![\"guardians\"](\"https:\/\/legalcounselnj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/guardians.jpg\")
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As a BSA merit badge counselor, I once asked a group of Scouts for the definition of \u201ccommunity\u201d, as in how to be a good member of a community.\u00a0 One Scout answered, \u201cIt means, I\u2019ve got your back.\u201d\u00a0 Of all of the definitions I have heard over the years, this is the one that really grasps the concept.\u00a0 A good member of the community watches out for his neighbors.<\/p>\n
This is the concept behind Volunteer Guardianship One on One, a Hunterdon County volunteer group which provides volunteer guardians for those who have no family to act on their behalf.\u00a0\u00a0 Guardians are needed for those who have become incapacitated, that is, people who can no longer make decisions about their finances, healthcare, or living arrangements due to issues such as dementia.\u00a0 A guardian is appointed by a Court and has the decision-making authority for the incapacitated person.\u00a0 In the majority of cases, the guardian is a family member.\u00a0 Increasingly, though, others are needed due to the lack of family members available.<\/p>\n
When there is no one available or willing to become a guardian, the Court will notify the New Jersey Office of the Public Guardian, who will assign one of its state case workers.\u00a0 The state employees are hard workers, but due to the increasing incidence of dementia in our state population, they have many wards under their care.\u00a0\u00a0 Through no fault of their own, their wards do not get the personal attention they deserve.\u00a0 It is just impossible.\u00a0 This is where Volunteer Guardianship One on One comes in.<\/p>\n
The central role of Volunteer Guardianship is to provide and train volunteers from the community who will act as guardians for those who have no one else.\u00a0 At the time of this writing, the organization has approximately 25 volunteers handling as many wards, and it has been assisting people for the past fifteen years.\u00a0 Behind each guardian are other volunteers: doctors, nurses, social workers, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and other professionals, who not only compose the board of trustees, but are available to each volunteer guardian to answer questions and assist with problems.\u00a0 The motto of Volunteer Guardianship is \u201cYou Are Never Alone\u201d.<\/p>\n
Volunteer Guardianship One on One has been solely a Hunterdon County, New Jersey<\/strong> organization, largely successful due to the support of Hunterdon County Surrogate, Susan Hoffman, the Court and its benefactors.\u00a0 It has been contacted by the courts in other New Jersey counties and by several states, seeking to build similar organizations in their jurisdictions.\u00a0\u00a0 It can only survive with your support.\u00a0\u00a0 Those interested in being a guardian, making a financial contribution, or further information can view the organization\u2019s website at www.volunteerguardianship.org, or write to Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc., P.O. Box 331, 188 Rt 31, Flemington, New Jersey 08822.<\/p>\n Bob Shanahan is the President of the Board of Trustees for Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc.<\/p>\n