Joi’s Angels exists to provide basic assistance to needy individuals and families; to restore and maintain human dignity among the vulnerable.  The prime beneficiaries of our efforts are food insecure persons, and those who lack access to employment, health, and social services.  We also provide shelter to men with disabilities as well as volunteer and community engagement activities for at-risk youth. Our core functions are food pantries together with diapers, hygiene products, clothing, and feminine product distribution programs.  We provide each of these services at no cost; neediness is the only requirement for participation.

Food for Thought

Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107 (March 21, 2020) ostensibly closed the State of New Jersey; it mandated: residents “shall remain home” unless 1) obtaining goods or services from essential businesses, 2) obtaining takeout food, 3) seeking medical attention, 4) visiting family members as a caretaker or romantic partner, 5) reporting to or performing their job, 6) engaging in outdoor activities (social distance permitting), 6) leaving home for an educational, religious, or political reason, and 7) at the direction of law enforcement or a government agency.

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Simultaneously, the Order rendered Joi’s Angels an “essential business”. 

So, we went to work.

Five days after the governor signed Executive Order 107, Joi’s Angels held its first COVID-19 Food Pantry.  We didn’t care about anything else but preparing as many bags as possible.  Remember, this was the same time that the supply chain revealed its vulnerabilities.  There was serious talk about meat and produce shortages.

Joi’s Angels sponsored weekly COVID-19 Food Pantries from March 26, 2020 through July 30, 2020 to address local food insecurity.  Interestingly, we saw a lot of new people, persons that you would not think visited food pantries. But we never judged.

Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. Now our Army of Angels are considered front-line heroes. We already knew that.  Now the world does.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS  & GOOD NEIGHBORS

Not really a news item, but we need your brain power. We're resolved that 2021 is about proudly maintaining our community-building efforts while securing the resources to do more; thus, if you know of a funding or grant opportunity, please drop us a line. Together, let's take Joi's Angels to the next level.