May 23, 2005

McNERNEY DIRECTS MILITARY FAMILIES TO 2-1-1 FOR HELP

Hackensack, N.J. — Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney joined with New Jersey 2-1-1 and the Bergen County Bar Association today at the Teaneck Armory to announce a plan that would provide additional financial and emotional assistance to military families in need.

McNerney reached out to these organizations after 1,500 troops were deployed from the Teaneck Armory earlier this year. An additional 3,880 soldiers and airmen are expected to be deployed in the near future.

"During times of war families of active duty and reserve troops are changed in ways many never imagined," said McNerney. "We are here today to let these families know that there are services available to help."

New Jersey 2-1-1 is a new statewide number that is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects people with the resources needed to solve problems. For military families, 2-1-1 provides access to information on financial assistance, financial counseling, employment assistance for spouses, mental health issues, and childcare.

"2-1-1 provides access to community and government resources for the residents of Bergen County," said McNerney. "For military families seeking critical information about emotional and financial assistance, it really is as simple as dialing 2-1-1."

"Calls to 2-1-1 are confidential and an experienced call professional is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week whenever help is needed," said Tom Toronto, Chairman of New Jersey 2-1-1. "We are happy to be of service not just to military families, but to all of Bergen County's 884,000 residents."

McNerney called on the Bergen County Bar Association after learning that troops were facing demands from financial companies trying to collect on debt obligations that, by law, cannot be enforced. The Association announced that its members will provide pro bono legal services for military families in need of assistance.

"The problem is that too many debt collectors, lenders and landlords are unaware of the Service members Relief Act protecting all active-duty military families," said McNerney. "I am proud that the Bergen County Bar Association will now be providing service pro bono to the many families in need."

"The soldiers and sailors relief act is alive and well, both on a federal and state level," said Richard McDonnell, President Elect of the Bergen County Bar Association, "The 2000 member plus Bergen County Bar Association is available on a pro bono basis to assist families of active duty military personnel."

"I don't feel we can ever do enough to show our appreciation for the sacrifices made, but I do hope to make it as easy as possible for military families to go about their day-to-day lives without fearing they may be evicted from their homes, or that their car may be repossessed," said McNerney. "Ensuring that military families are taken care of is not only necessary, but I consider it to be our duty.

"The brave men and women who serve our country need our support, and so do their families left behind."