The Spirit Fall 2013

The Disaster Response Program (DRP) has assisted families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy since the storm hit on October 29, 2012. From early on, the DRP has collaborated with volunteers from Church of the Visitation who established the Visitation Relief Center on Mantoloking Road in Brick. DRP staff and Visitation volunteers provide individuals and families impacted by Sandy with food, clothing, household supplies as well as counseling, advocacy, and referrals to

other types of assistance. In April 2013, Catholic

Charities, Diocese of Trenton, was awarded a grant from FEMA to provide disaster case management to the entire state of New Jersey, increasing the DRP’s capacity to assist Sandy survivors. Many

of the case managers are housed at the Visitation Relief Center, providing a one-stop service for those recovering from the hurricane.

Two individuals whose lives were forever changed by Sandy found their way to Catholic Charities’ DRP and Visitation Relief Center: Niels and Tricia. Their stories are very different, but both demonstrate that through the darkest times, hope lights our path.

NIELS’ STORY OF SURVIVAL

During Hurricane Sandy, Niels and his adult son Lance were awaiting evacuation in a fi rst-fl oor apartment in

Point Pleasant when the storm hit and seawater rapidly rose to chest-level. Wheelchair bound, Niels could not climb the stairs so Lance carried him to the second fl oor, where the two rode out the storm in the dark without food, water or the power needed for Niels’ oxygen tank. Two days passed before Lance heard a neighbor calling out for survivors. He rushed outside and asked for help for his ailing father.

After his rescue, Niels suffered a near-fatal heart attack and spent 100 days in a nursing home to regain the use of his legs. He then ended up living in a motel room, several miles from another motel where Lance was housed. It was at this point that Catholic Charities learned of Niels and his situation. Case manager

catholiccharitiestrenton.orgnjgives.org/cctrenton /cctrenton /cctrenton

The Spirit

Renewing and Restoring ... The Jersey ShoreDisaster response expands as Hurricane Sandy’s one-year anniversary approaches.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

s Mike Best (right), Case Worker with Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Program, visits with Niels (center)

and his son Lance at their new home in Brick.

continued on page 2

4 Catholic Charities’ Own “Top Chef”

El Centro Takes Center Stage

Providence House in Need of Volunteers

Linkages: Balance During Diffi cult Times5 6 8

FALL 2013

SPECIAL HONOR

Church of the Visitation and the Visitation Relief Center, coordinated by Christie Winters, will be honored as the 2013 Ocean County Light of Hope at this year’s Guardian Angel Dinner Dance. See page 10.

With summer days behind us, we are

now kicking into high gear with an unprecedented number of community events this fall. Our events range from our signature dinner dance, a restaurant sampling, and a special Mass at the Cathedral to a centennial walk and family fun day. With so many different opportunities for supporting Catholic Charities, there is truly something for everyone.

If you are looking for a reason to support the work Catholic Charities does, I would encourage you to click on our You Tube account at catholiccharitiestrenton.org to watch a video produced by one of our Behavioral Health Services consumers, Craig. His journey

allows viewers to walk in his shoes and provides a powerful testament to the tremendous challenges faced by the 100,000 individuals whose lives we touch each year.

After walking in Craig’s shoes, put on your own sneakers and join us for our inaugural Walk of Hope and Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 5 at Hamilton’s Veterans Park. Registration is free, we only ask that you seek pledges of support for your walk or consider forming a walking team.

See the back cover of this newsletter, or visit walkofhopenj.org, for more information and to register.

Marlene Laó-CollinsExecutive Director

Michael Best worked diligently to insure Niels and Lance would be reunited in appropriate housing.

Today, father and son share a home in Brick. Lance appreciates the home’s proximity to the Visitation Relief Center, where he bikes each day to serve as a volunteer. Niels, a veteran and widower who always prided himself on his self-reliance, now says Hurricane Sandy and the ordeal that ensued have given him a renewed faith in God. “The thing about that storm — as bad as it was for all of us — it also brought all the angels out,” said Niels.

TRICIA’S JOURNEY OF HOPE

Tricia has also walked a diffi cult path since last fall. While dealing with the death of her mother, Hurricane Sandy destroyed Tricia’s home. A few weeks later, Tricia then lost her neighbor in a horrible accident as he cut down tree limbs that threatened both of their properties. Then, a few weeks after Christmas, Tricia’s husband passed away unexpectedly.

This string of unimaginable losses took its toll on Tricia and she sunk into a deep depression. One morning her son returned from a walk along the beach in Mantoloking with a jar of sand and set out to make Tricia a present that would soon become the turning point in

her journey towards healing. He poured the sand into some tan paint and used it to paint a single word on a sky blue background. That word was hope.

Tricia began to carry the sign with her everywhere she went, looking for (and fi nding) hope in areas devastated by Sandy. She found hope in some daffodils emerging from a washed out area of land and in a tattered U.S. fl ag fi rmly planted on a stretch of dunes. Carefully placing her sign in each scene, Tricia began taking pictures that captured signs of hope. Her photos now overfl ow multiple photo albums.

As a volunteer at the Visitation Relief Center, Tricia has helped others who experienced loss as a result of Sandy fi nd hope. Perhaps, she is one of the angels Niels describes as emerging from a terrible storm to bring light to those in need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about getting involved with the Visitation Relief Center and DRP, contact Carol

Spiker at 609-394-5181 x1164, or [email protected].

2 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

The Spirit is published quarterly by Catholic Charities,

Diocese of Trenton, Central Administrative Services.

383 West State StreetTrenton, NJ 08607

609-394-5181

Publisher: Marlene Laó-Collins

Editor-in-Chief: Lisa Thibault

Designer/Writer: Kim Giacobbe

Contributors: Joyce Campbell, Barbara Clancey, Maria Duarte, Marcia Fishkin, Rachel Johnston, Jennifer Leip, Carol Spiker, Nancy Tompkins

Printing: Garrison Printing Company, Pennsauken, NJ

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from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Jersey Shore, continued from page 1 Tricia MacAvoy spreads her story of hope at the Visitation Relief Center.

s

3The Spirit — Fall 2013

The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey have lent their voice to the growing call for our government to enact comprehensive immigration reform. The time for reform is opportune as the U.S. Senate has passed reform legislation and the introduction of legislation is imminent in the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued on May 24, 2013 the Bishops highlighted the principles for which the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have advocated. They call for the reform legislation to:

n Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented persons in the country

n Preserve family unity as a cornerstone of our national immigration system

n Provide legal paths for low-skilled immigrant workers to come and work in the U.S.

n Restore due process protections to our immigration enforcement policies

n Address the root causes (push factors) of migration, such as persecution and economic disparity

Catholic Charities and the Offi ce for Catholic Social Services are spearheading efforts, via the diocesan Justice for Immigrants (JFI) committee, to educate the public — especially the Catholic community, including Catholic public offi cials — about Church teaching on migration and immigrants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on JFI, visit justiceforimmigrants.

org. To get additional information and/or join the diocesan JFI eff orts please contact Joyce Campbell at 609-394-5181 x1138, or jcampbell@

cctrenton.org.

Welcoming the StrangerDiocesan Justice for Immigrants Committee helps spread the word about migration and immigrants.

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JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS MASS

Celebrated by Bishop David O’Connell

Friday, October 11, 2013

12:15 PM

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

Trenton, NJ

s Jackie Santiago, Mercer Behavioral Health Services, explains the services that Catholic Charities provides.

Our “gear” helped spread the Catholic

Charities name across the festival grounds

and beyond.

Catholic Charities Gains New Fans at Local Festival

Staff from several Catholic Charities programs volunteered their time to man the “100 Years & Counting Tour” booth at WXPN’s XPoNential

Festival held this summer. In addition to spreading the word about the services we

provide, volunteers handed out water bottles, fi rst aid kits, backpacks and rain ponchos to concert goers.

Many supporters of Catholic Charities stopped by the booth to simply thank us for the work we do — others wanted to fi nd out how they could help either by donating their money or time to Catholic Charities.

Staff had the chance to interact with more than 2,000 visitors at the booth over the course of the three-day festival.

Some other notable interactions included:n Several veterans (and family members) stopped by to inquire about

our Veterans Counseling Program.n A Trenton Public Defender who just wanted to thank us for the work

we do — saying our services have helped the majority of his clients.n Several people shared stories of being adopted through Catholic Charities. n Therapists, counselors and physicians were excited to learn about the

wide variety of services we offer.

s


news from BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Partners in Recovery, a program of Catholic Charities that provides services to those diagnosed with mental illness/addictions, recently opened the 10 Southard Café in Trenton. Chef David Hoover (pictured at right) manages all of the food services, while serving breakfast and lunch to more than 100 clients daily.

Chef David previously ran Mariposa Cheesecakes and Sweets Bakery. He has more than 15 years

of restaurant experience as well. Carol Spiker, Training

Coordinator at Catholic Charities, has been providing lunch through the café for employees attending workshops and other meetings. “People seem to love Chef David’s homemade potato salad and chicken salad wraps,” Spiker says.

The café also provides pizza along with a variety of sandwich wraps, side dishes, salads and homemade cookies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about catering services provided

by the 10 Southard Café, contact Chef David at [email protected].

DID YOU KNOW ...

Catholic Charities, Behavioral Health Services, has been helping people in Burlington County with persistent emotional disorders for more than 35 years. We wanted to spread this impressive news further out into the community we serve.

Look for advertisements about Behavioral Health Services in several local county publications including: SJ Magazine, the Burlington County Times and The Positive Press.

The Top Chef at Catholic CharitiesPartners in Recovery opens 10 Southard Café.

A Doctor in the HouseAs part of an ongoing effort to help consumers manage their overall wellness, Nishith Gami, M.D., a board-certifi ed physician specializing in internal medicine, will provide primary care to consumers on-site at Delaware House, part of Burlington’s Behavioral Health Services.

Dr. Gami has 14 years of experience working in a hospital setting. He works with seniors, still makes house calls, maintains an offi ce practice in

Moorestown and has privileges with Virtua Hospital. This

presents a great opportunity for Delaware House to bring

primary and behavioral healthcare together.

Laptops from LockheedSeveral months ago, the Burlington County Board asked Catholic Charities’ program directors for wish lists regarding fi nancial support. Rich Glickstein, Outpatient Services Director, indicated that consumers in the Partial Care program would greatly benefi t from computers, but he did not have funds in his budget to purchase them.

At the May Burlington County Board meeting, Board member Kathy Spivey indicated that she may be able to secure a donation of computers through her employer, Lockheed Martin. After discussing how the computers would be utilized, Lockheed Martin graciously donated fi ve laptops to Delaware House. Now, consumers are using these state-of-the-art laptops to conduct job searches and master their computer skills.

On behalf of those we seek to assist, we extend our deepest gratitude for the time, energy and generosity of all of our Board members.

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METLIFE “DAY OF

CARING” BENEFITS

CATHOLIC CHARITIES’

RIVERBANK FACILITY

Employees from Reilly Financial Group, an offi ce of MetLife, volunteered their time during a “Day of Caring” to spruce up the grounds around Catholic Charities’ Riverbank facility in Burlington.

The volunteers spent the day weeding, raking, mulching and planting fresh shrubs and fl owers around the facility.

The clean up team was led by J. George Reilly, who is also a member of Catholic Charities’ Board of Trustees and has been a dedicated volunteer at Catholic Charities for many years.

In addition to employees volunteering their time, the MetLife Foundation also donated a Volunteer Project Fund grant of $1, 500 to the Riverbank facility. The clean up came in time for a picnic that was being held for those served by the facility. The Riverbank staff was extra excited to welcome guests to enjoy their beautiful new landscaping.

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news from CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Taking Center StageChildren from El Centro’s Family Resource Program participate in theater production.

Oktoberfest for Vets Saturday, September 28 — 7 to 11 PM

The Parker House, Sea Girt, NJ

Please support the Monmouth County Board of Catholic Charities annual Oktoberfest for Vets event. Last year’s event raised $21,000 and was instrumental in helping establish Catholic Charities new Veterans Counseling Program. This year’s goal is to raise $30,000 for the program. Advanced tickets are $65 ($40 for Veterans with ID). Tickets will be available at the door for $75.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Oktoberfest for Vets, contact Sue Medlin at 732-747-9660 x7100, or

[email protected].

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In July, children from El Centro Family Resource Program’s summer camp took center stage in a bilingual play produced in collaboration with Pushcart Players and the NJ Theater Alliance Mill Hill Playhouse.

The children performed “Cuentos del Arbol” — or “Tree Tales” — a play with music drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore. The play was designed to entertain all members of the community whether they spoke Spanish or English. The children rehearsed for several weeks and hundreds turned out to attend the special event.

The performance allowed the children to act out different characters such as princesses, dragons, wolves and policemen. The children danced, sang and had an amazing fi rst experience in the acting fi eld. Roberto Hernandez, Director, El Centro, said the play was an extraordinary opportunity for the children.

El Centro’s Family Resource Center has served Mercer County since 1999. El Centro, which serves over 2,000 individuals each year, puts special emphasis on meeting the needs of the Latino community in Trenton.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about El Centro Family Resource Program, or any of the services El Centro provides, call 609-394-2056.

Providence House Domestic Violence Services (PHDVS) of Catholic Charities is currently in need of volunteers for both of its programs in Burlington and Ocean Counties. Volunteer opportunities include:

n Assisting with tabling eventsn Soliciting for donations

(for fundraiser events) n Helping with yard workn Sorting and picking up

donations during the holidays

You can also volunteer to be a member of one of PHDVS’ Domestic Violence Response Teams.

These teams of trained volunteers work in conjunction with local police departments and respond to the police station to talk to victims immediately following an incident of abuse.

Volunteering can be personally rewarding and enables people to make a real difference in the

lives of individuals, families and communities.

Providence House accepts donations to help maintain its Safe House and provide other needed supplies for residents. Following is a list of the top fi ve items needed in each location:

Ocean County

1. Gift cards2. Twin sheet sets (must be new)

3. Full-size bath towels (must be new)

4. Cleaning products5. Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6, 7) and pull-ups

Burlington County

1. Gift cards2. Full-size bath towels (must be new)

3. Cleaning supplies4. Flip-fl ops/slippers (all sizes/must be new)

5. Toothpaste/toothbrushes

To download a full wish list for each county, visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org.


Want to Do More to Help?Consider becoming a Providence House volunteer.

s PHDVS Ocean County volunteers were honored at a special breakfast in July.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, about volunteering at PHDVS in

Ocean County contact Marcia Fishkin at 732-350-2120 or mfi shkin@

cctrenton.org. In Burlington County, call 856-824-0599.

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news from PROVIDENCE HOUSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

FOR MORE INFORMATION about donating to next year’s Gift Auction, contact Marcia Fishkin at

732-350-2120 or mfi [email protected].

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All Wrapped Up13th Annual Gift Auction raises more than $63,500 to benefi t Providence House.

TOP WISH LIST ITEMS

More than 700 people attended the 13th Annual Gift Auction where 400 gift baskets were raffl ed off. The event, held in June at Georgian Court University, sold out well in advance. Prizes ranged from gift certifi cates to local restaurants to an iPad. The event also featured three 50/50 cash raffl e prizes and two winners yielded over $1,600 each.

Providence House would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction along with all of the event volunteers.

All proceeds from the auction allow Providence House to continue providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic abuse, all free of charge.


In June, employees from several Burlington County businesses donated their time and energy to Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Burlington County.

s Employees from Title Resource Group (TRG) in Mt. Laurel painted several rooms at the Safe House and then cleaned the inside of the house and did some landscaping outside.

s Employees from Simon & Schuster in Delran made a delicious brunch for all of the Safe House clients. The employees then stayed and off ered an afternoon of cleaning.

s Employees from Ulticom in Mt. Laurel spent a morning unpacking, organizing and repacking donations at the Counseling Center and then graciously donated their Wegmans’ lunch to Safe House clients.

LOCAL COMPANIES

SHOW SUPPORTOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness MonthProvidence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities will participate in several awareness events and fundraisers during the month of October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Please show your support by joining us at the following events:

OCTOBER 19

Lumberton Township’s 2nd Annual 2-Mile Walk for Domestic Violence Municipal Complex, Lumberton9 AM

OCTOBER 20

Cut-A-Thon Dazzlz Spa Salon, Barnegat10 AM to 3 PM

OCTOBER 27

Snap Fitness of Medford 5K Fun Run & Walk Freedom Park, Medford 9 AM (registration)10 AM (run & walk)

OCTOBER 30

Opdyke Furniture and Bay Head Country Accents Holiday Shoppe PreviewOpdyke’s Furniture, Point Pleasant Beach5 to 7:30 PM

NOVEMBER 3

Cut-A-ThonSalon Topaz & Nail Parlor, Point Pleasant Beach11 AM to 3 PM

Taste of Burlington CountyWednesday, October 9 — 6 to 9:30 PM

The Merion, Cinnaminson, NJ

Are you a foodie looking for a chance to sample small plates from a variety of local eateries? Are you looking for a fun night out with friends or family?

If so, make plans to attend the 19th Annual Taste of Burlington County, benefi tting Catholic Charities’ Providence House Domestic Violence Services (PHDVS) of Burlington County.

Last year, the event raised more than $65,000 for PHDVS. This year’s event will feature more than

20 restaurants, gift basket auctions, 50/50 raffl e and more. Tickets are $55 each and reserved tables are available

for groups of 10. This event sells out every year, so get your tickets now while they are still available!

FOR TICKET INFORMATION, to learn more about becoming a sponsor or donating a gift auction item

for the Taste of Burlington County, call 856-824-0599.

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news from EMERGENCY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

A JOB WELL

DONE!

In June, hundreds of job seekers attended a job fair hosted by Mercer Emergency & Community Services. Several area employers, including Lowe’s and Mercer County Community College, participated. The job fair, coordinated by Mosudi Idowu, Program Coordinator, Rapid Re-Housing, and Barbara Clancey, Community Aff airs Coordinator, was held at Trenton’s West Ward Community Center.

In April of 2012 I left my home, taking my special needs child, to escape emotional, verbal and fi nancial abuses by my husband. I was an emotional wreck with no job, no money and no place to live. After a short stay at a local domestic violence shelter, I came to Linkages.

When a person repeatedly tells you that you’re nothing and worse than useless, it becomes your identity. I felt like I couldn’t take care of my family and that I didn’t deserve help. I was afraid of other people and fl inched at raised voices and loud noises. My son was confused and acted out in small ways. I had two work outfi ts.

What Catholic Charities gave us fi rst was safety. I was given a key to a door that locked and the staff worked with my fears. No one raised their voices and everyone was careful how they moved around me. As my little family learned to relax, the staff helped me understand that I now had a support system. I attended counseling and learned budgeting. They helped me set up a bank account and showed me how to navigate social services. Clothing donations rounded out my workplace wardrobe.

The Catholic Charities staff were like training wheels

s Pictured above (from left): Barbara Clancey, Community Aff airs Coordinator, Mosudi Idowu, Program Coordinator, Rapid Re-Housing, and Jackie Edwards, Director, Emergency & Community Services.

Linkages Provides Training Wheels for Balancing Diffi cult TimesOne woman’s personal story of triumph.

on my life and as I got better at balancing on my own, they slowly pulled back to let me manage on my own.

I went through the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP) and was hired under a grant to work for the county. With my fi rst paycheck I bought the fi rst new clothes that I had picked out on my own in years. I bought a rug and lamp for my little apartment. I became emotionally stronger and my son refl ected

“The Catholic Charities staff were like training wheels on my life and as I got better at balancing on my own, they slowly pulled back to let me manage on my own.”

Catholic Charities’ Emergency & Community Services has partnered with YouGiveGoods.com, an online Food Drive service that helps get donated food items into

an organization’s food pantry and into the hands of people who need it the most.

This free and easy-to-use service allows supporters to organize their own food drives, but without the hassle of collecting, sorting and delivering the food items.

You can set up an account and create your own Food Drive Page through YouGiveGoods.com. Once your virtual food drive is over, YouGiveGoods.com will

handle the rest — delivering food directly to the pantry you have chosen to support.

To support Catholic Charities’ food pantries in Burlington, Mercer and Ocean counties, visit the following: n yougivegoods.com/BurlingtonCountyCatholicCharitiesn yougivegoods.com/MercerCountyCatholicCharitiesn yougivegoods.com/OceanCountyCatholicCharities

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Emergency & Community Services’ partnership with

YouGiveGoods.com, contact Barbara Clancey at 609-599-1246, or [email protected].


the new calm in our lives by settling down himself.

Before I knew it a year had passed since I had left the home I shared with my husband. I suddenly realized that I had made an entire year without death, destruction, mayhem and all the horrible possibilities that I had anxiously expected because I used to believe I was useless and powerless. I have my own money and a job and am on the way to divorcing my husband. People don’t scare me as much and my son’s weekly tantrums have abated. I feel stronger.

I am close to moving into my own apartment and I no longer fear that I am going to fail in some way. I know I’ll be alright on my own. I don’t have to worry so much. I’m somebody and I have worth.

I’m going to be okay.

LOCAL GROUPS SUPPORT “BAGGING

SUMMER HUNGER” PROGRAM

Special thanks to Marlton Brownie Girl Scout Troop 24331 who collected 50 breakfast bags and 50 lunch bags for Burlington Emergency & Community Services’ “Bagging Summer Hunger” program. The bags were distributed over the summer to help parents provide nutritious meals while children were not in school.

In Mercer County, Jean Gianacaci (picture above, center), founder of Christine’s Hope for Kids, collaborated with the Hopewell Valley YMCA Summer Camp Reign and the Hamilton YMCA Sawmill Camp to support Mercer Emergency & Community Services’ “Bagging Summer Hunger” program.

YMCA campers decorated and packed 300 bags of breakfast food that were distributed to children during the summer months.

YouGiveGoods.comAn online partnership off ers an easy way to help our food pantries.

Linkages provides transitional housing and case management

for families at risk. All referrals must come from the Monmouth County Board of Social Services. For more information, contact 732-922-0400.

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Catholic Charities’ 24th Annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance honors individuals and groups who help the most vulnerable in the community. The evening features dinner, dancing, a super 50/50 raffl e and 100 silent auction prizes to commemorate Catholic Charities Centennial. This year’s auction highlights include:

Baltimore Harbor Extravaganza (Overnight stay at the Hyatt Baltimore Inner Harbor, two tickets to the September 29th Orioles-Red Sox game and a baseball signed by Cal Ripken)Private Dinner Party in Your Home (A catered dinner party in your home for up to 40 people by Mangia Restaurant in Bordentown)Fine JewelryGolf Packages & Sporting EventsVacation Homes & Weekend Getaways


A Collective Spirit County Boards instrumental in spreading the word about Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities has four County Boards that are actively engaged and committed to supporting the programs within their respective counties. The chairs of the County Boards are:

n Wally Loza (Burlington County)n David Zimmer (Mercer County)n Barbara Willis (Monmouth County)n David Heskin (Ocean County)Each Board is comprised of community volunteers

who meet fi ve times a year. Volunteers become familiar with the Catholic Charities’ programs and staff in their county, working collectively with the programs to advocate, support and raise awareness about the work being done on behalf of the poor and vulnerable in central New Jersey.

Marcia Fishkin, Community Affairs Coordinator, Providence House Domestic Violence Services, Ocean County, says “The Ocean County Board works tremendously well together as a team to support us with many fundraising efforts. Their good work allows us to continue to provide free and confi dential services to help survivors of domestic violence.”

Wally Loza, Burlington County Board Chair, says “Participation on county boards enables donors who already support the mission of Catholic Charities to

become actively involved with others who share this devotion.”

Barbara Clancey, Community Affairs Manager, Emergency & Community Services, adds “The Monmouth County Board has been terrifi c in supporting Linkages. Every holiday drive we hold has been a tremendous success because the members of the Board commit themselves to guaranteeing that every child and family have a ‘normal holiday,’ including Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and even back to school supplies.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about volunteering on a County Board contact Nancy Tompkins at

609-394-5181 x1161, or [email protected].

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s Mary Ellen Burriss (left) and Mary Lee (right), Monmouth County Board Members gather donations for Linkages annual Thanksgiving Drive.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

Hyatt Regency Princeton

Cocktails & Auctions: 6 PMProgram: 7 PMDinner: 7:45 PMDancing: 8:30 to 11 PM

For event information, call Jane Hargraves at 609-394-5181, x1159.


individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $250K or more and $300K or more for married couples. These amounts will be indexed annually for infl ation. The Pease limitation does not apply to deductions for medical expenses, investment interest, casualty and theft losses, and gambling losses.

PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS

In 2013, personal exemptions are limited for individuals earning $250K or more and for married couples earning $300K or more.

DIVIDEND INCOME

Qualifi ed dividend income will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%.

LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS

The capital gains tax rate —the tax you pay on the amount an asset has increased in value over time — will depend on your ordinary income tax rate. The capital gains tax will be waived for taxpayers below the 25% ordinary income tax rate. For taxpayers who fall at or above the 25% income tax rate but below the

39.6% tax rate, the capital gains tax will be 15%. For those at the 39.6% ordinary income tax rate, the capital gains tax will be 20%.

MEDICARE SURTAX

Beginning in 2013, there is a 3.8% surtax on investment-type income and gains. This applies on investment income for those who fi le individually with adjusted gross incomes above $200K ($250K for married couples fi ling jointly). This means the top rate for capital gains and dividends will be 23.8% if your income falls in the 39.6% tax bracket.

The tax landscape looks very different than it did in 2012. How will the tax law changes affect your situation?

INCOME TAXES

The tax rate for individual fi lers with incomes above $400K a year and married couples fi ling jointly with incomes above $450K has been raised to 39.6%.

ESTATE, GIFT AND GENERATION-

SKIPPING TAXES

The 2013 tax law permanently preserves the current individual gift, estate and generation-skipping tax to a unifi ed $5 million exemption. This amount is indexed for infl ation each year, with the exemption for 2013 being $5.25 million. The top estate and gift tax rates rose from 35% to 40%. That means, for every dollar you own above the exemption, up to 40% will be subject to federal estate tax upon your death. And for every lifetime gift that you make in excess of the exemption amount, up to 40% is subject to gift tax. The annual gift tax exclusion — the amount you can give to anyone gift tax–free each year — is now $14K ($28K for married couples).

PORTABILITY

In 2012, if one spouse died without using up his or her federal estate tax exemption, the unused portion could be transferred to the surviving spouse. This was called a portability provision. In 2013, this portability provision was made permanent.

ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

In 2013, the Pease limitation was revived, meaning that itemized deductions, including charitable deductions, are reduced for

How 2013 Tax Laws Will Aff ect You

FOR MORE INFORMATION on planned giving opportunities

at Catholic Charities, contact Nancy Tompkins at 609-394-5181 x1161, or [email protected].

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© The Stelter CompanyThe information in this publication is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

CONSULT YOUR TAX

ADVISOR TODAY

Because of the numerous changes to tax laws in 2013, everyone can expect to be aff ected. Consult your tax advisor on what the new tax laws will do to your bottom line and how to plan accordingly.

SPECIAL

DONATION

OPPORTUNITY

EXTENDED

Are you 70½ or older? Congress reinstated a law that allows you to move up to $100K from your IRA directly to a qualifi ed charity without having to pay income taxes on the money. Known as the IRA charitable rollover, this law has been extended to the end of 2013 and made retroactive for 2012.


383 West State St.P.O. Box 1423Trenton, NJ 08607-1423

You Can Help Make a Diff erence One Step at a TimeJoin us on October 5 and be a part of the Walk of Hope!

WALKHOPEOFCATHOLIC CHARITIES,DIOCESE OF TRENTON

Form a team, get sponsors and join us at the Walk of Hope & Family Fun Day to celebrate 100 years of caring for those in need in central New Jersey.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton is celebrating 100 years of service and wants to encourage our community to participate in fun activities to raise awareness of our services. Come out and support our mission while enjoying a walk with your friends, family and neighbors.

After the walk, be sure to stick around and join us at our Family Fun Day, featuring arts and crafts and food for the entire family.

START A TEAM OR BECOME A TEAM SPONSOR!

Catholic Charities has been a trusted resource since 1913, making sure no one in crisis has had to go it alone. So, don’t participate in the Walk of Hope alone. Invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to join your team or to sponsor you (and your team) by making a donation.

Registration deadline is September 30, 2013. Unfortunately we are unable to accept registration the day of the event.

WHEN: Saturday, October 5

WHERE: Veterans Park (2206 Kuser Road, Hamilton Township, NJ)

TIME: 10 AM to Noon

Walk of Hope (Check-in and t-shirt pick-up begins at 9 AM)

Noon to 3 PM

Family Fun Day

QUESTIONS: Contact Jennifer Leip609-394-5181 [email protected]

To register or for more information: www.walkofhopenj.org

Documents

The Spirit Fall 2013