25 Years Later, Interfaith Health Still Helps Southern Ocean Seniors

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — For the past 25 years, Interfaith Health and Support Services has been providing help to seniors in Southern Ocean County who can't get to doctor's appointments, are unable to grocery shop for themselves or are simply lonely and need to see or hear from a friendly face.

The Manahawkin-based nonprofit helps those in need anywhere from just south of Lacey Road in Forked River down to Tuckerton, Director Amy Raimondi told Patch in a phone interview.

And "it's free for all people in need," Raimondi said. "It doesn't matter how much money you make."

Interfaith, known as IHSS, started out as a group of parish nurses going out into the community to help homebound people and those who live alone. They quickly realized there was a greater need in the area and nurses from different churches, with the help of Hackensack Meridian Health, formed the nonprofit.

Today, there are more than 200 active volunteers in the organization, Raimondi said. Their biggest service is transportation to and from medical appointments - between their Manahawkin and Little Egg Harbor offices, they do about 50 rides a week, she said.

Their second-most used service is grocery shopping for homebound individuals. Some volunteers pick up online orders, but many will take a list and do the shopping for them, Raimondi said. And since many have great financial needs, there is a lot of food pantry picking up too.

"We've kind of grown faster, almost sometimes more than we can imagine," Raimondi said, with inflation causing prices to go up across the board. "The need for volunteers is so high right now."

The appointment transportation and grocery shopping are prioritized. But Raimondi wishes they could have volunteers who just come in to visit and play cards.

Another service of theirs focuses on caregivers. Specially trained volunteers visit the homes of people with Alzheimer's or dementia and offer respite to their caregivers.

In 2022, the nonprofit provided more than 10,200 hours of service.

Raimondi says that it is a blessing to be able to help not only those who use their services, but the volunteers as well.

"Volunteers come in and say, 'wow, I thought I was helping someone, but it was a blessing to me,'" Raimondi said.

"I started because I wanted to be of help to those in need but I also get so much back in return that I didn't expect," volunteer Lynn Rennar said in an IHSS news release. "I have met such wonderful and interesting people who are grateful for our services. I am so happy to be here."

"Neighbors helping neighbors is kind of our tagline," Raimondi said. "For me to be a catalyst to that is probably the best part."

IHSS is always seeking new volunteers. No experience is needed and IHSS will train you in their office. For more information, visit their website or call their office at 609-978-3839.