Friend,

How are you? I wanted to check in to see how you and your family are doing. I know that this is not the position many of us expected to be in at the beginning of 2020, but here we are. My family and I are adapting to the situation and I hope yours is too. I’m grateful for leaders like Governor Murphy, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli and the many local, county and state officials who are working hard every single day to keep us all safe. 

I wanted to let you know that the New Jersey Democratic Party is here for you. 

I’ve only been Executive Director of NJDSC for a couple of months, but I’m no stranger to the values that guide New Jersey Democrats. We’ve always sided with the middle class because we believe in every day people. It’s simple: New Jersey Democrats stand for a stronger, fairer New Jersey and COVID-19 doesn’t change that.

So today, I’m thinking of the health care workers like my friend Amie in South Jersey who have displayed tremendous resiliency as they take on the monumental task of saving lives. I’m thinking of the families who, like my friends Judy and Leslie, are figuring out ways to keep their children engaged and learning during this time. I’m thinking of the workers who have lost their jobs, had their hours cut, or whose circumstances have otherwise shifted in such a way that they now wonder how they’ll pay their bills. I’m thinking of all the essential workers, like my pharmacist brother, who venture out every day to ensure that we can still buy food and medicine. I’m thinking of you and hoping you are well.  

If this sounds like you or someone you love, I invite you to share your story with us. 

Many of us are struggling right now. One of the most challenging things about social distancing is that it’s easy to feel like we’re in this alone. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. We aren’t alone. By staying home each of us is doing our part to keep our communities safe. The actions we take as individuals during this time affect more than just us. We want to use our platform to amplify and uplift the voices of everyday people. That’s why I’m asking you to share your story -- how have you been affected by the pandemic? 

I am so proud of our New Jersey Democrats for the leadership they’ve displayed since the very first reported case in our state. I’m positive that they will continue keeping New Jerseyans safe and healthy even as we wade into the uncertainty surrounding what our lives will look like when this is over.

I sincerely hope you and your family are well.

Saily Avelenda
NJDSC Executive Director