Moorestown's Village People Make a Difference

Almost 40 years later and the elusive Jimmy Hoffa is still hiding out under someone’s woodpile, toolshed or deck. This apparently is a national preoccupation, since the quest for Hoffa has meandered from Giants Stadium in New Jersey, through a Florida swamp, under a swimming pool in Detroit, to, most recently, a driveway in Roseville, MI, where once again the teamster was MIA.

The latest “Jimmy Hunt” took up three columns in the newspaper this week, which is outrageous when you consider how many “feel-good” stories there are to tell—many of them happening right here in our town. The one I love right now is the tale of two local octogenarians who have brought the nonprofit “It Takes a Village” (ITAV) concept to Moorestown.

Last week I got an intriguing email from Trudi Herman, who along with her husband Irv, have been moving forward with their (our) Village for over a year. Trudi is one of those fortunate individuals who love what they do, whether it's teaching English as a Second Language, working in her art studio, volunteering or trying to get a very worthy cause up and running for those in need.

I met Trudi last week to find out more about Moorestown’s “Village” because I am always interested in what motivates people to serve others, to volunteer. Why do some people give so willingly of their time and their money, while others hold tightly to what is theirs? I asked Trudi about her background, since volunteerism has played such an enormous part in her life.

Her inspiration was her grandparents, immigrants who did very well financially and always made sure to spread that wealth around. She heard countless stories of their largesse while she was growing up and fell naturally into giving of herself, either through teaching or through 18 years of working with the Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council in Camden. Trudi also spent numerous hours visiting the elderly in nursing homes, which is where the idea for a local It Takes a Village began to percolate.

"I don’t care how fancy a nursing home is—and I’ve seen from the worst to the best," she said, "I saw a need for a FREE service that would enable seniors to stay in their homes, with help from volunteers running errands, shopping for groceries, driving to doctor’s appointments, calling just to chat or providing respite for caregivers by visiting with their loved ones."

I reeled off a list of local groups that do this sort of thing. Trudi smiled and said, “Yes, but they charge for their services; we do not.” Nor are It Takes a Village's services limited to the elderly. With Trudi’s husband Irv being a World War II veteran, ITAV would like to connect with our servicemen and their families as well. 

"We have five male volunteers who are ready to be paired with servicemen in any capacity," Trudi said. "Even if it’s just conversation, we want to help."

Trudi Herman fascinated me. Here was this woman of 80-plus years who, along with her (slightly) older husband, decided Moorestown (and Mount Laurel) needed their help. No shuffleboard for these two—they are determined to stay active and assist those in need.

They started searching the Internet for a model and immediately came upon the "Village Movement," with at least 55 currently operating villages (there are another 100 in the process of starting up) that tailor their services to meet members’ needs and interests. One in Detroit caters to parents and young families, while another in Philly called “Penn’s Village” is a senior apartment complex. In some villages, there is a fee per service or membership. Moorestown's village costs $10 to join, but Trudi whispered, “If they can’t pay to join, they don’t pay. No biggie.”

Trudi has many volunteers that work right alongside her, and she was very eager to give credit where credit is due. I met several on Saturday, and was so impressed with their commitment and the way all of them have quietly given back to their community (communities) over the years. Winifred Gaskell, the ITAV treasurer, has volunteered in our school district for years, after a professional life in the world of mathematics. Archie Williams, who taught computer science in Camden for years (and also volunteered there), is the IT wizard of the group.

“We met Lauren Weber, the mother of two adorable little girls, when we were having an ITAV picnic at Laurel Acres last summer. She’s our secretary now,” Trudi beamed. I listened as Trudi’s enthusiasm and gratitude bubbled over, marveling at her dedication to getting this very worthy endeavour off the ground.

What a blessing that, behind Mo’town’s plush velvet curtain of affluence, there are people quietly taking care of other people … for free. The last several years have seen the birth of so many grassroots efforts to help feed the hungry, tend to the sick and encourage all of us to “Live Civilly.” Alas, asking for help does not come naturally to many people, so that’s where you, the Patch readers, come in. 

Do you know someone who would benefit from one of ITAV’s volunteers? Do you have a parent in need of a ride to the doctor or someone to make a ShopRite run? Have them call ITAV. This week, while Trudi and Irv take a much-needed break, calls are being taken by Winifred Gaskell at 856-235-1353. You can also direct potential clients to the group's website: www.itavnj.org.

Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Be an ITAV volunteer! All you need to give is one hour per week to help someone. Their next training session will take place at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 16, in the meeting room of the Moorestown Library. There will be guest speakers and a book swap, along with much more information on this nonprofit organization.   

Let’s be honest—haven’t you always wanted to be one of Mo’town’s Village People? Here’s your chance!

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