TESTIMONIALS

I was exposed to the Weekend Bag Program (WKBP) when my young adults from Jefferson Twp High School worked at AG Choice. AG Choice had partnered with The WKBP to offer a quiet space for young adults with sensory and specific needs to work at their own pace. 

The program I run introduces young adults to the workforce and we evaluate the success which helps us make recommendations for programs/employment opportunities once they leave High School. The students I had working at AG Choice with the WKBP were my students that would need greater assistance when it comes to employment and I was learning what skills they possess. Through the weekend bag program,  I saw skills and strengths in my young adults that I did not know they possessed. The tasks involved in the WKBP were perfect for them. The tasks allowed them to operate at their own space, allowed them to complete the tasks in any way they wanted to with getting to the same end goal and ultimately through making a visual checklist the students were able to complete these tasks almost 100% independently which gave them such a sense of pride! They look at the WKBP as their project and are delighted when they complete all 35 bags. 

This current school year we stopped going to AG Choice and I struggled with finding more tasks similar to the ones the WKBP offered. I contacted AG Choice and asked for the contact information for The WKBP because I knew I wanted to work with them again. Dawn was the sweetest person to talk to and we found a way to keep my students involved that worked for everyone. 

We love the work we do for the Weekend Bag, every volunteer we have interacted with has been such a pleasure and joy, we even upped the number of bags we do because the students were doing so well, and it's really a win-win for everyone. 

I hope to continue this partnership with The WKBP and see how much we can accomplish working together.

Nicole Jahn, Transition Coordinator at Jefferson high School Step Up

“Families at Merriam Avenue school cannot express enough how grateful they are for the Weekend bag program. They have been so accommodating in making sure the specific items in the bags meet our families needs. They are always willing to help in any way they can if we have a family in need of other items as well. They are a pleasure to work with and it is obvious that every person who shares responsibility in the program genuinely cares. This is a wonderful program and it is so nice to see Isobel's family and additional students stepping up to help the community when she is away at college. Thank you so much for all that you do for our families!”

Mrs. Braccioforte, Guidance Counselor Merriam Avenue Elementary School

“We have been so grateful for your willingness to help us support our students and families. Food insecurity often flies under the radar as kids and parents are too embarrassed to share that they are struggling with the basics. It's taken a few months to get rolling with our program here, but finally, with reassurance that everything is confidential and free, we are reaching our most vulnerable students. We admire your volunteers' hard work to bring this program to us and appreciate your donors who make this happen financially. Just wanted you to know the impact you are making and how thankful we are at Sussex Technical High School.”

Suzanne Sarner, "The Student Center" at Sussex Tech

“The Weekend Bag Program has made an impact on the families in need at our Preschool Center. At Head Start, we serve some of the most vulnerable families within the community. Our families who receive the bags are continuously grateful for the help it provides. The parents, and the children, are excited to see what's inside the bag each week. Many of the parents have stated that "this is exactly what my child likes to eat" and "my child loves these snacks". The children get excited to grab a bag for their parents and try to carry it themselves (even though it's far too heavy for little ones). The smiles on their faces as they take a bag and thank me, say it all. That's why I want to send the biggest thank you to the program, its volunteers, and its donors, for making sure no student is left without food over the weekend. Programs like this are what make a difference in someone's life! We look forward to this collaboration continuing with The Weekend Bag Program for the upcoming school year!”

Liason, Norwescap Head Start Hopatcong