What began as a family project has evolved into a movement since its inception in 2009. Using the philosophy that collaboration yields positive results live civilly has worked diligently to leverage community relationships that result in WINS for everyone.

When live civilly, inc. began in 2009, the Buss sisters had the idea that if they could get more people involved in community related efforts, that the overall burden would be reduced. Simultaneously, the Buss family realized that hands-on active service opportunities for young children were limited. Harnessing the energy and desire of the sisters, the Buss family developed live civilly, inc. as an effort to engage children ages 5-15 in meaningful service opportunities. The evolution began in 2011 with the incorporation of the organization and since that time, through partnerships with many local and regional organizations, live civilly has embraced its slogan, “…people helping people, helping people helping people…”

Since its formal incorporation in 2011 as a 501c3 live civilly, inc. has developed relationships with the Moorestown Department of Parks & Recreation, the Moorestown Library, Moorestown Township Public Schools, the Moorestown Garden Club, the Moorestown Ministerium, Cherry Hill Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity of Burlington County and numerous corporate partners and individuals to establish a “web” of assistance.

2012 and 2013 saw the birth and growth of programs like the ExCELS Snack Program, the Summer Lunch Program, the ExCELS Homework Help Program, HELP Programs, Community Supported Garden programs and more. Each program has been built upon the foundation of involving and engaging society’s youngest citizens in outreach programs that benefit the community at large. By providing support and strength to all members of a community we build bridges to span the chasms of inequality, misunderstanding, and indifference.

Each program focuses on providing Nutritional Outreach, Educational Outreach or Life-Skills Development. From providing volunteer opportunities within our Food Pantry Outreach and Community Supported Garden program, to Academic Assistance programs for peer tutoring and mentoring, to life skills building programs that help youth develop basic skills to help overcome nutritional insecurity and promote self-sufficiency.