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(Paramus, NJ) September 4, 2007 - "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.
On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, Children's Aid and Family Services will host its fifth annual Building Futures Awards. The awards recognize individuals, groups, and corporations that contribute to building futures for children, families, and communities in northern New Jersey. Past winners include the New Jersey Police Honor Legion, BD, and public officials and corporations. This year, the agency will honor the following individuals, businesses and community organizations:
Arthur Groom & Co. Jewelers, located in Ridgewood, is the winner of the Small Business Leadership Award, in recognition of the tremendous service and support it has given to local nonprofit organizations, including Children's Aid and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Hackensack University Medical Center, and numerous others. Mr. Groom donated an Eternity™ Natural Emerald to the agency's "March Madness" gala this past spring. The raffle generated a tremendous amount of interest and excitement in the gala and the agency, and was a phenomenal fundraising success.
The Valley Hospital Foundation, winner of the Community Leadership Award, in recognition of its long history as a grant-making foundation that has generously supported many local organizations.
Mr. Dan Shiver, winner of the Individual Leadership Award, in recognition of his enormous advocacy on behalf of underprivileged children and families in Bergen and Passaic counties, especially within the Paterson community. Mr. Shiver became involved with the work of Children's Aid and Family Services when he was District Governor of Paterson Rotary, District 7490, and quickly became a strong advocate, giving the agency additional space in the Governor's newsletter to help raise awareness of its work with children in adoption and foster care.
Boiling Springs Savings Bank, winner of the Corporate Leadership Award, in recognition of its generous and ongoing support of so many local organizations. In 2006 alone, Boiling Springs made generous donations to several organizations, including the NJ Community Bankers' Education Foundation, The Center for Food Action, and Rebuilding Together Bergen County. Further, Boiling Springs Savings Bank donated funding to Children's Aid and Family Services, to purchase a brand new van for use in the Baby Basics program. This program serves low-income families with children 2 years and under by providing nutritional formula and diapers. The van is used to collect supplies from the individuals and organizations that hold drives, and has been an invaluable aid to the program.
Commissioner Kevin Ryan, winner of the Government Leadership Award, in recognition of his long history of advocacy for underprivileged children and youth. Commissioner Ryan is the first Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and serves as a member of Governor Jon. S. Corzine's cabinet. He previously served as the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services in 2006 and as New Jersey's first Child Advocate from 2003 to 2006. He has an extensive background as an advocate for children, having previously worked for Covenant House.
Share, Inc., located in Ridgewood, winner of the Non-profit Leadership Award, in recognition of its 25 years of volunteer service in providing affordable housing for senior citizens in the area. The organization has made pioneering efforts to meet the housing needs of older citizens, and operates two shared houses for 28 seniors, ages 62 and over. Residents pay a low monthly fee for room, board, utilities and housekeeping.
Additionally, the Elsie B. Schlivek "Help Realize a Dream" Award will be presented to Fair Lawn resident Rose Pizzo. Ms. Pizzo, born deaf to a hearing family, serves as a strong advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing senior citizen population. She is an active member of the Bergen County Senior Citizen Deaf Club, and often serves as a spokesperson. She also wrote a book called Growing up Deaf, with American Sign Language interpreter Judy Jonas. Additionally, her work has been recognized by New Jersey governor Jon S. Corzine. She was appointed to serve on the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council to improve the conditions of deaf and hard of hearing people in New Jersey.
"I can't say enough about this outstanding group of individuals who consistently donate their time and talents to many worthy causes," says Liz Mason, executive vice president. "They have dedicated themselves to the hard work of building brighter futures for vulnerable children and families living and working in northern New Jersey."
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 100 years. Its mission is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality
and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. For more information, visit www.cafsnj.org.
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