — and one of my good friends — Danica Bajaj. After a few months, I joined the team on outreach. At first, I assumed my commitment would be casual, helping to boost a social media post every once in a while and maybe making a few phone calls to partner organizations. However, after seeing the impact the organization was having on matches and volunteers alike, I knew I wanted to do everything I could to expand its reach.
In my first few weeks with the organization, I took on a team of driven individuals ready to spearhead all the different angles of the organization, whether that meant catering outreach to a specific program, managing social media, or broadly getting the word out. During our weekly check-ups, the team continually floors me with their progress and commitment. Their fervor only enhances my own and they remind me just how impactful a grassroots organization can be. Yet, the inspiration does not stop at outreach meetings.
At our administrative meetings, the founders and program leaders amaze me weekly with everything that they are able to accomplish. Each member of the team has their own special skill, that when combined, completes the perfect jigsaw puzzle. Our co-founders set the example of what each meeting and interaction should look like. Kyle’s insight into professional structure and effective leadership coupled with Danica’s persistent drive for team unity and grit pave the path to success. Joe, the head of our allyship program, comes to each meeting with a steadfast passion and big aspirations, constantly enhancing the organization’s longevity. Dylan and Erin, who joined the allyship team more recently, have already demonstrated the diligence necessary to manifest the allyship team’s big visions. Our virtual companionship team, led by Ruhi and Kunal, showcases the perfect balance between the rapid expansion of their program and the kindness and joy they bring to each meeting. Gursirat, whom I was fortunate enough to work with on outreach, shows wonderful reliability and engagement in all of her work with the tutoring program. Finally, the other outreach administrators, Maddie and Alex, continuously showcase their immense artistic talent and effervescence at every opportunity. Conclusively, each member of the NJ/PA Helping Hands administration has consistently shown me what it means to collaborate effectively and maximize impact.
The reason I ramble about all the amazing attributes of the team is that I have never worked alongside such a devoted, enthusiastic, or inspiring group of people, and I genuinely believe that NJ/PA Helping Hands’ success has relied on the strengths of each volunteer. The organization’s surefire expansion will be a reflection of each team member’s commitment. Our foundational volunteers, who I do not have the time to list individually, each exceed expectations on a daily basis. We have volunteers taking on outreach initiatives within their respective pillars or holding meetings with their congregations to spread our message. Everyone in our organization feeds off one another’s aspirations and hard-work, constantly pushing one another to do better than we did the week before. The group’s enthusiasm is central to why I so deeply enjoy working with NJ/PA Helping Hands, and I guarantee that anybody willing to join the cause will feel the radiance of that excitement from their first initiation meeting to each check-up meeting along the way.
If it is true that surrounding oneself with good people is central to becoming a better person, then I have become ten times the person I was when I started working with NJ/PA Helping Hands four months ago. While I would like to believe that I have helped the organization expand through press work, social media, and program input, I would be lying if I said the organization has not done much more for me than I could possibly do for it.
If you’re looking to get involved in your community, whether through our allyship, virtual companionship, tutoring, or outreach programs, do not hesitate. I promise you will not regret working with NJ/PA Helping Hands.
For more information or to sign up, you can go to njpahelpinghands.com or contact us at njpahelpinghands@gmail.com. You can also find us on social media @njpahelpinghands or on Twitter @njhelpinghands!
