Community focused for 50+ years

About Respond

Serving Greater Camden, NJ

Meet the team

Our Vision: To transform the life of individuals and families to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.

What we’re all about

Respond, Inc. is a charitable, not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization created by community residents to enhance and promote the economic independence and general welfare of individuals and families residing in Camden City and county.  This mission is carried forth in the provision of comprehensive services in child care, a senior adult center, programs for homeless adults, rental housing and home ownership, youth services, employment, economic development and associated programs that help people help themselves.

Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals

Vance M. Lofton

Executive Director
Vance M. Lofton leverages more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience by providing strategic and visionary direction. He has a proven track record in fiscal management, program administration and Information technology.

His prior experience includes, The Philadelphia Youth Network, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Better Tomorrows where he managed human service programs, operations and technology initiatives.

Mr. Lofton is a lifelong advocate of community service and has demonstrated his commitment to the community by volunteering his time and talent with several nonprofits engaged in youth & children’s services, homelessness, and community development.

Mr. Lofton holds a MBA from DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University.

Director of Early Care and Education

Julie Bergman

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Heritage College

Julie Bergman has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in different settings and countries. She was born and raised in Quebec, Canada and has been in New Jersey since 2008.
She is passionate in fostering children's learning abilities by helping to facilitate learning through a vast array of child specific activities and curriculum.
Over the years, she has built many relationships working directly with professionals, families and children with special needs giving her the opportunity to work with many different organizations in Camden County such as Bancroft, Virtua, Board of Education and many more.
Director of Housing

Dion Wiles

Wealth of Experience

Dion Wiles is first a “Class A Carpenter” or commonly known as a journeyman in union terms. Over the course of his life, Dion has developed a passion for construction, especially carpentry. He has dedicated the better part of three decades working for companies as a carpenter, restoring and bringing back to life homes, churches, and commercial properties. Dion understands the important role he plays in rebuilding not only edifice, but people as well. For the last fifteen years has put himself in position to do just that, by seeking higher education and certifications where needed within the field he loves so much. He is a trained and certified carpenter who has received numerous awards for his dedication and love of the trade. Dion is yet seeking more knowledge as he pursues a bachelor degree in human services at Lincoln University.
Human Resource Generalist

Elia N. Mosko

Elia N. Mosko began her career connecting children and families with services to help with their grow and development. Since then, she has served in senior leadership roles at various nonprofits working on people strategies, driving mission-critical initiatives, and advancing change aligned with organizational mission, vision and values.

Specializing in Human Resources, Elia has held several roles within the field, such as Recruiter, Generalist, HRIS Specialist, and Director. As an HR professional, she focuses on talent acquisition, training and development, payroll, compensation and benefits, compliance, and workplace safety. Within the leadership team, Elia will also be helping on the future of technology and HR, leveraging existing in-house technology platforms to enhance features relating to HR and employee needs.

Elia holds an MBA from Eastern University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from the University of Puerto Rico. Outside of work, Elia enjoys the outdoors, riding her bicycle, going on trail hikes, relishing the ocean, and enjoying nature in general with husband and daughter.

Controller

Milton D. Westray

Milton D. Westray has more than 25 years of accounting and financial management experience. He dedicated his career to the non-profit sector in an effort to use his accounting experience to give back to the communities we serve. He has also gained experience in Human Resources, Payroll and Information Technology.
He has served in the finance departments of companies like Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity and Hillel of Greater Philadelphia. The last 15 years he has been in charge of managing the finance departments.
Milton, being an avid basketball fan, has coached youth basketball for over 20 years, plays golf, is a musician and amateur photographer. His personal goal is to give back to the community, by teaching financial literacy and sharing his knowledge and love of sports and music with the youth and adults.

Milton holds an MAFM , Masters of Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University.

Board of Directors

Michael Butch

President

Rev. Bob Costello, Esq.

Vice President

Rev. Chris Heckert

Secretary

Dr. Nikki LaBombard

Treasurer

Rev. Calvin Woods

Jeffrey Moore

Dr. Theresa Rhett-Davis

Rev. Tom Lank

Cheryl Laney

Rev. Chris Heckert

Rev. Dr. John Randall

Rev. Dr. Stanley Menking

Crystal Dozier, ESQ.

Cynthia Bagwell

Dr. Yang Yang

Partners