Agency Honors Extraordinary Volunteers

 

Volunteers and representatives from local businesses and organizations were recently recognized for their outstanding efforts in support of Project Self-Sufficiency at the agency’s annual Mosaic Awards ceremony.  The event recognizes individuals, schools, civic groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations which have provided invaluable assistance to the agency during the previous year.  A special President’s Award was given in memory of the late Board President Michael Holub, Esquire, to Project Self-Sufficiency Board of Director member Dolores Fernandez and her husband, Leadership Council member Jim Fernandez, in recognition of their years of commitment to the organization.  Longtime Project Self-Sufficiency employee Patrice Green received the Spirit of Service Award, in memory of former Board President Beverly Gordon.  In addition, several dedicated volunteers were welcomed into the Louise E. Murphy Center for Volunteerism Circle of Leaders, which singles out extraordinary, longtime efforts by those who support Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission.  Project Self-Sufficiency is a non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris, and Warren Counties. 

 

“The Mosaic Awards honors the individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in helping us to pursue our mission throughout the year,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “This event recognizes that even the smallest contributions can combine with the efforts of others to have a powerful impact on the community.  The lives of thousands of local families have been changed for the better because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of these individuals.”

 

Every year, Project Self-Sufficiency bestows the President’s Award on an individual or couple whose work on behalf of the agency exemplifies the commitment demonstrated by the late Michael Holub, Esquire, the founding Board President.  The dedication exhibited by Dee and Jim Fernandez goes far beyond their roles as members of the Board and the Leadership Council, according to Berry-Toon.  “From their monthly contributions and volunteer recruitment for our food pantry, to organizing collection drives for Thanksgiving, Back-to-School, and Christmas, to spearheading our Investment Committee, Dee and Jim Fernandez have demonstrated overwhelming creativity and commitment to Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission of helping children and adults in need.  They see a need and act to address it. Their vision is truly inspiring.”

 

Several longstanding volunteers and businesses were inducted into the Circle of Leaders, under the umbrella of the Louise E. Murphy Center for Volunteerism, including Richard and Helen Heckman and Cathy Kut.

 

Community members who were honored with Mosaic Awards include Dr. Pamela Alberto and Greg Wroclawski, Catherine Bawa, Dan Benkendorf, Eileen Born, Joni Cafasso, Frank and Mary Cannistra, Dr. Chris Canzoniero, Brendan Ullman and Tyler O’Toole of The Circle restaurant, Matt Coolidge of UNITS Moving & Portable Storage, Deb D’Anne, the Food Insecurity & Health Equity program at NORWESCAP, Franklin Mutual Insurance, Lori Smith of Gourmet Gallery, Hardyston Township School District, Alina Hedaya, Cynthia Heismeyer, Debbie Hoer, Sean Hyland, Mike and Pat Kenah, the Knights of Columbus, Don Bosco Council #7784, Mary Konzelman, Bill Kovach, Dan Leary, Lenape Valley Regional High School, RonDee and Brian Lockwood, Kathy Mackey, Valerie Mielke, Mariann Murphy, the Newton Volunteer Fire Department, Peggy Pak, Pope John Middle School, Kevin Prendergast, Anita Raisch, Reverend George A. Brown Elementary School, Mario Rodriquez, Diane Rusnock, Sparta Athletic Campus, Jackie Wagner, Walmart of Newton, and Chris Wolverton.