News

Volunteering is Impactful – 11/25 

By Kim Rokohl, Graduate Assistant 

On Monday, November 25, representatives from the Human Rights Institute (HRI) had the opportunity to volunteer with Healthcare, Senior Services, and Homelessness (HS&H) Outreach Services. This organization is a Northern New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to providing numerous services related to Healthcare, Senior Services, and Homelessness.  

HS&H Outreach Services aims to provide each individual with the opportunity to feel human again. Those suffering from housing insecurity, food insecurity, and job insecurity face stigma around their struggles. Too often, they are seen not as a person, but rather, as “other”.  This narrative compounds a difficult situation, forcing one to struggle not only with one’s circumstances, but also with one’s self-worth. Accepting this dehumanizing narrative creates an additional challenge of combating one’s struggles while simultaneously feeling unworthy of care.  

HS&H Outreach Services wants to empower its community by creating conditions for dignity and respect, while also providing individuals with resources. Meeting people where they are is a crucial part of the process, as it destigmatizes services in addition to making them accessible. This accessibility is key to guaranteeing that provided services can be received by those in need. 

Esperanza is the Lead Organizer for this non-profit organization. Growing up, she always wanted to aid her community, saying that if she ever had the means of lending support, she would. Today, she is making good on that promise.  

This December 18, HS&H Outreach Services is holding its second annual Gala of Hope. The event provides a night of freedom from the normal constraints of life that those less fortunate face. With music, food, drinks, and optional free formal attire for the night, these individuals are given a chance to feel like a part of the community again and just enjoy the moment. The Human Rights Institute is proud to support this effort and future ones with this inspiring organization.  

Volunteering in one’s community may seem like a small step towards creating change, but it is a start. Such volunteerism closely aligns with The Human Rights Institute’s mission of shining a light on human rights issues. Organizations like HS&H Outreach Services depend on volunteers to carry out their mission and spread their message of dignity and respect. We encourage you to find such organizations to help with in your local community.