Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Inc. - Success Stories as of 4.3.15

The River Edge based support group started on January 27, 2011 and have been holding free weekly meetings ever since. Six months later the group opened its second location and have been continuously expanding into additional libraries and other venues like Community Colleges and nonprofits.

We went global in the fall of 2014 with a meeting group in University in Madrid Spain. Which saw 5 of the 10 members land jobs in three months following our meeting agenda and model.

Our group is extremely proud of the work it has done and the large number and rapid rate of success stories of members getting jobs, and we wanted to detail some of these success stories. Not all members report back when they get jobs so we know or numbers are even higher than the ones who report in and give us their short story to help motivate the others in the group

We encourage you to connect with our success stories on the NhN LinkedIn group as when they land their network grows and they can be more helpful with connections.

We always need to find volunteer facilitators, as our facilitators seem to land faster than our general members as they take on responsibility and show leadership skill, which allows them to be more attractive job candidates.

Success #1 - May, (3.24.11) the first member who found a job after attending meetings in River Edge was a young woman who was working in New York City and she has a daughter with Autism, which required her to leave work frequently. The group members all pitched in and helped give her feedback on her resume, and gave her ideas of where to look for a job within an area closer to her home. She shortly after attending meetings a job with a local bank in New Jersey not far from her home in New Milford.

Success #2 Darlene (4-12-11) . “When I came to NhN, I was just laid off from a job I'd had for 20-years. It was quite a shock. Coming to NhN introduced me to other people that were in the same boat, most had lost long-term jobs. They were friendly and not intimidating. While I wasn't ready to get going on an elevator speech, they encouraged me and held me accountable each week. They also spoke of skill improvement, and I took advantage of various classes at community school as well as the library.   I was able to land a job within three months of my unemployment.”

Success #3 – (4-26-11) - John the founder/group leader NhN River Edge benefited from the discussions, positive approaches and suggestions made by the members, one major game changing suggestion was to use Linkedin.com more frequently and to network more with people he knew from his extensive background in food and publishing. The sequence of events that led to his resume getting in front of the SR VP of Merchandising which was forwarded from another inside department VP contact led to two interviews and a job offer. This could only have happened due to the suggestions from the group. This led to his new position be started in May 2011 at a major NY/NJ area supermarket chain.

Success #4 and #5 - John and Gary NhN River Edge were from Paramus and Saddle Brook, who where

very down and discouraged by the job search process, the negative feelings that they projected came through to all the members at the meeting. They felt like they should give up looking for a job as they were not getting anywhere with their job searches. Without a doubt the support and encouragement that was given to these people by the other group members began to change their outlook and resulting in each of them finding a job within the same week.

Success #6 – (6-15-11) – Bill River Edge NhN a co-facilitator had last worked back in November of 2006. His first NhN meeting was on April 7, 2011 having been invited by another member. From the meetings he found out about other networking meetings and was given the proper job search steps, and advice to target specific companies, Linkedin.com and resume advice. He was also steered to the speakers such as Absolutely Abbey. From the group’s advice he sought out the career coach Cynthia Clark with whom he had a couple of sessions. During the worst moments of his job search Bill found the group encouraging and full of advice and experience. Through networking and working recruiters Bill has landed a contract position with IDC Technologies engaged at Sony and started in June. With help from NhN Bill overcame a 4 year work gap and moments of discouragement. Bill also volunteered to set up the web site for NhN which can be seen at www.neighbors-helping-neighbors.com

Success #7 –(6.18.11) Susan had attended regularly the River Edge weekly meeting from the very first week and was a seasoned networking group participant, who brought a lot of good information to the group and created the first member created document How to Begin a Job Search.

Success #8 –Steve NhN River Edge was from Washington Twp. shared his success story with the group. "I had been looking since the beginning of the year, and I had been getting horribly frustrated," he said. "I kept getting interviews and I would interview with the hiring manager and pass the technical interview, most of the time with flying colors, and then I would have the human resources interview, and they would take one look at the graying hair and the growing bald spot on the back of my head and they always found a reason to reject me. The group members kept my hopes up. "I guess the moral of the story is: don't give up hope, because I was really getting there. I was seriously thinking I was never going to work again. But I still feel I have a lot to contribute to the world."

Success #9 – George NhN River Edge was a retired gentleman who was looking to start a consulting business, went back to school to get certifications in his field of expertise, he was one of the last three members of the former month group and was a great member offering great incite and suggestions to members, he was a natural for this concept. He did land a major client for his consulting business which required him to spend a lot of time out of state and away from his family, but he was a huge influence and supporter of mine and this group. He influenced me to talk about my volunteer work in my job interviews and I did and I feel it made a difference. His suggestion for a set weekly agenda and members taking turns moderating was a huge suggestion that allowed us to continue after I landed my position.

Success #10 – Craig had turned down a job due to a reduction in pay from his previous position, and told the meeting group, who passionately urged him to reconsider and see if he could get the company to improve their offer. The company then met him at an industry convention which the group also urged him to attend; they flew him down to South Carolina and hired him.

Success # 11 – (7.29.11) Theresa from NhN River Edge meetings landed with ACS-Xerox

Success # 12 – Ginny from Maplewood used networking, web information and emails to find a job

Success # 13 – Mark from River Edge NhN meetings landed seasons position with Halloween City that ended up eventually landing him success # 47 with a permanent position with Party City.

Success #14 – A woman from River Edge was out work since February 2011, attending the Neighbors-helping- Neighbors group in River Edge, she found good support keeping her positive and focused while she continued to apply for work. She found people willing to help her with computer skills, willing to introduce her to others in their own network, willing to send her job leads in her field. She also found a wealth of information about other networking groups, job fairs, job opportunities, career coaches and a

variety of tips and techniques to help her be successful in her strategy to find work. She reached out to someone she worked for as a contractor several years ago just to talk about a job posted for a major retailer. She encouraged her to apply and since she knew the recruiter, she recommended that she connect with the recruiter too on Linked In. So, she introduced me (using Linked In) to this recruiter by referencing her contract work. This recruiter accepted her invite to connect on Linked In. A few weeks later she was contacted by the retailer. While she did not meet the criteria for the job she applied for, she was asked if she would consider a long term contract to cover an employee’s leave. She expressed interest, interviewed and subsequently accepted this new opportunity. While this assignment has an end date, it has her back to work and learning new ways of doing things, while engaging with new partners in her field.

Success # 15 – Denise from River Edge NhN meetings

Success # 16 – Marvalyn from Bergenfield NhN meetings

Success #17 - Judy just started attending meetings a few weeks ago in Bergenfield, and they were discussing how her publishing field could relate to other fields, for example, customer service or retail. So she thought about why not making another resume for retail and customer service (even though she was a paralegal) and expands her job hunt in those fields. She was discussing how she went to conferences twice a year for the company and was asking the speakers to write either a new article on their topic or a revised one they had already written years ago to update the law for her service. She was successful in obtaining quite a few to write articles for her service. Macy's saw the relationship with what she did as a paralegal and hired her as a full-time Retail Associate in the Table Top dept.

Success #18 - Melina a NhN Ridgewood woman from Allendale who had just completed her masters degree in may and she had seven years of experience as a librarian was looking for a job and attended our new Ridgewood meeting location, she was hired for a librarian position, less than a month after joining the Neighbors-helping-Neighbors group, after the leader sent her resume to all the library directors who are on the NhN mailing list she was offered a full time position with a Bergen county library. She said that she wasn’t even aware of the job opening. It pays to network, and this is a great group of pro-active, supportive job seekers. 

Success #19 Joel from Ho-Ho-Kus who attended meetings in Ridgewood since they began in September, he had received an email that was found by a member Elizabeth and sent through the leader and forwarded to the full group, he saw a job with FEMA that he applied to and landed within two weeks of getting the email. His wife also is out of work is attended meetings with him.

Success #20 - Andrew from Mahwah first came to our River Edge meeting in July then moved to Hawthorne and facilitated this new group. He said “I received renewed focus, spirits lifted, input from helpful members who in many cases were either further along in the process than I was or had a different viewpoint mine. For me it came down to the right opportunity and who I knew on the inside. Making the calls even if you haven't spoken to that person in a long time.” Andrew continues to pay if forward moderating our Mahwah meetings.

Success # 21 –Musset from Bergenfield, River Edge and Ridgewood NhN Meetings.

Success #22 -Dave from Bergenfield got a six month programming contract with Wipro. Wipro is an IT staffing company that has a contract with Novartis. He will be programming several iPad applications that Novartis wants. NhN was helpful on several counts. One was getting out of the house and comparing his experiences with other job hunters. He found that he was not alone in sending resumes and talking to enthusiastic head hunters that never again called. The second count was a comment by Henry; He said "I have been getting a lot of interest after I put my resume on dice.com". I decided to try my luck with dice. I did receive a lot of interest and eventual a job through dice. Thanks for starting a much needed group.”

Success #23 -Mitch said, “My brother kept asking me to go to the group meeting in river edge, but I always turned him down.  Finally I attended one of the sessions I realized that others were in the same position as I

was.  It was interesting to hear of the different methods others were using to try to get interviews. As with many things it was not one size fits all.   I signed up for a program at Bergen Community College. That helps people get employment in the food service field.  I am now working part time at a restaurant named Cosi.  I think that the confidence I received by neighbors- helping- neighbors helped me, then later Mitch was offered his old job back with DPW.

Success #24 – Melissa NhN River Edge she was the person who first started up the idea of meeting at the library back in the fall of 2010, she held a few monthly meetings that essentially motivated me to found this group, She had landed a 90 day temp job with a real estate company who essentially re-upped her contract 4 times before she finally landed a full time job there. She has been instrumental in helping me with the ideas and guidance of our NhN group and I will always credit her for sparking the bug to found NhN.

Success # 25 – Cheryl of River Edge NhN landed consulting deal

Success #26 – Karen NhN Waldwick landed a part-time job “I wanted to say Thank you for all of your help and email's.  I received our email about the "Barnes and Noble Job Fair" that was held in Paramus on October 28th.  I went to the job fair and applied for a part time position as a bookseller.  I received a telephone call today offering the bookseller position and will be starting next week.  I would have never known about the job opening if it hadn't been for NhN.

Success #27 - Tom NhN Ridgewood said “I think the biggest help was that it kept me motivated to keep working at it.  I didn't want to go to a meeting and tell everyone that I had done nothing productive that week so I kept at it.  A couple members also gave me a few ideas for what to do the next time I need to look for a job (hopefully never).

Success # 28 – Lisa of River Edge NhN Meeting

Success #29 - Kristin said “NHN River Edge gave me great ideas on how to improve my resume, to network through existing channels and on how to use LinkedIn as a search tool.

Several interviews that I had were the direct result of me tracking down the hiring manager. Thanks to River Edge's Kevin Deen for his great advice on sending an old-school" resumes and cover letter in the mail in addition to applying for a position through online systems. In the words of one hiring manager, "You definitely got my attention." I got practical, last-minute advice on how to handle salary negotiations, to get my resume in front of hiring managers, and how to prepare for interview questions that I hadn't anticipated.

In the end, I got the job that I wanted because I was encouraged to use my network to find leads for positions that weren't necessarily even posted yet, and ended up learning that a former colleague was hiring for the position that I now occupy. I learned how to manage that interview process with multiple companies while negotiating offers with two organizations. Using feedback from members of NHN and coaching from John, I put myself in the right position to take the spot that best suited my career goals and needs.

Success # 30 – Kevin attended Westwood NhN

Success # 31 - Lisa from Ho-Ho-Kus attended Ridgewood NhN she said,” I am so excited!  I had a great interview last Friday and got the job offer. I officially started on Tuesday. 

I'm working from home part-time, and hope to grow it into a bigger role next year.  I'm responsible for East Coast booth/exhibitor selling opportunities for Dwell on Design -- the biggest modern design event on the West Coast.  I will also be selling for their Home Tour Series.  Dwell on Design is a modern design week long event that is a part of Dwell Media.

Thanks for all your support in the Ridgewood group!  Thanks to John too who laid the groundwork for a

much needed networking group. Lisa’s Husband Joel was Success # 19.

Success #32 - Leslie who has been attending meetings since our start at NhN River Edge heard of a job through a friend, an Executive Assistant at Mont Blanc.  She was called by an HR person at XpresSpa in NYC.  Apparently she found my friend through LinkedIn by looking for luxury companies. My friend wasn't interested in the job but recommended me.  I interviewed on Wednesday and was offered the position of Executive Assistant to the President and Exec. VP yesterday and I accepted.  They are a young and growing company and they are looking for help with organizing and processes.  Right up my alley!  Thank you for all your hard work keeping Neighbors Helping Neighbors going in so many libraries.  NHN gave me the push I needed to get out of the present job I hate and onto a new beginning.  LinkedIn is definitely the major tool to use to help find a new job. I also cannot say enough good things about Cynthia Clark, the career counselor.  She was an immense help and a great motivator!

Success #33 – Ferbido NhN River Edge said “I got a job in Virginia!! A recruiter found my resume online and offered my services to a company in Virginia. Only one interview by phone and here I am working as Electrical and Control Engineer. I thank you for your brilliant idea of forming NHN, thanks for your enthusiasm and great desire to help. Thanks for putting your talents and charisma at the service of others. I also thank all members for their contribution with ideas, information, experiences, advice, and enthusiasm. NHN gave me the strength to go on, knowing that I'm not alone and that others are struggling just like me with enthusiasm and with the conviction that we will achieve it. 

Success #34 –Donna NhN Ridgewood said “I got a call day before Thanksgiving I got a job! Yeah, I went on interview on Monday and she checked my references on Wednesday and called and hired me. Honestly I was quite surprised that they didn't go with a younger person since the job is a Spa but the Director was looking for experience. So I guess age and experience does sometimes trump youth.

Success #35 - Maryanne said Jacque gave me a lead last Thursday night Nov 13 at the Ridgewood meeting. I just want to express my gratitude to the group for being there when I really needed the support. I will keep my ears open for other jobs for our group members. I begin my new adventure on December 5th. Who knows where this may lead me. NHN gave me the strength to put one foot in front of the other each week and not give up hope. I received so many helpful suggestions in looking for a job that never crossed my mind. The NHN members truly care for one another's well being and I have found friends for life in these meetings. I pray that others seek out these meetings to assist in their job search because the resources, knowledge and years of experience provided by the members are something money cannot buy. John Fugazzie created these meetings as a safe haven for the unemployed not to feel all alone and they have blossomed into so much more. Thank you, John and Jacque and everyone else that takes the time out of their schedules to make all of this possible.

Success # 36 – (12.22.11)Eve said” I want to thank my Cresskill group for listening and giving me encouragement, inspiration and support in my job-hunting efforts. My resume needed a facelift, and I got good ideas from seeing several different resume styles from the people in the group. My new position is Project Manager at Haworth Furniture, NYC, in the Architectural Interiors Department.

Success #37 – Stephanie NhN River Edge had been coming to meetings on and off and finally landed a position in Fairlawn in telemarketing.

Success # 38 - Kevin had been out of work 5 months short of 3 years and attended many different networking groups in addition to several NhN locations including Hawthorne, and Waldwick. Kevin said.” I have an update - GREAT news!   I was offered a full time employee position at QualCare Inc in Piscataway.  The position is Business Objects Developer.  I will start on Monday 1-9-12.  Do not give up hope!  I was out of work for three years (fewer 5 months).  Keep persevering, keep networking! Thank you all again for your prayers and encouragement. 

Success #39 - Dennis landed a help desk help analyst position temporary hire to March 31st 2012. I got the job I am responsible for downloading files specific and detailed to their application.  I remain faithful and positive, and appreciate NhN group being there for me.

Success #40 - Cindy said “In my job search, I found that networking in groups like NhN was a critical element and major source of support. Attending NhN meetings helped to validate my job search experience, and gave me new perspective and ideas to introduce into my search process. NhN is a great outlet to meet new people from different backgrounds and companies/industries that helps to make valuable business connections.”

Success # 41 – Helena from Ridgewood NhN

Success # 42 – Peggy from Lyndhurst (River Edge NhN meeting

Success # 43 -Earl said” I just wanted to let you know that this week I was able to secure a part-time health care position. I started work Jan 24th. Even though it is only 28 hours/week it will help to pay some of the bills until I can find a full-time job with benefits. Even though the job it is not in my field (Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering) I do have experience these last 5 years holding part-time jobs in health care. Since I am 61 years old and also caring for two physically disabled individuals in my home, I needed to be close at hand in case there was an emergency. So a self-imposed limitation on my job search was the radius I would be willing to travel to a job.  Jo Ann Faust of the Wanaque NhN group was very helpful. I still want to remain on the e-mail list. The job opportunities that are posted, job fairs listed and the job search skill web links are very helpful. Perhaps I can find additional work or a better position in the future.

Success # 44 - David said “I wanted to thank you John for helping me to secure an interview with Ferraro. It went well and I will be starting there Monday as a category manager. I really appreciate all the help you have given me. It is a lot closer of a commute for me, and I feel I fit in well with the company.”

Success # 45 – Bill NhN River Edge is from Lyndhurst and found a full time job with a major food service company. And continues to be active with the group helping in many ways.

Success # 46 – Juliet from River Edge said” As you know, I was offered a job last Friday and after working out the hours it became official yesterday.  I will begin on Tuesday as Office Administrator of a small Hedge Fund/Family Office in New York.

I want to thank you because, without Neighbors-helping-Neighbors, I would not have found this job.  During one of our Thursday night NhN meetings, Mark Gottlieb had asked me if I thought my LinkedIn Profile was as good as it could be.  Mark offered to meet me at the library to look at my LinkedIn Profile and to make suggestions.  I had thought my profile was pretty good but Mark was able to make suggestions such as groups to join and recruiters to “friend”.  He even suggested a new headline: Experienced Office Administrator/Private Equity/Family Office.  A recruiter noticed me because we were in the same Family Office LinkedIn group and contacted me, and the rest is history!

NhN has been a great source of support and knowledge.  Being able to network with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds but who are all going through the same thing was a comforting and educational experience.  Many thanks to you, John, for all you have accomplished with this wonderful group!” Juliet’s Brother Craig was success # 10.

Success #47- Mark NhN River Edge from Little Ferry... mark was our success number 13 back in August when he landed a seasonal position with Halloween city, after the holiday he was dismissed but put into the pool for new managers for their parent companies full time jobs at Party City. Which he just landed and will start on Tuesday Feb 7th Shows how temporary and seasonal jobs can ultimately end up as permanent positions.

Success #48 – Manny from Ridgewood said” I just wanted you to know that Jacque is fantastic moderator, and the NhN group in Ridgewood is great! I learned so much form the sessions, as well as the conversations and correspondence that I had with Jacque! I managed to land a better position than I had

previously: I was a warehouse manager at the last company I worked for, and will be the director of operations for a small company that manufactures connector cables for radios and batteries for the military, with an increase in salary of almost one third, as well as guaranteed profit sharing. Among my duties, will be logistics, marketing, customer sales and eventually the design of the products. Thank you very much for providing such a great channel for obtaining knowledge, as well as networking! Your service is invaluable!!”

Success #49 - Stu from Hawthorne - Before tonight's Super-bowl game, I wanted to let you know that I am starting a full-time job on Monday as a grant-writer for Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. I greatly appreciate the support and guidance that I received from the Hawthorne NHN chapter, which really helped me cope with a prolonged job search. 

Success #50 - Pat from Park Ridge – “I attended NhN in Ridgewood and the 1 yr. anniversary on 1/27 which was wonderful.  I started a new position on Monday, 2/6 as a Receptionist.   I won't be going to the Ridgewood meetings but would like to continue networking.  Since I live in Park Ridge, I'd be closer to the Westwood Library. John, thank you for all you do for NhN.  You are amazing!”

Success #51 - Milena attended meetings in Lodi when we had them there and then stayed Connected through LinkedIn and group emails.

Success #52 - Luigi joined the group on LinkedIn as there were no programs close to his home, he networked with John F as he was in the food business and got a referral on LinkedIn through John and landed his merchandising job with a local food broker.

Success #53 - Peggy also didn’t live near any meeting locations but used the web site and other NhN materials to help her with her search and landed a job she wanted in a hospital

Success # 54 - Ipek of Cedar Grove NhN - member requested to remain confidential

Success # 55 - Hedy of River Edge NhN -

Success # 56 - Alison of Waldwick NhN -

Success # 57 – Lisa of Dumont NhN

Success # 58 – Robin of Waldwick NhN, said ”I had the pleasure of meeting you when I joined the Waldwick NJ Neighbors Helping Neighbors group in 2011.  With your assistance I’ve landed and wanted to provide some immediate finance job openings for the groups. I initially began working for Oritani Bank in January 2012.  I became a permanent employee in July of 2012.”

Success # 59 – Russ of Bergenfield NhN

Success #60 - Susan from Ridgewood said “I attended the Fair Lawn chapter of NHN the other night.  That was my second meeting; the first was at Ridgewood in January.  I just wanted to let you know that after 11 months of being unemployed, I landed a one year contract job that will start next week.  I want to thank you and the members of NHN for the support and encouragement that I received in the meetings and for the emails, stories and articles that helped me so much. I don't want to lose the connection with this group and I would like to be able to help anyone that I can. God Bless you for the continued success of this group.

Success #61 - John from Ridgewood I am very happy to report that I have taken a position as a Healthcare Technology Consultant in Paramus, NJ.  Although I did not get a referral through an NhN group member, there is no question that being a part of the group positioned me so that I was fully ready when the opportunity window opened.  I attended a number of meetings in Ridgewood, including the one-year celebration, which was instrumental in refocusing my job search.  

Success #62 John from Ringwood NhN - member requested to remain confidential

Success # 63 – Kim - member requested to remain confidential

Success # 64 – Mike from River Edge NhN - member requested to remain confidential

Success #65 - Sam from Westwood was feeling very anxious while being out of work but NhN meetings kept him focused on his search and gave him a lot of feedback and help in dealing with his situation.

Success #66 - Maria from Westwood said “I took the info I learned from the resume session by the woman who presented to NhN meeting and, I sent my new resume to a few places and I am now subbing for teacher's aides in a local school district. Thank you NhN!”

Success #67 – Tom from Fair Lawn attended meeting in Ridgewood said that NhN “assisted me by providing various suggestions on how to improve my interviewing skills.”

Success #68 – Toby I am excited to say that I was just offered to work at two elementary schoolsAs a Media Specialist/librarian.  Apparently, I impressed the two principals at the interview (was what I was told). Start date is 4/15 till end of school year in June. Although this is a substitute,Temporary leave of absence, at least it is in my field, I can list it on my resume and maybe be lucky to hear about someone in the school library retiring from this district.

Success #69 –Mary NhN Cranford first facilitator from Kenilworth I have landed! I will be starting at Admiration Foods in Englewood as their HR Manger on Monday. I know I can thank NhN and the rest of the transition groups I have been attending for all of their guidance in helping me create marketing materials and prepare for a job search in today's world. I also feel networking played a huge part and the groups helped me to develop those skills. Please know that I still would like to be a moderator and will keep working to get Cranford going. I appreciate all of the helpful information you are sending out and look forward to working with you.

Success #70 – Greg Murray, who has attended both the Ridgewood group and my group in Mendham Twp. Greg graduated from RPI's Lally School of Management last spring. Neighbors-helping- Neighbors is what helped him get a job.  The group support was invaluable to him. The librarian at the Mendham Twp. Library spoke to the Twp. Committee about 6 weeks ago and told them about the NhN group that meets in Mendham.  An anonymous member of the Twp. Committee requested resumes from our group's members, which were provided. 

Greg was called for an interview at a small technical consulting firm whose owner lives in Mendham. It seems that the Twp. Committee has been showing the members’ resumes to folks behind the scenes, and the company owner picked Greg's resume out of the pile he was shown.  In addition, he had a session with Cynthia Clark on interviewing which helped him greatly.  An engineer in my group helped prep him for technical questions on the firm's line of business. So, Greg got a lot of assistance to help him nail the job.  Thanks so much for creating NhN. I believe Greg is your 70th success, and he is our first from the small group in Mendham. We are looking forward to many more successes!

Success # 71 – Jerry from Fair Lawn landed a job with Fairway Markets and will be working on a project in addition to his job to help create and in house newspaper for the employees. He is a member of the River Edge meeting group.

Success # 72 -Linda from Oradell and a River Edge member of NhN, currently in a contract position as a Brand Marketing Manager with LexisNexis in New Providence, NJ. She hopes to have the time to join an evening meeting in the near future!

Success # 73 – Anthony from Waldwick accepted a job with Farmers insurance

Success # 74 – Carol from West Milford

Success # 75 - Jo from NhN Wanaque and Ringwood groups

Success # 76 – Denise was a previous success story (#15) who started facilitating our meeting in Hawthorne and found a job in August after working 6 months for a company, she then found herself back with our meeting groups and found a new job which she said should be a much better fit for her, she had been a big help returning to NhN moderating two new locations.

Success # 77 – Richard of Westwood

Success # 78 – Laura of Fair Lawn – said” My husband found the job on Craig’s List and brought it to my attention.  Upon phoning the number and speaking with the gentleman responsible for the hiring we set up an interview.  It turns out that this is a new beginning for them as well.  With both my experiences of working with Special needs students and Medical health verifying and billing I fit the mold exactly for what they were looking for.  So I have to say that it worked out quite nicely for me.  Again, thank you so much for the extra push I needed to refocus my efforts.

Success # 79 – (4.3.12 ) Roddy of NhN Ridgewood meeting a co-facilitator said “as began my job search campaign, it became abundantly clear that networking would play an important role in my success.  Networking is a key activity that I thoroughly enjoyed when I joined Neighbors helping Neighbors.   It was not only fun, but critical to my personal growth and professional development.  John and his team of moderators provided invaluable coaching and advice that I will continue to utilize in my new role.  It was great have a network of friends and associates to draw energy from.   Just being a part of a group serves to keep you on point in terms of getting things done.  Thank you John for NhN.”

Success # 80 – Katherine attended River Edge meetings and said, “I just wanted to keep you updated on my job search for a nursing position and thank you again for your help. Two months ago I interviewed at Englewood Hospital and this week I got a call that I finally got the job. I really appreciate your reaching out to me and putting yourself and your wife in the middle of my job search.I hope to continue with neighbors helping neighbors in some capacity. I think it is a great idea and the times do demand that we help our neighbors.”

Success # 81 – Jenna of Cedar Grove said “I will be starting a new role on 4/9 as an HR Point of Contact at Accenture helping with the Annual Performance Management process for employees across three work forces As you know, I attended the inaugural meeting in Cedar Grove and although I haven't attended other meetings in person, I've kept connected through email with some members and via the LinkedIn group. While on the topic of networking and LinkedIn, I'd like to emphasize the power of your network as all my job leads/interviews have come about either through someone I knew or finding out about positions via LinkedIn or a combination of both.  I might not have known about the Accenture position I landed if not for the fact that I was connected to the Accenture alumni group on LinkedIn and saw a discussion post.  

After all, my network is how I found out about the NhN meeting in Cedar Grove.  My Dad saw it in the local paper and passed the information on to me. The positive energy and encouragement at that first meeting is noteworthy.  Someone came up to me after the meeting and gave me their contact info and said some encouraging words, which when you're looking for work, any morale boosters you get most certainly help.  I remember members gave a pep talk to someone who was worried about an interview they had the next day and I saw that this person landed.  I hope you can count my story as another one of NhN's successes and if I can help someone else out I'd be glad to do it.

Success # 82 – Tina from Ho-Ho-Kus and a Ridgewood meeting attendee said “I'm so happy I get to write this email - I got a job with a financial service company!  I found it through an ad in the Record, but knowing I had the support of the Ridgewood group really helped.  They gave me the courage to apply even though I wasn't sure the job description was something that I wanted.  It turned out to be a perfect match and I'm in my second week at a full time job.  I want to thank everyone for their help, support, and

thoughts.  It gave me more confidence to know that I wasn't the only one in my situation.  If I can help anyone in their search, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you again for all your efforts.

Success # 83 – Rosemary NhN River Edge said “Wanted to inform you that I secured a position. My offer was made yesterday from the same company that just eliminated my position. I had to interview and prepare in a short period of time. Although I never made a meeting I read each and every email. The tips were great in helping me prepare for this interview. Thank you again. I hope and pray the successes of others gaining employment grows tremendously as this group gains momentum. Thank you for what you do.

Success # 84 – Jocelyn from Teaneck attended Englewood NhN meetings said “NhN indirectly helped me land a job by providing a support group, like the social extension one have when working. I have found in Englewood NhN a safe outlet where I can voice out concerns, questions or course of action and get unbiased feedback. Likewise, it is sometimes empowering to have something to say to others. I wish everyone best of luck.

Success # 85 – Mike from Wayne said “  I've been attending at both Cedar Grove and Hawthorne and I wanted to let you know I've been informed by the Superintendent of my former school system that my courses are being reinstated. He requested I submit a letter of interest for the posted opening which I did today and upon receipt of that I will be rehired for September 2012. The revised curricula I presented to him and new budget and contract changes made this possible. The NhN groups allowed me to maintain the positive attitude that created this situation. Can't thank you enough

Success # 86 – Mark is from NhN River Edge is from Little Ferry and a former River Edge resident who has been attending and helping co-facilitate meetings at River Edge. Mark has been with us since June 2011. And has been a member who has given a lot of one on one help to many others at the group meetings.

Success # 87 - Robert said “I wanted to let you and the NhN Members know that I am another success story.  After returning from 3 years in California, most of which I was unemployed, I attended my first NhN meeting in January.  The meeting was NhN anniversary when you were recognized for your outstanding work.  The guest speakers motivated me and I was determined not to conduct my job search the same way I had in California. That same night I created my Linked In profile and a few days later I attended the free Linked In seminar at the Ridgewood Library.  Within days I had connected with over 30 direct colleagues and decision makers. I attended a NhN meeting in Mahwah and listen to the difficulties each member was having in their job searches and personal difficulties each member was having to deal with.  Having gone through all the lows and highs the NhN members were encountering forced me to re-look at my own process of getting back to work.   I started to look at all the positives in my life, I began exercising in the morning and maintained a healthy diet.  I searched my contacts in Linked In and found recruiters in the field that I wanted to return to.  I sent e-mails, called and left messages.  Within weeks I flew to Atlanta and had a job offer.  Days before I was ready to pack up my belongings in the car and move to Atlanta I got a call from a recruiter that I had contacted through Linked In.  Three days later I had a job offer as a General Manager of a golf course in Jefferson Township. Life throws many curve balls at us and I have learned that you must be patient and focused.  I encourage everyone who has found themselves in a dark placed to look in the mirror, pick themselves up, get out of the house and attend the NhN meetings and other free seminars that can help them succeed. John, thank you so much for starting the NhN movement and count me as another success story due to your efforts.

Success # 88 – Narendra

Success # 89 – Nikki from Fair Lawn NhN

Success # 90 is Dan from Easton PA he said “I accepted an offer from Atalanta late yesterday (4/7/12). They are still finalizing my job details but I am going to be a product manager for their goat cheese and bakery programs, have two major customers for sales responsibility and be heavily involved in training. New position created for me with the help of John Rodger and the Gellert’s. Thanks for your encouragement and the time you spent with me looking at A&P stores.

Thank you for the help you are giving to those who need a lifeline to feel good about themselves. As I hear about any positions there I will encourage their director of HR to utilize your group linked in page and post their positions. I will also encourage others to do so.

Success # 91 - John from Easton PA he said “Do you remember when you suggested Dietz and Watson to look at for employment? I start Tuesday!

I was in the middle of negotiation when you sent that suggestion. I could not say anything at that moment. I will send you my new business contact information on Tuesday.

Success #92 - Scott from Mahwah meeting said “I had participated in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors group at the Mahwah Library.  I was let go from my employer in January 2012 and utilized my network to find new employment.  I am happy to announce that I was recently offered a position, in which I also accepted, in the field of Employee Benefit Consulting.  I found the support of the Mahwah group to be very encouraging to help keep me focused on the task of looking for a position.  Although the position is in NYC (vs. in NJ where I used to work), the people and the work are fantastic. I just wanted to thank you for your dedication to Neighbors Helping Neighbors as I believe it really helps individuals.  I will continue to assist anyone looking for work as I come across open positions.

Success #93 - John from Cedar Grove meeting said ” Many thanks for all the support while I was unemployed. I started a 6 month consulting assignment on Thursday last week. I have been very busy setting up this PMO.

Success #94 - Paula from Hawthorne has been our facilitator there with NhN since the beginning, she said “Thank you for, envisioning the NhN concept, and moving forward with the idea.  You are a model for me in allowing "good" to come out of chaos.  During the last year and my participation in NhN, I've learned so much about myself and others and have met so many great people in the community.   Thank you to everyone that has participated in NhN, whether by attending one meeting or many meetings.  Also, I'd like to acknowledge, I was feeling pretty shaky as I volunteered to lead NhN Hawthorne and you were there to provide the support I needed.  The Hawthorne group has also done a great job of working together and supporting me and each other.

Success #95 – Barb from Cedar Grove NhN said “I have accepted a job for an Insurance agency in Morristown and start in a few weeks.  Stewart, I thank you so much for leading our NhN group in Cedar Grove. It helped me to stay optimistic it was a great group. The many suggestions helped me on my job search .  If there is anything I can do to help the group let me know. Just an FYI ,this job I got by way of an old friend I worked with she gave my resume to her sister who works in insurance and I was hired by her office .

Success #96 – Nehrin from Oakland NhN said “I greatly appreciate everybody's advice in our Oakland group. Today is the third day in my new job, and I have to say that I am really happy. I had

previously talked to hr and my recruiter and everything worked out. I wanted to let you guys know that when my recruiter from Apple One asked if I knew of more people that are searching for jobs I referred her to linkedin nhn. I hope that something positive will come of it.

Success # 97 –(4-2-12) - Claudio from Italy who attended Ridgewood NhN said “On April the 2nd I started a new job as Senior Account Manager at ABI PR www.apipr.com a marketing and public relations firm with a focus on the B2B sector. I believe it is a great opportunity, I’m working with great people and doing something I like, furthermore, there are opportunities to learn a lot and room to grow.

The only thing I have to o is to work hard to settle down and prepare for the arrival of my family. A big grazie to you, Jacque and all the people of N&N, who provided encouragement, insights and networking opportunities to succeed in my job search. Please allow me to stay in touch and be of some help in the future.

Success # 98 - Joyce from Hawthorne NhN she said “I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work you do for everyone. I had attended at times the Hawthorne meetings, but couldn't always make them so I continued to read all the e-mail info & linked in Info that you provided to give everyone hope & inspiration. After almost 2 years of being out of work I finally landed a job!I'm just so happy to have employment after such a long wait. Thank you for your time and effort. I really appreciate it! Everyone keep on hanging in there!

Success # 99 – Marie from Hawthorne NhN she said “I want to let you know I also got a job finally after being unemployed for sixteen months. Joyce put it beautifully. Thank you for all your hard work and support to everyone. Neighbors helping Neighbors is a wonderful thing you started. I also attend the Hawthorne chapter and will be looking out for the others in the group. NhN has been very supportive in every way by listening to my frustrations of the job search to suggestions & answering questions I have had and when I was feeling down they lifted my spirits!

Success # 100 –(4.24.12) Robert was one of our earliest members in River Edge he said “It's official:  I landed. Yesterday, I accepted a position as Recruiting Manager for Adroit Software Consultants in Emerson, NJ.  I started there today (4/24/12). First and foremost, I would like to thank Cynthia Clark for her advice and encouragement.  This would not have happened without her help.  Plus, she is the one who noticed this job opening and suggested that I apply for it. Next, I would like to thank you, John, for starting Neighbors-helping-Neighbors.  It's a wonderful networking group and it has been amazing to see how it has grown. After that, I would like to thank everyone else in all the different networking groups I've attended for their support and encouragement.  Special thanks here to Jacque Weiss. 

Success # 101 – Ed has been a member of our new Oakland NhN group he said “ I wanted to give you the heads up that I accepted a 3 month Contract Position at Stryker in Mahwah late last Friday.I started yesterday and it looks like it will hold me over well while I continue to search for a permanent position. This means that I will not be able to come to the Thursday Morning meetings, but I will keep you informed and look forward to seeing emails about success from all of you!

Success # 102 – Leslie has been a member and co-facilitator in Fair Lawn NhN group she said “I am happy to tell you that I was offered a 2 month contract as the Development Consultant at the National Yiddish Theatre- Folksbiene. I will be dealing with their upcoming Gala in June at the Town Hall in NYC. I will be responsible for all of the fundraising operational details of this major event.  It will be a great opportunity for me professionally as it  will have expose me to fundraising in the fine arts which is new to me rather than to what I have been used to which has been in healthcare and education. They have

expressed a desire to speak with me after this event is over. So right now my focus is making sure that this organization raises a lot of money. I am so grateful to our Fair Lawn group for all the support they have provided me and I intend to keep coming and stay involved.

Success # 103 – Justine has been attending Cedar Grove since it started in February

Success # 104 – Bill was success # 45 and co-facilitator of Hasbrouck Heights now has landed a better situation with Fairway markets in their liquor department for the new West Paterson store. Jerry success #71 will also be in that store.

Success # 105 – Victoria from Westwood said, “I've recently started working as a Senior Writer at Chartis, the property-casualty subsidiary of AIG insurance company in New York. I'm working in the company's internal communications group, and it's a position that is just right for me and a natural next step based on my writing/editing skills, corporate background and reporting experience covering the insurance industry. Job strategies are different for each individual, however, the job strategy that worked best for me was responding to targeted LinkedIn job postings plus networking (in the local community and at events for several industries in New Jersey and Manhattan). I also attended many career leadership sessions sponsored by The Women's Institute at Bergen Community College and the "six amigos" career seminar sponsored by Fairleigh Dickinson University.  NhN is a such a wonderful group of dedicated, determined and caring people from our communities. Thanks to NhN, I have enjoyed sharing my job search experiences, learning from others and volunteering my time (providing advice, ideas and job leads to NhN members and promoting the group). The first NhN meeting I attended was in Closter, and then I attended NhN meetings regularly in Westwood and Ridgewood. It was a pleasure shaking hands with you, John, at the NhN first annual anniversary at the Ridgewood Library. NhN is a valuable resource for us to truly help our neighbors! Thank you, John! I'd also like to give a special thanks to moderators Burt Ray Simpson and Ralph Piano (Westwood) as well as Jacque Weiss and Beth Berkenfeld (Ridgewood). I'm sure to see many of you around town and online and hope to stay connected...I'm a better person for meeting all of you ...wishing everyone to find the right job for them and speedily!

Success # 106 - Elyse from Fair Lawn said,” Great News! I am starting my own business:  One of a Kind Design by Elyse. It will include assisting clients with wedding invitations, calligraphy, and other related events. I have 15 years experience in this field.  I am also waiting to see if I am getting a grant to learn website design. if I do, the class starts May 30. This experience, combined with my graphic design skills, will give me the necessary skills to start my own business. .  So things are heating up for me and I am happy to let everyone know of my success.  I would like to continue coming to the group.  It has been helpful, motivating and stimulating.  I have enjoyed networking.  Thank you.

Success # 107 – Kim from Englewood said, “I’m pleased to announce that I've accepted a position as Marketing Manager ecommerce for Flight Centre USA/Liberty Travel.  The office is located in Ramsey, and come may remember that in addition to NJ being my preference, this also marks my official entrance to the hospitality industry where one day I hope to use my credentials as a Tea sommelier.  I want to thank you and all of my new friends at Neighbors Helping Neighbors.  After well over a year of frustrations and disappointments, I came across your flyer at Englewood Library. Like many who first attend an NhN meeting, I felt I had lost all hope and exhausted all my financial and emotional resources.  At NhN, I found a friendly group of people in transition who gave me a second wind. I was immediately inspired to keep on going, keep hope alive and open myself to new search strategies. I soon found I was more confident and focused. I also became addicted to the high-functioning support group, and made many friends and contacts at Englewood, Bergenfield, Oradell and Westwood Libraries..

 Of course I am overjoyed to land, but the journey with NhN has taught me about the new employment landscape. It’s one where self-branding and planning is key, and ongoing networking is essential.  It’s also a sharp reminder that human kindness and simple compassion is the secret ingredient. I believe the most important thing is that those who land should remain accessible to their peers at NhN. There is nothing more valuable than an ‘insider’ who can at the very least share ‘real’ openings or closings. John, you and many NhN members have my Linked In or personal email – I hope you will all free to use it. I look forward to staying in touch and to all, I say, believe in yourself and stay strong!

Success # 108 – Mitch from New Milford NhN River Edge meeting attendee Debbie his wife said “Mitch just called & said that Sam Ash called him & he will start on Tues., since he NEVER heard anything from fairway, he can't take any chances by waiting. But that doesn't mean that he wouldn't switch, if they did call him.  Starting Mon I will start in w/ looking into things again. The 1st will be going back to valley hospital, where they have turned down my charity care. I am also going to Hackensack.

I STILL have my hands full, but am glad at least Mitch has somewhere to go on Tues., even if it pays nothing, & commission is even slimmer even for a GREAT salesman like Mitch.

I am on a few lists for affordable living, & if we have sources of income maybe we can get out of this depressing place & we can both do a little healing. Thank u for caring, Debbie

Success # 109 – Glenn from Waldwick NhN said “I'm writing to thank you for all you do and share a success story. After 3 years of freelancing, working as an independent contractor and volunteering as a youth mentor while trying to piece together a living, I've landed a full time position that will utilize the odd variety of skills that encompass my career. This included a stint in a public school as a para professional in special ed as I tried to transition to teaching. That was short circuited by the cuts in education seen in the last couple of years.

In short I will be working for a U.K. company as one of 15 product specialists hired as the company opens a US office. They make AAC ( Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices serving those with disabilities involving the inability to speak in both Adult and Youth populations. My responsibilities will be to educate, service and sell these devices to Speech and Occupational Therapists in hospital, rehab and school settings. I'm excited to start another journey and to be able bring all that I've been working for to a position I'm truly passionate about.

So I wanted to thank you and all the folks involved with NhN. Even though my schedule only allowed me to make a couple of meetings in Waldwick, I've connected with people and utilize the emails. You're a hero John and this is what it's about. We're all in this together. Being out of work is demoralizing and frightening. We all have something to offer and share, and in my mind it's our duty to pick each other up in any small way we can. Please share my information and know I'll be happy to connect and assist in any way. Life is unfortunately full of more defeats than victories but with a willingness to be open, a lot of perseverance and little help from your friends we'll all get the most out of our respective journey's.

Success # 110 - Nancy – NhN River Edge said” I just wanted to update you on my job status. My former sister-in-law hired me to take care of her 2 kids and her home for a few months while she and her husband work. I will be working there 4 days per week. It's a nice arrangement. I am helping her with child/home care and she is helping me pay my bills. On Fridays, I am still working as a personal assistant for a man in Westwood. I will still try to make NhN meetings.

Success # 111 – Pat attended Cranford and said ” I want to let you know that I was offered and accepted a position as maintenance administrator at a medium-sized company in Avenel.  I learned about this position through a former supplier who advised me that his customer was looking for someone with a maintenance purchasing background.  So I am another classic story of landing a job through networking.  Although NhN

in Cranford is newly formed, I have found the support of this group extraordinary.  Mary Rapolas is doing a such a great job as facilitator.  I am considering being a co-facilitator with her, as I think it is very important to give back.

Success # 112 – (4-15-12) - Tim from Hawthorne group said, “I am happy to report that my job search has landed me not only into a new job title but a new job field, as well. This is my third week at ComForcare LLC and it is nothing short of wonderful. The entire group at NhN Hawthorne was helpful and caring and I felt most connected with Paula Tutein and Mike Yelle, the two facilitators of the meetings I attended on Tuesday nights. The caring support they showed to each member made it easy for veteran attendees and first-timers to be engaged and feel valued. Since first attending back in January I have recommended friends and colleagues to attend their local NhN meetings. Thank you for taking the risk and stepping out last year to make a very positive difference for countless people...like me.

Success # 113 – Karen NhN Hawthorne said “After over 13 months of being unemployed I was just offered a temp to perm position, starting on Monday as an HR Coordinator. I would like to thank the NHN Group at Hawthorne for all their support.”

Success # 114 –Derek –(5-21-12) from Cranford NhN

Success # 115 – Catherine – Bergenfield said. “Just wanted to let you know that I started a permanent position yesterday in the private banking division of IDB Bank of New York (Israel Discount Bank). . I will be managing the new office they will be opening soon in New Jersey. I'd like to express my sincere appreciation for everything you and the members of NhN have done. Thanks to all the members of the Bergenfield group for their support and idea sharing that helped enormously. If I learn of any opportunities that might be of interest, I will certainly pass the information along.

Success # 116 – Tony attended Emerson and said. ” This is just another success story attributable, in part, to Neighbors helping Neighbors.  I'd like to thank you and the folks at the Emerson NhN group for all that you do.  NhN is a valuable resource and wonderful service to those folks who are in transition or simply underemployed. Although I only attended 2 meetings before landing a job I wished I had joined NhN earlier in my search. In the short time I was involved with your organization my experiences were all positive. Being in the sales profession, it is very true when they say "it's a numbers game."  Looking for a job may be a challenge in these tough economic times but with the support and help I received from NhN it made my search that much easier.

Success # 117 – Jim attended Ridgewood NhN meetings and said, “I've been consulting at a Pharma agency in Parsippany since January and they are moving towards making me permanent!  For a while, I wasn't sure what were their intentions, but things are moving along.  I should be on-boarded on July 31 and get all my benefits 30 days later.

I also had the privilege of turning away a company that discriminated against me last year when I wasn't working.  The recruiter at the time made up all kinds of outlandish requirements to disqualify me.  Now they are desperate for developers and pleaded with me to interview, but I told them that I'm not interested. Thanks for all your help and support.

Success # 118 – Keith from NhN Fair Lawn said, “I am happy to report that I have accepted a job offer to be the Director of Technical Support for DVTel, a high-end video surveillance manufacturer in Ridgefield Park. They are experiencing tremendous growth with an innovative product line in an ever evolving industry. I am excited about the personal and professional growth this position will provide me, and even more excited about what going back to work will do for my family (and for my sanity). My start date is June 18th.

I could not have gotten by without the support and accountability my new friends in the Fair Lawn NhN group provided. A true pay-it-forward model, one that I plan on continuing to support and be involved with as an NhN blogger and, perhaps, as a future guest speaker (I have a ton of appropriate training content that I'd be willing to share if the need arises). John, I've said this before, but it's worth saying again: You're a

great man and have done a great thing with NhN. If your world isn't already filled with good karma, it will be soon and will be filled for years to come.

In case you are wondering, this position was brought to my attention by a recruiter based in Atlanta who found me on LinkedIn. So my success story is directly attributed to my social media activity. Building a strong Linked profile, posting/sharing on LinkedIn & Twitter, building my network, and being consistent in my efforts. At the end of my job search, I was in discussions with three different companies. It felt pretty darn good being in the driver's seat!!!

Success # 119 – Robert from NhN Emerson said, “I have accepted a contract position as a project engineer through McKeon Grano for Stepan in Maywood.  I was being selective in my search because most jobs in my field require extensive travel and I no longer wanted to that at this point in my career.  The assignment will be for up to 2 years. Although I did not get the lead through NhN, but other personal networking, I would like to thank you and the people who attend the Emerson NhN group for their support and suggestions.  NhN is a great resource for all those looking for employment. I will continue to review your e-mails for positions that are applicable to people I know and also continue to recommend others to join.  I will also recommend NhN members for positions that are applicable.

Success # 120 – John from NhN Emerson said,” Just wanted to let you know that I did get the job offer I was waiting on and starter this past Monday. Thank you for the support,

Success # 121 –Paul attended NhN Englewood and said, “I am pleased to report that I have accepted a position as an Applications Development Group Manager for Citi.  I would like to thank the facilitators and members of CIT, MIS, Hackensack PSG, TENG-NJ, TENG-NY, Breakfast Club of NJ and Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors groups for their tremendous support throughout my transition.  The plentiful advise, peer support and camaraderie were instrumental in staying on course in my job search.  I appreciate the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many fine, high quality people.

Success # 122 – Cheryl from Ridgewood said,” Dear John, I am pleased to announce that I have accepted the position of Procurement Purchasing Agent with Toys R Us. Tomorrow will be the start of my third week.. This week I will be at the Ridgewood meeting to share my news with the others that I have gotten to know over the last 7 months. There are not enough words in the dictionary for me to describe what Neighbors Helping Neighbors has meant and done for me. It was so helpful in my job search in so many ways as well as me personally. For such a long time I thought I was alone in this grueling job market, but we all know that is not true. What you have done with this organization is truly amazing; Your personal dedication is beyond words. I also want to thank Jacque Weiss who has been there for me through my personal tragedy this year as well as getting me involved with NHN. I will continue to be active in NHN and after a few months on my new position I would like to be a moderator for one of your meetings in Bergen County if possible. I want to assist in helping others on their job search or anything else they may need so they can too can write their success story!! Thank You so much for your support and caring, 

Success # 123 - Jeff from Ridgewood NhN said,” I am now gainfully employed! I began my new fulltime position on May 31 as the IT Support & Training Coordinator at The Salvation Army in West Nyack, NY. I will initially be training and supporting Salvation Army thrift store associates on using the new cash register/point of sale system being installed in the northeast territory (about 250 thrift stores from Kentucky to Maine). It is exciting and challenging and the organization is excellent! My great fortune is still sinking in, and with each day on the "inside" again, I regain more of the life balance sacrificed from a year and a half on the "outside."

 As we all know, being on the “outside” can be traumatic and fraught with difficulties we are not always prepared to take head on. Neighbors helping neighbors is a God-send to those on this roller-coaster ride. Without the support I received from the Ridgewood group, beginning October 2011, I do not think I would have endured as long as I did. We sometimes literally drag ourselves to the Ridgewood library on Thursday

night and share our highs and lows and manage to support and "push" each other, with the right and necessary measure of laughter at ourselves and our situations. We need that more than we realize sometimes. A most sincere thank you goes out to John Fugazzie for his heart and his courage to begin this group. I think the name of the group sums up the impetus for the efforts of all involved. In addition to John for overall kudos, Jacque Weiss who leads the Ridgewood group deserves much praise for how she professionally engages our interaction. Her candor, empathy and focus on being uplifting makes such a difference to all participants in our weekly gatherings. Thank you to all for your support, input and suggestions. Yes, I'm moving on, but no - I will not forget the input from NhN. I know of a great group of candidates to approach when I hear of opportunities through The Salvation Army or otherwise. I will continue to evangelize for NhN. All the best to all.

Success # 124 – Diane from NhN Ridgewood meetings said, “I just want you to know that for the past few weeks, I've been working at my former employer, TD Bank in a contract position. However, I expect to be hired in the near future. I would like to thank you for creating and leading NHN and for devoting so much time and energy to helping people. The support and camaraderie that NHN provides to its members is invaluable and greatly helped me.

I also want to send a big thank you to Jacque Weiss for doing such a wonderful job leading the Ridgewood NHN and giving us excellent advice every week. Best of luck to everyone. I will keep in through Ridgewood NHN.

Success # 125 – Carla from Waldwick NhN

Success # 126 – Linda from NhN Westwood said’” I wanted to thank you for organizing such a cohesive and caring group!!! I went to 3 meetings and i must say I have been helped out tremendously in such a brief period of time. Special thanks to Victoria Sonshine Pasher who looked over my resume and made some helpful suggestions.  She also encouraged me to look into the insurance business and other avenues besides auto insurance.

I'm just so grateful that my eyes and ears were open to take the suggestions of the group and my cousin who has been in the insurance business for many years.  Two months ago I was trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  In an instant; life can change.  I will keep your members in my thoughts and prayers and, once again, I am so grateful to have come upon NHN.   I have been recommending it to people I have come across that are in job transitions.

Success # 127 – Sarah from NhN Mahwah said,” Thank you for starting Neighbors helping Neighbors. I started a new job on 6/11/12 which I wouldn't have gotten without the help of Neighbors helping Neighbors. I was welcomed at my first meeting on 4/26/12 at the Mahwah library which you gave an inspiring speech. I had paid for resume advice thru Careerbuilder and Indeed but the free advice from Barbara Brandes arranged by Neighbors helping Neighbors was much more valuable. I want to serve your wonderful organization and play it forward so please continue to send other emails to me and I will continue to attend meetings. I am very grateful for Neighbors helping Neighbors.

Success # 128 – Robert NhN River Edge said, “I just accepted a position yesterday at and old company i used to work at, DialAmerica, for an Account Management position. I start on July 2nd!

I can't begin to thank you enough for the tremendous job you've done putting together and supporting Neighbors Helping Neighbors through not only your own job search but for well over a year after you landed. You could have just as easily passed the torch or given up on the concept and many of us, myself included, would not have benefited from this wonderful peer to peer/pay it forward model. I like to think I've gotten something from every meeting I attended in River Edge, Fair Lawn and Hawthorne over the last year. I've certainly gotten more than I have could have imagined, and I am eternally thankful for that.

I'd particularly like to thank many of the people from Hawthorne for their help prepping for my last few interviews: Paula Tutein, James Cosenza and Michael Yelle for their face to face input and Keith Cottrell, James and Michael for their input via the LinkedIn group, your input sharpened my interviewing skills enough for me to get the job. When things settle down, I'd like to continue to contribute in one form or another, and will be happy to help anyway I can!

Success # 129 – Nicole from NhN Ridgewood said, ”As I've mentioned in previous emails, after my layoff from an ad agency in March, it was my intention to pursue a freelance copywriting career rather than going on staff again. Three days after I lost my job, I landed a 2-month freelance assignment that ended in May. Since then, I spent the past month taking courses in PowerPoint and Excel at the Ridgewood Library (with the NhN discount), a certification course in WordPress at BCC, and doing online tutorials to improve my PowerPoint, Excel, and digital marketing skills. I began networking to find my next freelance gig, landed a small project via Elance, and went back on unemployment in the meantime.

Today I got an email out of the blue about an onsite freelance opportunity at an ad agency in NYC, reporting to a friend who was once my subordinate. Ironically, I was in NYC interviewing for a different freelance opportunity when the email came in (when it rains it pours!) I called there, offering to come in for an interview before hopping the bus back to Fair Lawn, but was told NO INTERVIEW IS NECESSARY because they already knew they wanted me. I have accepted the offer to work there for what looks to be the entire summer. This is an exciting offer because I've wanted to work at this ad agency in the past, came close to accepting an offer there years ago, but was persuaded to stay at my last place and passed up what might have been a good thing.

Although I had reservations about considering my last freelance assignment a "NhN success" (and I was right, because the place was pretty awful), I think this upcoming opportunity is a definite success. I am starting Monday and very excited.

Thanks for the support this group has brought me. I've met some amazingly helpful people who helped guide me towards getting the right training and doing what was necessary to network.

Success # 130 – Jian Yong from NhN Mendham Twp. said, “ I just want you to know that I got an offer of Instructor in Rush University, Chicago IL and will start work next month.  Thank you for creating and leading NhN, and devoting so much time and energy in helping members.  I also thank you, Nancy Murray for doing such a wonderful job leading the Mendham NHN and giving us excellent advice every week. If you and our members of NhN have chance to be Chicago, please let me know and I will show you around.

Success # 131 – Nancy who has been our facilitator in NhN Mendham Twp since we started meetings there, she said, “ I start a 6 month contract with AT&T on Monday as a collateral writer.  It will be full time working from home, so it is ideal for me (and my dogs). I will continue leading the sessions in Mendham on Monday nights.

Thanks for forming the group.  Leading the Mendham Twp sessions helped keep me focused even when I felt like giving up.  This is my third attempt to get this kind of contract with AT&T (my former employer),  I came close before, but this time it worked.

I think the message is to persevere.  If you have a target company and type of job, keep going after it even if you are rejected initially .There are a lot of applicants for each job, so each of us has to be more resilient and tenacious than in normal times.

PS NhN helped her son also land a job  he was NhN success #70 now making 3 families with 2 NhN successes

Success # 132 – John from NhN Cedar Grove - John did a lot of networking and had a few opportunities in the works. He took a position with a North Carolina company working for them in NY.

Success # 133 – Greg from NhN Hasbrouck Heights said, “I wanted to let you know that I landed a job. I started this past Monday, June 18th. I appreciate all of the support and information that I received from Neighbors Helping Neighbors for the few short weeks I attended meetings. I've already turned a few people on to NHN. Keep up the good work.

Success # 134 – Diane from NhN Cedar Grove meeting said, “As I start my new position as Accounting Manager on Monday, I am writing to first say thank you to all the incredible empowered individuals that I have met through this NhN organization. Although I was only participating for a short time I know that the support, wisdom and camaraderie was most appreciated, as it was at a time that I needed to be connected to others experiencing the same journey. The Cedar Grove NhN group facilitated by Stewart Linder has been, and will continue to be for me going forward a place where individuals are honestly open to ideas and respectful of each other. My participation in the group doesn’t end because I landed, it only provides additional resources & connections this new road provides. Thank you John for seeing an issue and mobilizing this effort.”

Success # 135 – Michele from NhN River Edge and Hasbrouck Hts. NhN said, “ I have accepted a position with the New York City Bikeshare Program. The program is sponsored by Citigroup, endorsed by the NYC Department of Transportation and will be managed by Alta BicycleShare. I will be the Director of Operations for Altabike. I am very grateful for NHN, especially the wonderful people at the River Edge and Hasbrouck Heights meetings. I really enjoy the discussions and everyone is so encouraging, even when it's hard to be. I hope that once I get settled in, I will be able to make the Thursday meetings. Thanks so much.

Success # 136 – Donna from NhN Cranford has been attending the Cranford meetings since they started. After over 15 months, she has landed. Donna has accepted the full time permanent position of Office Assistant for an oil tank removal company in Roselle. Our group wishes her lots of success in her new role!

Success # 137 - Joe from NhN Cranford said, “I have been meaning to tell you but I recently accepted an internship at Panasonic! I am doing great and quite busy thus far!

Just wanted to thank you and NhN for giving me the continued confidence and support to keep giving it your all!

Any of your members are welcome to contact me to do business! I am eager to get my feet wet and teach others the great tools of social media and how to better use it! Thanks again!”.

Success # 138 - Jim from NhN River Edge said, “I landed a job testing software in Pearl River ! Start date is not set in stone yet, but it looks like 7/9”.

Success # 139 - Debra from NhN River Edge and facilitator of Oradell NhN said, “I am happy to report that I landed a consulting job with a non-profit group in Maplewood, NJ helping with a major event in November. I will start in a few weeks part-time and will be full-time in Sept until the event in November. This has great potential as they are trying to develop other events as they grow so we shall see what happens. What is exciting about this opportunity is that it has allows me to do things independently like writing agreements, etc that I would not normally do working for a company as I have for over 30 years. I am excited about the challenge and it will be fun working for myself and not someone else. My involvement with NHN has been most influential not because of where I was but what I became and the confidence that I knew I could get a job and to never give up. The people that I have met through NHN has been wonderful and I will continue to give it my all when I can. The good news is that I can still work on the picnic but may need a bit more help and we will have a great time and continue to help those that will also be successes as well! Thanks John for what you have done and I know this group will continue to thrive and help people get back to work!

Success # 140 –Mary Ellen our facilitator from Fair Lawn NhN said, “We have a new success for the Fair Lawn NHN..... I have landed a position with a national consulting company based in Parsippany NJ. I will start in August once I return from a family vacation. I was able to get the position as a direct result of networking and then proving myself during the interviews. I am grateful to those at NhN who have helped get me motivated to start my search as well as keeping me going. Having the positive support each week is key to keep going! Thank you for all the that you have done for getting NhN up and running (successfully)

Success # 141 – Renee from NhN River Edge said, “have some fantastic news to share.  I just wanted you to know I have accepted an Administrative Assistant position working for the Senior Vice President, Supply Chain at the Vitamin Shoppe Corporate office in North Bergen, NJ.  Thanks to my husband, Marc who convinced me to come to NhN I was hooked after attending just one meeting.  After 7 long months of looking all the networking finally paid off.  I couldn't have done it without the support from the River Edge group and of course you who started NhN.  Everyone at the group looks out the each other and we really have become very close.  I am hoping to continue coming the the Thursday evening meetings in River Edge and continue giving support to the members.  Please keep me on the email list as I would like to continue to be kept in the loop. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Success # 142 ( 7-2-12) - Evan of Hawthorne and Ridgewood NhN said, “After sixteen arduous and stressful months of unemployment and uncertainty, I am delighted to announce that I have finally landed a position as a Financial Advisor with Prudential Financial.  With only two months of state unemployment insurance remaining for me, this news came as a huge relief to me and my family.  I want to thank the entire Neighbors Helping Neighbors organization for "being there" for me during some of the most difficult and challenging times that I had ever faced in my life.  I truly could not have done it without them! NhN has not only provided me with job search training, camaraderie and friendship, but it has also helped me discover a source of inspiration, inner strength and skills of which I was previously unaware.

Although my job landing will likely take some of my time away from Neighbors –helping-Neighbors, you can rest assured that I am still planning to attend weekly meetings so that I can continue to assist others who are still looking for work, those who are seeking career guidance, and perhaps those who are hoping to find a friend who has “been there” and is willing to listen.

Success # 143 - Cindy from NhN River Edge was also our success # 40 when she landed here at A&P. She landed in A&P in January and was part of a cutback about a month ago.

Congrats to Cindy becoming one of our two time success stories.

She has now re-landed with Verizon and becomes just another example to all of us that with today's economy you might have to look for jobs more frequently than any of us would like, but it is a harsh reality of the new economy we are living in.

While we would love to think someday we would close down NhN due to all our of members having jobs and no one needing our great weekly support groups, this will most likely never happen and we are committed to build our organization to be always here for our members and our future members.

Success # 144 (7-9-12) – Doug of Oradell and NhN River Edge meetings said,” I wanted to let you know that, on Monday, I started a full time job with Bloomberg LP in New York City.   Getting to this point was not easy. When I lost my prior job at the end of 2011, I was pretty down and not sure what steps to take to move forward.  The support and guidance of the people in NHN were instrumental both in uplifting my spirits and in making my search more effective.  The cameraderie with others in my position was very helpful - only they understand what it's like to be unemployed and disheartened. The tips on the use of social media were very useful, and the many job leads I received from fellow members kept me positive and believing that I would eventually find something if I kept at it.  Although this job did not come directly from an NHN referral, I have no doubt that my participation with NHN put me in a position to land it.   Thank you for all that you do to help others through NHN!

Success # 145 – MG of NhN Ridgewood requested not to be identified.

Success # 146 – (7-17-12) - Mary Pat of NhN Ridgewood said,” I'm so excited! I've been offered a job at Whole Foods which was at the top of my target list. I can't wait. Besides being "One of the Top 10 Best Places to Work," for the past 10 consecutive years, Whole Foods offers an incredible Management Training Program which is one of several options I have.  After a two day orientation, I'll be in the Floral department to start.  

I would not have gotten this offer if it weren't for the tremendous help of Neighbors helping Neighbors. That includes you, our tireless and fearless leader; Jacque Weiss, our awesome Ridgewood group leader; the talented and caring job coach Cynthia Clark, who you introduced to NhN and all the supportive members especially at the NhN Ridgewood. Being out of work for over a year, I was getting really discouraged. I wondered if I'd ever get a job. But NhN  was there all along believing in me and encouraging me especially when my self confidence was at its lowest.

One of the most powerful job search strategies I received from NhN was to network at the companies where I wanted to work. Over and over, it was stressed to network to find connections and to not send out a cover letter and resume without a name attached to it. This is also the same advice strongly recommended by Ed Mc Cabe and his wonderful team of volunteers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Career Resources Ministry. My job offer came about through networking. After identifying the top companies where I wanted to work and where I felt would be a good fit, I got in touch with several people I knew at Whole Foods. They each offered to put in a good word for me and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Words can't express how grateful I am to you and to the members of NhN. You were my life-savers!

Success # 147 –(7.25.12) - JoAnn from Oakland, Ringwood, Wanaque NhN said, “ Just wanted to let you know that I was approved to fill the position of part time General Secretary for the Building/Grounds & Transportation Department at Ringwood Board of Education. I enjoyed working as a facilitator with you and NhN especially starting up the first daytime meetings in Ringwood & Oakland.  Even though I will be working I will continue to be available to NhN and to help and be of assistance to the group and it's members.

Success # 148 –(7.27.12) – Annemarie from Oakland said, “I am currently attempting to build business, I was a part of the Oakland NhN chapter held at the library. I chose real estate because of my background in mortgage lending (and because I had my license many years ago).  I have strong ties within the community and I am taking advantage of volunteering opportunities that will benefit my town and in return, hopefully benefit my real estate business.   I was recently appointed a member of Oakland's Public Events Committee.  I think volunteering is critical to networking.

Success # 149 - CJ of Oakland story to follow

Success # 150 – (7.28.12) Grace of NhN Dumont and others said,” "And if I may share with you the following story of "when you least expect it." I'll start from the end...I got the job! The beginning started like this. I attended the Dumont Neighbors Helping Neighbors meetings headed by Jill Florio (great lady with a strong positive attitude who helped me get through the rough days). Last month she sent me a reminder to call United Water to register for their upcoming job fair. However when I called, I was informed that the job fair was being postponed because of a lack of interest and would be rescheduled for the fall. The women took my name and email address for future use and I thought that was it for now. That weekend I received an email requesting my resume. On Sunday I was left a message to call and arrange for an interview. By Tuesday I had a job. It turns out that the person at United Water was helping out and her office needed the administrator. If it wasn't for Jill's reminder this opportunity would have passed me by.

Success # 151 – (8.3.12) Lynden from Oradell NhN group said, “It has finally happen after almost a year I will start a new job next week. I would like to thank all my NHN buddies who helped me thru a tough time.

All their positive reinforcement kept me going. Thanks to all, I will be a project superintendent for a construction company out of Mt. Arlington NJ. It was thru networking that got me in the door. After the NhN picnic I got motivated to start reaching out for people and made some calls. Its true not what you know but who you know.

Success # 152 – Wanted to remain completely confidential

Success # 153 – Jim from Ringwood and Oakland NhN group facilitator landed a temp to perm job.

Success # 154 - Ahuva from Cranford and Lake Hiawatha said,” It was the warmth and support of the group and their understanding how hard it is to find a job in today’s economy. I did land a job in a local preschool in Hillside New Jersey. I will be an assistant teacher for the 2 year old class or the 3 year old class. I really appreciate the support from the group. My advice is never give up hope and continue to search but you should keep a list of companies or how far you are willing to go for a job because if you are to open about looking for a job and just looking anywhere then you will be spending your whole day looking for work and you may end up applying for a job that you really do not want but are applying and hopefully landing the interview and then hopefully landing the job and it is not something you wanted but you settled because you are getting discouraged so you should just stay positive and something will eventually come up and hopefully it will be a job that you have for a long time.”

Success # 155 – Audrey from Ridgewood NhN said, “just wanted to tell you I landed! I will be working as Sales Administrator for Energizer Personal Care in the Emerging Brands group. My official start date is Monday, August 20th. I attended NHN Ridgewood and really enjoyed the supportive atmosphere the group provided. I think NHN is a great organization, met some wonderful people, made some great friends and would like to stay connected and help in anyway I can.

Success # 156 – Deb from Ringwood, Oakland and Lake Hiawatha NhN said, “ I have taken an Outside Sales position with a Uniform Co. It was a pleasure to have attended NhN in Ringwood, Oakland and Lk.Hiawatha .The advice, support and guidance were invaluable during my transition. I learned that yesterdays defeat are just that , yesterday ....so move on ! It did wonders for me. Continue your GREAT work !!!

Success # 157 – Fran the founder of Rockland Job Network has landed a job with NYS department of labor. She said, “Dear Rockland Job Network, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors, JSWT, BCNC, W-4-W, and WNO, and Many Others, This for me is a bittersweet yet happy note. I have accepted a position with the New York State Department of Labor as a Labor Services Representative. My starting date is August 28. I am really, really looking forward to my brand new career but I want you to know that my heart is with you all. This is a great big THANK YOU!!! for all that you have given to me. Without your willingness to support and care about me and others I would not be here with this offer for a new career in a field that I love. So many people have mentored and helped me along the way. The things that I have learned from my interactions with you all are what I will take with me to my new job. To care, support, teach, mentor, listen, act, share, cajole, create, coach, network, believe in yourself, to be positive, grateful and enthusiastic…the list goes on and on. For those still looking…it was networking (and new friendships), commitment to others, a focus on the future, staying positive and putting the time in that got me here. I know that it will get you there too. Go where your heart leads you. Don’t give up! Let me know about your good news too, or if you need some help, call or email. I am here to “Pay-it-Forward.” Either way-- I will be waiting to hear from you.

Success # 158 – Mary from NhN Waldwick said, “Thanks to a friend I got a part-time job at the new DSW opening at Interstate where Borders was in Ramsey. It might lead to full-time down the road and benefits. I just wanted to thank the group for the courage to keep trying and to spread the word that they are opening and still hiring if anyone is interested. “

Success # 159 – Juliet from NhN River Edge was success # 46 now has landed a job again she said,”

Success # 160 – Ron from NhN Cedar Grove and the 10 success from Cedar Grove said, “want to thank Stewart and the great Group of CG neighbors who have helped me and others. Thankfully, I restarted another temporary consulting assignment at TD Bank in Private Banking in NYC and Mahwah, NJ. They had me do AML and Enhanced Due Diligence procedure Technical Writing for 2 mos. (Started as only 4 weeks) before, and now I have a 3-mos. gig helping them do a Quality Review/audit on their new EDD Questionnaire for High Risk accounts. I found it thru a Randstad recruiter who found my resume online. The whole concept of the NhN is great and I encourage all my friends and colleagues to join.Stewart does a really good job keeping everyone Positive, engaged and running interesting meetings.My thanks to him and to all.

Success # 161 - MaryJean from NhN Ringwood.

Success # 162 – (8.24.12) - Ted from Waldwick NhN, said,” I just wanted to let you know that today I started a temporary job as the general manager of a Halloween City store in Hawthorne. I worked for the company last year as a sales associate. The regional manager asked last years district manager if there were any people that he could recommend to run any of the stores for this season and he recommended me. I have kept in touch with last years regional manager through LinkedIn and private email. Without being in contact using these tools available to us I would not have had this opportunity. Granted this is only a temporary position but it is a job and has potential. Halloween City is owned by Party City. It is not unusual for Party City to offer permanent jobs to some of the temporary employees. I have been told that the Hawthorne store is slated to become a Party City store after the Halloween season opening up the real possibility that I will be kept on. For me personally this is a total career change form what I have been doing. Many of my skills are transferable and have led me to what may be a fresh start in a new direction. Thank you John for starting and maintaining NhN and for the support given me by my fellow members in Waldwick.

Success # 163 – Lynn from NhN River Edge – said,” I enjoyed the meeting in River Edge and was planning to come to more NHN meetings in September when my daughter goes back to college. I knew it was time for me to start looking for a job, I have been home with my kids and helping my husband with his bookkeeping, I have been a bookkeeper for 32 years. Anyway, my friend and landscaper, Wade, told me about a customer of his in Mahwah who was looking for a bookkeeper. I called this man, he asked me to come in that afternoon for an interview. Well, I had not been to an interview in 25 years, and I quickly threw a resume together. One of the personal things that I put in it was "I am friendly, cheerful, and I get along well with others." I really believe that got me the job! It is a great place to work, I am well paid, and in three months I will receive full health and dental benefits paid by the company for me and my family. I did not pass up a golden opportunity. I did receive good advice about interviews at your River Edge meeting. Thank you for all the great work you have done. You have me and so very many people.

Success # 164 –confidential – Cedar Grove NhN member

Success # 165 – confidential – Cedar Grove NhN member

Success # 166 – David from Ridgewood NhN

Success # 167 – Adaliana of Maplewood NhN said, “I went to my first NHN in Maplewood and met a lovely young woman named Tara and 2 Gentleman Bill Steinhauer and Michael Dollinger.  After speaking with them Tara and Michael suggested that I open an account with LinkedIn.  I immediately came home and opened an account and was impressed that LinkedIn was connected to various businesses that had postings for employment.  I sent out my resume to various businesses and was able to interview with some. I applied with the Livingston School District and received a phone call shortly after.  I went and interviewed shortly thereafter I was called in for a second interview and then called the following week with the wonderful news that I was hired =)  

I hope this helps other people that are looking for employment.  Please don't give up hope!  There is something out there for everyone!  Happy job searching!

Success # 168 – Edward from NhN Ridgewood said,” Wanted to let you know that I just accepted an offer for a new job at Toy R Us. NhN is a great concept and I found the meetings I added informative and worthwhile. I hope to pay it forward very soon. 

Success # 169 – Diane from Cedar Grove NhN said, “Dear Stewart, I wanted to thank you for your help, positive attitude and your concern for all the members at the Cedar Grove meeting.  After 16 months unemployed, I started a full time job last week and I'm doing what I wanted to do, a new SAP implementation. Best wishes and success to you and all who are still in transition.  Keep sending me your  daily quotes, I look forward to reading them! 

Success # 170 – Cynthia from Bucks County said, “I started today at MediMedia Managed Markets, Sr. Program Manager.  it’s a different division than I was in and they are doing very well.  I heard my old division laid off 30 people last week!  So, this job is ok – not as much technology as I’d like but more advertising agency process which will be good for my background. I’ll let you know how it goes.  Thank you for helping me through some tough times.  It is too bad that we didn’t get to develop a site in PA. John – you helped immensely by being available to listen and help sort out the confusion.  Thank you for the generous time you gave to me.  You deserve only good times. Please stay in touch and let me know if there’s anything I can do for you or Neighbors-helping-Neighbors.

Success # 171 – Karin from Cedar Grove (14) said, “.  I was on an interview today and was hired by Acorn Office Products full time. I start tomorrow. I reached out to people I knew in the office supply industry which was one of your suggestions at the meeting I attended. I also sent my resume to office supply companies I found in North Jersey on the internet and gave detailed information about the companies I worked for and the different computer systems I had experience using. Thanks again for your help.

Success # 172 –(9-5-12) Barbara from NhN said, “Hi John: you and the group were extremely helpful to me in my recent job search. And I have since landed at SunGard where I started my new job yesterday. I use LinkedIn to keep track of my professional network, and would like to add you.

Success # 173 –John who is our new facilitator for our Warren Co group he said,

"I had a good meeting and a few new people showed up listed below. I am keeping a list of all these. I honestly love running the meetings.

I have sort of landed 2 jobs recently. The first one is a school bus driver which is obviously not what I am looking for, but I have had a friend of mine who is the head of the district office, and kept asking me to do this since the beginning of summer. The second one is my dream job, but not at my dream company, as an IT Business Analyst and that job I finally signed the contract for on Weds. I will stay on as a bus driver for a couple of months to fullfill my commitment which doesn't matter because I have to train and will not get a project to work on from the new company for a couple of months anyway. I guess you can list me as an NhN Job Landed person, although I don't quite attribute landing these jobs to any contacts or info thru NhN since I am so new, but maybe it's more like a reward from God for trying to help others thru being an NhN volunteer.

I happen to know that First Student (the school bus co.) http://www.firststudentinc.com/ is always looking to hire people with a good driving record. Here in my area they are going crazy right now because they don't have enough people. The pay is ok and it leaves you flexible to do other things especially if you have kids, and you get unemployment for the winter and summer breaks. They are the largest in the country and are all over with about 1500 school districts. You may want to list it on the website. Let me know if you want the details.

Success # 174 -Geraldine from Mahwah NhN said, "Good news, I finally got a job and it's on a contract for the school year & I love it."

Success # 175 - Mike from River Edge NhN said he has a consulting job that with some work this should turn into a permanent position at a financial start up in NYC.

Success # 176 – Jeff from NhN Waldwick said, “The Waldwick NhN group is terrific!  I've been attending the Waldwick meetings since the October 17, 2011 inaugural meeting.  The people are wonderful and characterized by friendly, positive energy.  The advice, guidance and feedback of our members is extremely worthwhile.  I'm writing to say thank you.  Now, I have some exciting news!  I've been offered and accepted full time, permanent employment in my profession.  Let me close by wishing everyone lots of good luck!  “

Success # 177 – Ann from Cedar Grove NhN, Ann is the 15th success from this program. Ann said, "Stewart Thanks! I am no longer temping for Robert Half; I am now permanent with ECLC. Thanks for all of your help and Positivity! You are doing a Great job! Good Luck!

Success # 178 – Kevin from Ridgewood NhN

Success # 179 – Jorge from NhN LinkedIn group said, “I am working with Shelf Tech and have been since next week. Thank you so much for your help and introduction.”

Success # 180 – (9-26-12) Denise from NhN Cedar Grove said, “I just wanted you to know that I started a new job last week. It’s a contract position as a marketing communications manager for a growing healthcare products company. I will try to make it back one of these Thursdays although it’s a bit tough with my schedule now that school is back in session. (16th Success for Cedar Grove)

Success # 181- Tara from NhN Wayne is the first success story from the new program she said,” Landed a position today!  so excited. Thank you for your help!

Success # 182 – Carol from NhN Mendham Twp.

Success # 183 – Kathleen from Monmouth she was our first facilitator leader who helped Nhn get our Monmouth County program going and we had amazing growth unprecedented from our experience, she helped me find additional facilitators meetings we split sessions and added 2 additional libraries to handle the number of members we had coming out. Kathleen said, “"After a six month search and the support of NhN, I am now employed full time for the first time in 21 years as an assistant resident manager for ARC of Monmouth.  I would never take back all of the years I spent raising children and many part time jobs.  I just became wiser and added more transferable skills to my skill set. I am completely enjoying working with the intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in their home.   It turns out that I am good at cooking for twelve, doctor visits, shopping, and making a house into a home.  I must thank NhN for giving me the confidence to explore my past experiences to flush out that I am an advocate for others and that skill can be used not only for the environment but also for individuals.  It is not easy to have patience and see the possible consequences or dangers ahead.  Practicing my elevator speech over and over has given me the insight to see how the two careers blend.  The best part about my new job is that I can continue to pursue Geographic Information Systems on my days off with classes and volunteering. Thank you NhN." 

Success # 184 – Herman from Colts Neck, Middletown, and Monmouth NhN found a job with the EPA in Edison as a Lead (Pb) Inspector said, ” Job hunting sources provide reams information on resumes, cover letters, thank you letters and interviewing from any angle and in any style you can imagine. What is not covered on most of these web sites is how to deal with the isolation of being on your own in your job hunt.  Groups like NhN provide the human contact we need and the ability to practice our pitch in a non-judgmental environment. As social animals, we need to have this human interaction for us to realize that we are not alone and that we are not fatally flawed.  I wish to thank the leaders of these networking and support groups for their time and effort and to the members of the group still in the hunt, I wish to thank them for their fellowship and advice, but you need to keep going, if not for yourself, for the new members who need your continued support.

Success # 185 – Jane from Fairlawn, River Edge NhN said. "I have landed a part-time position with Clinique cosmetics at Macy's at the Garden State Plaza; I thank you and NHN for all the support this past year and a half; I have met some really wonderful people at the various NHN meetings who also gave me encouragement as well as friendship, in my search for employment.

Success # 186 – NhN Success # 186 Jim Duffy facilitator from NhN Middletown, said,” I HAVE LANDED! I have a landed a consulting position with a consumer services company in Jersey City. I got the position through networking. A fellow networker remembered my pitch and had an opportunity that was a great fit. It pays to network! PS - I brought the donuts to CIT.

What was supposed to be a part time role has already developed into a 5 day per week - 10-12 hours a day role. As such I need someone to take over lead facilitator duties at Middletown. In addition someone needs to step up Wednesday night to introduce Vicki Gaddy who will be speaking at Middletown Wed. Oct. 24th at 7:00 pm. I have not been getting home before 8 since I started.

I thank you all for your support and friendship. I will keep networking when I can. Lets always be connected. Alyssa - Thanks so much for your help.

Success # 187 – (10-23-12) – Gary from Monmouth Co NhN’s said, “After losing my job (as a result of a reorganization) earlier this year, I learned about (and joined) several networking groups: NHN, CIT, NJ Breakfast Club, NJSENG, Monmouth Networking Group.

Though I had outplacement services at Lee Hecht Harrison, I felt that support and camaraderie offered by all these groups kept my spirits high, and increased my motivation to job search. I applied to several target firms and sought out my networking colleagues for contacts at these firms.One of the target firms was Broadridge Financial, and I applied for two positions and didn't receive any callbacks. At the end of August, a colleague that I requested contacts at Broadridge in June, told me about a consultant opportunity, but which required my subject matter expert knowledge in Cost Basis. He was hesitant to tell me about the job, since it was a lower level than I had previously worked at. I told him I was interested, and the rest was history: a 30 minute telephone interview with Broadridge and I was hired, just had to wait a week for a background check.

I continue to network, since all positions are temporary and I hope to have the opportunity to help others.

Success # 188 – (10-26-12) - Mike from Cranford NhN said, “ I'll be starting a new position on Monday in my field of charitable fundraising, at a school in North Jersey. Thank you to all of the wonderful folks at NhN...Mary Rapolas and the gang at the NhN Cranford, fellow facilitators, and especially you for founding and leading this organization. I expect to remain involved at NhN Cranford and with NhN fundraising efforts.” 

Success # 189 – (10-26-12)-Craig from River Edge NhN who was also success #10 said, “I start at Wakefern on Monday in Location Research. I only attended one meeting since I have been back, but it is not like the knowledge you gain from a group like that is forgotten! Although I was one of the early NHN Success Stories in mid 2011, the volatile nature of the Supermarket Industry threw me right back into unemployment this past summer.  I had immediately returned from Greenville, South Carolina to begin yet another job search.  My determination and persistence paid off when my most recent unemployment period only lasted 4 months.  This was due in part to the tips and encouragement I received by attending NHN meetings.  A special thanks to you and all of the other members who contribute so much and share their experiences and knowledge.”

And Craig’s sister Juliet is also a two time NhN success story also from River Edge.

Success # 190 –(10-26-12)12 Steve from Wayne NhN who attended every weekly meeting at Wayne NhN since it started on Sept 13th and is working at Trader Joe's in Clifton said,” I know about networking to find jobs.  I go to meetings to network and add to the discussions.

I shared a job with Tara, NHN success story #181.  I helped others during a session on Linkedin.  I always look to give back even though I'm out.

Success # 191 –Kirit from NhN Hawthorne said, “I actually just networked and also made direct applications where I saw job openings. I hooked up with a recruiter and got connected to new openings and that's I landed a position.

Success # 192 – Laura from NhN Fair Lawn who said, “So happy that I have found employment. NHN helped by giving me the support of not feeling alone during these difficult times that we're all experiencing. I was given inspiration by the meetings that I did attend that helped my thinking.”

Success # 193 - Alison NhN member used LinkedIn NhN group and our web site to help her with her job search, she said, “ I accepted a full-time job in NYC last Friday (had been freelancing since March after being laid off in January). As for the Linked In group, I thought the advice was helpful. Regarding the job, it was a matter of who I know (a former boss runs the department for which I will be working).

Success # 194 – William from Ringwood NhN and then Oakland said, “The new position is a direct result of an assist from Caroline Howell, a writer/editor I met at the Oakland NHN meetings.  She hooked me up with a recruiter who had an energy copywriting contract job, and once I interviewed at Crius Energy, it turned into a full-time position (Residual Fund Raiser Manager, which is a sales support job).  I signed my offer letter, and I start on Monday, 11/26. Crius Energy is in Stamford, CT and they are a retail energy company that focuses on renewable energy. 

Success # 195 – Lou from Ridgewood NhN said,” Professional accomplishments are never the result of a single individual’s work, rather the compilation of many working together until the goal is achieved. Look at any successful person, and it is evident that he/she did not get there alone. THANK YOU for playing an instrumental role during the past year of my job search by staying engaged and sharing your expertise that helped bring this process to a positive conclusion!

As of November 19th, I have begun the 2nd chapter of my career in Service & Wellness! In my new position as the Director of Service for Technogym USA Corp., I will be overseeing After Sales (Training, Field Services, Delivery & Installation, Call Center, Contracts, Back Office Operations), Logistics & Quality Control. I am excited about this excellent opportunity that combines my Customer Field Operations background with my long time passion for fitness!

I was very fortunate to have someone like you assisting me throughout the process! Please know your efforts are much appreciated and I look forward to maintaining our relationship for years to come! 

Success # 196 – Mary Ellen our facilitator from Fair Lawn NhN said, “ I have accepted a position (contract to perm) for a billing company in Carlstadt   I start the Monday after Thanksgiving”

Success # 197 – Sue our facilitator from Lake Hiawatha NhN has landed a part-time job

Success # 198 – Jon from Bergenfield NhN attended presentation by Cynthia Clark and asked a lot of questions about how to conduct an out of state job search. After had one session with him, a few follow up calls. He landed a job in North Carolina and starts his new job on Monday, 11-26-12.

Success # 199 – Patricia is one of our distant NhN members who is in Cleveland and joined our LinkedIn group back in May 2012, she has now landed a new job which she wants to get settled in before broadcasting it. While our meetings are the core of our success there is a lot of value in our LinkedIn group discussions and on our web site which members find useful.

Patricia said, “I am so excited, scared, happy, uncertain, scared...(did I mention scared?) about starting this new opportunity.   NHN helped me keep my hopes in check.   I was happy and hopeful to learn about everyone trying to find opportunity because when you are unemployed you feel alone and helpless.  You lose self confidence. You kept me encouraged and focused!  If you wouldn't mind I would like to stay in the group.  Maybe I can be helpful to the next person!Thank you for everything and need some prayers for my first day, just really nervous! 

Success # 200 – Susan originally from River Edge NhN then facilitator of Englewood NhN and a NhN Board member she said, “ I'm finally confident that I can share the news that I have gotten a consulting job in my field.  I am thrilled to be working for Univision & ABC Networks to launch their new joint venture hispanic, English-speaking cable network slated to launch next year.  They have brought me on to focus on their creative group; process optimization, design, and execution through launch.

Although it is a lot of travel (they are based in Miami), I'm as committed as possible to continuing on with Neighbors helping Neighbors, not only on the board, but in the local groups as well.  I continue to work with some members I've gotten to know and am still very willing to do whatever I can for others.  John. I am one of your biggest fans and am positive that it is your support that made it possible for me to get this current project.  I'm keenly aware that although I have something now, it is increasingly important to stay connected with all the great people of NhN. So this is, by no means, a good bye, just an update on what is up with me. “

Success # 201 Steve from NhN Cranford said, “I got it thru a referral from a buddy.  He is on the same executive board that I am for the local American Society for Quality Chapter, 304.  I am currently the chairman.  Networking remains the most important method for finding a job.  My search was fairly haphazard as I took my sweet time getting back into the work world. I like your group. Continued good luck.”

Success # 202 Doug of Monmouth and Middletown NhN programs said, “Wow! My journey to my destination is complete! You see my passion is in helping all others! I am now a home companion aide and for the 1st time in my life- I LOVE my job! I totally transitioned my past skills utilizing unemployment's one stop agencies and Neighbors Helping Neighbors Group at theEastern Branch at the Monmouth County Library. It was at these 2 places that I learned and honed my elelevator speech! I personally need to thank, John Fugazzie as the founder of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Group, Kathleen Devine for her mentoring, leadership for when she said " Money follows healthcare"- I from that day became hooked to this field! There are so many of you others whom supported and helped me too- Susan Danza Popok, Paula Popok, Cyndi Hogan, Marybeth Spann. Thanks also to Kathleen Santucci, whom is the leader of the New Jersey Job Club said" You don't want to work in a hospital, you want to work as a home companion aide." Once again, I was hooked on those words! The next day at a job fair, I submitted my resume to 12 companies, 2 contacted me, 1 hired me! I am grateful for all of your help! Now, I can help by serving all others as this is my calling! Tomorrow, I will post my 1st ever original Pay it Forward Friday. If I can be of any aid to any of you, then please contact me!

Success # 203 – Steve of Cedar Grove NhN and #17 for that program, he said, “Hello Stewart,

I attended your inaugural kick off Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Cedar Grove.  At the time, I was working in a manufacturing environment, and I was not satisfied with the position I had.  I knew I wanted to make a change, but it had been a while since I had been looking for employment.  I didn't realize the extent of the networking system that is needed in order to gain employment nowadays.  In the past, all you had to do was send a resume or talk to a friend.

What the group Neighbors Helping Neighbors made me aware of is that technology is a vital part of finding a job.   The steady diet of emails that I received as far as job postings was encouraging.  I believe that what helped me the most was the various forms of electronic and computer resources.  Everything from how to

websites, to blogs, interview tips and how to deal with human resource people was available.   I did attend some of the network gatherings.  I recommend these to anyone who may be feeling awkward or uncomfortable about changing jobs or for the person who has been laid off.  There you will find other people in the same boat as you.  Most importantly, you get the message that people want to help you and that success can be had by allowing them to do that.

Thank you for the time and effort that you put into this organization.   I am fortunate that I have found employment with the third largest bank in the country, and I feel that your positive energy was what helped me to keep the fire going to find it. I am sure your group Neighbors Helping Neighbors will continue to make quite a few people happy.”

Success # 204 – Michele from Waldwick NhN said, “I attended Waldwick about a year and a half ago.  I took some time off and when I decided to go back to work I was lucky enough to apply for two jobs and got one of them.  Not much to tell.  I didn't go to more than three meetings, because I took the time off.  But I would have gone back if I needed more time to look and the support system.  It was great. 

Success # 205 – (12-10-12) - Mike from Mendham Twp Gittelman let me know today that he got the job he wanted (he used to be a CNN senior cameraman)

Success # 206 –Carol from Mendham Twp confirmed that she is at her job at UHC (social worker)

Success # 207 – Stephanie from Englewood NhN landed as Health Promotion Specialist at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers

Success # 208 – (12.11.12) Laura from Middletown NhN said, “I finally have landed a position and would love to share my story. I totally feel that networking is so important when trying to find a new position. However, I also believe that you have to try as many sources as possible. Although the odds are not very good to find a job using the internet job boards and recruiters. However, I applied to this job on Career Builder and the name of the company was anonymous. I received a call from a recruiter regarding the position two weeks ago. The recruiter set up an interview for me last Monday. The interview went very well. I received an offer from the company last Thursday and started working this Monday. I was shocked on how fast the whole process was. I am very happy that I have finally landed.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a wonderful group and helped me get through some of the tough days during my search. Thank you for all that you have done for so many of us during such a difficult time for many of us. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Success # 209 – (12-14-12) Andrew who helped facilitate at several NhN locations said, “I have attended meetings over the past 2 years at River Edge, Fairlawn, Hawthorne, Westwood and Mahwah. Networking and attending group meetings like NHN are key components of an active job search. What has helped me recently has been making calls and following-up, staying on top of the jobs available in my field and picking up work in other areas while actively job searching. Coaching has been vital for me. Making it a priority. I will make networking and support a priority during all times.”

Success # 210 – Debbie from Maywood NhN also our original facilitator there

Success # 211 – Chris from Monmouth NhN said, “John I just wanted to let you know that I've got a temporary contract in the city.  The support and camaraderie of NHN was really important in keeping both my spirits and skill set up.  This is a tough time for many folks for many reasons and I just wanted to tell folks not to quit.  There is hope.”

Success # 212 - Caroline from NhN Cranford

Success # 213 – Gina from NhN Cranford said, “Just wanted to be added to the list of NhN success. I am working for a law practice. Have a peaceful holiday season!  And THANK YOU for making such a difference in so many people's lives.’

Success # 214 – Greg from NhN Wayne said, “Happy Holidays!!! I hope all is good with you. I was one of the first members in the Wayne group. I was lucky enough to find a job a few weeks later. I would have liked to attend meetings, but there is very little time raising kids and working. However, I think Neighbors–helping-Neighbors is very helpful. It reintroduced me to LinkedIn and also more importantly, gave hope and a sense of community when things got tough. Thank you. I currently work as a broker at Bollinger insurance. if I hear of any opportunities, I will let you know.

Success # 215 – Joan from NhN Ridgewood said, “I did land at Toys R Us and started on Dec. 17th.   I went to the NHN meeting over in Ridgewood because you mentioned Jackie Weiss frequently ran the meetings there and I really like Jackie when she was at A&P.  I went to one meeting and then Hurricane Sandy arrived.  However, the people there couldn't have been more willing to help me with my questions on how to use electronic media, search sites and networking.  I found the experience to be very upbeat and positive.  Thanks for setting up this lifeline.

Success # 216 – Jake from NhN Middletown Twp announced his landing at the guest visit meeting of Marissa Marsala

Success # 217 (12-28-12)Beth from NhN Monmouth Co and Middletown soon to be opening up Howell as our facilitator said, “I am happy to report that I landed a job with FEMA. Even though it's only a temporary assignment, I am excited to be working again. I start January 2nd.

The hours will be horrendous 8-6 Monday thru Saturday with a possible 7 day week. I am still planning on starting the Howell group and hopefully I can get some help at some point. Thank you for starting such a wonderful support group.

Success # 218 - (12-30-12) Donna from Middletown said, “After 2 years of being unemployed. I finally landed a job. It's F/T hours as a consultant for FEMA. My assignment is a 120 days as an IT Specialist. (Of course I wanted to retire from this area of Technology... crawling around on my knees, snaking wires, installing printers, setting up computers, etc. LOL!) I'm hoping this will open more doors for me in the future.

Success # 219 (1-2-13) Evette is an NhN web site, Facebook and LinkedIn member she said, “John, you may not know this, but you have inspired me to believe in myself again, and get off my couch. After seeing what is possible through your work in creating Neighbors Helping Neighbors, I realized I could do anything I set my mind to do. I dusted off my linked-In account and updated it along with my resume. I got myself out there and interviewed at a couple of places successfully.

I completed an H&R block income tax course with a grade of 96, and was offered a job starting Monday as a Tax Preparer/ Client Service Professional. I plan on getting experienced in this field and continuing this career on a seasonal basis. Once the tax season is over, I plan on getting back into the Mortgage industry where I have over seven years experience as a loan consultant.

I enjoy helping others and have contributed to my community by providing free credit management and first time home buyer courses. I volunteer for food drives. I have also taught CCD classes to sixth and seventh graders. My passion now is with my volunteer work as a stress management meditation instructor in High Schools under Dr. Oz's Health Corp's initiative. You are an amazing individual for creating this community of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. If ever you need assistance with Neighbors Helping Neighbors please let me know. I would be honored to do my bit to help. Thanks again John, and all the best to you in 2013, God bless you for all that you are and all that you do.”

Success # 220 ( 1-3-13) Michael of NhN Mendham Twp said, “ I am extremely pleased and relieved to report that after a torturous 13 month wait I am once again employed. I will be shooting and editing video for a website catering to physicians, called MedPageToday.com. I have been looking for a job like this for the last 10 years, and I am very excited.

I would like to give a great big THANKS! to my fellow NHN'ers in Mendham, NJ for their help and support over the last year. Nancy Murray, and several other members were an unending wealth of encouragement and inspiration to me. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you Steve Fritz for your valuable tips on creating the best LinkedIn profile. You guys are the greatest!

I will be working again, but not forgetting all of you. Keep up the good fight!

Success # 221 – Gail from Emerson NhN said “I landed in September, I have moved out of NJ and am now employed as a guidance counselor.”

Success # 222 - Donna from Wayne NhN said, “I just landed a consulting gig in Newark.  I'm also going to start school soon on the way soon ! “

Success # 223 Don co-facilitator from Waldwick NhN said, “I don't know how you would classify me - "Landed", "FLOATED", or "CRASHED"...

My participation in NHN has provided such a positive attitude to the job search. My words to other job-seekers is "Don't DISCOUNT your options". I had an option A) - get a job with my previous employer; option B) get a job within the publishing industry; C) move to Maine and retire taking a job doing anything or D) explore a franchise opportunity.

After 9 months and some 150 applications through network connections and getting the standard "OVER QUALIFIED" response, I decided to look into other opportunities. One morning, I did a search on "Small businesses for sale in Bergen County". Up popped "MINUTEMAN PRESS". I turned to my wife Suzanne and said " What do you think?" "Her response - "let's go for it". Today, we are the PROUD owners of the Minuteman Press of Ho-Ho-Kus. Option D it was.

My background includes offset and digital printing, so I'm doing something that I'm very familiar with and understand and ENJOY! Thus, "FLOATED". Exploring one's options and finding something with which one has a passion is essential to determining one's HAPPY future. I walked in on day 3 with 6 NEW job requests..."CRASHED".

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA and participating locally gave me the positive attitude to take this leap of faith.

John - What you have started will continue to provide a positive prospective to all job-seekers and I intend to be a part of NHN-Waldwick as my new schedule allows. If there is anything that I can do to help other job-seekers in NHN just let me know. We handle anything that requires printing - from business cards, letterheads, resume copying through presentations... heck, we can even do golf balls and shirts with logos.

And to my mentors, Don Sciolaro and counter-part, Betty Friedel, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY POSITIVE LIGHT AT THE END OF A DARK TUNNEL!

The only draw back so far has been that my commute isn't long enough to get the heat to come up in my car. God Bless you all...”

Success # 224 – Kathleen from Oakland NhN said, “I am a member of the Oakland NJ NhN and wish to thank you, John, for starting this fabulous network. The weekly meetings and the members at those meetings helping each other, sharing ideas and sharing leads inspired all of us to keep focused. At one of the meetings we were advised that the Mahwah Library would be hosting a resume review program. Using the techniques taught brought my resume to the top and I am happy to report that I am again a full-time employee. I have recommended this group to many other individuals and will continue to do so.

Success # 225 - Joel Frank from Ho-Ho-Kus and NhN Ridgewood and who was success story #19 when he landed with FEMA and had a 6 month assignment, “Sandy” and his former FEMA contacts helped him

his previous job back this time around and he landed again with FEMA. He is hoping he gets a f/t FEMA job in NY. And is using is contacts from last FEMA job to help.

Success # 226 - Rhonda of NhN Oakland said, “Another success story for you.  A quick note to let you know that I landed a permanent position at a local non-profit. The networking and support of NhN played a tremendous role in my job search.  I will continue to "pay-it-forward" and support the organization... although the Oakland meetings are off the table for now :-( “

Success # 227- Jim originally facilitator Ringwood NhN and then NhN Oakland facilitator said, “I started a contract temp to perm position today with the company that purchased Marcal Paper products. Soundview Paper Products. So I won't be at the Oakland meeting. I got it through networking, with someone who lives in Ringwood. I received a phone call Monday night , went for an interview yesterday, and was asked last night to start today. Thanks for everyone’s help, I'll keep in touch.”  

Success # 228 Donna from NhN Wayne said, “NHN helped me in my job search in the following by:1. Providing useful and engaging information on the website. 2. Fostering relationships which expanded my local network. 3. Being a local support group to discuss job search for a variety of professions. 4. Allowing me the opportunity to get my questions answered and share my experiences.5. Leader in my group was well versed in LinkedIn and shared many interesting product features that I hadn't previously considered in job search. Thanks for organizing this group!”

Success # 229 – Jim from Warren Co NhN moved to NC said, “Just wanted to let you know that I landed a 6 month assignment here in NC.  I start on Jan 28th.  Since I have moved to NC, I joined a group here that is similar in purpose to NhN, something I would not have looked for had it not been for you and the group in NJ.  The group name is NCWiseman and it is run by Teddy Burriss, another person with your passion to bring others together for their mutual support. Thanks for the support over the past year+.

Success # 230 – confidential success no information authorized

Success # 231 – Kevin from Emerson

Success # 232 – Debbie from Waldwick NhN said, “ I just wanted to let you know that I landed a contract position with Verizon Wireless in Morristown starting on Monday. Please continue to keep me updated as I am still looking for a perm position. I would like to thank everyone in the group for their support and more important everyone's friendship. If I can do anything for anyone please contact me.

Success # 233 – Paul a new facilitator from Oakland NhN said in his short blurb, “

Success # 234 – Becky one of our first two co-facilitators in Boston that Abby Kohut recruited for the program, becomes our 1st Boston NhN success story, she said, “I will be starting a job as the Events Manager at University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) to run the annual Cancer Walk in September. Neighbors helping Neighbors helped me in many ways. By attending meetings I learned much from the other attendees. I met contacts who helped me with resources to learn new skills and who I networked with for suggestions on how to better my resume. I learned that it is important to focus on the companies that you want to work for so that you can network your way into an targeted organization. Besides the tactical learning I also found a cadre of people who were in the same place I was who were experiencing the same things I was and it helped me to not take my situation personally. The emotional support of participating in a group made a difference to me. Thank you!

Success # 235 – Terry from NhN Middletown NhN said, “My "work" with NhN is all in my profile on LinkedIn, and it really helped up my employability. I know that my future employers were led to look deeper into NhN because of my profile. Several specifically mentioned it, which is why I wanted to make sure I was accurately represented. The group and especially the facilitators for Middletown are truly outstanding”

Success # 236 – Joseph from NhN LinkedIn and web site. Didn’t attend meetings.

Success # 237 – Carolyn our first success story from Monroe Twp landed a teaching position for the rest of the school year with a promise of continuing for the upcoming school year. Carolyn is very excited because it is the job she wanted. This is very exciting news; we look forward to more success.

Success # 238 – David from Cranford NhN said, I wanted to tell you that in mid-November, I started working at a small minority owned - minority focused community bank in Newark on a per diem basis..  Last week, I was offered the opportunity to become a full time employee with the Bank and effective this coming Monday, I will be stepping into a supervisory role with 3 direct reports. it is a little unbelievable, but I am looking forward to the challenge.  Part of the job is helping to right the ship and move it forward in the right direction. It is interesting as to how I got this job.  Networking in an most unexpected way. I was approached by an (inside recruiter of a Bank) on LinkedIn. My phone interview went very well and I was told at the time, that the recruiter would pass my resume on to the hiring manager, but of course could not guarantee that the hiring manager would want to talk to me.  As it happens, the hiring manager did not and the recruiter was disappointed.  she gave me the name of a recruiter who is out of Lincoln, Nebraska.  This recruiter told me about the position and advised that it could be a temp to hire position and that is the way it has turned out.  So it goes to show that you can do it when you are older . It helped in several ways. Most importantly, emotional support. A number of the people in the Cranford group have been "in transition" for awhile (a year or more in some cases) and were older (in our 50's) and it was good to have somebody that you could relate to in that particular situation. It was comforting to know there were other people in town who were in the same situation I think that Mary Raspolas is a good leader and presented some ideas that I had not considered before and added them to my search tools. Finally, it allowed me to increase my network and even though I have been back to work for some time, there are a couple of people from that group that I regularly keep in touch with.

Success # 239 – Anne from said, “ NhN provided a great camaraderie.  It was great to meet and network with other professionals going through the same experience, because it is not an easy one by any means.   The sharing of contacts, leads, advice was extremely helpful to me.

I am happy to let you know that I was offered and accepted the Director of Research and Data Strategy position at the Toy Industry Association, Inc. in NYC.   I had attended NhN meetings in Closter, Ridgewood, and Oradell; and have found them so valuable.  It takes a special person to create this incredible network and keep it (and all the great resources) growing.  Thank you so much for all you do. Best to you always. “

Success #240 - Tim from NhN Ridgewood said,” I have landed a job with an IT consulting group. Short term but looks good for a longer opportunity. I have been in transition since October 2012. After 14.5 years at my last job I had to learn a lot about the new job market.I heard about a few networking groups and started attending them. The one that stood out was NhN. I attended the weekly meeting at the Ridgewood library. I heard it had a great all around reputation and that the meeting format was very productive. I have to agree!  A great group of peers focused on getting back into the workplace as well as supporting each other in coping with the search process. Thanks again for bringing NhN to those in need. Time to pay it forward!

Success # 241 - Andrea from NhN Waldwick said” I am proud to announce that I have accepted working at The Early Learning Center Program in Upper Saddle River and will be exploring per diem for part time work until full time at the daycare center effective April 15th; Please happily me inform my neighbors helping neighbors group and I thank you for all of your cooperation, support, time and efforts and I will do my best to continue to attend Monday evening meetings. Thank you both for your efforts and unconditional support. I am grateful to be a part of neighbors helping neighbors and will keep in touch throughout my success, strive and journey. Have a great evening and please continue to keep in touch.”

Success # 242 – Anne from NhN Bloomfield and a facilitator from said, “Dear John, I don't think that I will be able to go to Bloomfield anymore. I accepted a position in Ewing NJ  and started working on Monday”

Success # 243 Valerie from NhN Waldwick landed said, “Dear John, I have landed, at Benjamin Moore heading up their R&D organization. Will keep NhN in mind if I run across any opportunities Good luck to you in your search and in all of your possible ventures, I will be staying linkedin!

Success # 244 Rob from NhN Ridgewood landed on a long term consulting assignment in Bridgewater. Though a referral by Jacque the inaugural facilitator of Ridgewood meeting. Rob said” Great to hear from you. I hope all is well with you. As Chris mentioned, I indeed landed a consulting position. I am working for Valeant Pharmaceuticals (it's a Canadian based company worth about $20B). As I was put in touch with Henderson Harbor Search through NHN, I should have notified Ridgewood sooner - apologize for my delinquency.  Role materialized as Valeant is in the process of implementing a new software system and they needed someone to backfill someone who was asked to be on the implementation team. I am working in their finance department supporting their Neurology business, generally doing business planning, reporting and other analytics as required / needed by the business & general manager (eg reporting on quarterly performance / tracking results, building out the 2013 forecast, building financial models to understand contractual obligations, modeling whether it makes sense to launch a new product). I started last June; was originally supposed to be through end of 2012 but extended at least through end of March. Hopefully longer -- trying to feel them out on that. Otherwise, need to get busy real soon. In a lot of ways, the work is similar to my Hewlett-Packard experiences just in a different industry. In others, different -- although it's a large company by value, much fewer people than HP and a lot flatter & less matrixed organization so it's been great to work directly with the general managers of the business and the marketing managers. If can be a shot in the arm for members, please let them know. Was out of work for nearly a year and it was a truly depressing and stressful time - there is light at the end of the tunnel but it was really hard to believe that a year ago. NHN helped to some extent (knowing there were other people out there in similar positions, the positive messages, the advice) and for that I'm appreciative and grateful. John and people like you are doing such a great job. Getting the job also allowed us to move (we were staying with my parents in Mahwah; went to Ridgewood meetings as grew up there) -- now down at the south end of the county in Edgewater. Having own place and Edgewater being a cute little town and being a short bus ride from NYC has relieved a lot of stress with my wife (she's a Texan and so NJ has been an adjustment and me being out of work and not having our own space was not the most fun times) so things are pretty good now. Keep in touch. I haven't been directly aware of any new opportunities here (Chris and team would probably have better insight) but will keep ears open. If anything I can do (eg if people need access to linked-in network contacts, etc), let me know.

Success # 245 - Theresa from NhN Ridgewood landed and said “ Dear John, I just wanted to tell you that (after a year long search), I finally got a temp job at Cisco in Montvale. I start on Monday. I can not thank you enough for the professional advice, great connections, and the emotional support that NHN gave me. I also plan to "pay it forward" by keeping in touch with group members, and by sharing any job openings that I may hear about. Again, I thank you so much for all that you have done for myself and my fellow NHN'ers.”

Success # 246 - Lori NhN member using, NhN LinkedIn . Facebook and my web site has landed

Success # 247 – Ken from NhN wayne said, “I'm starting a 8+ month consulting assignment at Mars Information Technology in Mt. Olive as a Documentation Process Specialist, and will be working again with my best friend 30+ years after we both started working part-time in college at Willowbrook Mall at Herman's World of Sporting Goods.

While I found out about the job through a recruiter, I shared the job post with my best friend to see if he could help. He was able to determine who the hiring manager was, he sent her my resume, prepped me for

the interviews - everything from personalities of those who I'd be interviewing with to understanding the company culture. He basically got me past all the 'gatekeepers.'

As a former facilitator of Wayne NHN I met some amazing people and have greatly appreciated sharing their insights with me and group members. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and reach out to me there. It seems you can teach an old dog new tricks after all :)”

Success # 248 – Cindy from Hasbrouck Hts and Ridgewood NHN said, “ Hi John, I'm happy to add myself to the list of success stories now that I have landed a position in International Logistics at Ashland Inc. You have always been a strong proponent of LinkedIn, and I am very grateful for the many wonderful programs that were offered through NhN, some of which were focused on how to maximize a LinkedIn profile. I was contacted by the hiring manager directly via a request to connect with me on LinkedIn. I am so grateful to be a beneficiary of what you have developed in NhN, and to the Ridgewood (Jacque Weiss) and Hasbrouck Heights (Cathy Biegel) groups for their support, guidance, and friendship. Please continue to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Success # 249 – Maria from NhN Wayne said, “I just started on 2/12 - I'm "officially" a Welcome Center Rep, part-time (14-19 hrs/wk), at the Wayne, NJ, YMCA.”

Success # 250 – (2/24/13) Matthew from NhN Cedar Grove said, “I landed a job with a start up beverage company.  It is called Activate www.activatedrinks.com.  It is electrolyte water with vitamins on the top of the bottle.  The owner is Anders Eisner, the son of Michael Eisner the old CEO of Disney.  I was working in NY now I will be heading up the sales team in NJ.  I may be looking for a salesperson or 2 for NJ.  I will try and come by this Thursday.  Let me know the time again for the meeting.  Hope all is well and thanks for your organization. 

Success # 251 – (3/1/13) Mike from NhN River Edge said< “NhN mainly helped with the moral support over the past 4 months. I have had plenty of recruiters calling, but they were almost all third party and most did not even lead to interviews. The direct contacts with companies worked the best, but were very few. This position was obtained via the HR director who found me, and contacted me ( probably via my LinkedIN profile and/or DICE).”

Success # 252 – Rosann NhN Wayne said, “Ken, I only attended one NHN meeting back in December. I want to let you know that I found a job with Steve Calabro's help! You are absolutely right- NETWORKING is Key!!! I didn't believe it at first but it is true and probably the best way to find a job these days. I want to thank you for your help- I joined LinkedIn because if you and I did a lot more networking. Good luck to you and thanks again!”

Success # 253 – Cindy NhN Hasbrouck Heights

Success # 254 – Andrea NhN Hasbrouck Heights

Success # 255 – (3-5-13) Ruth of NhN Hasbrouck Heights she worked with me at A&P HQ and was the deli director, she left before I was downsized in October 2012, but I connected wither when we worked together, and she has now landed with a extremely good company Central Markets who are respected in the food industry and owned by HEB. I am excited to present what Ruth said this am announcing her landing, “'Morning John ! Great news! I have accepted a position with Central Market in Texas! Thank you John for all your support! Your entrepreneurial skills in starting up N-h-N and developing it into a solid non profit business is exemplary!

My accolades go out to Cynthia Clark as well, my business coach for the last 3 months, who has successfully steered me through some tremulous waters! I want to share Cynthia's contact info for those that have not attended one of her seminars thru N-h-N; email (cpclark2010@verizon.net).

If anyone has any hesitancy about bringing on Cynthia or a career coach in general, please do email me; rcmgrant@gmail.com. I can share some disaster stories that will make you laugh, cry, and jump for joy!

All the best to those that are still searching…..may you find the job of your dream's, and/or the job that will put you on the path to your dream! Ruth

Success # 256 – (3-7-13) Rosa from NhN Oradell said, “Guess what? I got a job!!!! so happy I am starting on Monday... I will be working for a company call the Louis Berger Group in Morristown, It's a job similar to what I did. I went to a recruiting place call Robert Half.   Maybe they can get you and the others jobs. The person I talked to was Michael Laufer in Paramus. I will keep you  all in mind to see if there are jobs for you all. I went only to one meeting. It was a very nice experience. I enjoyed hearing the NHN members share their stories. I felt so welcomed. The members gave me tips and information including the dates of the next job fair. I found it incredibly selfless that even though they were themselves looking for jobs, they kept an eye out for the other NHN members. Franz even brought us candy, which I especially appreciated since I had not had lunch that day. It kept my stomach from rumbling. Without a doubt these support meetings help raise your moral and used effectively, help you gain contacts and make friends. Thank you and members of NHN

Success # 257 – Aline from NhN Westwood said, “I just wanted to let you and the NhN community that I am now employed.  I had been attending the NhN meetings in Westwood.  Out of work and looking hard for 6 months, I finally landed a job at CarePlus New Jersey, located in Paramus. I couldn't be luckier.  The commute is reasonable, good benefits, nice people AND it is a position in my profession-Human Resources.  My position started 1/7/13, and I've finally settled in and am responsible for several projects. One of the things that may have helped in their decision process is that they were in the very beginning stages of implementing an on-boarding system.  Well that's something an unemployed person knows all about as most on line submission utilize one system or another and I considered myself an expert. And boy did I have  a lot of input, negative and positive, about what I liked and didn't like about some of those systems. 

When the hiring manager called me about my resume, she indicated that she wanted me for a different job, not the one I applied for.  Had 4 interviews with various people in the organization.  I met with my boss, the of HR, her boss, the Pres of the company and an outside consultant.  I listened to the goals of the dept/company, the challenges my boss had, and in the industry and played it all up.  I had the skills and experience the company needed.  I did not have UNION experience but indicated that was one area that always interested me and it would be great to learn the ropes, especially since I had someone to help me navigate through the maze.  I could see that my 'boss' was overworked and since I am naturally project orientated, would make it my mission/goals to help her with all the projects she wanted to do. So, basically, I talked their language and fed in to their goals.  This was not really hard, since I was excited about the position anyway. 

I learned about this position (and all of the other jobs that called me for an interview) through the traditional job searching engines-like Careerbuilder.  None of the jobs came from any of the social media sites or other networking avenues, but I was nowhere near adept at it anyway, and it was concerning to me that I was not comfortable using them.

So, all I can suggest is that a job seeker should try to branch out and use a variety of approaches, however, they should not be concerned as any approach to job searching is effective and at the same time none of them are entirely effective.

So, I returned to Westwood to say goodbye and wrap things up.  Thanks to Burt, Henry and Ralph.  They were all very helpful and I hope that I was too.  Not sure if NhN will be at BCC at their next job fair, but I will be popping in because my company will have a table.  Will stop by and chat.I'm not in a hiring position, but company is hiring like crazy.  I guess mental health is a growth industry. I would be happy to pass along an internal name or contact, BUT they will be told to go to our NEW on-boarding system, one that I helped implement.  Still I can do my best to pass on the reference. Best of luck to all those still looking.  (John, if you publish any of this, feel free to modify or cut.  I know I got wordy but that's because I'm happy)

I would never edit enthusiasm from landing a job ! John

Success # 258 Wendy from NhN Oakland landed and said…Job hunting has changed and I found Neighbors Helping Neighbors extremely useful. I can honestly say it was the most important element of the job hunt for me personally. New Jersey's unemployment program is not as good as Pennsylvania's (I was unemployed there in 2007) and the NHN group filled a lot of my needs.  I attended a welcome session and another on Interviewing at the unemployment office in Paterson. The Interviewing session did not provide any information I did not already know.

Going to the Oakland Library for NHN put me in contact with Reference Librarian Pierre Rosen who showed me ReferenceUSA and online computer training free through the library.  Being able to learn Microsoft Office 2010 is invaluable.  I was unaware of this free resource.  Pierre has been very helpful and is always willing to help.

Not having a job leaves a void and you have a lot less social interaction, I looked forward to the NHN meetings which got me out of the house where I was totally focused on activities for job hunting and isolated. I had no problem getting motivated to head out to the weekly meeting.

It's nice to know you are not alone and others are experiencing the same issues. Talking to the other members provided me with a lot of tips for applying for jobs, the use of LinkedIn, networking sessions and job fairs I did not know about, job leads, companies I should apply to, contacts, etc.  I had always been told if I liked my car to never go to Paterson. Others in the group had first hand knowledge of the area and made me comfortable enough to go there.

The two trips to the unemployment office weren't worth my time and gas.  The Oakland NHN meetings were closer, provided me with a lot of useful job hunting information and the support I needed. Thank you, the NHN Oakland members and the folks at the Oakland Library!

Success # 259 (3.15.13) Steward facilitator for NhN Cedar Grove said, “I am proud to announce I am the 19th success story for the Cedar Grove Chapter.  I am still waiting for the formal offer letter, but I am scheduled to start on April 3 as the controller for a company that develops compliance software for financial institutions. It has been a long road, but I always stayed positive knowing something like this would come along. I was told of the position through a friend of mine.  At my first interview, I was informed if my friend had not recommend me; the CFO would not be interviewing me due to my long period of not working.  Another great example of why networking is so important. 

I want to thank the members of the Cedar Grove Chapter for all of their help and support.  Without them, Cedar Grove NhNs would not be where it is today and I would not have the confidence I have at this time.  The group played a big role in helping me land this position. Because of their support and input, my position as the facilitator was made easier.  I hope they gained as much encouragement and guidance from me as I did from them. As I told my Cedar Grove friends, I expect the Cedar Grove Chapter to continue.  This is not about one person, but instead it is about all of the individuals who are in the same position looking for assistance and support. 

I have met many great people during my time with Neighbors helping Neighbors. I want to thank everyone for his or her guidance.  I would especially like to thank Jacque Weiss, Don Sciolaro, Ken Lang, George Johnson-Orban, Debbie Richardt, Lisa Gladwell, and Barbara White.  

I would also like to thank John for starting this great organization. Through your direction, and the help and hard work of many members, we continue to grow and help many with their job search.  I wish you and your family the best of luck.

Success # 260 (3.20.13) Jeanne from NhN Monmouth Co eastern Branch said, “ I have good news to share

with NHN, I have accepted a position at G&W Labs in S. Plainfield. Please share my news with everyone and also my appreciation for the support that all provided.  It really helped me a lot.  Thanks to NHN for being active in the Shrewsbury community - it is a great program.  I will continue to monitor the NHN LinkedIn forum for it's useful discussions. It was nice to meet all the Eastern Branch participants.  Let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.  G&W Labs has lots of positions open, so check them out. G&W is a small generic pharmaceutical manufacturer (semi solid, ointments). Good Luck to all in their job search endeavors. Let me know if any of my contacts are useful. 

Success # 261 - Ana from NhN Hasbrouck Hts. (3.25.13) said, “Was offered a position as a Job Developer/Case Manager for St. Paul's in Paterson on 04/08/13.  This was a combination of previous colleagues providing leads on positions available and recommendations. I still would like to be involved with the Hackensack group if you get to establish one, but for me would have to be in the evenings after work.  As far as the training, I'm still interested if evening or weekend. Thank you so much, and keep it up. It has been over two weeks that I began in my new position as an Employment Specialist.  Networking works!! I was informed of this position by 3 different people with whom I used to work.  I applied once and didn’t hear anything, applied a 2nd time and found out a restructuring was in place. Was offered an interview within two days of applying and was offered the position within one week. So far so good, but as we all know, things can change at any time, I’m working for a non-profit organization and grants come and go.  I just have to stay positive and continue to improve my skill set.  Thank you NhN for your work, I continue to promote our group and the great work and support is providing to the various communities.  Through your network I have met great people, who have guided me through this process of ever evolving technology. My advice to you, don’t give up, you never know who will refer you to your next job.  I would like to continue my participation with the group, although on a limited basis during my initial employment period.  John thank you again for all that you do.

Success # 262 – Ray from NhN Maywood (3.26.13) said,” I just wanted to let you know that I landed a job as a QA consultant with a major retailer's IT department. We met at the Bergen Community College Job Fair this past Friday.  I have been out of work a little over 12 months now. I started to attend Professional Service Group of Morris County (PSGMC) sessions for about the past month and a half, and quickly expanded in attending NHN-Maywood and Careers In Transition sessions. I immersed myself in very informative and proactive information. Applying the information learned, I networked myself back with old ex-colleagues of mine and was very fortunate to obtain a QA contracting role for a major retailer's IT department. My start date is April 8. I am a man of faith and strongly feel that my Lord had His hands in making this happen; as I could not have done this alone. Keep the faith and keep the hope. Just network, network, network and network. My sincere thanks to my friend Tanvir Shahid who motivated me to start attending the PSGMC sessions, which eventually led to branching out to NHN sessions and CIT sessions, and to the many people I have met along the way. I wish everyone the best of luck in their job search and let me know if I can help in any way.  Thank you for providing a great service to the unemployed. It is truly appreciated! 

Success # 263 - Richard from NhN Hawthorne begin a new position on Monday. but he did leave the Hawthorne group with a going-away present: a tip for using jobs4jersey while by-passing the resume filters.

Success # 264 – (3.30.13) Tom from NhN Monmouth Co said, “I will not be able to attend NHN, for at least several months. Got the second position I had interviewed for. It is contract work, but it is a good refresh on some older equipment I had used in the past, I am only a fill in for the summer. I will most likely be returning in the fall, shall see what happens. Please tell people I still check LinkedIn, and my e-mail, should they need to contact me.”

Success # 265 – Kathryn from NhN Middletown has landed story hopefully to follow.

Success # 266 - (4.4.13) Sanum from NhN Bergenfield, River Edge, and Ridgewood said, “Dear John and my NHN Member, Thank to John and his member who gave me advised on my resume and appreciate my skills. That helped me whenever I send my resume. i will keep you guys in my prayers.

Monday will be exciting day for me to start my work . This job will be my First job in USA. I am so happy and wish you best of luck.” Sanum has been an NhN member since Aug 2011.

Success # 267 – (4.14.13) – Joe one of our facilitators from NhN Hawthorne said, “Just to let you know that I've landed!  I start at JPMorgan Chase tomorrow as a contractor for 3 months (at least!).  I want to publicly thank all of the Hawthorne NhN moderators and members who have provided advice, support, and encouragement.  I intend to continue attending meetings whenever I can in order to pay it forward.

Success # 268 – (4.16.13) Joe from NhN Mendham Twp. said, “Nancy amd John: I appreciate the good wishes. I hope the following information is helpful to others from NhN who are still searching. For this job, I was contacted directly by the HR manager via email. She found my resume on Career Builder. I was happy to see the contact directly from the company. I called the HR rep, we set up and spoke during a second call.  This led to an on-site interview with the hiring manager. Much to my surprise, I received my offer the same day as the interview.

The Mendham NhN group helped me by providing a great sounding board, tips for where and how to search for jobs,  along with review of and input on my resume. The most important part of being involved in the group is a source of motivation to keep searching and refusing to give up. One final note - Linked-In and social media may be getting a lot of press these days - but don't give up on  Career Builder because it still works.

Background about me for John:

 I joined the Mendham NhN group in January 2012. Unlike most members, I was working at the time, but the division I worked for was being moved out of NJ - not a move for me. After a few moves to stay in employed and stay in NJ, I was offered a permanent position. This held me over until now.

Success # 269- NhN Emerson one of our members landed a temporary job and did not want to be named.

Success # 270 – (4.17.13) NhN River Edge – Gail who is quite a special story. Gail first joined NhN back in Aug 2011. She was training to be a facilitator for us in a new library we were opening and then she had a major bout with cancer and went through long extensive treatments and then was able to return to NhN meetings. She was an inspiration to us all. Yesterday she sent me this email. “Dear John, Can you believe it...I finally got a job.  I never forget how much you helped me in my search to stay positive. Its in North Bergen for a position of my previous experience in Credit Collections.. Through my job search this group has given me both emotional and professional support. It is a place where advise and reassurance plays an important part in the local meetings by the well educated appointed unpaid facilitators. In going through the journey of finding my current position the group helped me make many positive changes to my approach in Networking, Resume (reviews) and the Career Counseling (opinions).

I owe a great deal of Thank You's to everybody who I came in touch with at the meetings,  especially John Fugazzie the founder & president of NEIGHBORS-helping-NEIGHBORS who truly cares about each and every member and always there to help in any way he can.

THANKS A MILLION TO ALL OF YOU. I hope to see you soon. Keep in touch SINCERELY GAIL

Success # 271 – (4.17.13) Veronica from or new NhN chapter in Toronto. Veronica connected with NhN about 4 weeks ago and was to be our lead facilitator for our new meeting group in Toronto Microsoft store. We were to open it on this coming Monday, but she sent an email that she landed a job and couldn’t commit to leading our meetings there. We will push back the start date until we find a new volunteer

leader. Her success came from using information she learned about NhN in her short time training as a facilitator, using our web site information and participating in our LinkedIn group.

Success # 272 is John from NhN Cranford NhN. He shares the following on how he found the hidden job.” He met the CFO at a dinner for a professional group. The CFO had not been to this group in over 10 years and just happened to be at his table. John struck up a conversation and later came to the office looking for AIR (Advice, Information, Referrals) and nothing more. When John told him about some of his transferrable skills, the CFO had him meet with others in the company. John was seeking a more traditional Finance role, but has landed a position in Marketing.

Success # 273 - Bob from NhN Fair Lawn said, “John and Mary Ellen just a quick note to share some good news and thank you for your help. Monday morning I began a 12 month-plus contract with Collabera, working on an IBM engagement at Express Scripts in Franklin Lakes.  I'm a QA Lead, working with an off-shore team of testers.

Your efforts are making a difference.  While my attendance at meetings waned in the past couple of months, I've benefited greatly from the meetings and the NhN LinkedIn group.

Success # 274 – Joe from NhN Waldwick said, "Well great news. if all goes well i start working for a construction company next week in Elisabeth NJ should be there a wile. hope all goes well for everyone and thanks for the  Monday night support."

Success # 275 – Marina from NhN Maywood said, “ Dear John, I was attending the Maywood, NJ NhN meetings for a few months, the facilitators and you have always supported me and helped me to stay positive.  You always say, "you've gotta own your job search."  Well, I took those words to heart every single day. I would like to let you know that I am starting work on Monday at an eye care facility in Fair Lawn, NJ. I would like everyone to know that I found this not through Careerbuilder, monster, indeed, or any other work search engine. I went with my gut and found it through a private website that offers advertising for doctors and small businesses.   I am so happy that I can work close to home and I am very excited to learn and grow in this wonderful medical facility! The best advice I can give anyone is go with your gut and your heart.  When you send out those resumes or make those phone calls, stay positive and let them know you are flexible and want to learn!  Pursue opportunities that you whole heartedly want, not just the $.

I will miss everyone at the meetings!   Thank you for the support and valuable information the group has provided.  I have told many about NhN and will continue to do so as it is a profound and invaluable resource for job seekers.

 Success # 276 – Henry from NhN Westwood, Cresskill, Closter and was an NhN facilitator said, “ This morning I accepted a long term contract position as a business analyst with Express Scripts inFranklin Lakes, NJ.  Express Scripts is the old Medco that we know.

Thanks to you, John, and thanks to everyone in NhN for all of their support.  I intend to stay fullyactive in the organization because it is a terrific place to network, help out others, and get helpfor myself.  I've met so many great people there.

I was out of work for quite some time.  I hope this gives encouragement to others.  If I can do thiswith the obstacles I faced, it is possible for others to do it also.

Success #277 – (4.25.13) Marge from NhN Ridgewood and one of our facilitators landed and sais <”Since my recent experience was with non-profits, I attended quite a few open houses and info sessions at local

organizations.  Last spring I attended a Volunteer Open House at Children’s Aid and Family Services in Paramus. I’ve kept in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator via LinkedIn including sending her a holiday note in December.

A few weeks ago she sent me a message asking if I was still looking for a clerical position. I said YES and sent her my resume. I had an interview with the VP of Development and then with the database administrator.

 As of April 22, I am the new Development Assistant at Children’s Aid and Family Services doing almost exactly what I did at NJPAC. It feels great to use all the skills I’ve acquired over the last 10 years. I have been truly blessed on this journey to have met each of the members of the Ridgewood group. They are all friends and I promise to keep in touch !

Success # 278 – Debbie from NhN Waldwick and originally from NhN Mahwah said, “NHN was there for me when I needed friends most, who kept me from just giving up.  I would urge anyone who is currently looking or will be looking for a job to join NHN as you guys can boast your members are some of the nicest people I have ever met.

Success #279 – Mindy from NhN Lake Hiawatha said, “ We'll be celebrating on Tuesday afternoon. I landed the job! I start on Wednesday. So, I'll see you for one final time this coming Tuesday to thank you for all of your support and insight. See you then.” I was told about NHN in November by a former co-worker I met at a dinner attended by many former employees of the company I worked for. Looked it up on the internet and found my local group. I started attending just about Thanksgiving. It was a very small group at that time given the time of year, but I bonded with the members. The group grew (and continues to grow each week) when the meeting time changed and we have become a very cohesive unit. Each week we discuss our set topic, job searches and strategize amongst ourselves. The interaction among the group is key...we share our knowledge and skills to help each other out whenever possible. It was the support of the group that enabled me to maintain a positive outlook as I continued my job search. Thank you!”

Success # 280 – Beth from NhN Hasbrouck Heights is substitute teaching…she is a networking success story.  She was working out at the gym, started a conversation with an acquaintance on the next machine, telling her that she wanted to get back into sub-teaching & had certifications. The friend referenced someone across the room who had an admin job within Bergen County placing sub-teachers & the rest, as they say, is history!

Success # 281 Emily from NhN Boston MA is our second member to land a job from that group she said, “ I'm sorry I've been unable to attend the past few meetings and hope all of you are doing well.  I've been busy with a number of things - including helping a woman with her start-up fashion company, applying for more jobs, and coordinating a collaborative art show. 

Last week I was offered a position with the Chelsea Public Schools. Although the position didn't meet my initial salary requirements, I've accepted.  I am excited to start and make an impact in my hometown.  I will be the Parent Liaison to the middle schools and will be involved in community events and getting parents more engaged in their children's education. Although it's a little daunting - I'm also excited to use and improve my Spanish language skills!

I wish you all the best of luck in your job searches.  I was feeling hopeless for a little while but I finally chose to look where I knew I could have the biggest impact, and it made all the difference.  Thank you all for your support and encouragement.  And, of course, all your positivity.”

Success # 282 Cyndi from NhN Mendham Twp. has a 6 month contract with plan to hire as full time employee with Warner Chilcott  - exactly what she wanted.  It is in sourcing management.

Success # 283 Mike from NhN Mendham Twp. got a full time position with Al Jhazeeri to help build their technical infrastructure - he is the experienced CNN cameraman.

Success # 284  (5.11.13) Carol from NhN Middletown said, “I landed!!!!!!  I was offered and accepted the Activity Director position at Tower Lodge Care Center.  The Administrator took a lot of time to meet with me and share his thoughts.   It was actually very nice.  I felt I belonged there!!!!    I can't tell you how happy I am to be going back to work.  It's time!  I thank Bill Joel so much for all his support and for the connection with NhN.  What a great group of people I have met!  Without them I'm not sure where I would be ..or the mental state I would be in.  I wish for everyone else  that a great job comes through real soon...you are all great people. The last group I went to ...Tony was there and so was Martin...great to see those that landed continue to give back...says a lot about the group!!!!   Hope I can do the same.  Please share my good news...and thanks again.”

Success # 285 (5.13.13) Lisa from NhN Middletown said, “I just accepted a part time position with a cosmetics company in Edison.  I joined the Middletown chapter of NHN in October 2012 but wasn't able to attend many meetings.  I found the NHN emails a wealth of information and encouragement, especially through the success stories.  I am very happy to count myself among them. “

Success # 286 (5.13.13) Cindy from NhN Mendham said, “ I'm part of the Mendham NhN group and wanted to let you know that I landed a position.  I'm now a Sourcing Manager for Warner Chilcott.  I started work on May 7 and am very excited about my new job!  Just wanted to let you know and say thanks to you and the NhN team - it's been a great support system!  Let me know if you need any other information.

Success # 287 (5.14.13) Christine from Middletown but most recently just opened up our meeting in Neptune landed and said, “Well, I didn't need to wait til August to land...I landed on Friday and start tomorrow.  It is a temp to perm job, recruiting for K. Hovnanian.  So, I checked with the Neptune Library and we can move our meetings to the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 6:30-8. “

Success # 288 (5.14.13) Chris from NhN Waldwick said, “Just wanted to let you know that I've gotten a full time job with an architecture firm in Paramus and all is going well.  My regards to the group and my thanks for any and all help on the job search.”

Success # 289 –(5.16.13) Elizabeth from NhN Middletown said, “Yes, I am another NHN success!  I have just started a full time position at Immunostics, a small clinical diagnostic company in Ocean NJ. After a series of part time positions, I am thrilled to be working full time.

Key to my success were the Middletown and Shrewsbury NHN groups.  During the last 10 months, members kept me focused on my search, kept me accountable, and kept me positive.  It was through a member that I received the job posting for the position.  When I did not hear about my application, members encouraged me to take the initiative to call the company.  This enabled me to stand out from the other candidates and I succeeded in obtaining the position.  To all my friends at NHN, a heartfelt  thank you.  Please know that I am available to help you in any way that I can. “Success # 290 ( 5.17.13) Ann from NhN Cranford a fairly new member landed.Success # 291 (5.21.13) Regina from our Linkedin Group used all the motivation from members in there and landed she said,” NHN helped me stay motivated and inspired to keep my searching for a new job. I felt even though I didn't go to any support groups this group was very encouraging because by reading other people stories and great articles to help support us in our job search made a difference. I also feel like I had my own personal support group here on line it does help you out when others can relate to what you going through especially if you are or were a long term unemployment person like myself. I would encourage anyone to continue to look and search because God does have a way of fixing anything just like he did for me. I was so blessed because I had all of your support, advise and shoulders to lean on. Thank you so much! I will still continue to help others, and if you want to still network with me I still welcome invites. Best of Luck to you all!Success # 292 – John from

NhN Maywood on April 22, John Hughes started a temp to perm opportunity. His new job title/position is Consulting Expert in Export Logistics for Office Team / Robert Half International on full time assignment at UTC Overseas Inc. in Rochelle Park NJ.  Success # 293 - Mark of NhN Monmouth Co Eastern Branch said, “As a member of the Shrewsbury, NJ group,  I found a new position consulting with ATT in Middletown, NJ.  My old position, as a consultant to US Army, lost funding due to the Government Sequester. I was required to relocate to Maryland and find new projects to work on. My NHN group members assisted me by providing  feedback on my elevator speech,  resume, and provided leads and introductions to people on where to look for a job within an area closer to my home. After four months of support, I found my current position.”Success # 294 (5.28.13) Shannon of NhN Lake Hiawatha said, “I am excited to announce that I have landed a new job. I have been out of work for 10 months. I want to thank you for creating the NhN groups. I attended the Lake Hiawatha group for 5 months. I look forward to continuing my relationship with the group and forwarding job opportunities their way.”Success # 295 (5.28.13) Michael from NhN Oradell landed a part-time job as a health aid to a person locally so he is very happy about this.Success # 296 (5.28.13) Maria from NhN Warren Co landed. Success # 297 (6.5.13)Christian from NhN River Edge landed and said, “I landed a part-time custodial job that starts next week at the courthouse; the head of county DPW hasn't given up the ghost on full-time employment, but had me apply for this as a stopgap measure while the budget is finalized. While I intend to keep up with NhN via Facebook & LinkedIn, due to the job taking place at night it'll be a while before I can stop by a meeting anytime soon. At NhN the moral support was invaluable. Good luck with everything. Success # 298 (6.6.13) Priscilla from NhN Monmouth landed and said, “Although I found the new position on my own, the group did help me to realize the true importance of networking and how it's so pertinent in establishing rapport in the professional world and creating opportunities within the workplace. I kept this in mind while I was on the interview, since I already knew two of the girls in the program from college. I felt this added credibility to my character and work ethic, which provided for a smoother application process and eventual acceptance. I have 'Neighbors' to thank for this vital knowledge. The program is the 'Episcopal Service Corps Program', though my specific sect is the 'Sycamore House Service Corps', located in Harrisburg, PA. I will act as the Marketing and Development Assistant for Paxton Street Ministries. I have also provided links for the program and the organization I will be working for: ESCP--> http://www.episcopalservicecorps.org/index.php SHSC--> http://www.episcopalservicecorps.org/program2.php?id=30 PSM--> http://www.paxtonmin.orgSuccess # 299 ( 6.6.13) Rose from NhN Monmouth landed she took a book keeping job with a construction firm.Success # 300 (6.6.13) William Joel originally from NhN Monmouth then Middletown and the NhN regional leader in Monmouth Co said, “after 16 months I landed a consulting assignment with my prior consulting firm.  The key was networking.  Make connections with recruiters; maintain professional ongoing relationships while you’re working and while you’re not.  When those recruiters need to fill a position, you should be on their list of people to contact.  This is what happened in my case.  Having networked with the recruiter through a contact referral in 2011, we continued to stay in touch and when the time came, I was on the list of contacts.  Bottom line, it’s all about networking. 

In addition, to recruiters, you need to remain active.  Having attended many networking groups within NJ over the years I’ve met many people, many have become contacts on LinkedIn, and several close friends.  During my recent job search I joined the Neighbors-helping-Neighbors (NhN) organization (www.nhnusa.org). NhN offers job seekers peer support and an opportunity to learn, network, and remain active during their respective job searches for free.  With an ethos of “Paying it Forward”, I encourage you to join, become engaged, and stay connected.

For me, I joined NhN at the Monmouth County Library – Eastern Branch; the first group within Monmouth County in June 2012.    Meeting weekly, I became a co-facilitator and helped during the groups’ rapid growth and continued service to the community.  Thanks go to Charles Gross, Career Services Librarian, and the library administration for their continued support. The group recently celebrated its 1 year anniversary; congratulations.

The Middletown Township Library opened; thanks go to Alyssa Rosen, Career Services Librarian, and the library administration for their continued support.  I became a facilitator and continue to help as time permits.  In addition, I help John Fugazzie, the groups’ founder, as the regional facilitator coordinator for Monmouth County. Currently there are five active groups/libraries and we are always looking for more volunteers to open groups in their local libraries.  Opening a group and becoming a facilitator allows you to fill in blanks on your resume, help others, and help the community; a win-win all the way around. Many people give their time to help on a weekly basis and thanks go to them as well.  In addition to the library groups, we partner with the Monmouth University Career Services department, thanks to William Hill, Assistant Dean Career Services, offering alumni and students an opportunity to learn and network. 

To paraphrase one avid networker, Marty Latman: “ABP – ‘Always Be Positive’ and ABC – ‘Always Be Connected’”.  Regardless of the season of your career, I encourage you all to remain positive, pay it forward, and always be connected.   Please keep in mind: a job search is work, one which requires training and skills, that all jobs are temporary, and that we are always in transition, the journey is life; enjoy the journey.Success # 301 (6.19.13) Migdalia from NhN Colts Neck said,” You did say, that it was not if I would land a job, but when. Well, I landed, and it has been non stop since I started June 3rd.

I am happy to announce that I started a new position as Center Manager of reNewJersey Stronger, Super Storm Sandy Relief program; providing financial assistance to help individuals rebuild their homes and provide incentives to stay in the counties affected by Super Storm Sandy. The position is temporary, duration can be up to two years.

Hurricane Relief Centers officially opened on Saturday, June 8th, in nine counties across the state. I am in charge of the Middlesex County Housing Recovery Center, located in Edison. I have been working every day long hours, to get the center ready and operational. The program is fast track for now, my schedule is six days a week. 

Check the web site and forward to the group, www.renewjerseystronger.org.

I feel very humbled and blessed to have been assigned this incredible opportunity at reNewJersey Stronger!

Please share the good news for me with the group. It has been terrific meeting with all at the Colts Neck library on Tuesdays. I am so grateful for the wonderful camaraderie, guidance you guys provided in my job search, and above all, sincere kindness. You guys are terrific and I am forever grateful. Let me know if the group ever plans an outing. 

Let's keep in touch!!

Success # 302 (6.24.13) Judith from NhN Hawthorne said, “Just wanted you to know, after being out of work for a year and a half, I found a job. I applied for it through Indeed.com on Fri. , 6/14, and received a call from the recruiter, Leafstone, shortly after. Interviewed with her on Mon., 6/17. She scheduled me an interview with the company, Grant Ind., in Elmwood Park for Tues., 6/18. Got the offer on Thur., 6/20 and I took it. The position was for a Billing Coordinator. Since my unemployment ran out on 6/9, I took the job. Started today and I'm really going to like it and the people. The commute isn't bad either. It's 4 miles from my house. Sorry that I haven't been making the Tues. nights at the Hawthorne. I was making a nine week Novena to St. Anthony for employment at St. Anthony's church in Hawthorne which ended on June 11th. I guess my prayers of petitions were answered. Thanks to the good Lord through the intersession of St. Anthony.

Success # 303 (6.25.13) Jennifer from NhN Lake Hiawatha said, “I have good news - you have probably already seen that I got a job at Avantor. It turns out that I received a second offer as well, from BASF. When it rains it pours! Things were so hopeless a few months ago and I am so humbled to have such demand now...

BASF was my first choice, and I decided to resign from Avantor. It was a really tough decision because I was fitting in so well there. However, I went with BASF for job stability and for lifestyle (Avantor is in Allentown and I live in North Jersey).

I have been inspired by your work to help others and will try to pay it forward for you in the future - its good to know that you are so well connected to job searchers.

Success # 304 ( 6.28.13) Maria from NhN Wayne said, “It took a month from first interview to job offer, but I finally landed a full-time job as a Sr Editor w/a pharma ad agency in NYC. Since Dec 2012, when I was laid off (again), I'd been on an active job hunt (living on unemployment & a part-time job). A month or 2 before the layoff, I'd been introduced to NhN & John F. by a LinkedIn contact. Since then, I was as active an NhN member as I could be given my schedule/circumstances. I only attended 2 or 3 (Wayne, NJ) meetings, but often looked to NhN's website, members, LinkedIn group & FB page/posts for guidance, encouragement, advice, job leads, etc. I received all that & more over the last 6+ mos., including gaining many new contacts & a lot of useful, relevant info (for free!). If not for John, NhN & its members - & all the support, suggestions, articles, etc., I received/had access to - I doubt I'd be gainfully employed again now! NhN is great, esp. the people who belong & participate. There were days I wanted to give up or let the negative take over. My NhN family & all the great resources always pulled me through. I can't thank NhN enough. I plan to remain a member and participate when & however I can.”

Success # 305 ( 7.10.13) Rene just joined NhN on

How are you? Thank you so much for the note. Being an active member on NHN, I was able to network with a group member who referred me to a headhunter for an opportunity. NHN is a great group of individuals and look forward to building more relationships. If I can help someone, my job is done!

Success # 306 ( 7.10.13) Janet from NhN Monmouth Co and one of our facilitators landed a full time job

Success # 307 ( 7.14.13) Sunil from NhN Wayne said, “I have been participating in many voluntary job seekers group including NHN-Wayne. In fact, Melissa Shore and I jointly facilitate the meetings at Wayne. Of course, it helped me increase my confidence and put the best foot forward in my job search. I landed on a 3-month consulting assignment with a pharma company in NJ. I started this Tuesday, and so far, it looks good, in spite of the long commute. It came through a family friend, and the entire process took less than 2 weeks. I still can't believe it !!

Thank you for your help & support during the past few tough months. I will continue to be in touch and keep our communications going. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any help.

Success # 308 Monica from NhN said, “I am happy to inform you that I have landed a position at PSEG in Jersey City. I appreciate all the help and support you provided over the last several months. You made my job search process easier for me. Again, thank you for your encouragement. NHN helped me with the weekly Networking meetings. It made me realized it wasn't anything personal it is the hard economics times we are going thru. Thank you for putting the meetings together.”Success # 309 - Jodi from NhN River Edge said. “I recently landed a temp to perm office job doing Medicaid Billing at Bergen’s Promise - a non-profit in Rochelle Park that provides services to children who are emotionally or behaviorally challenged. The people are all really nice and have a real upbeat attitude and the work is plentiful, so the day flies by – and the commute is just 7 minutes!

I started my job search wanting non-profit. At this point in my life I wanted a job that could make a difference in the lives of others,  but finding my first full time job since being a stay-at-home mom was not an easy task. I am so glad I ended up finding a non-profit anyway.  

Neighbors Helping Neighbors in general and John Fugazzie in particular were such a big help. Thank you all so much for providing such an invaluable service and being so supportive!Success # 310 Doug from

NhN said, “I wanted to thank you and Neighbors helping Neighbors. I landed a new job yesterday and I start today. I will be the Administrator at Burnt Tavern Rehab and Health Care Center in Brick New Jersey. Thank you for the support and tools.Success # 311 Scott from NhN Cedar Grove said, “I just wanted to let you know I recently landed as a sales Associate at Royal Cadillac. Yes, I did finally land a job in the auto industry. It was a long 18 months but now I feel connected, focused and on a track. I happened upon it by attending a Classic Cadillac Car Show (attending car shows is a hobby of mine). I've already sold 4 cars in a short time which is well above my expectations (I have no auto sales experience). Incidentally, those who know me will find it interesting that recently I found a Cadillac CTS Matchbox to add to my collection. A sign? Maybe. The toy sits on my new desk.Success # 312 (7.25.13)Kurt from NhN Cranford said. “ I was recently hired for a part-time SCSS position at Elements Therapeutic Massage of Cranford.  In addition to standard things like looking presentable, researching the company, and preparing for the interview, a large part of the reason why I got this job was networking.  My wife was already a part-time SCSS there, so I knew a fair bit about the job before the position even opened up and had met and spoken with most of the important people there (such as the manager and owners) at least once before.  Every advantage helps, so take advantage of your networking!”Success # 313 - Tyler of NhN River Edge said.” My Dad forwarded me a posting for a Digital Marketing and Web Communications Specialist from a NhN member Carolyn and it was very timely, because I was feeling particularly down about my future job prospects. I read through the description and decided it was something I was interested in. I spent that whole day researching the company and the whole night writing my cover letter. I submitted the application and heard back from the company within a week to set-up an interview. I travelled to the city, met my current boss and some other employees, and went home hoping they liked me. A few days later, I received an offer to start with the company on a one-week trial basis to see if I was a good fit. On July 15th, I started working there and I haven't looked back.

I'm very lucky to get this position and it was thanks to the network offered by NhN that serves as a wonderful extension of all our eyes and ears.Success # 314 - David from NhN Cranford said,” I've accepted a position in the Specialized Issuer Group of Registrar & Transfer Co of Cranford, NJ as as Cost-Basis Associate. Thank you so much for all of your help, and I am certainly willing to "play it forward" and help others.”Success # 315 - Fred from NhN Oradell landed.

Success # 316 - Tom from NhN Monmouth Co. said,” I just wanted to say thanks for the support, it was a pleasure to meet with you at Monmouth University, and you have some great people  in Shrewsbury. I am only working contract positions, but it looks good.Success # 317 – Fran from NhN Warren said “I just accepted a job with Westat-Data Collection Interviewer - 3 year NIH study. Thank you for all the discussions and supports.

Success # 318 - Susan from NhN Ridgewood said, “I am thrilled to share my good news with you. I have been offered the position of Paralegal with Benjamin Moore in Montvale and will report directly to the new General Counsel. I am absolutely thrilled about this! Thank you all for your support and guidance during the past months. Whether it was in the form of advice, encouragement, skills building, providing a reference or a kind word I genuinely appreciated it. I am slated to start on 8/26. It will be a very busy and challenging job - probably a bit chaotic but I'm more than ready to tackle whatever needs to be done.

Success # 319 - Leslie from NhN River Edge said, “ I wanted to let you know I found a job! I will be working as an Executive Assistant for two Partners at a CPA firm in Boonton. I found the position by networking, what else? I begin after Labor Day. I am very excited about getting back to work.

Thank you for all that you do and I wish you much success in your own job search!

Success # 320 - Joe from NhN Fair Lawn said, “I recenlty landed and contract position that will last until mid-December with the possibility of full-time employment. NhN is a valuable resource and group of individuals who come together to help each other---neighbors!!!. Attending many times, was/is a helpful experience going through a tough time that we face and working together was/is a constant reminder of "paying it forward" and helping others. I met great people and friends. Continued support and success for

everyone and remember our 'neighbor' and how we got here. Good luck to all each and every day and try to do one thing daily to help yourself and others by taking a step forward daily. God Bless.

Success # 321 - John our founding regional leader from NhN Boston said,” He is moving to Arizona and will get me his story once he settles in.

Success # 322 – Migdalia from NhN Colts Neck said, “After months of searching, I found a group that met every week to provide support for professionals seeking employment. Neighbors Helping Neighbors was a gem, in that I finally felt relief, yes relief, for there were others like myself, very qualified professionals seeking work and having a hard time with landing the right job. 

After attending regular meetings, I developed a sense of camaraderie and confidence, developing an elevator pitch, critiqued by the moderators of the group committed to helping those that came regularly, to deliver an outstanding pitch without hesitation. What this gave me was clarity about what I wanted to land, and the self assurance I had been slowly loosing from months searching for work. 

In just a short time after attending regular meetings, I landed a position that was exactly what I had been searching for and more. I cannot thank the group enough for those weeks, providing me an anchor in the midst of an ocean of uncertainty, with direction and hope, which they continue to do for so many others. I learned never give up hope, and believe in yourself. 

Thank you, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, above all thanks to Lenny and the crew. 

Success # 323 Steve from NhN said, “ Not a statistic anymore, Hope that you're feeling better every day. just wanted to let you that i'm employed again starting Monday as Operations Manager for HomeGoods. Thanks for all your help!

Success # 324 Member who asked not to be named from NhN Hasbrouck Hts. landed a job.

Success # 325 – Debra from NhN Montclair State University said, “I wasn't getting interviews much.  Then I attended nhn and also started to volunteer for something that I really enjoyed.  It was as if the universal energy had shifted.  I got several interviews during the summer.  I also got a few second interviews.  nhn made me more aware of what to do and also helped me to feel  less lonely in the process. I am very grateful!”

Success # 326 – Julie from NhN Bergenfield and leader of our former BBC meeting group said, “ I started working as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble this week on Rt, 17 in Paramus. Its only part-time but that gives me the opportunity of substitute teaching as well. The two seminars sponsored by NhN during August definitely helped me "land" the job as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble.

I wore my blue suit (you're never too dressed up for an interview),  I took a test drive the day before to know specifically where it was (you don't want to be late because you got lost).  I had a firm handshake. I didn't fidget. I didn't cut my interviewer off to add something to the discussion.  As Jeff a NhN facilitator always says "talk less listen more". And lastly,  I knew my resume frontwards and backwards.  So when the interviewer was discussing the job responsibilities, I chimed in with specific examples of my previous experience. “Success # 327 – Leslie from NhN River Edge said, “I am working as an Executive Assistant for two partners in a CPA firm in Boonton Township, NJ. The people are great and smart and the partners treat everyone well and I feel like I have landed on another planet!  I feel like the abused wife who found a decent man! “

Success # 328 - (9.20.13) Regina of NhN said, “I am pleased to announced I am working now for Premier Home Care as a Certified Home Health Aide. NHN helped me by being a support system and reading the success stories kept me focus and determined to get employed again. I know before I joined your group I was depressed and felt like quitting but I didn't because so many people was in the same shoes as myself. I

feel like even though I wasn't so active as I was when I 1st joined I I did still come to see the articles and discussions that was related to myself and being unemployed. It was just nice to know there was a group a professionals dealing with the same struggle as I was day in and day out!

Success # 329 –Anu from NhN Colts Neck, Monmouth & Middletown said,” I am now a success story. I started working as a business analyst at a HR solutions firm in Manasquan earlier this month. I got the job through.....NETWORKING! I always knew that networking was THE way to land a job, but it was obvious that I had to see it to believe it. I still want to be kept in the loop from Neighbors helping Neighbors; I will try to attend at least one Wednesday night meeting in Middletown and possibly morning meetings when I have days off. I was involved with the Colts Neck, Monmouth, and Middletown groups of NhN. Taking part in these groups gave me the interaction I needed with other people who were in transition and knowing that I was not in the battle alone; it also got me away from the house where it is easy to wallow in isolation. I also helped facilitate the Colts Neck meeting and this gave me confidence in being a leader.

Success # 330 – Lauren from NhN Oakland said,” A year ago I successfully landed a consulting role at Celgene and I am happy to report I am now an employee as of Aug 12.  If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.

Success # 331 – Colleen from NhN River Edge said, “

Success # 332 – Debbie from NhN Oradell our first Facilitator and NhN Board member landed today, 9/24/13) she said, “

Success # 333 – Hans from Colts Neck said, “Finally, after more than 18 months of job searching, volunteering, schooling, networking, interviewing and getting rejected time after time, I was able to land a new job with KNF Neuberger as a Regional OEM Sales Manager, starting on 9/30. I am very thrilled about it and it wouldn't have been without the help from all my friends at NhN. The weekly group meetings always reminded me to stay focused on my plan and targets and not to give up even when times are hard and difficult. The wealth of information and support provided by the group during discussions and meetings played a big role in my job search and I am very grateful for it. I hope that at one point in time I will be able to help others as well. I wish everybody good luck and good health. Be persistent, stay positive and don't give up.

Success # 334 – Ted from NhN Waldwick said, “ It is only with the positive attitude and guidance from NhN members that I was able to find this. If you remember, I worked for Halloween City last year as the general manager of the Hawthorne store. Halloween City does not have a presence in the area this year. Talking with people about this I was informed of Spirit Halloween being in Paramus. When I checked out their web site I found that they were also in River Edge and Ramsey. The Ramsey store had an opening for a general manager. I figured it could not hurt to apply. The worst that could happen is I would get at least something there. Well I was called up for the interview for the GM job. I gave them my references from Halloween City. They did check the references and I was called up the nest day!. It turns out that my store is the largest in the Spirit Halloween stores in my district managers district. The networking with people letting me know about the stores in the area and my former management from Halloween City/Party City were instrumental in landing this temporary gig. Who knows where this may lead.

Success # 335 – (10-1-13) Do Dolores of NhN Hawthorne said, “I am happily employed.  On 7/1/13 I was offered the full-time salaried position as the RN/ General Manager at Memory Care Living Homes in Woodcliff Lake & Park Ridge. The group gave me the push I needed to get myself back out in the field and revamp my resume.

Success # 336 – Patricia from NhN Cedar Grove said, “NhN was a new group for me, after being part of at least 2-3 others groups in my 3 years out of work.  I think the most valuable feature was that our group met each week in the local library, so I was more likely to attend on a regular basis - an important part of the networking process - and I felt more connected with my job-seeking neighbors.  In addition, getting the opportunity to help as a meeting facilitator strengthened my leadership and presentation skills.  Last but not

least,  NhN provided a robust website of valuable resources, and somehow John Fugazzie found the time to respond to emails and be of assistance whenever possible. Thank you, John, for NhN!

Success # 337 – Len from NhN Colts Neck and our first facilitator/leader there said, “Just want to say thanks to everyone I met and got help during the last 32 months, so I've un-retired again.  It's indeed better to give than to receive.

Today is my 1st day back at work at AASKI as their QA Engineer, getting them to SEI CMMI Level 3, which again becomes the latest government mandate for them to be considered as prime contractor.  A former colleague and friend whom I've stayed in touch since 1997, got me the job.

Success # 338 - Susan from NhN River Edge and NhN Board member landed a job with Univision in NY as Director, Ad Sales Process Improvement - Univision Communications Inc.

Success # 339 – Christine from NhN Monmouth Co said, “NhN helped me to get out, talk to people, and network.  The actual job opportunity was one that I found online.  However, all the things I learned at NhN meetings, online, and networking groups, helped me during the interview process. I feel as though I landed because of it, and am better at my job, because of the things I have learned about both the workplace and myself. I do believe in Karma and there being a reason for everything that happens in life.  The past year has helped me to grow as a person and learn about both myself and the "new" workplace.  I have to thank NhN and the people that have helped me along the way, for helping to mold and grow me into the person I am today.

Success # 340 – Dan from NhN Boston said, “I wanted to let you know that I got a new job, actually a new career, teaching elementary school, and I have moved to Phoenix. The transition was very difficult, but things are working out. Best to the group.

Success # 341 – Tony from NhN Oakland said, “ I have some good news, I just recently landed, I start on October 21st. Here are details for the position I landed Senior Credit/Collection AnalystCompany:- Talley, Inc., Carlstadt, NJ Neighbors helping Neighbors really help me with the interview, I originally received a call from a recruiter  and had two phone interviews and one in person interview.

Success # 342 – (10.15.13) Maritine from NhN group landed a new position and said, “I wanted to share some good news with all of you. I have accepted a position with a wonderful company, my first day is Monday. I cannot thank John and this group for all of your support. I used all of your postings on interviewing, networking and other career advice to guide me through my job search. Most importantly, John and the rest of you have been an inspiration and a motivating force. I am proud to be a member of this group.

Success # 343 – (10.16.13) - Jessie of NhN said, “Wanted to give you some good news.  I landed a 3 month temporary Executive Assistant position with a community organization in Harlem called Iris House.  I will be covering for a maternity leave with the possibility of permanent employment in another area of the organization.  I know that it is short term to begin but it's better than nothing and it gets my foot in the door.  I start on Friday. I just want to thank you for your encouragement and support.

Success # 344 - Wayne from NhN Boston landed a positionSuccess # 345 - Joe from NhN Hawthorne landed a position as Compliance Analyst (Consultant) at Morgan Stanley.

Success # 346 (10.17.13) Rachel from NhN Cranford and a recent facilitator said, “I wish I could write this email with a separate note to each of you at Neighbors Helping Neighbors, but unfortunately, time would not allow me to do so.  I'm writing to let you know that I officially accepted a job offer from University

Hospital in Newark in their Liver Transplant program. I applied for the job online and used my LinkedIn contacts to network my way in for an interview. A special thanks to Joe Traynor, Mike Driscoll and Marc Lieberman for their assistance in my interview skills for this particular interview.

Every one of you has been instrumental in my job search; from advice, gentle words of critique and encouragement as well as leads and practical help for interviews - I owe this to each and every one of you. If you need any assistance in your job search, please let me know. I'm always here to help.

Success # 347 - (10.23.13) Rock from NhN Colts Neck said, “Hello NHN Members, Happy to report that I've landed a Sr. Credit Analyst position @ Solvay (formerly Rhodia) located in Cranbury, 10 miles from my home. This position was from the black whole but I've been following this company on and off for seven years. Much gratitude to Lenny & Tom for their time and effort acting as facilitators and mostly encouragers.  Best wishes to all of you who are still looking. Keep the faith and remain positive against all odds ----:) “ Dear John, - Hope this e/mail will find you well. Just want to acknowledge your strong desire to touch other lives during their unemployment. May you be refreshed and blessed as NHN has touched my life and so many others. Thanks Rock.”

Success # 348 - (10.24.13) Shannon from NhN and a former colleague at A&P said. “I just wanted to let you know I got the job with Burlington! I received an unconditional email last night because he couldn't talk but we are going to talk today and I can start as soon as the 28th for my training!

Success # 349 (10.24.13) Lynn from NhN Cranford said, “I landed a temporary position. First I want to say thank you for starting this group.  I have been very happy that I found this group at a time like this.  For me it has been such a positive experience to be able to have a place to go to meet with people in the same situation.  The discussions have been very helpful you can learn and get new ideas that a person may not have thought of.  It is a very nice group and it is so nice to see people who are sincere about helping others.   The facilitators are wonderful. I plan to continue to attend NHN not only for myself but to also help others. Thank you again for starting such a wonderful group.God Bless and stay well.”

Success # 350 (10.31.13) Maryellen of NhN River Edge said, “It seems today I was hired for a job that starts on Monday. I will have all my training on the job. Thank you so much for all the help you & NHN have given me over the past few months I don't think I could of done it without all your mentoring & support .

Success # 351 (11.1.13) George of NhN Waldwick landed

Success # 352 (11.1.13) Kevin of NhN Waldwick landed

Success # 353 –(11.4.13) Victoria from NhN Westwood and Ridgewood said. “I am thrilled to announce I have returned back to work at my previous employer, KPMG. I'm sending greetings to all, and also, thanks to NhN for such a terrific source of encouragement, support and knowledge sharing. I will continue to stay in touch with so many talented and amazing people from the NhN network, and when my busy schedule allows, will drop by at NhN meetings. Keep up the great momentum! Stay positive!

Success # 354 –(11.8.13) Nomi from NhN Cranford said. ”Just after the meeting I attended on Oct 23rd I went in for an interview and got a job.  It is not my ideal career position but it will help put some money in the bank and keep my family going.  I will not be able to attend the meeting tonight because the new job is taking a bit more of my time right now since I have to learn a whole new industry as well as some new responsibilities.   So for now I have not set any new goals. However,  I do still intend to attend the weekly meetings and continue working toward getting my ideal position.  I appreciate what the group has given me so far and I hope to be a productive member going forward.

I heard about the position through a friend of my husband and member of our synagogue.  The day he gave me the information I called the contact person and told them about myself.  They asked me if I could come in that very day for an interview.  I only had a half hour between the time I made the call and the time I

arrived for the interview so I didn't have much time to prepare.  I walked into the interview and 35 minutes later walked out with the job.  I started work the next day.  It was quite a whirlwind experience for me.  I have never had an experience anything like it.”

Success # 355 – (11.23.13) Nancy from NhN Warren said” Thanks for all you do with the group.  I have finally obtained permanent employment after 2-1/2 years of temping.

Success # 356 -(12.1.13) Cathy from NhN Wayne is starting a six month job at the Newark Workforce development authority this week. It is especially rewarding to try to help the people that live in your town. Also, I've met some very talented people all sharing the challenge of finding a job in a difficult economy. Thanks for your efforts supporting the group.

Success # 357 (12.6.13) San-San from NhN Colts Neck said.” I just got accepted by AT&T for a contract position. Well, all jobs are temporary, transition is permanent. Thank you so much for all the support and help. NhN is a great network group which people provide support, help and share valuable job related info. It encourages positive attitude for change. I have been recommended people to join the group. Thank you very much for creating the NhN group. Please stay in touch.

Success # 358 (12.16.13) Yolanda from NhN Cranford said, “Networking works.My friend works at a company that was purchased, and her manager indicated that they would need a new Licensed Customs Broker. She arranged for me to submit my resume before the job was even posted! I had 3 interviews, The first one was almost like the scripts and practice sessions that we discussed in the group. The second was with their corporate Licensed Broker, testing my knowledge in the industry. Then I had a 3rd interview similar to the first, except that we discussed salary and I was asked to fill out a questionnaire. The questions were similar to the ones in the first interview (perhaps testing my writing skills?). The offer was low (I think because I was unemployed), but not unreasonable, and I was able to negotiate a little. 

I believe a good part of my success landing my new position was due to the suggestions and advise that I received at the support group (especially the mock interviews and the review of my resume). I hope the rest of the group has the same success. Best wishes to all!”

Success # 359 - Michael from NhN Colts Neck landed a job with Proposal Writer at 4D Security Solutions, Inc.

Success # 360 -(12.25.13) Susan from NhN Cranford said, “Good News!  I received an offer from the company in South Plainfield and I will be joining them in January.  Can you believe it?  What a great Christmas present!  I can't thank you all enough for your support and encouragement.  We're really sort of a family at NhN and I will continue to be a part of it and continue to help in any way I can.  I know good things are in store for all of us in 2014.  Hey, if it can happen to me - it will happen to you!  Stay positive and do your work.  Best wishes for a Happy & Healthy Holiday!

Looking forward to 2014 and many more success stories counted by year

2011 – 37 success stories (we only had one meeting group River Edge for our first 6 months)2012 – 182 success stories2013 - 141 success stories

Success # 361 – (1.7.14) Dawn from NhN Middletown said. “I just wanted to thank you for all you do for the NHN group. Your information that you provided me was great. I appreciated meeting the members, it was a great experience meeting everyone. They were so helpful. I have recently landed and started a new accounting position today. I will be on the lookout for any other positions I come across for any other members.  Again, thank you for your insight and information you provided me in the job search.  The support and members were exceptional.”

Success # 362 - (1.7.14) Virtual NhN - Elizabeth said. “ I sent my resume out more than 300 times. I worked a temp job for a month which was worse than torture (poorly managed company) On December

22nd I received an email from the Jersey Job Club, part of NJ Unemployment. I sent my resume on 12/26. I interviewed on Jan. 2nd and was hired on Jan. 3rd. I am thrilled and my new job is great!! I hope my good fortune is contagious for our other members :) coming soon !!

Success # 363 –(1.11.14) Rosanna NhN Emerson said “I just got new job as School Counselor in Jersey City working for Therapeutic Outreach full time.  Ralph Piano and Emerson NhN had a great leadership team. 

Success # 364 –(1.28.14) John who attended NhN Maplewood -

Success # 365 – (1.29.14) NhN member who worked with me at A&P and has landed job with B&N in Distribution Center security.

Success # 366 - Edward of NhN Warren Co landed -  Employed by Securitas

Success # 367 - Becky of NhN Warren Co landed - Employed as a medical-biller

Success # 368 - Jeanne of NhN Mendham landed but still looking.   Success # 369 - Thomas of NhN Warren Co landed employed as Independent Contractor Shopper Marketing Research Co.

Success # 370 - John of NhN Warren Co landed as  Employed at Target Logistics Team

Success # 371 - Hank of NhN Warren Co said, “Employed at Chrome CapitalI've just landed a new career position with Chrome Capital. My starting date was January 14. We provide a unique means for dealers who sell used Harley-Davidson to market & move their inventory using our "TestRide" leasing program. Customers like the idea as do our dealers and, obviously, it's great for us as well.

My time with NhN's was well spent in that the meetings and the attendees helped me stay positive during a year and a half stretch of numbing unemployment. The Good Lord blessed me with another chance so there's no reason to think He won't do the same for someone else. Hang in there and believe for a better day. It'll come!

Success # 372 – Julie of NhN Bergenfield said,” I wanted to let you know that I started a job yesterday.  I am a Document Control Associate for a pharmaceutical company in Parsippany.  It is a 3-6 month contract position with the possibility of becoming permanent.”

Success # 373 Nancy of NhN Cedar Grove details to follow

Success # 374 Maria of NhN Cedar Grove details to follow

Success # 375 - Bob of NhN Cedar Grove details to follow

Success # 376 – (2.5.14) Julie of NhN Bergenfield said, “ I wanted to let you know that I started a job yesterday.  I am a Document Control Associate for a pharmaceutical company in Parsippany.  It is a 3-6 month contract position with the possibility of becoming permanent.”

Success # 377 – (2.10.14) Peggy of NhN Hawthorne said, “In retrospect, I wish I had joined “Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN)” about a year earlier than I did. Experienced in Community and Public Relations, it was twist to be on the receiving end of needing help instead of being a guiding force. I was welcomed by genuinely concerned neighbors, eager to share their compassion and wisdom gleamed from life and career experiences. The group, following a wonderful model created by John R. Fugazzie, helped me stay focused in a positive mindset. Breaking away from job applications and individual efforts in order to attend meetings assisted me from operating in a vacuum. I urge all job seekers not to operate in a silo - seek career-minded individuals keep you professionally alert. It is meaningful to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own, whether it is for an interview or a landing. I

appreciated the encouragement I received all through the process. I made friendships I hope endure. I recently landed and I know that my fellow members will be proud for me. I hope to pay it forward and stay involved. The workplace today is constantly evolving and NHN provides tools and resources to remain relevant, qualified, and optimistic. I participated in a pilot online-educational program that I hope is the first of many such opportunities. I am also grateful to John for his tireless role as an advocate for all of those seeking their next job. John’s efforts benefit all those who work hard at improving their lives. He shares our trials and tribulations with leaders, including our President of the United States, who can make a difference with a genuine heart. Given time, John’s willpower surely will make a place nationwide where we can all support each other on the road to achievement. Ultimately, this is a recipe for a better America.(The first Aol Jobs –NhN Success Story Profile ( http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/02/24/working-with-animals-neighbors-helping-neighbors ) )

Success # 378 – (2.11.14) Sam of NhN Colts Neck said, “I have obtained a contract position and will not be attending Tuesday’s NHN meetings.  I am hopeful this will lead to a permanent (if there are permanent positions?) position. Please thank the group for their support and I wish everyone looking for a new position a happy landing.

Success # 379 – (2-11-14) Ray of NhN Waldwick said, “

Success # 380 – (2.20.14) Risa of NhN Wayne said, “I am currently consulting and accepted a position starting March 3rd so I won't be attending going forward. It was a pleasure meeting with the group and please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be if any assistance. Thanks for all your support.”

Success # 381 – (2.20.14) Steve of NhN Wayne said,”

Success # 382 – Joy from NhN Hawthorne said, “ I've been working at dsw since august of 2-13. Its only part time but on peak seasons the hours go up. I really enjoy it and I just having been able to attend meetings due to work hours sometimes at night or im too tired from being on my feet also”

Success # 383 - Christina from NhN Ridgewood said, “ I do work part-time at Fairleigh Dickinson. Last semester, I had the opportunity, based on the work I did at my tutoring position there, to take over a Master's class in a specific program for international students. I felt very honored by that.I still work per diem, and am a caregiver for a parent with stage four cancer. Please let me know how I can promote your meetings. I mention them where I live, and in every organization I am a member of. I am still earning barely enough to survive, but somehow moving forward.

Success # 384 – (2.26.14) - Marcel from NhN Wayne said" I am emailing you to let you know that I started a new job. I started  working about 2 weeks ago for a Hotel company out of Washington  DC that manages a few hotels on the East coast. I originally applied for the job in New York and after the interview they offered me to be the Revenue Manager for the Hilton Meadowlands and the Homewood Suites in NY.

The Hilton Meadowlands converted from the Sheraton in November  and the Homewood Suites is a new hotel that will open in June. The Hilton is across the Met Life stadium and was a Sheraton for a long time.I am travelling between both properties and might work a few days from home too.

I would like to thank *you* and Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors for  the help, guidance and support during the last few months. I know there is a meeting tonight but I don't think I can make it back to Wayne on time to attend it.

Success # 385 – (2.27.14) - Ken our facilitator from NhN Wayne landed a three year contract position, he said,”

Success # 386 – (3.1.14) – Todd from NhN River Edge said, “Todd Hamilton’s journey to landing his new job and becoming Neighbors-helping-Neighbors’ Success Story #386 took him longer than it did to complete his Communications and Journalism degree from New Jersey’s Ramapo College. A 2009 magna cum laude graduate with an impressive dean’s list record, Todd sought to find work in his chosen field. He freelanced on exciting projects that included research, editing and writing to build a portfolio. An internship at Red Letter Press allowed him to hone those skills as he collaborated on “The Little Green Golf Book” and a St. Louis Cardinals “Team Trivia” book. Additionally, he blogged for a CBS website. All the while, Todd was “under-employed” at Trader Joe’s. He never thought when he joined their employ in 2009 it would take so long to find a job in the field he hoped to build a career in. Trader Joe’s gave him a chance to learn valuable customer service skills and the opportunity to train other employees, creating a foundation for a strong work ethic. Had retail been Todd’s chosen path, he could have pursued a management track and was often recognized with raises.

Todd’s true desire was to find a job that would allow him to expand on his degree. A newspaper article caught his interest about NhN and before long; Todd attended meetings in three New Jersey towns: Bergenfield, Oradell and River Edge. Todd states, “The flexibility of the varied meetings at all different hours so close to home fit my work schedule and allowed me to meet great members who helped me stay focused on my ultimate career path.” He acknowledges that more experienced members shared their strategies to guide him along. He persisted in networking with them and ultimately, a fellow NhN member and facilitator leader of NhN Wayne, Ken Lang, gave him the lead for what would become his new job.

Todd is slated to begin his new job in early April and he credits John R. Fugazzie for the acceptance he found with NhN. “I was not the typical member, coming out of school so soon. but I advise people in their 20’s to consider what an extremely valuable resource NHN is.” He notes, “It is free and for a younger person that does not have a long career to reflect back on, without a larger network and limited experience, the market is more challenging than I ever imagined and NhN has the commitment by its members to help each other.” Todd aspires to continue to help the group and is committed to his role. “I know I will work with my new employer to see what skills I need to do the job well and am willing to continue my education if need be.”

Todd completed three interviews with the company, including a working interview. He is excited to embark on his new endeavor. He spent 32 hours a week working before and had kept Sundays as his free-time. He devoted eight hours to weekly to job hunting, two hours to NhN meetings, and two hours for networking. Occasionally, he fit in a basketball game or two to stay active. He looks forward to devoting the days ahead to his new job (Can we name it?). He is leaving Trader Joe’s on great terms and hopes his story of persistence is encouraging to others. Todd is grateful to John and Susan who spent significant time mentored him. It is all about networking. “My hope is that someone takes a serious look at what John’s leadership and marketing skills has created and finds a way to compensate John for this program – what he does is amazing and I was lucky to be a part of it.” (Aol Jobs Success Profile Story )

Success # 387 – ( 3.2.14) – Catherine from NhN Maywood said, “I wanted to let you know that I have taken a position as an admin assistant with a small business that administers pension and retirement plans.  Although this position is not what I did previously (QA  software testing), I felt it was an opportunity to get back to full time work and I am grateful they have given me the opportunity.  This is a full time position, so I can no longer co-facilitator of the Maywood NHN meeting, which meets during the day.  Kevin continues on as the leader there.    

 I will still be on the lookout for positions that might be a match for other members.  NhN is a great group and the support received at the meetings helped me to stay positive in the difficult time of unemployment.  Even though the Maywood group is small, it serves an important function to those who attend regularly and is very helpful to anyone in career transition.   I hope all can find success in 2014 and I

wish you the very best.”    Success # 388 – Marc of NhN River Edge landed the night before he was on CNN News report filmed at our River Edge meeting a few weeks ago. His wife Renee was our success story #141 back in July 2012 and Marc has been with us at River Edge since Aug 2011. We are all very happy for him. The magic of NhN is something you have to see to believe, we keep our members motivated which is so important today.

Marc said, “I want to thank NHN for helping me get through some very tough times.  It was not easy but with the help of the people that came to the meetings, networking and using linkedin it helped me land a job. As this job is only part time I am hoping the hours will be increased as they see what an asset I can be to their company.  The people at NHN always brought your spirits up when you were down.  We truly did help one another which is what this group was intended to do.  Sometimes you just needed a sympathetic ear for listening.  John should be commended for such a fantastic job he has done starting this group and all the hours he has put in and still continues to do.  Thank you all, never give up.....I didn't.”Success # 389 – (3.12.14) Robert from NhN Oakland said, “NhN helped me stay on course and "help" myself and other unemployed fellow area unemployed by keeping on ...  A: Looking for a job even when none seemed available, B: Learn how to always be ready for a Bob’s 'elevator pitch' (at the drop of a hat) and C:  ways to answer  interview questions with correct answers (vs your gut with a wrong skill or response example that actually that is not important or a dumb answer even). Also for introducing me to "Absolutely Abby"  (attended her job advice talks 3 times), I need to email her that some of her specific interview tips  ... were crucial to alert me that the current HR person was interested, if only I showed more poise and confidence at even the most mundane HR question and response test...  Thank you ! Captain Sully (you R overqualified - question & 3 ways to answer that challenge)!

It also was a place to let my hair down and learn to cope with the unemployment trap as I call it. As a older worker, The way others in the NHN group help one cope will be a fond memory.  A type  of support group that knows what you are going thru. 

I can go on and on, but thanks John, for all 'you' did to form up NHN in NJ and created the various rules , examples, tips and web based job seeker resources.  ( soon!! )Success # 390 (3.15.14) John from NhN Wayne ( not what I can call a model NhN member who gets the idea of pay it forward) said,” Thanks for all your info. Am employed now. Please take me off the email list Thanks againSuccess # 391 – (3.20.14) Richard of NhN Monmouth CO and one of our facilitators there said, “ I landed a position as General Manager of a privately owned manufacturer specializing in fastening solutions and structural bath accessories for hospitality, health care and government applications.  Though my background is IT, I applied for this position because there were a significant number of transferable skills that were a match.  Several discussions at NhN meetings provided insight into identifying transferable skills to expand the types of jobs you would be suited for.  Ironically, this job was found on Craigslist.  While this is one of the least likely ways to find a job and I was very lucky and cannot say enough about the importance of networking and the support that it provides.”Success # 392 – (3.21.14) Chris of NhN Wayne just landed. ‘He'll be a regional account executive for Carnegie Learning which is based in Pittsburgh, coordinating the NY/NJ area for them. He'll be emailing me a bit more about the job.”Success # 393 – (3.22.13) Evan of NhN Wayne said how he landed his job, “What I would do is if I saw a job posting, I would then go on LinkedIn and look for people in supervisory positions; people who would most likely be interviewing candidates.  I would find their email address (firstname.lastname@companyname, firstinitial.lastname@companyname, try a couple variations).  I'd send about 5-7 people an email in the hopes that at least one would reply offering to pass my résumé over to HR.  Once I'd get a response, it was interviewing from there on.

And that's how I landed a new job in an industry I had no prior experience in.Success #394 – Ken who is not an NhN member but reached out for me for some advice spent a 45 minute session with me and exchanged a few emails and just landed a job bu taking the advice and applying it, he said “John, So it has finally happened.  After looking for a year and being unemployed for the past 9 months, I was finally

offered a position and have accepted it.  There was no issue with age and they offered me the position on what I can bring to the table. The great thing is that it is only 7 miles and maybe a 12 minute drive.  I took your advice on the dollars and settled for less to have a position so close to home.  The biggest difference in this interview versus all of the previous ones is that I constantly sold myself during the interview.  Every problem or issue that was discussed, I brought up a solution. Thanks for your incite.

Success # 395 – (3.30.14) Filomeno from NhN Ridgewood said, “I would like to thank you sincerely for giving me the opportunity to come in and meet every week at Ridgewood Library, where I learned from all the very experienced NHN members and HR managers. I landed at Premio Foods, Inc. Again thanks NHN- Ridgewood, NJ from all your dedication and effort giving the information necessary for " YOU HAVE TO RE-INVENT YOURSELF".

Success # 396 – (4.9.14) Kerry from NhN Wayne – just landed after looking for several years although that search began in earnest after she joined out group and we helped her network. She's a lawyer who left the work force to stay home with her kids. As they grew up she wanted to go back.

Kerry starts on April 25th as a legal assistant in Wayne NJ then will be working her way up to an attorney position. Her words, "I searched the Internet and found the position.  I then researched the company and tailored my cover letter to the firms' specific area of practice. I'm just hoping I don't suddenly wake up from my dream."

Success # 397 –(4.12.14) Jesse of NhN said, “NhN has helped me to stay hopeful for the future.  As we all know unemployment is very stressful and if you're over 50 the worry is never finding meaningful employment again.  Through John and NhN, I kept the faith, stayed in the game and came out a winner with a meaningful job at a prodigious Cancer Center in New York.”

Success # 398 – (4.14.14) Maria of NhN said, “Just wanted to update you on my job search. Last month I landed a part-time/virtual position as an Online Marketing Manager  for a Canada-based website development company that exclusively services the veterinary industry. It is an exciting opportunity that suits my marketing background well. Thank you to you and all the volunteers at NhN for all that

Success # 399 – (4.14.14) Deborah of NhN Wayne said,” wanted to let you know that I've landed.Starting in a compliance role for a worker's compensation care management company in Parsippany on 4/21. Thanks for all your tips and support.”

Success # 400 – (4.15.14) – Kevin of NhN Maywood and our facilitator there said,” My new position started through a contact of mine.  A former boss at my past employer now works at the company and he gave my resume to some hiring managers.  I had some discussions with five different hiring managers at the company over the past three months. Finally, after three phone interviews and one in person interview, I was presented and accepted an offer. NHN  helped me to persevere over the past 15 months.  Meeting new people, sharing our weekly wins and challenges was a great and positive experience.  Becoming a facilitator allowed me to help others from a leadership role perspective and it also helped to keep my confidence level high. 

Success # 401 – Diana from NhN Hackensack said, “I would like to thank you for all the work you have done for the unemployed in New Jersey and elsewhere. Having the option to attend meetings and workshops and meet others while unemployed was a hopeful option and somewhat comforting.

When I got laid off, I didn't think it would take me nine months to find another job. I had always gotten a job after a first interview. However, this time it was different...I am 54 and the economy still recovering.

The two promising interviews were because I knew someone, not because I submitted my resume - perhaps, the 13th edition! I am now employed with a comparable salary, but in NY. It would have been

preferable to stay in NJ. 

Stay strong, and good luck. My family in Buffalo, Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia could sure use a Neighbors helping Neighbors!”

Success # 402 (5.6.14) Sandra from NhN Colts Neck said, “I have finally found a job at Princeton Animal hospital. I will be working over nights. Thank you for all your help and will keep the group in mind if someone is looking for someone.”

Success # 403 (6.3.14)- Brian from NhN Westwood said,” I have nothing but positive things to say about NHN, especially the Westwood group steered by Ralph and Len.  There's only so much that a job seeker can get out of reading articles, attending career fairs, and using technology to find a job.  NHN provides the key element of meeting, networking, and supporting peers in your community that will give you insight to the job hunt process that you can't get from a book.  You'll also meet great people”

Success # 404 (6.4.14 ) Donna from NhN Cranford landed story to come

Success # 405 (6.11.14) Donald from NhN Wayne landed and said, “I got a consulting job in downtown NYC - thru a recruiter - it's a foot in the door so I am going to make the most of it....“

Success #406 (6.13.14) Frank one of our facilitator leaders from NhN River Edge and Oradell landed a full time job he will send in his story soon.

Success # 407 ( 6.124.14) Margaret of NhN Ridgewood landed a part time job , she has been a facilitator at this meeting group.

Success # 408 ( 6.16.14) Dan of NhN Wayne said, “ I just wanted to let you know that I have found full time employment with a virtual Biopharmaceutical company in NYC. I want to thank you very much for all of your assistance and support in helping me through this transition.Success # 409 ( 6.18.14) Jeff a recently new member had attended many of the NhN locations : Waldwick, Westwood, Ridgewood, River Edge, Hackensack, Oakland and worked with me to open up a new location and facilitated the early meetings in Suffern, which he then landed and said, “On April 25, 2014, I was shocked when I found out that I had lost my job.   This was an extremely painful experience for me.  I needed to know that I was not alone.

Soon afterward I started looking for support groups.  I quickly found the web site for Neighbors Helping Neighbors.  It was exactly what I was looking for.    I start attending and contributing at many of its meetings. 

 Neighbors Helping Neighbors helped me keep my sanity during a difficult time.  I cannot thank John Fugazzie and his organization enough for being available in my time of need.   Neighbors Helping Neighbors is an outstanding resource.  All job seekers should take advantage of what it has to offer. Success # 410 – (6.21.14) Ken our leader in NhN Wayne said, “I’m going to be starting a 6+ month F/T consulting assignment as a web content manager for a medium-sized insurance company in NYC on June 25. The position is likely to become a full-time opportunity in 2015. I found about the opportunity through a recruiter I’d previously worked with – he placed me as a consultant at The New York Times in 2012. We remained in touch even after he moved to a different recruiting agency. That’s why it’s important to retain business and professional relationships with your contacts. I’ll continue networking even while working F/T. It’s my expectation that I’ll be able to still facilitate the Wayne NHN group, while relying on my co-facilitator to help as needed.

Thanks as always for the continued support of my Wayne NHN group as well as my fellow NHN facilitators.

Success # 411 - (6.21.14) Bob said, “I was made aware of NhN after having been in transition for quite some time. After reviewing the website I joined and briefly introduced myself. Within a day I connected with many NhN members offering much needed support. It was very uplifting to receive well wishes and support from people who understood my situation. A few weeks later I was made aware of an opportunity from a contact at NhN. Within a few days I interviewed for the position and was offered the job, which I accepted. I am so grateful to all of you who offered support and encouragement. If not for the networking capabilities of NhN I would not have this fantastic opportunity. 

Success # 412 - (6.21.14) Jim from NhN Oakland and former facilitator saidm”

Success # 413 – 6.224.14) Teresa from NhN Ridgewood said, “Dear John, I just wanted to tell you that (after a 7 month search), I finally got a temp job at Pearson in Old Tappan. I start on Monday, July 7. I can not thank you enough for the professional advice, great connections, and the emotional support that NHN gave me. I also plan to "pay it forward" by keeping in touch with group members, and by sharing any job openings that I may hear about. Again, I thank you so much for all that you have done for myself and my fellow NHN'ers".

Success # 414 (7.9.14) - Paul from NhN Wayne said, “I work a contract job at Verizon Wireless within the Network Research Bureau.  I got the job through a staffing agency in Holmdale, though a variety of agencies have people for this job.  It is expected to last until September - with the possibility of going longer, weather permitting.  I am not kidding on the weather - although it is not the only factor.  My LinkedIn account has more details - including job description. I plan to periodically attend the group on Thursday.

Success # 415 (7.10.14) Bob from NhN Westwood landed one of the Construction Project Management positions he was under consideration for. He said, “Just wanted to let you know that I have started working as a Project Manager for Alliance Engineering at Givaudan in East Hanover. The position is part-time, 3 or 4 days a week and can last up to 2 years.”

Success # 416 - Lisa from NhN Boston said, “ I went to one meeting. At that meeting, I was given several websites for jobs in the local area that helped me expand the list of places I was searching. Meeting other people looking for work helped me feel less alone. In the end, I ended up finding my new job through a recruiter, but NHN is a great resource, and I would recommend it to other people.”

Success # 417 Lisa from NhN Rockland Co and Harrington Park said “I landed a full time job at Chromalloy in Orangeburg in an administrative position. I will be putting my exceptional customer service and computer skills to use in this position.  Lisa is thankful for all that the great advice John and the groups have offered her and will continue to attend the evening meetings.”

Success # 418 Susan from NhN Monmouth Co landed

Success # 419 Barbara from NhN Oakland said,” I have finally landed a position as Director of Marketing for Offray Specialty Narrow fabrics in Bernardsville, NJ.!!!!!I attribute my success to multiple factors:-

It was directly in my core skill set of weaving and marketing - a great fit! I was recruited through LinkedIn by a recruiter who specialized in the textile industry. The recruiter led me through the process and coached me all the way which really helped the

interview process I had a 1 hour skype interview with the recruiter, 1 1/2 Skype interview with the company, 3 1/2

hour interview in the office with 6 people, a 1 1/2 interview with the Director of Sales and a 2 day interview at their plant in PA. At that point I felt I had a good chance of getting the job.

I had great support from the Oakland Neighbors helping Neighbors, especially Gerry who I give a special thank-you.

I wish everyone the same outcome and good luck with all your future endeavors. Stay positive and dream the dream!

Success # 420 from NhN Wayne

Success # 421 Teresa from NhN Rockland Co

Success # 422 Brian from NhN Westwood said, “I can sum up Neighbors Helping Neighbors by saying this: I have nothing but positive things to say about NHN, especially the Westwood group steered by Ralph and Len. There's only so much that a job seeker can get out of reading articles, attending career fairs, and using technology to find a job. NHN provides the key element of meeting, networking, and supporting peers in your community that will give your insight to the job hunt process that you can't get from a book. You'll also meet great people.

Success # 423 Steven from NhN Harrington Park

Success # 424 Cookie from NhN Harrington Park

Success # 425 Heather from NhN Westwood accepted a part-time position as a Contract Franchise Coordinator for Huntington Learning Centers

Success # 426 Mike from NhN River Edge, Emerson, Oradell and Westwood said. “Basically NHN helped me secure this job by attending all the weekly meetings in Westwood and going over networking techniques and preparation such as role playing, following up, and resume preparation.

Success # 427 John from NhN River Edge and the founder of the organization has landed a job as Program Coordinator with the New Jersey Community Council Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development working with the new Ready To Work Federal grant to help Long Term Unemployed of the state of NJ. John was Success # 3 which was on 4/26/11. NhN with John’s participation with the grant proposal has been named a partner in this grant and is the official outreach organization to the LTU candidates in New Jersey. Visit our web site www.rtwnj.org

Success # 428, 429, 430, 431, 432 – NhN Madrid members, Elena, Jaime, María, Laura, Ubaldo,and Daniel and Carmen who went back to do more studies to improve their job prospects when complete. Our new international meeting group in Madrid Spain had a cohort of 10 members who over three months used our meeting agenda and meeting model and we helped 5 of the 10 to land jobs, 2 members decided to go back for more training due to input from members. Our leader is moving to Argentina where he has promised to open and NhN there when he gets settled. http://www.nhnusa.org/nhn-madrid-spain.html

Success # 433 – Ivana of NhN Harringtom Park landed a job we are waiting on her story

Success # 434 – Member wanted to be counted but remain confidential

Success # 435 -John from NhN Middletown landed we are waiting on his story

Success # 436 -Tracey, from NhN Middletown, NJ landed we are waiting on her story

Success # 437 –Rob from NhN Monmouth landed we are waiting on his story

Success # 438 –Marianne from NhN Monmouth landed we are waiting on her story

Success # 439 – Debbie from NhN Oradell and a board member landed and said, “I got the job with OneTrueZone Foundation. I will catch up with you once I get settled in my new responsibilities. All is to be expected here. Crazy!

Success # 440 – (3.28.15) Matt from NhN Cranford said, “I want to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement after I announced I would be accepting a position at Fox Business.

I was very fortunate to find a great networking group in Neighbors helping Neighbors. My only regret is that I didn't join earlier..I firmly believe I would not have gotten the initial interview if it wasn't for a member at the Cranford group who provided a catalyst to get my resume into the Human Resources division of News Corp. (parent of Fox Business, etc.).

I am now aware how invaluable networking is and I will continue to attend the Wednesday night Cranford meeting as often as possible.

Wishing you all the best on your journey to land. Thanks again, Matt

Success # 441 – 3.28.15 from Mike leader of our former NhN Hawthorne he said, “ I wanted to pass along a GREAT email from one of our NhN members who – AFTER FIVE YEARS of temp work, applying, resume writing, etc. – is settling into a viable career opportunity. Congratulations to Pete K., who begins a new adventure this coming Wednesday as an editor for a medical education company!

As he said in his note, "there's a positive messageIn this: I managed to land after nearly 5 years of temping, freelancing and job-searching. So please tell anyone who is still searching: Don't give up. Spread the message! Pete”

Success # 442 – 3.1.15 Lisa of NhN Rockland co and a regional volunteer leader of NhN landed a position with Bergen YWCA.

Success # 443 – Robert MacPhee – 4.1.15 ) Bob has been a long time NhN member and was success story # 100.

Success # 444- Chris Lupeti

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is a lifetime membership as all experts are saying that jobs and work is more short term and more temporary today in this changed economy. Just as I have experienced with my last position lasting 17 months, and the many successful members who have returned again to our group, it is important to know that long tenures are a thing of the past we need to keep our networking and job search skills up to date. The common theme to all of the success stories is the member’s unselfish willingness to support and encourage each other at weekly meetings, this positive approach for all is inspiring to anyone who becomes involved with this group of people and who take courageous steps to find their well deserved jobs.

Visit our site and see the articles and helpful links: www.nhnusa.org