For Mercer County residents in need, Shine and Inspire, a local nonprofit, has given meaningful relief. The nonprofit provides gifts to residents on the condition that they develop a specific strategy for giving back to the community.
Last year, one Mercer County resident, without a vehicle and unable to take her kids to school and care for her sick mother, bought a new car with the help of Shine and Inspire. With her car, she has been able to help others in the community by providing rides for people at her job and her church.
Shine and Inspire, six years old this year, is now planning its next big event: a fundraiser the organization hopes will draw more attention to its cause.
The fundraiser, a masquerade ball, is set for April 22 at the Nottingham Ballroom in Hamilton. Planned festivities include a River Horse beer tasting, wine and dinner and a silent auction, Feldman, the nonprofit’s founder, said. “A mask is a must. People can either bring their own or we’ll have some for sale.”
The proceeds for the fundraiser will go towards the nonprofit, allowing for more gift donations to individuals in the community.
Feldman believes fundraisers like the masquerade ball are key opportunitys to get the word out about her organization.
“This will allow us to help a wider range of people,” she said. “Right now, we couldn’t really buy someone a car. We can’t really help with someone’s tuition. We can’t do things like that without more money.”
Feldman, 66, has worked as a mental health and addiction specialist in Mercer County for more than 20 years. She has practices at 106 Straube Center Boulevard, Pennington and 2117 Route 33, Hamilton. Starting a nonprofit to help people in need “was just a natural progression for me,” she said.
With the help of friends in her professional circle, Feldman developed the idea for Shine and Inspire in 2012. “I wanted to create a ripple effect where they would be doing something for someone else.” Feldman said.
Any resident from Mercer County can apply to receive a donation on the nonprofit’s website, shineandinspire.org. Feldman says specificity is key to a successful application.
“It’s about getting people to go to the website and fill out the form correctly,” she said. “It’s pretty clear that you have to have a plan to pay it forward. Unfortunately, I’ll get applications that say ‘I’ll do whatever you need me to do,’ or something like that. That doesn’t show inspiration. I want to know that you were inspired to do something for somebody else, who it is, when you’ll do it.”
Applicants are judged by their needs and their eagerness to help others.
Feldman recounted another Shine and Inspire recipient. “I had one woman — she lost a lot in a fire, and she wanted a Paw Patrol bed for her son. Well that’s really clear. I knew exactly what she wanted,” Feldman said. “When it’s vague, we say, ‘We’re happy to help you, but please submit another application.’”
The organization does not typically provide money to its recipients. Rather, donations are given in the form of gifts. “We never give anyone directly the money,” she said. “If it’s furniture, for instance, I’ll let them pick out a bed at Wal-Mart and I’ll pay for it and have it shipped to them.”
Feldman was born and raised in Long Island. She moved to New Jersey to pursue grad school at Rutgers in the mid-70s, where she received a Masters in social work. Feldman has lived in Lawrenceville for 37 years.
She initially worked at residential centers for emotionally disturbed kids. Her graduate field placement was at Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys, and her first job was at Somerset Hills schools. In 1977, not long after she got married, she had her first child and left the field for about 12 years. She returned to work in the early 90’s, after separating from her husband.
“After a divorce from an alcoholic, I became an addiction specialist. It kind of changed the course of my life,” she said.
In addition to giving gifts to individuals, Shine and Inspire also hosts events for the community. They do two childrens’ parties a year, including one coming up in June where Feldman says more than a hundred kids from across the county will go for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and food,” Feldman said.
Every child at the party will get a brand new backpack and a pair of sneakers, she said. In the winter version, they get hats, coats, glove and scarves.
Tickets for the masquerade ball are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at shineandinspire.org/events. To find out more about the event, contact Feldman at (609) 841-9083.
In terms of her goals for the future, Feldman hopes Shine and Inspire can one day go beyond Mercer County.
“My fantasy is that other chapters will open in other counties,” she said. “I know there are more people we can help.”
Feldman,
