The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all walks of life, and Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) is no exception. According to founder and director Jeff Friedman, operations at LPI “have turned upside down,” and the Livingston charity’s distribution partners are working hard to adapt.
“It’s not business-as-usual for anyone during the current crisis, but life for those living below the poverty line and the organizations/agencies that serve their needs is particularly stressful now,” said Friedman. “Clients cannot come indoors due to the coronavirus, so the dedicated professionals who are valiantly feeding them found new ways to make it happen under the circumstances.”
The Bessie Green Community has been serving the underprivileged of Newark since 1978. “Their soup kitchen in Newark is just one of the many programs they offer,” said Friedman. “Providing hot meals, clothing and bags of food, Bessie Green Community fulfills its mission statement, ‘Feeding, clothing, and supporting our neighbors with compassion and dignity.’ ”
Located downtown on Broad Street, Bessie Green is serving bagged meals from its door during the current situation. The dining room is closed. “Chef Chris is also cooking there three days a week,” noted Friedman. “LPI was pleased to ship 1,200 freezer-sized bags directly to Bessie Green last week, and did the same this week; they are scheduled to arrive today. Their executive director, Brenda Scott, who is in touch with the Newark mayor’s office, is planning the agency’s next steps relative to what the city may allow in the coming days and weeks.”
Another LPI distribution partner is Newark Emergency Services for Families, Inc. (NESF), a 501c3 non-profit organization that has provided quality services for over 40 years to individuals and families in Essex County who need assistance with emergency food, clothing, shelter, utilities, rent, and other basic necessities during times of crisis.
“Normally not functioning as a big food pantry operation, NESF serviced long lines of hungry individuals and families with food items for as long as possible. Recently, they had to close temporarily due to the crisis. However, executive director, Amina Bey, advises that the agency is open for a couple of hours on Monday to give homeless residents their mail and a food package,” said Friedman.
The Willing Heart Community Care Center’s (WHCCC) mission is to deliver services that “support the individual’s quest for a healthy environment.”
Friedman explained, “Lisa Cherokee Raine Booker, a ‘Lady of the Boutique’ and LPI’s contact, says that the agency is not serving ...
