Community service can take many forms and on occasion offers an opportunity to provide support as well as experience the reality and challenges those in need of assistance face every day. On a cold night last December, two members of Solix stayed outside overnight to live for a few hours what the homeless in our communities endure daily.

Mike Stanzilis, Solix Vice President of Business Development and Frank Jones, Solix Senior Consultant, were among the participants of Cedar Knolls-based Homeless Solutions’ “A Night in the Cold” annual fundraiser. The event, which helps to enable the non-profit to offer an array of services including an 85-bed shelter, housing, and outreach programs, was the first for Mike and the third for Frank who also serves on Homeless Solutions’ Corporate Advisory Committee. Their participation, along with many others, helped the organization reach and exceed the event’s goal with a total of more than $220,000 raised.

Before moving to New Jersey, Mike lived in New York City where he served as a volunteer in shelters for The Coalition for the Homeless. Aware of the homelessness in Morris County, Mike’s gravitation to public service was once again sparked.

“Morris County is one of the wealthiest communities in the region and it too has many homeless,” Stanzilis said. “I believe those that can do something about it have a responsibility to do it; service to others is an important part of life.”

An avid camper, Mike had at times experienced challenging terrain and conditions during some of his hikes but as he spent the night with much less gear than he would usually take with him, he thought of those who had even less to sustain.

Mike Stanzilis

“It’s December, so it was cold and uncomfortable but thankfully it was a not a ‘Code Blue’ night when conditions are so bad authorities have permission to remove people from the streets,” Stanzilis said. “Even though I did not have everything I would normally take with me to stay outside, I still had more than what homeless members in our community have to stay warm and safe.” “Ultimately,” he added, “I had a home and all it offers to go to in the end once the night ended.”

“Before joining the Company, I was aware of the service it provides across the nation in connecting those in need of assistance to programs,” Stanzilis said. He added, “to also see it involved in local initiatives and promote community service is great.”

Being in service to others is a theme that has been present in Frank’s life as long as he can remember. His mother served as a school principal in Harlem and his father will retire this year at the age of 80 after a career dedicated to non-profit work. In the years since he began participating in the event, its meaning has deepened as a few friends have shared with him their own experiences with homelessness.

“One night in the cold for me pales in comparison to what those friends shared with me,” Frank said. “At the end of the night out, I stress to supporters that this was just one night, and many suffer this fate every single night with no food, shelter, proper clothing, or support. It’s one terrible night, for a really great cause.”

Frank Jones

Hearing many examples of people in need his parents encountered, Frank also had a natural inclination to help others and try to make a difference in the community and also participates in toy and gift card drives for the YMWCA in Newark and the families of soldiers on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“I think of my parents’ hard work and commitment to the communities they have served, and it is an inspiration,” Frank said. “It is also why I have enjoyed the ‘mission-driven’ work we do here at Solix because it also makes a difference.”

 

For more information about Solix, please visit www.solixinc.com or call 800-200-0818.