Hispanic Services
MNDC is always looking to add new services so they can help reach even more people in need. In 2016, they began partnering with Reach Out - Montclair after hearing how founders Garth and Madeline Guthrie were sucessfully reaching the Hispanic community with compassion (see below for more information on Madeline). And now they have formalized their relationship, bringing Reach Out - Montclair under their auspices as a subsidiary, located at One Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair.
Although Reach Out - Montclair formally began in 2016, the Guthries have been helping their Spanish-speaking neighbors for a few years now. Initially, they noticed that many in their community needed food, so they connected with Toni's Kitchen and soon after began giving out dinners from the back of their van. As Madeline gained trust from the families, she sought out donations of clothes, shoes, furniture and other needed items. Seeing that the families needed regular help with food, she and Garth set up a regular delivery of groceries to approximately 40 families each week.
This new collaboration will enable MNDC to provide services to the Hispanic community to connect them to needed resources as well as provide donations of furniture, clothing, bicycles, groceries and, at times, hot meals.
We're thrilled to have Reach Out - Montclair on board with us. Since they share the same mission of MNDC "People Helping People" we think it's a perfect fit!
MNDC Welcomes New Partner:
Reach Out - Montclair
Now that Reach Out - Montclair is a subsidiary of MNDC, we'd like to introduce founder Madeline Guthrie as the newest addition to the MNDC staff. She is serving as an Assistant Social Worker and bi-lingual translator.
Given Madeline's awareness of the needs of the Hispanic community in Montclair and beyond, it made perfect sense for her to use her knowledge and skills with MNDC. With Madeline on board, she can translate for MNDC staff and help Spanish-speaking individuals with tasks such as getting a State ID, going to the Motor Vehicle Commission, finding a new job with adequate wages -- things many of us take for granted because we speak English.
Madeline is most excited about putting together an ESL (English as a Second Language) program through Montclair State University. Her goal is to have it in place by spring.
Madeline says that she is honored to be working with MNDC and notes, "Mr. Pelham is a terrific mentor. Everyone here loves to help others. I like that the office goes the extra mile to help families."
Meet our Newest Staff Member
