Linking Initiative for Neighborhood Change

About Us
Founded in February 2022, the LINC Program aims to create a vast network of volunteers and resources to service the inequities across New Jersey. By connecting with organizations across the state and managing our own resource pantry, we are trying to do everything we can to support the underserved.

 

Find out more below!

Promoting Connectivity

ScotchOur goal is to serve as much of New Jersey as we can. From small towns to big cities, food and resource insecurity can impact anyone, and we are working to expand our reach and impact to support those in need.

Currently, our service area targets a 5-mile radius from the LINC Program facility in New Providence, which includes the following towns:

  • New Providence
  • Berkeley Heights
  • Chatham
  • Gillette
  • Long Hill Township
  • Madison
  • Millburn
  • Mountainside
  • Scotch Plains
  • Short Hills
  • Springfield
  • Stirling
  • Summit
  • Watchung
  • Westfield

Together We Can

We work to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to fight food and resource insecurity in New Jersey.

We ensure that all of our volunteer events and initiatives are equally accessible for all, and work to make sure there is a place for everyone to meaningfully contribute within our program. After all, food and resource insecurity can affect anyone, and we make sure everyone can get involved in the fight against them.

We can make true impact in the fight against food and resource insecurity when we come together!

 

Starting the Conversation

We are trying to start an open discussion about homelessness, poverty, child hunger, and other systemic issues in New Jersey associated with resource inequity. We are working to introduce and/or educate about these problems through various mediums such as:

  • Speakers and assemblies
  • Speaking in local school districts
  • Social media information posts
  • Hosting & attending local events
  • Getting individuals involved in our projects

WE CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE

Obviously, the idea for a community outreach program isn’t new. Our ideas aren’t novel or revolutionary, but they are necessary. There can never be enough volunteers and never enough projects to serve the less fortunate. We can be the difference. Consider us a breath of fresh air working to inspire others and make an impact on the lives of the underserved.

The fight may not have started with us, but we need to carry it on!

Meet Our Team

Aidan Barth

Co-Founder & Chairman

 

 

Aidan recalls that throughout pretty much his entire life, he has volunteered through non-profit organizations like Our House Inc. that supports individuals with disabilities, his church, and other little projects he could find. When he entered high school, however, Aidan noticed that many of the “community outreach” clubs were mainly focused on boosting college applications, rather than really trying to make a difference. It was then he realized that there needed to be a fresh projects with driven individuals behind it to bring about true change, so he partnered with Abi to create the LINC Program Inc. Aidan is currently pursuing a degree in business administration at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Abigail Franco

Co-Founder & Vice Chairwoman

 

 

Abi recalls her involvement with community service began as young as she can remember. Since her father is a pastor, she says she was always reminded of the importance of giving. Throughout her life, she has been involved in clothing drives, food banks, Thanksgiving basket donations, and Christmas toy collections. Abi admits that when she was younger, she didn’t really understand the work she was doing. She says her parents explained it as such: “You are blessed to give and it is your responsibility to help.” Abi took notice of how there are many struggling people local to her, and partnered with Aidan to found the LINC Program Inc. Abi is currently pursuing a degree in nursing at St. Elizabeth University.

Steve Kowantz

Vice Chairman

 

 

Steve is a 20-year resident of New Providence. Raising two now college age boys with his wife Jenn, he spent 10 of those years coaching them in various youth sports. Steve graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in marketing in 1989 and has spent the last 36 years working at Verizon in Basking Ridge. There, he has performed roles in sales, sales management, executive engagement and privacy compliance. He is also a board member for the JCP Foundation here in New Providence. Steve’s involvement with LINC started as a volunteer for inventory and distribution and his passion for the organization led to his current role on the team.

Hugo Barth IV

Treasurer

 

 

Hugo has lived in New Providence since 2001 and has four children all of which thrived in the New Providence School system. He earned a BS, Accounting from Lehigh University and holds an MBA, Finance from Seton Hall University. He enjoyed a 33 year career as a Principal & Senior Portfolio Manager at PGIM, Fixed Income, the asset management business of Prudential Financial. His charitable service experience includes serving on the Our House Foundation New Jersey, Board of Trustees for over 10 years, as former Treasurer and now Chairs the Investment Committee. He received the Patricia Shillingburg Community Service Award along with his wife Janet. Currently serves on the LINK Education Partners Foundation, Board of Trustees for a Newark Charter School. Hugo served on the New Providence Education Foundation as President for 8 years and received New Providence Municipality, Emile “Bo” Cattano New Providence Pioneer Spirit Award with my wife Janet. I have been serving as a Volunteer for the Linking Initiative for Neighborhood Change (LINC) Food Pantry. He coached PAL Football and Lacrosse for 9 years. Hugo believes everyone deserves a helping hand when they need it and giving back, even in small ways, can make a huge difference.

Claire Stang

Secretary

 

          

Claire received a BA from New Jersey College for Women, and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Seton Hall University, focusing on personnel and guidance. She went on to teach German and English, and worked as a guidance counselor in the Union County Regional School District. Claire was a charter member and president of the Woman’s Club of New Providence, and has been an active member in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federal of Women’s Club for 62 years. She was also a charter member, board member, and president of the New Providence Community Pool, a Den Mother for 9 years with Troop #61, and worked as an ombudsman for New Jersey. In the United Methodist Church, Claire has served as a past chairman and president of the Board of Trustees, and was a chairman of the staff & parish committee, but she currently serves as the secretary of the Church council.

Victor Franco

Director

 

 

Rev. Victor Franco is the Pastor of New Providence United Methodist Church. He has served in United Methodist churches in New Jersey for over 34 years. Pastor Franco graduated from Rutgers University in 1985 prior to completing a Masters of Divinity degree at Drew Theological School in 1988. He was ordained as a United Methodist Minister in 1990. In the past he was a Medical Explorer in the Boy Scouts, volunteered as an EMT on an emergency squad, was a certified CPR instructor, and served in the Coast Guard Reserve. Victor is married to his wife Stephanie, who is a Registered Nurse. They have been married for 33 years and have six children.

Nadine Geoffroy

Director

 

 

Nadine is a mother of three, and grandmother of one. Throughout her 27 year residency in New Providence, she has volunteered in the schools, churches, with the scouts and various sports for her children and for the betterment of residents in town. She is currently a member of the Borough Council serving as a liaison to the Diversity Committee, Municipal Alliance, Mental Health Advocacy and Education and other Borough committees. She is honored to be a part of this special team and hopes to use her experience to help spread the message and work of the LINC Program to all whom need it.

Ian Singer

Director

 

 

Ian is currently the CEO of LibraryPass, which offers Comics Plus – a digital reading platform containing comics, graphic novels, manga and picture books to libraries around the world. For over two decades Ian has been committed to innovation in the field of information services and has held leadership positions at some of the library industry’s most well-respected, private-equity owned companies such as ProQuest/R.R. Bowker, Library Journals (LJ/SLJ/Horn Book), and Credo Reference. Out of law school, he started an information services company called Joint Information Inc., and in 1996 he co-founded eComp, a web-based executive compensation database covering all US public companies, which was sold to Aon Consulting in 2002. Ian holds a law degree from New York Law School, and a B.A. in History from George Washington University and has lived in New Providence since 2003, raising two children. Ian is also active working with non/not for profit organizations, having served on the Board of Trustees for United Way of Summit, Berk. Hts, and New Providence, New Providence Memorial Library’s, and Temple Sinai of Summit, where he served as president and chair of the Social Action Committee.

Chris Torsiello

Director

 

 

Chris, a new Providence native, became affiliated with the LINC Program through teaching art at New Providence high school. He helped active students contribute their time and efforts to community-based projects. In addition, he was vital to the Empty Bowls Project, where he instructed volunteers in the proper bowl-throwing and glazing techniques, and ultimately made the project a success. He graduated with a degree in art education from Kean University. Currently working as a digital art teacher, Chris strives to bring out the best in everybody, encourage teamwork, and inspire progressive thinking.

Chris’s teaching experience and creative talents make him an excellent resource to coordinate volunteer activities and leading them at the LINC Program’s events.

Pat Kennedy

Procurement Team

 

 

Pat received a B.S in education from Bucknell University, and earned a Master’s of Letters from Drew University, focusing on the Arts and Humanities. She taught in Summit for 50 years, taking time out to become a mother to her daughter Karen and son Brian. Pat was a long-time active member of the Summit Education Association, also serving as Secretary. In addition to her official role as social studies teacher, Pat ran a Knitting and Crafts club, and has continued to, currently at the New Providence Library. In the New Providence United Methodist Church, Pat has served as a Sunday School teacher, Bell Choir Ringer, and leader of many Mission initiatives, including coordinating backpacks for CSA clients. Currently, she serves as the Church council Chair. She has been the main shopper for the LINC Program since its inception.

Donna Zane

Procurement Team

 

 

Donna Zane moved to New Providence in 1998, married her New Jersey–native sweetheart, and raised their two sons here. Known for her longtime advocacy for pedestrian and cyclist safety, Donna has volunteered with the New Providence School District and currently serves on the Board of Education for the district.

Around town, she also volunteers with groups such as the Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library, New Providence Sustainability Committee, and the Community Service Association of New Providence. During a volunteer shift at local charity GRACE, she met Aidan and Abby while they were touring the facilities—and she’s been proud to support LINC’s work combating food insecurity in her hometown ever since.

Susan Sarlund

SchoolFuel Coordinator

 

 

Susan has lived in New Providence for over 20 years. Her children went through the school system from Salt Book through NPHS and she loved being engaged with programs and sports they participated in. The schools and the representatives that support the SchoolFuel program are passionate about helping and supporting the kids and Susan really enjoys being a part of it.

Sophia Botvinis

Nutrition Intern

 

 

Sophia grew up in New Providence and graduated from New Providence High School. She was actively involved in school activities and sports, volunteer work, and wellness-focused interests that later shaped her academic path. She is now completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Lifestyle Nutrition at West Chester University. With a strong interest in the connection between daily habits and long-term health, Sophia is passionate about helping individuals understand how their everyday choices, such as diet, physical activity, and overall lifestyle, shape their long-term health. She hopes to use her knowledge to support community wellness and make healthy living more accessible to everyone.

Thank You To Our Partners!