Friends in Service Here (FISH)
FISH is a ministry that we, as a church, have decided to support this year.
During the spring of 1970, the pastors of the Hopewell Council of Churches began to think of beginning a FISH program for Hopewell Valley. They viewed a film regarding the history of FISH and a book titled “F.I.S.H. for My People”. Originated in England, this neighbor helping neighbor program would involve volunteers from the community. By July, 1970, a telephone system was established to provide help to those in need. Serving as dispatchers were the Beringers, Wilburs, Pedersons and Deerings, all members of HPC.
Various local organizations began to spread the information about FISH. In the spring of 1971, the churches of Hopewell provided an opportunity for congregants to sign up as volunteers. Under the leadership of Pricilla Hunt, Chair of the Women’s Club of Hopewell and HPC member, the group designated FISH as its 1971-1972 community improvement project. Scout Troop #920 delivered information sheets throughout Hopewell Borough. C.O.P.E. of Pennington joined to become part of FISH.
On Nov. 30, 1971, the incorporation of FISH of Hopewell Valley was received in the office of the clerk of Mercer County. Among those signing the Certificate of Incorporation were HPC members Peggy Beringer, John Piggott and Hilton Wilbur. FISH of Hopewell Valley, Inc. was underway. On August 4, 1976, a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation indicated that the name of the Corporation is Fish of Hopewell Valley and “… the location of the principal office is 88 West Broad St., Hopewell, N.J.” It named Rev. Robert Beringer as “…the resident agent therein and in charge thereof…”.
By 1973, the kinds of help offered by FISH included “General Services” such as providing food whether prepared in the recipient’s home or provided as a ready-to-eat or frozen meal. It also included child care, transportation in privately owned vehicles, housework and clothing. “Medical and Personal Services” included blood donation, tutoring, nursing care and teenage companionship. “Information and Community Services” included helping to find a minister, medical doctor or nurse plus marital counseling, alcoholism counseling, adoption agencies and youth counseling. Eventually two services were the most needed: food and transportation. In 1981, FISH coordinator for Pennington, Ruth Malek, reported 1,069 meals had been delivered. During 1993, in Hopewell Valley, meals delivered increased to 4,145 with 448 transports provided. As time went by, the need for food became greater than the need for transportation.
Since FISH is a non-profit organization, it greatly depends on the generosity of the community. The first donation to FISH was $130 from the Hopewell Council of Churches recorded on Dec. 16, 1971. Then local companies began to contribute. Western Electric provided 5-7 meals per day followed by Educational Testing Service providing meals for the next 11 years until late 1987. Mobil Research followed by providing approximately 14 meals per day until in closed in 1995. Since then, Pennington Market has been providing meals which include an entrée, soup and a sandwich. The cost is only $7.00 paid by the recipient with scholarships from donations if unable to pay.
Many volunteers have donated their time and energy over the years. For example, in 1982, the FISH Committee involved participants from St. Alphonsus, Hopewell Methodist, Pennington Methodist, Titusville Presbyterian and HPC. Barbara Deering, teacher at Hopewell elementary School and HPC member, served as acting coordinator from 1989 until she moved to North Carolina in 1995.Connie Dixon became Hopewell Coordinator in 1995 with assistance from Jane Petrie as Meals Coordinator. Ruth Malek and Betsy Barlow both served as Pennington Coordinators in the 1990’s. Over the years, Bob and Barbara Peterson have served as dispatchers and drivers. Serving currently as drivers are Pat Swartz and Doug Sargent. Carlana Sargent has served as a FISH volunteer since the 1980’s and continues to dedicate her time and energy having served as treasurer and currently serving as dispatcher and recipient of meals from Pennington Market for distribution. As dispatcher she calls the drivers for the next day and is available for incoming calls addressing new meals needed and any changes in schedules that need to be made. There are two routes set up for the drivers: Pennington – Titusville and Hopewell Borough and surrounding area. Currently there are 12 dispatchers and 42 drivers but more people who are willing to lend a helping hand are needed.
Currently FISH is overseen by co-coordinators, Benita Wittenborn and Nella Hamtil with Terri Riley serving as treasurer. FISH, now a half-century old organization, continues to be truly a neighbor to neighbor, grassroots group of community members serving not only meals but providing love and compassion along the way!
Resources
Carlana Sargent
Connie Dixon
Ryan MacLean
Dr. Brian Shetler
Rev. Robert Beringer
Ian Burrow