2012Annual Report

2012 Annual Report Table of Contents1. Letter from Diane Taylor

2. Summary of Pass It Along

3. Board of Directors

4. Board of Advisors

5. Staff Members

6. AmeriCorps Members

7. 2012 Highlights

8. Our Program

9. Annual Events

10. Service in Action

11. Leadership & Youth Development

12. Discover Your Purpose & Passion

13. Compassion in Action

14. Hurricane Sandy

15. Profiles of Volunteerism

16. Program Picture Collage

17. Alumni

19. Community Partners

22. 2012 Financial Summary

23. Fundraising Events

25. 2013 Vision

“What is Pass It Along?”

Two simple words—thank you. They never seem to be enough…and these “thank you’s” are not just from me…Pass It Along is not one individual or one single project. Pass It Along is about young people discovering the power of giving back without any expecta-tions. Pass It Along is a sense of volunteerism taken to an entirely new level. It is love in action. Pass It Along is the future growing up right in front of our eyes…and the funny thing is every time one of these young adults takes that first step into volunteer-ism, they are the ones saying “thank you.” They appreciate the opportunity to be fully present to another person. Thank you for helping me learn how to hold someone’s heart with love and compassion and for offering me the opportunity to sit with a young child and guide them to a realization of the magnificent person that they truly are.

It’s also a thank you for helping me to realize and appreciate all that I have. A thanks for teaching me that there are so many people suffering without shelter, food, compan-ionship, and hope—who are in need of help that I can give them. Thank you for helping me understand that every man, woman and child deserves to be loved.

Thank you for helping me understand the gift that I bring to this world, and offering me the opportunity to share my talent, passion and love with another human being. And last, but certainly not least, for sharing with me that the best way to find myself is in serving others…and yes, while it is true that I thought I was just there to help someone else, I found that in doing so, my own life was changed forever.

From all of us at Pass It Along, thank you for making our lives complete; for sharing your time and talent. And finally, our appreciation for investing financially in our future. Through these actions you ensure that everyone we touch can some day say thank you to someone…anyone who helped make a difference in his or her life. We have been blessed with the ability to help one another and sometimes we only need one someone, somewhere to show us how. Thank you for supporting Pass It Along…in doing so, you’re an integral part of the answer to that persistent question: “What is Pass It Along?”

Yours in Gratitude and Love

Diane TaylorPresident & CEO

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Pass It Along is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in

the Northwest corner of New Jersey. For the last 11 years,

our mission has been to engage the youth throughout our

community in volunteerism and service to others. These

youth participants have the energy and motivation to

change our world for the better and Pass It Along pro-

vides the structure and guidance to enable that to happen.

The word “holistic” is defined as

“treatment of the whole person”

and this is the basis of our philoso-

phy for our youth program. Each

individual has much to give to

enrich their own life, the culture of

the community and to grow into the

best possible version of themselves.

Our signature workshop series, “Discover Your Pur-

pose & Passion” is a series of live altering presenta-

tions that immediately heightens a teen’s self-esteem,

self acceptance and personal connection to their larger

purpose in their life, community and the world. By

building teens up, they are better prepared to express

themselves with confidence, improve interpersonal

relationships and excel academically.

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can

sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

In 2012, Pass It Along volunteers served 19,587

hours, making total hours served since inception

171,273!

A key component to Pass It Along’s program involves service to

others. We implement an approach called service learning, which is a

teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful service with

instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach

civic responsibility and strengthen communities.

By extending learning beyond the

classroom, teens can apply their

knowledge to real life experiences.

They have the opportunity to address

the concerns, needs and hopes of their

community and feel satisfaction in

their participation and achievements.

Pass It Along has engaged thousands

of youth participants. We remain

committed to the youth , knowing that

a prosperous and healthy world will

depend on their civic commitment

and personal contributions.

A Brief Summary of Pass It AlongOur mission is to awaken, validate & nourish the innate desire to give back by mobilizing youth as

community partners.

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Dale Thatcher - Chairman of the BoardExecutive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Selective Insurance

I joined Pass It Along because I believe in the Mission and I believe that our future is born in the hearts and minds of young people.  If we can tap that resource by

helping them find their passion and purpose, the World will forever be changed for the better.  By being a part of that, I can give back in a more significant and tangible

way to the community.  The side benefit is that it keeps me young.

Diane Taylor - President & CEO of Pass it AlongMy belief is that we all have something incredibly significant to give in life. To be part of a Board whose mission is to help young people discover their pur-pose, and then to empower them in fulfilling their calling is truly an honor and has made a lasting imprint on my heart.  I have been part of many teams in my life, however, these players, in particular, are overwhelmingly kind-hearted, driven by all that is good and dedicated to helping the youth transform their lives through selfless service to others. I am inspired and have great admira-tion for each member of the Board.

Thomas Askin - Board Vice PresidentVice President of Enterprise Program Office at Lakeland Bank

A resilient program with outcomes benefiting a wide array of community needs is a treasure and a blessing for those served.  The same type of

program, but with the additional output of youth educated in service and commitment, is a program I hope to help nurture for its place within

the futures of my own children.

Louis Criscuoli - Board Secretary Owner of Louis Criscuoli Attorney at LawThe reason I serve on the Board of Pass It Along is because Diane makes me. I'm just kidding of course!  The original concept of Pass It Along was that each of us have talents we can "pass along" to others. As I am not a "hands on" type individual, I feel my contribution to the Board at PIA is both my legal background as well as my common sense approach to life condi-tions. I serve as I feel my contributions are helpful and because of the great Board members, staff and volunteers of PIA who make the effort well worth it.

Thomas Sutherland - Board Member, immediate past Board PresidentPresident of Sutherland Packaging

Pass It Along does the foundational work of transforming youth into community leaders.  It feels good supporting the lifeblood of our community, our future.

Paul Yost - Board Member CEO of Sutherland Packaging

These are the people who will eventually influence business, politics, and society.  Facilitating the personal discovery - for these influential people at an influential

point in their lives - of realizing and overcoming a dramatic need, will forever change the course of compassion and humanitarianism in this world.

James Furgeson - Board MemberVice President of Business Development & Corporate Strategy at The David Henry AgencyI initially joined Pass It Along because I was inspired by the passion and commitment of our executive director, Diane Taylor.   I was instantly drawn to the idea that we could help young people connect with unique and rewarding volunteer opportunities while learning the true meaning of giving back to our community.   Most of all I wanted to play a small part in creating a youth driven organization that would be available for my kids to be a part of as they grow in to young adults.   Pass it Along has changed my life and lives of so many…it is a blessing and honor to be a part of this amazing program.

Linda Schmidt - Board Member President of LC Schmidt Associates, LLC

Being part of the Pass It Along board is connecting with an incredible group of people – teen volunteers and teen leaders, fellow board members, Pass It Along staff and adult volunteers – all of whom are dedicated to making a dif-ference in this world. It is an honor to feel connected to the inspiring Pass It Along stories that are unfolding all the time. I believe strongly in the Mission of Pass it Along. The world becomes a better place as a result of every teen who develops greater compassion for their fellow humans and themselves,

and develops a lifetime habit of commitment to community service.

Timothy Jackson - Board MemberReverse Mortgage Specialist at Urban Financial GroupAt first I started to work with Pass it Along because I thought it was the "right thing to do".  Today, I serve on the Board for Pass It Along for selfish reasons.   Not only do I get the benefit of hands on interaction with a staff whose pres-ence lights up any room they walk into.   But serving with Pass it Along affords me the opportunity to receive through giving.   Not once have I walked away from a service project without a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

Robert Romano - Board Member Client Partner at Maritz

I believe in the mission of the organization and its original foundational belief that we all have some gifts to give. They can be our time, our talent or our

treasure.  I believe in the power of service, that helping others is a truly reward-ing experience that enriches the giver often times more than even the person

receiving the gift.  It’s critically important we pass along these values to others and especially our youth and that is why I serve on the Pass It Along Board, to

try and do my part to support giving back in some way.

Board of Directors

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Board of AdvisorsDr. Robert DeFalco - The Orthopedic ! Institute of New Jersey

I was honored to be asked to serve on the Pass It Along Board. Over the past few years, I've witnessed the outstanding work the organization accomplishes and welcome the chance to be a part of it. The organization's passion, led by Diane Taylor, is unmatched. Personally, I can think of very few actions as re-warding as assisting young people as they learn the value and importance of helping others.

Tom Senker-Chief Executive Officer and President of Atlantic Healthcare

I find the passion and enthusiasm surrounding Pass It Along which is clearly and firmly rooted in its leadership simply awesome. I am also appreciative of the straight forward and down to earth ap-proach that I sense as part of the underlying culture. My principle belief is that organizations such as Pass It Along are designed to achieve its lofty vision and mission. Focusing on youth in our com-munity, involving them in a process that empowers them and rein-forces their self-esteem is so vital and necessary. For several years, I’ve also been impressed in observing this robust organization and its supporters and remain confident that everyone “walks the talk”. It’s about learning, taking action and embracing change, but most importantly empowering our youth to prepare to live successful and productive lives driven by a sense of purpose and mindfulness.

New additions to our 2013Board of Directors

George Morville - Co-Chair President, Morville Agency

Tom Askin - Co-Chair Vice President, Lakeland Bank

Tim Allocca - President, Intercar Inc.

Mark Avondoglio - Vice President, Perona Farms

Burt Brazill - President, Brazill Brothers

Dennis Brazill-NY/NJ Sales Manager

Kimberly Burnett - VP Human Resources, Selective Insurance

Tom Caines - ClearVision Coaching

Paul Corcoran - McKinley Scientific

Bill Curcio - Executive Vice President, Eastern Propane

William DeGasperis - Atlantic Imaging

Chris Dexter - General Manager, Condit Toyota

Buffie Dobbs - Dobbs Creative Group

Chance Dobbs - Dobbs Creative Group

Ailish Hambel - Ailish’s Alpine Paint Centre

Tammy Horsefield - Sussex County Chamber of Commerce

Glenn Lewis -Dir. of Development, Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation

Patricia Maharajh - PNC Bank

John Mathews - Owner/Partner, Hinkley Auto

Mike McGuire - President, McGuire Chevrolet

Don Somma - Senior VP for Retail Operations, First Hope Bank

Mark Steele - CEO, Neo Strata

Rich Zeoli - Zeoli Communications4

Diane Taylor  - President & CEODiane is the Founder, President, & CEO of Pass It Along. She graduated with a BA in Psychology at Stockton State College. She taught physical education in ele-mentary schools and coached numerous varsity basketball teams, as well as coached JV and middle school basketball, softball,and soccer. She was the pro-gram director at a sports and fitness club and owned and managed a Tennis Academy.  She believes in living life to the fullest and daily seeks to help others reach their full potential. She aspires to serve with a deep humility & grace, to live a life filled with love & gratitude, and to grow daily in her faith. She believes that love is the way to a healed and more peaceful world and that every time we are with another human being we are offered an opportunity to share love and kindness. One of her favorite quotes is “Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same.”

Kelly Bonventre  - Director of ProgramsHaving served as a volunteer in different capacities since Pass It Along's inception, Kelly then joined Pass It Along to serve as a AmeriCorps member for two years. Kelly's heavy involvement in the program department, helping to develop new programs and expand existing ones led her to stay on in the position of Pro-gram Director. Kelly loves to work with our teen volunteers helping them to create programs of their own and also helping them to develop a love of service by helping others and in the process realizing the life they touch and change the most is their own.  Kelly thoroughly enjoys working with the different populations that we serve and is always looking to expand the program opportunities that Pass It Along offers.

Karen Yost - Director of Finance & Development Karen graduated from Newton High School and attended Lynn University in South Florida.   She has worked in the non-profit world for 18 years and handles Finance and Development for Pass It Along.   In addition to running PIA’s Fredon Animal Shelter program, she spends her free time in her large vegetable garden, the community garden and is a volunteer member of the Andover Green Team.

Eleanor Young  - Fundraising Coordinator Joining the Pass it Along staff in January 2012, Eleanor first began as lead volunteer in 2010 creating and directing the organization’s first triathlon event. This event has grown to be PIA’s biggest and most successful fundraiser attracting participants throughout the entire tri-state area.   Eleanor is a Rutgers University, School of Business graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She has 12 years combined experience in the fields of accounting, audit and tax. She is married, and raising two daughters in Sparta, New Jersey.

Staff

Maria Miley - Director of Marketing & Operations

Maria has worked at PIA for just over 6 years and started out as an AmeriCorps member for 2 years before joining the staff as a Program Director. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Operations. As an AmeriCorps member she had the privilege of serving one of those years side-by-side with her daughter who was also an AmeriCorps member with PIA. Her love of giving back and helping others has been a catalyst for creativity in marketing and outreach.

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AmeriCorps is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and was created under President Bill Clinton in 1993. The goal is to help others and meet critical needs in the community. A network of non-profit organizations throughout the country using federal grant funds implements the program. By 2012, over 80,000 AmeriCorps members assisted communities in the areas of education, public safety, health care and environmental protection. Pass It Along has utilized the help of AmeriCorps members since our earliest days. They have helped us achieve incredible advancement in our programs, filled the role of mentor to many of our teen participants, and have brought light and laugh-ter to each day they have serviced with us.

Patricia & Theresa Raffaela

Maren

Alyssa

Kailey

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Pass It Along was an Honoree in the 2012 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson

Awards. The Governor’s Jefferson Awards is frequently referred to as The Nobel

Peace Prize for Volunteerism and honors individuals or group volunteer efforts that

represent outstanding acts of public service.

Pass It Along was honored to be nominated and receive The New Jersey Governor’s

Jefferson Award for Volunteerism in the category of Youth Volunteer Group. Pass It

Along has engaged the youth in Sussex County in volunteerism for over a decade

and we were overjoyed to receive this prestigious award. Although we have never

looked for accolades, we were humbled to be recognized for our commitment to

engaging youth in service to the community.

Highlights from 2012

Due to the generosity of funders, Pass It Along was able to invest time and resources

into acquiring an online volunteer management software system. HandsOn Connect

has been transformational in allowing us to manage, track and report on people, pro-

grams and volunteer experiences. It is a comprehensive data management system

that facilitates volunteer registration and engagement, tracks hours and automates

reporting. Please visit our website, Passitalong.org, and register for a service event!

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Pass It Along has a multi-part approach to engaging youth in service learning and volunteerism. Volunteerism can be viewed simply as putting in some hours on a project for someone but we believe volunteerism can be explored to a much deeper level. Many of the most note-worthy civic activists throughout history have taught that to perform an act in the service to another is the greatest gift we have to offer. At Pass It Along, we believe that philosophy and incorporate it into our daily mission.

! Leadership & Youth Development:Pass it Along recognizes the value of leadership and the strength, confidence and responsibility it instills within our youth. We offer workshops on leadership skills which mobilize teens to connect to their peers, adults, and businesses both professionally and respect-fully. With opportunities to participate in a deeper level of service, youth can become advocates for positive change.

“One thing I know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Dr. Albert Schweitzer

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

! Self Discovery: Pass It Along does not only focus on volunteering, but also the power of growing as an individual through retreats, seminars, and work-shops. Staff and participants learn concepts that go beyond the action of serving and gain a sense of empowerment, gratitude and self-worth. Volunteers share their unique gifts with their community and can take these concepts with them wherever they go.

“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not

defer or neglect, as I shall not pass this way again.” - William Penn

! Service in Action: Pass It Along offers a variety of service opportunities that enable our volunteers to work in student to student mentoring, giving back to the environment, and nurturing different populations such as individuals with special needs, those who are homeless or hungry, sen-iors, and animals in need.  Before, during, and after each service experience, Pass It Along leaders thoroughly educate volunteers on the need being met during the project. Pass It Along stresses being mindful of the meaning and compassion behind each service experience.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank

The Program

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Annual EventsMartin Luther King Celebration of Service - This event is a celebration sharing Dr. King’s message of unity and service to all in need. This event is the highlight of a week of service projects in honor of Dr. King.Global Youth Service Day - This is the largest service event in the world. On this day millions of youth will come out and serve their community. Global Youth Service day has brought together more than 40 million people in thousands of communities world-wide.

Box City - An experiential event where teens learn about the homeless situation in Sussex County. Throughout the night teens participate in a panel dis-cussion with current and former homeless individuals, watch a movie about homelessness along with other activities. The night culminates with the teens sleep-ing outside in a cardboard box. This event is a partner-ship with Family Promise, the homeless intervention

agency in Sussex County.

Alternative Spring Break - Spend your Spring Break making a difference! Help clean up Swartswood State Park and get it ready for the summer season.

Serve-A-Thon-A day in which hundreds of volunteers of different ages and abilities come together to give back to their community. Service projects are located through-out Sussex, Morris, and Warren counties. The volunteers dedicate the entire day to giv-ing of themselves to the local churches, orphanages, state parks, and other nonprofit organizations. The night before the day of service there is a kick- off celebration with food, music, dancing, and rejoicing in the day ahead. Areas of service include painting, landscaping, cooking, yard work, and many other projects. We were pleased to partner with The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey for this event.

Youth Conference - This event is planned by the mem-bers of the Youth Council and attended by area high school students who learn about service and the issues affecting their community. Each school sends a delega-tion of students representing their school. Students learn about volunteering from an inspirational speaker and participate in onsite service projects as well as team build-ing activities.

Make a Difference Day -As part of the national "Make a Difference Day", Pass It Along recruits volunteers to engage in community service projects to help those in need in our local communities. Past projects have included volunteers helping local home-bound senior citizens with yard cleanups.

Family Volunteer Day -This is a day for families of all sizes and ages to come together to help families in need in their community. Projects are planned that help families for Thanks-giving and the upcoming holiday season. We were pleased to partner with our friends at Stop & Shop for this event.

Note in a Coat-Collection and distribution of coats to those in need. Notes of inspiration are written and placed into the pocket of each coat that is collected through the coat drive and then distributed during the Holidays Around the County toy shop held in December.

Toy Drive -New toys are collected throughout the tri-county area for families in need. All items collected will be distributed during the Holidays Around the County toy shop held in December.

Holiday Toy Shop - A Toy Shop created by Pass It Along that is open to families in need throughout the Sussex County area, providing gifts for children and gen-tly used coats and holiday items for the entire family. In addition, families are given a tray of home baked cook-ies and wrapping paper. Pass It Along partners with Pro-ject Self-Sufficiency for this program.

Christmas in the City - An annual event in which toys are collected and distributed to inner city children through the House of Mercy Mission in Newark. Volunteers bring toys directly into the classrooms of children, along with a cupcake and juice box. All toys, juice boxes and cupcakes are donated by both private and corporate dona-tions.

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Service in ActionSTUDENT TO STUDENT MENTORING

Girl Power - A student-to-student mentoring program that pairs middle school girls with high school girls who serve as mentors. Meetings are held after school, during which the high school leaders conduct valuable lessons that address issues middle school girls face every day. This helps to build self-esteem, learn the importance of community service & most importantly, benefit from a valuable relationship with a high school mentor.

Jack’s Kids - Created & implemented by a teen volunteer. After becoming aware that there was no after school programs designed to meet the needs of children on the Au-tism spectrum, Jack created a program that would allow these children to engage in fun activities with their peers & teen volunteers.

KEEP Mentoring - Mentor to, play games with, do arts and crafts projects & pro-vide homework help for elementary age school who are enrolled in the Kids Education Enrichment after school program.

Tilly's Kids - This is a very special group of children aged 4-12 that come to us from the House of Mercy Mission in Newark, NJ. Our Tilly's Kids programs are designed to give one-on-one attention to these at risk youth, develop self-resiliency skills and pro-mote positive self-esteem.

• Tilly's Kids at Swartswood State Park - This program meets Wednesdays in the month of July from 10:30am - 3pm and is designed to offer a fun in the sun relax-ing day at a state park. Recreational activities, swimming and lunch are enjoyed by Pass It Along teen volunteers and Tilly's Kids participants.

• Tilly's Kids Byram Day Camp - This program is designed to provide environ-mental education and awareness and meets on Thursdays and Fridays in July from 10:30am - 2:30pm.

• Tilly's Kids School Year Program - Groups and organizations are invited to host Tilly's Kids one Saturday a month at various locations. Activities are structured around seasonal events such as attending a high school football or basketball game, celebrating a holiday such as Valentine's Day or hosting an Easter egg hunt or arranging an apple picking excursion.

The Nature Conservancy Program - Pass It Along is pleased to partner with The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organization that works around the world to protect ecologically important lands and wa-ters for nature and people.

Hardyston Charitable Garden - Located next to the Hardyston Municipal building, this

community garden is supported by volunteer workers from Pass It Along, the YMCA, and Partners for Social Services. This com-munity Garden consists of eight raised beds that hold a variety of vegetables that are grown organically and two ground beds that consist of larger varieties of vegeta-bles that are also grown organically. All produce is donated to local food pantries to support families in need.

Andover Community Garden - The garden is a collaborative effort between Pass It Along’s youth volunteers, Sustainable Andover, and the Sunset Vista Community Garden & Learning Center. The goal is to earn credits for Andover Township’s certifi-cation through the state-wide initiative to make New Jersey a leader in environmental awareness and action-oriented sustainability. Our garden plot is 15 x 60 feet and all fresh, organic vegetables are given to the nearby Bodhi Monestary’s food pantry to pro-vide nourishing meals to our immediate neighbors in need.

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LEADERSHIP AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Service Corps - Service Corps is a group of teenage volunteers who are commit-ted to serving at a deeper level for the entire school year. This special group of teens goes through an interview process at the beginning of the year so that every one in the group is on the same page as to what Service Corps means. As a group, we aim to meet twice a month; the first meeting of the month is educational and provides some type of lesson or guest speaker on a need in our community such as homelessness, hunger, tolerance, kindness, etc. The second meeting of the month is a service project related to the theme from the meeting before. Volun-teers are able to tell us what they are interested in learning about, and then as a group they come together to give compassion and love to the issues they have chosen. Service Corps is an amazing opportunity for sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school to experience first hand what is going on around us and to change the world together!

Youth Board - A competitive program that allows high school students to not only intern, but become a vital part of the Pass It Along staff. Focusing on market-ing, fundraising, or programming, members get a chance to become part of a non-profit professionally and learn its’ inner workings. This offers teens a chance to give their input to every day operations at Pass It Along and enhance all pro-gramming efforts.

High School Chapter - Meetings are held once a month at all schools that par-ticipate in Pass It Along volunteer opportunities. At each meeting a monthly cal-endar is distributed which helps keep teens updated on what programs are avail-able for that month.

Presentation Bootcamp - This workshop on leadership skills mobilize teens to connect to their peers, adults, and businesses both professionally and respectfully. This pro-gram is offered several times a year where participants learn public speaking skills and how to convey their mes-sage concisely.

Pass It Along Interns - Looking to become an important part of Pass It Along and learn more about professional non-profit work? If so, Pass It Along has in-ternships available! Join our wacky and fun staff to grow both professionally and personally, by offering your input to make PIA work best. Office interns are re-quired to serve at least 5 hours a week in the office fulfilling office tasks, planning events, or publicizing programming. Interns also have the opportunity to bring their own ideas to PIA and work with staff to bring those ideas to life.

2012 Interns

Ian Sutherland rockin’ the mic at the Pass It Along Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Steve D’AngeliEnvironmental Intern

Ryan FouldsAmericorp

Bonner Scholar

Carly TaylorSocial Work

Ruthlee BonventreMarketing Intern

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! Discover Your Purpose and Passion is a life altering workshop series that immediately heightens a teen’s self-esteem, self-acceptance, and personal connection to their larger purpose in their life, community and the world. The program helps teens to build lifelong skills and identify their strengths and personal assets. By guiding teens through a program of self-discovery, they will be less inclined to participate in bullying, substance abuse and acts of violence and self-harm. Teens with an unshakable sense of self will not only be better able to place a high value on what they bring to the community and the world, but will be better able to identify the value that others bring.

! The Discover Your Purpose & Passion program is a guided approach that helps each individual look inward to assess what their core motivators are. Based on the direct interactive experience we have had with hundreds of teens for over 11 years, our program is specifically designed to help each person identify and celebrate their uniqueness and personal gifts, realize that their life has purpose, and they can be optimistic about the future. ! The program workshops are divided into eight themes and requires students to contemplate thought provoking questions such as “What do you like about yourself?” or “What do you like about the people around you?” Although simple in nature, many teens have not considered these questions and frequently have difficulty determining an answer. This process helps each individual realize they are valued and admired, promoting greater self-confidence and more positive social interactions. !

Discover Your Purpose and Passion

Kurt Walton, Vice Principal of Newton High School said: ! ! “I have been fortunate to be involved with Pass It Along because it has not only provided a new purpose for many of our students but for myself personally and professionally.   I am a passionate per-son and have always tried to follow what my grandpa said: "everyday earn your nickel".   However over the years I had lost some of that purpose and passion.   Luckily, Pass it Along this year  introduced to the Newton High School student body   their exciting program called: Discover your Purpose and Passion.   Wow, what a change in myself and  many of our students.   I have seen many students become excited about themselves in a way that is true and personal.   For example, I sat with a student who in January "did not care anymore" but because we could talk about a purpose and passion, she had a new found de-sire to turn herself completely around and ended up passing all of her classes and earning her first var-sity letter in track.   Discovering your Purpose and Passion has been an awesome addition at our school and with over 45 students involved, we anticipate continued growth in numbers and improvement in  an already exciting educational environment.   It has, in my mind, also been instrumental in lowering our incidents of harassment/intimidation/bullying by creating an environment that is nurturing, trustworthy and   supportive.” �

PlayfulnessSelf AwarenessMindfulness

Relationships GratitudeService Stepping Into Your GreatnessBody in Balance 12

COMPASSION IN ACTION

Adopt a Grandparent - Volunteers are needed to play bingo, board games and celebrate holiday festivities and parties with the seniors residing in Knoll View

Assisted Living Facility in Sparta.

Ben's Bells - This program was founded to honor the memory of Ben Mare who passed away at the age of 3 from a sudden illness. Ben's Bells symbolize kindness and its power in healing with the hope that they will touch others lives and will help make our community a more gentle place to live. Annually hundreds of the Bells are assembled and distributed randomly throughout the community to encourage kind-ness. Volunteers are needed to make and paint the clay beads that will become these beautiful ceramic wind chimes.

ConKerr Cancer - Help make hospital stays as pleasant as possible for chronically ill children. Join us in this program that is designed to brighten the lives of sick chil-dren in hospitals by providing homemade pillowcases. Making pillowcases is easy, re-warding and can help to have a positive impact on a child, helping to brighten their hospital stay.

Cooking for Interfaith - Volunteers are needed to help prepare, cook, and serve meals for individuals and families who are in a transitional homeless situation. Volun-teers will also provide social interaction and homework assistance to children in the program.

Cooking with a Mission - Volunteers are needed to prepare a bag lunch at the House of Mercy Mission Soup Kitchen in Newark, NJ. Typically over 140 meals are distributed to those in need.

Fredon Animal Shelter - Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, care for and social-ize cats in an effort to help them get ready for adoption at this no kill shelter.

Habitat for Humanity - Pass It Along is happy to partner with Habitat for Hu-manity, a people-to-people partnership drawing families and community together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing for people in need.

Knit & Crochet for a Cause - Join other PIA teens and adult volunteers in this unique and fun program that was started by one of our youth volunteers 3 years ago. No knitting or crocheting knowledge or experience required, lessons are given free of charge. Just bring your crocheting or knitting needles with you, yarn is supplied. All knitted items such as blankets, hats, scarves and gloves are donated to families and individuals in need.

Life Skills Classes at Birth Haven - Volunteers are needed to teach vari-ous life skills to homeless pregnant women and girls residing at this shelter that is designed to provide a nurturing environment in which to carry an unex-pected pregnancy to term. Instructors are needed to provide education in the following areas: Baby food preparation, basic automobile care, financial skills and budgeting, using credit cards wisely and basic sewing skills. Instructors are also invited to provide education and tools in any other areas necessary for the participants to achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Pet Therapy - Volunteers bring their well-behaved pet to the Homestead Nurs-ing Home the last Wednesday of each month. The seniors are thrilled to meet and interact with the pets and their owners.

SCARC Art - Volunteers guide & assist developmentally disabled individuals on art projects. No artistic ability required to volunteer here, just the desire to have fun and help. Great social interaction for everyone involved!

Watercolor created by SCARC art participant.

SCARC Bowling - Volunteers assist mentally & physically challenged adults in a weekly bowling program on Saturdays at Sparta Lanes. No bowl-ing expertise required. Volunteers provide physical assistance & social inter-action to the bowlers participating in this Special Olympic training and quali-fying program.

SCARC Softball - Volunteers assist mentally & physically challenged adults in a weekly softball program at Newton High School. No softball expertise re-quired, just the desire to have fun and help.

Talents & Treats - A fun filled evening for senior citizens and our youth volun-teers. This program meets monthly at Knoll View Assisted Living Facility in Sparta. Youth volunteers share their talents and enjoy dessert with the seniors in attendance.

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Hurricane SandyHurricane Sandy was a super-storm that devas-tated portions of the Carib-bean, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern United States. The storm made landfall on October 29th in New Jersey at the same time it merged with a large frontal system. Numerous precautions were advised and full evacuation was rec-ommended for the barrier islands. The storm created wide-scale power outages,

downed trees and extensive property damage. It became the costliest Atlantic storm second only to Hurricane Katrina.

Power was lost at the Pass It Along office for over two weeks, but staff worked as best they could, gathering in darkened living rooms to coordinate a volunteer action plan to help. Within one week of the storm, we were able to begin mobilizing 176 volunteers and perform 561 hours of volunteer service. We immediately coordinated a $20,000 supply disbursement directly into the hands of people most in need living in shelters near the shore. Several trips were made to shore homes to assist in clean outs and salvage efforts. We were able to arrange food, coat and supply donations that were given to distribution centers in the communities most gravely impacted.

Within a few short weeks, volunteers were asked to stop home clean-out projects. Danger-ous mold had become a critical health concern and now needed to be addressed by con-tractors and skilled workers. Pass It Along temporarily suspended volunteer efforts but we are determined to continue to help. We have collaborated with numerous other non-profit organizations and have scheduled shore cleanups for the spring and summer of 2013.

Brazill Brothers, Inc, a long time sponsor of Pass It Along, has partnered with us to facilitate the collection, transportation and distribution of donated goods. They have also signed on to be the corporate sponsor of all 2013 recovery efforts.

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Profiles of Volunteerism

Ashley Darnsteadt

Aidan Garrison

Jonathan Newfield

I have had a positive experience through volunteering with Pass It Along. I was 11 years old when I started volunteering with my mom and sister in a program called Cooking with a Mission in Newark. I have seen how over the years the need has grown for this program, and have been a faithful volunteer every month for the past six years. My favorite program, aside from Cooking with a Mission, would include Tilly’s Kid’s Summer Camp. There are many things that I had taken for granted throughout my childhood, which the kids from this inner city program generally never get to experience. They are very attentive about learn-ing about nature and teaching them lifesaving skills such as swimming; being a lifelong asset. I have also enjoyed volunteering for many years with the SCARC Bowling program. Those who participate with disabilities, truly enjoy and benefit from the program and the interaction with the teens. Working with Pass It Along, and attending Cooking with a Mission, has changed my perception of life. Through volunteering, I have experienced the difference between the wants in life and the needs. And the funny thing is, I feel like I have received so much more than I have given. We all have gifts and talents we can share with those less fortunate and Pass It Along has been the perfect avenue to make that happen.

I wanted to get involved with “Talents and Treats” because I wanted to bring music and entertainment to people who were not able to get out and go to concerts with ease; it also seemed like a good performance opportunity. As it turns out, I have gone from being a little bit shy to loving being in front of a crowd!

I like participating in “Talents and Treats” because the Knoll View residents really enjoy hearing us perform and look forward to our visits. It also is a good opportunity for young artists to show off their abilities to an appreciative audience without too much pressure.

About three years ago my life drastically changed. I found new friends that have practically become family and people who I have become very fond of. Three years ago, I was introduced to SCARC and Pass it Along. Without these two organizations I definitely would not be the happy, funny kid I am today. Volunteering for Pass It Along gives me the opportunity to help the people in SCARC with bowling, basketball and art. I have made many good friends. David, the man who has one of the best memories I have ever seen, Ed, one of the nicest men I have ever talked to and Andrew, a fantastic bowler, are just a few. Meeting these people has made my life, without a doubt, happier. Without Ed’s weekly handshake, and David’s bright smile, I would not have anything to do on my Saturdays. Now, I have something to look forward to. I wish my time volunteering would last longer. These past three years have made me happier than I think I will ever be. I hope to con-tinue this and eventually volunteer for new things. (Jonathan with friend Andrew at SCARC Bowling)

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Where in the are they?My name is Erica Roberts and I volunteered with Pass It Along while in high school. I am now a nineteen year old student at Northeastern University. I just completed my first year of college, and as part of a study abroad program I was accepted to travel to Indonesia for five weeks this past May. As an International Affairs major I knew it would be important to begin seeing the world as soon as I could, and North-eastern’s program in Bali on poverty and development was just what I was looking for. Three out of the five weeks we spent in Bali were devoted to researching and de-veloping our own NGO’s and social businesses, a task that seemed impossible upon first arriving in Bali. My peers and I were nervous to be in a country where we didn’t speak the language, but luckily we weren’t alone in creating our organizations. We worked with Balinese students at Ganeseha University for the three weeks, and learned a lot about over-coming language barriers and cul-tural differences.

While there are many social and developmental issues in Bali, my group decided to focus on the prob-lem of junior high school kids hav-ing to miss school in order to work. The main reason we found for stu-dents missing school to work was that the money they were earning was the only way they could afford attending school in the first place, creating a vi-cious cycle of lower quality education and struggling to pay for that education. We decided to create an NGO called Muda Bina Usaha, or Rising Young Entrepreneurs, whose vision is to see the day where no child has to make a choice between earning money and receiving an education. With that vision in mind, our organization’s goal is to enrich the lives of junior high school students who must work to fund their edu-cations. By providing youth with the mentorship and means to create and maintain a small business, we empower students to learn how to financially support their aca-demic ventures. In other words, our organization aims to teach junior high school students how to start and run their own small businesses at school so that they do not have to sacrifice school for work.

Erica Roberts-From Sparta to IndonesiaMany Pass It Along participants have gone on to serve throughout the world. We are incredibly proud of their dedication to service and improving the lives of others in need. From teaching, building water wells, storm recov-ery and administering community impact grants, our alumni now have a positive impact on a global scale.

Christie Lee is a student at the University of Scran-ton and participated in a school service program at

an orphanage in Mexico City. Christie filled the role as mentor, tutor and friend to young children in desperate need of adult care givers and role models. Christie deepened the experience by sharing her love of dance with the children by teaching a Zumba class each day. Although there was a bit of a language barrier, the universal language of love, friendship, laughter and dance was understood by all.

Christie Lee also earned a 2 year position on the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.  As one of only 24 members selected nationally, Christie Lee and her colleagues administer $5 million in commu-

nity funding to promote youth activism and civic engagement. Impact areas include social health and wellness, financial literacy, environmental responsibility, community safety and access to higher education.

Christie Lee Taylor-From Sparta to Mexico City

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I first began volunteering with Pass It Along in high school as a regular participant in all of the programs Pass It Along had to of-fer. I loved every minute of my time that was spent volunteering, but I anticipated the day I could serve in a more dedicated role. My senior year of high school I was accepted as an AmeriCorps

member with Pass It Along, and served in this position for one year. My time as an AmeriCorps taught me many things but most importantly, my time with Pass It Along really solidified my passion for volunteer-ism and helped me understand the difference one person or a group of dedicated people can make. But my passion for volunteering did not stop after I graduated from high school and moved to Washington D.C. for college, far away from where I could actively volunteer with Pass It Along.

Upon early graduation from college in December 2011, I did not take the traditional route of finding an entry level job, getting an apartment, and “settling down” into life, as so many of my peers have done. I knew that for me, the path looked a little different, a little crazier, and a lot more focused on finding “my gift” and “giving it away,” as my favorite quote says. Since December I have been working as a World Teach Volunteer English teacher in Colombia, South America.

My new job as a 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade English teacher has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and so often I think about how Pass It Along guided me to this destination, recognized my “gifts” and taught me how to use them to better the lives of others. I don’t know where life will take me after this year of teaching, but I do know that no matter where I go, Pass It Along will always be close to my heart, for more reasons than I can ever explain.

Tasha Miley-From Vernon to Columbia

Throughout middle school and high school, I volunteered with Pass It Along and absolutely fell in love with it. I truly had so much fun dur-ing every program I did and felt so much love and meaning. During college, I tried to do what I could but I kind of got away from it, as it goes. After I graduated from college, somehow the universe brought me back to Pass It Along so naturally and it has changed my life. I really feel I was meant to come back and work with Pass It Along on a deeper level. I have found that Pass It Along and the beautiful things it offers is healing, humbling, and calming. Being an AmeriCorps mem-ber has exposed me to many different types of service and people, all of which have posi-tively changed the way I think and feel about myself and others. Pass It Along has taught me to be present and intentional not only in mo-ments of service, but during every single interaction of my day. Every conversation, whether it be with your dearest friend or a stranger while getting a coffee or a per-son you are serving, is a chance to give love and kindness and peace. You never know where someone is coming from, and if there is a real and significant reason for why you are exactly where you are at any given moment. There are many places that offer wonderful and mean-ingful volunteer experiences but for me there has been nothing as spe-cial and as beautiful as Pass It Along.

Raffaela Bonventre-From Sparta to serving locally

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Ginnie’s House

House of Mercy Mission

Knoll Heights

Knoll View

Homestead Nursing Home

Bristol Glen

SCARC

Katie’s House

The Nature Conservancy

YMCA of Sussex County

Sunrise House

Keep Kid’s Safe

Swartswood State Park

Sussex County Social Services

DASI-Domestic Abuse Services

NORWESCAP

Project Self Sufficiency

Samaritan Inn

Partnership for Social Change

Post House

Center for Prevention and Counseling

Habitat for Humanity

United Way of Northern New Jersey

Family Promise

K.E.E.P

Meals on Wheels

Ben’s Bells

Manna House

Fredon Animal Shelter

Jersey CARES

Liberty Towers

Birth Haven

Sunset Vista Community Garden

Tilly’s Kids

ConKerr Cancer

Hardyston Township Charity Garden

Birth Haven

Our teen volunteers have varying

areas of compassion interest

regarding their service to others.

In order to facilitate as many volun-

teer opportunities as possible, we

partner with other non-profit

organizations to help meet the

needs throughout the community.

Our Non-Profit Community Partners

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Corporate Sponsors & Donors

Brazill Brothers, Inc.

Selective Insurance Group

Newton Medical Center

BJ’s Charitable Foundation

The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey

United Way of Northern New Jersey

The Steven D. Kienitz Family Foundation

Stop and Shop

Lakeland Bank

John & Margaret Post Foundation

State Farm

Hands On Network

First Hope Bank

Eastern Propane

JLH Holdings

Nicholas Pascarella

Sutherland Packaging

ThorLabs

Pine Cone Chiropractic

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Medco Health Solutions

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Robert Half International

Walmart of Franklin

Wells Fargo

Best Buy of Rockaway

Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance

School Partners

Lenape Valley Regional HS

Hopatcong HS

Veritas Academy

Franklin Elementary School

Wallkill HS

Newton HS

Sparta HS

Pope John HS

High Point HS

Vernon HS

Sussex County Technical School

Sparta Middle School

Alpine School

Church PartnersBlessed Kateri

Our Lady of the Lake Church

Sparta Presbyterian Church

Sparta United Methodist Church

Shepherd of the Hills Church

St. Mary’s Church

Christian Faith Fellowship Church

First Presbyterian Church of Sussex

Newton Presbyterian church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Vernon

St Thomas Church of Ogdensburg

Sussex Christian Reform Church

Mendham Hills Community Church

House of Mercy Mission

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Community Partners (cont.)

WSUS & WNNJ Radio

NJ Herald

Strauss News

Dobbs Creative Group

The Fieldhouse in Sparta

J.Thomas Jewelers

Eastern Propane

Lake Mohawk Country Club

Farmstead Golf & Country Club

Mount Freedom Printing

The Leo Companies

John Carafello

AA-1 Self Storage

Weis Markets of Franklin & Newton

Walmart of Franklin & Newton

Pizza Bistro

Sparta Friends & Neighbors

Sussex Technical School Bake Shop

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub

Human Services Advisory Council

Council of Social Services Agencies

Photographer

A huge thanks to Dennis Bivona for capturing all of our events in

pictures!

Circle of Hope Members

The Holovacs Family

The Romano Family

The Taylor Family

The Bonventre Family

The Zanetich Family

The DeGasperis Family

The Hull Family

The McDonough Family

The Nagel Family

The Parsons Family

The Steele Family

The Sullivan Family

The Treinen Family

The Lynch Family

The Pinaha Family

The Furgeson Family

The Hambel Family

The Mauriello Family

Community Partners

Dykstra Associates PC

Gabriel Perry

Little J’s Healthy Cafe & Juice Bar

Pine Cone Chiropractic

Sussex Bike & Sport Shop

Sussex County YMCA

Trellis

Sheridan’s Restaurant & Tavern

Dunkin Donuts of Sparta

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2012 Financial Summary In December 2012, Pass It Along celebrated 11 years of promoting youth volunteerism. Delivering quality programs is our top priority and we try to do it while keeping non-program costs as low as possible. We consider every dollar that is donated to us an investment in our mission from our community. We pledge to be exemplary stewards of those investments and be mindful of expenses, especially general and administrative costs, which in 2012 were only 6% of total costs.

In 2012 revenue from all sources totaled $545,005. A large portion of our Gift in Kind revenue is generated during the holi-day season. We coordinate large scale community food, clothing and coat drives that result in significant contributions to our programs.

* Federally funded Americorp Program $18,832

* Corporate Donations & Grants $154,242

* Gifts In Kind $228,290

* Individual Donations $37,561

* Fundraising $106,080

Our expenses totaled $567,002. The difference was compen-sated for by surpluses from previous years.

3%

28%

42%

7%

19%

AmeriCorpsCorporate Donations/GrantsGifts in KindIndividual DonationsFundraising

INCOME

16%

6%

79%FundraisingGeneral & AdministrativeProgram

EXPENSES

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Fundraising & FriendraisingPass It Along’s fundraisers have become events that many people look forward to. Our Dodge the Ball Battle always sells out and the Triathlon brings over 400 local athletes together for a great day of competition and fun. In addition to raising funds to sup-port our programs, we look to make connections with people throughout the community. We want people to know who we are, what we do and what we hope to achieve. Promoting relationships and partnerships help create a strong community. And then we want those people to VOLUNTEER to make it even better!

The 10th Annual Pass It Along Concert - For a solid decade, our great friend and local musician Patrick Fitzsimmons has dedicated his time and talent to our annual concert. He gathers other local talented musicians as well as aspiring teens to perform.

Dodge the Ball Battle - Each year The Fieldhouse in Sparta donates their indoor facility for 30-32 teams to vie for the title of Dodgeball Champions. It is a great way for the teens to meet new people and learn what Pass It Along is all about!

Frisbee Tournament - Pass It Along was proud to partner with a former volunteer for this memorial event. Steven Malipiedi, now a student at Penn State University, organized a Frisbee tournament in memory of two high school friends that had passed away. We helped him organize the event and he donated a portion of the proceeds to support Pass It Along programs.

The 3rd Annual Triathlon has become a fantastic fundraising event for Pass It Along and a great day for the community to interact. Over 400 athletes compete in the .5 mile swim, 13 mile bike and 3.1 mile run event, all around scenic Lake Mohawk. Newton Medical Center has been our presenting sponsor for the past three years and has signed on again for Triathlon 2013!

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Bike Tour - Since our Triathlon has been so successful, we decided to try a new athletic event in 2012. Sponsored by First Hope Bank, the 1st Annual Bike Tour was held in September just as the fall foliage was beginning to change. The weather was perfect and bikers had the option of riding 12, 24 or 54 miles. It was a great day!

Golf Outing - The annual golf outing is a great day for all of our corporate friends to get to know each other. It was another picture perfect weather day at The Farmstead Golf Course and we had some lovely auction items. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Lakeland Bank.

Circle of Hope - Pass It Along has a group of donors that give a monetary donation on a monthly basis. It is automated through Paypal, budget friendly and completely safe.

Annual Holiday Campaign - Perhaps you received a mailer from us in December. Each holiday season, we send approximately 2800 donation solicitations out to our funder base and received amazingly generous responses.

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2013 VisionDale ThatcherChairman of the BoardI joined the Board of Pass It Along four years ago. I was drawn by the mission of helping teens and I was drawn by the boundless enthusiasm of our President and Founder, Diane Taylor. I have been incredibly fortunate in my life and I wanted to find a way to give back. What I didn’t realize, but the teens of Pass It Along know so well, is that I would receive so much more than I have ever given as part of Pass It Along. I learn about the World, I learn about myself and I find that I am a bet-ter person because of it. This is what the teen volunteers learn over the course of their journey. Many discover their pur-pose and passion and are changed forever, but all of them discover a World outside themselves. They all learn about giving, about volunteering, and in an age of extreme materialism they in at least a small way learn what it means to want. They learn that a single person can make a difference. Above all else, Pass It Along is a learning organization and a teaching organization. The financial sup-port our donors give does so much more than make a one-time improvement in the World – it sets in motion a lifetime of learning and giving and think-ing of others in the youth of our community. It may seem cliché, but it is truly like ripples on the pond that stretch off to the horizon. It is difficult to measure the full effect of our mission, but we are energized by the positive change our teens make. As an organization we recognize the boundless enthusi-asm of our youth that only lacks a little focus and direction. By providing a gentle touch of guidance, we find it amazing what our young volunteers can ac-complish – most often based on their own ideas. We provide a little help and a little guidance, then get out of the way and stare in wonder. This is what is at the very core of Pass It Along – helping to develop the thoughtful, compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for supporting our efforts and thank you for continuing the journey with us. The possibilities are endless when you tap into the energy of youth.

The success of the future is built by the progress of the past, with the passion to improve, promote and build on everything we have done. The Chal-lenge…… simply to continue to offer an opportunity to our leaders of tomorrow, the experience of our leaders and mentors of the past and present. Origi-nally those leaders were the community minded “grownups” who shared their vision, philanthropy and experience to any and all who were willing to listen. As community service and “giving back” has become more of society’s requirements, our new leaders are those who have gone through the Pass it Along project and are so willing to share what they have learned. Peer type leadership spreads the good word and great work of any organization, and this holds true with this incredible group of young adults looking for the answers.

Finances will be always be in the fore front of continuing to improve on any youth activity, but it does not have to be the driving force. Teaching our “re-placements” the value of a smile, the value of hope and the ability to share with others their story, unabridged, unchanged & straight from the heart. How many lives will they touch, how many will they change……….. We may never know those answers but we do know the importance it will have in their life. “LIFE” continues to remain the only time that “first you take the test & then you learn the lesson.” PASS IT ALONG continues to test those life’s lessons and strives to get straight A’s. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization and with your support we look forward to our continued success and growth!

George MorvilleAdvisory Board Chairman

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Pass It Along works to engage the youth throughout our community in volunteerism and service. Although all are welcome, our focus on the

youth helps to teach responsibility, promote a legacy of civic engagement and strengths our community. Thank you for participating in our

mission!

Pass It Along, Inc.

60 Blue Heron Road, Suite 100

Sparta, NJ 07871

973-726-9777 / Fax 973-726-9715

Passitalong.org

EIN 80-0018706

Our great friends at Mount Freedom Printing also do great print work for us!

Please visit them at mountfreedomprinting.com or call 973-933-2700 for your printing needs.

Graphic Design contributions by Mackenzie Macchiarola, Teen Pass It Along Volunteer