No “Growing Pains:” LPI’s “Emergency Metamorphosis” Is Seamless

Wed
10
Jun

No “Growing Pains:” LPI’s “Emergency Metamorphosis” Is Seamless

With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down a lot of social interaction, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has had to change the way it helps the homeless of Essex County. “Three words accurately describe the status of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. during the pandemic,” noted founder and director Jeff Friedman. “According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, we have Invent, ‘To make or redo completely;’ Change, ‘To make a shift from one to another;’ and Paradigm Shift, ‘A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.’ “Thanks to caring and generous Livingston neighbors, LPI’s ‘emergency metamorphosis’ has been seamless. As regular Tribune readers know, we now ship food and pantry items directly from local vendors to our regular Newark distribution associates.” As an example, using funds donated by Livingston residents, LPI had 400 Pullman bread loaves delivered, split between the Willing Heart Community Care Center and Newark Emergency Services for Families. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits operating food pantries servicing Newark’s homeless and profoundly poor communities. Friedman continued, “The homeless and profoundly poor are counting on all of us now, even more than before. For those who want to help, please mail a donation to LPI, P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039; contribute directly on PayPal at paypal.me/lpinj; or by visiting our website at njhomeless.org. Donations are tax deductible.” He concluded by expressing “My heartfelt thanks to the many Livingston residents who have already stepped up,” and in closing, quoted second century Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations: “ ‘Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live and it is in your power.’ ” ...

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