Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ

Jenica was born and raised in Newport Beach, CA, before moving with her family to Chatham, NJ where she completed high school. Her volunteerism began in those years, working with Habitat for Humanity on building and beautification projects as well as various church programs to feed and clothe the unhoused. After graduating from Arizona State University, she moved back to Newport, where she quickly realized she had a passion for working with children, and as the oldest of seven children, she believes she is uniquely positioned to do so. In 2002, while earning her Master’s degree in finance from Cal State Fullerton, Jenica’s decades-long mentoring career began, initially through the YMCA ARK Program in Orange County, CA. She returned to NJ in 2010, where she volunteered with Homeless Solutions in Morristown, NJ before relocating to Monmouth County and discovering the wonderful work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ in 2016.

Jenica fell in love with this program, its mission ‘to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth’, and the expert-level staff who passionately support and guide these matches for success. In September of 2016, Jenica was matched with her current mentee, Megan. Her job as her mentor has always been to meet Megan where she is at, come alongside her, remind her of her value in this world and that her voice matters, motivate and encourage her to stay the course and show her that after rain the sun always shines.

Megan and Jenica are now lifelong friends who motivate and inspire each other to become the best versions of themselves and encourage and empower others to do the same. Megan graduates high school in June and heads off to college in the fall and Jenica is confident that both of them have absolutely thrived in their partnership and are better people for it! In 2024, Jenica is honored to represent this fantastic organization as NJ’s Big Sister of the Year, which she counts as one of the greatest achievements of her life. She is thrilled to continue her passion for supporting the future leaders of America and believes strongly that mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to build stronger support systems for children in New Jersey.

Don’t Shock Me, The Maddy Massabni Foundation

Dawn Massabni obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has managed over 100 interns and developed several training programs that were implemented and still practiced today throughout her former organization. During that time her article on a management training program was published in R&D Army Magazine. Today, Dawn is an EMT, founder and CEO of the non-profit Don’t Shock Me – Maddy Massabni Foundation for menstrual Toxic Shock Awareness (MTSS). She travels worldwide on speaking engagements, has given many public and personal interviews, has articles published throughout the world, spoken on podcasts, and is currently working with local and federal legislators in changing women’s healthcare policy and educational requirements by pushing two very important bills through into law. She currently works with Brookdale Community College in helping create awareness on MTSS with warning signs placed throughout the college and in women’s restrooms. Soon she will begin speaking engagements there to help share this life saving information so no others ever live a tragedy everyday as they do. Dawn also supports other local organizations such as Junior League of Monmouth County, Period Poverty, The Association of the United States Army, The Police Unity Tour, Monmouth Acts, Aslan Youth, College Sororities, Shakopee Community Assistance, and with more being added until the day not a single life is lost to MTSS. Maddy educates “So Others May Live”.

Family & Children’s Service

A resident of Monmouth County for more than 50 years, Addie has always had a passion for giving back. When she was working at a senior housing building in Middletown, she reached out the Family & Children’s Service (FCS) for assistance with her residents. She was concerned many of them were being taken advantage of and wanted to offer them seminars on their health insurance plans.  The FCS program SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) began to visit the building each year for presentations and counseling sessions. Addie announced when she retired, she was going to volunteer with SHIP- and she did just that!

In 2015 Addie was certified as a SHIP counseling and began providing free help to Monmouth County Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about their health insurance. For most of the past 8 years, she has been stationed at the Neptune Senior Center where the staff and seniors love having her. She is always willing to go above and beyond, whether it is traveling from her home in Freehold to Neptune, attending community presentations or offering evening counseling sessions.

In addition to volunteering for SHIP, Addie has volunteered for numerous FCS programs including the in-school intergenerational reading program Reading Buddies, the friendly calling program Telefriends and the In-Home Recreation program working with homebound isolated seniors. She is generous of her time, talent, and heart.

Beyond FCS, Addie was a volunteer EMT in Oakhurst and Wanamassa for 10 years. She went on become an EMT instructor aide for both MONOC and the Keyport EMT. And since 2014 she has volunteering as a Supportive Service Provider to the Deaf and Blind Community through the College of New Jersey.  We are so grateful for all Addie does for FCS and our community!

Flow Forward New Jersey

Miranda Toner is the Board of Trustees Secretary for the non-profit Flow Forward New Jersey. As FFNJ’s first Secretary, she creates meeting agendas and minutes for the Board’s monthly meetings. Serving as a trustee since August 2023, Miranda conducts outreach to share FFNJ’s missions and goals across New Jersey. In particular, she has communicated with homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and charitable organizations across the state. Miranda also helped lead a menstruation product collaboration between FFNJ and Rowan University in January 2024, culminating in 250 Flow Kits that FFNJ has donated to organizations including Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ.

A senior at Rowan University, Miranda is driven by a value for service. She believes civic participation and government action are our most effective tools to improve the world around us. That is why she is completing her Bachelor’s in Political Science with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy with a concentration in Environmental Policy. As a student, she is an NJ STARS Scholar, and a Bruce Caswell scholarship recipient. Miranda attended the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey 2023 program, emboldening her passion for an inclusive, responsible, and compassionate political system.

Miranda has pursued service in her extracurriculars as well. She served constituents as an intern with the Office of Assemblyman Herb Conaway. With the Josh Gottheimer for Congress re-election campaign, she communicated with voters and ensured they had the information they needed to cast their vote during election season. At the Board of Public Utilities, she studied the social utility of energy initiatives, increasing her passion for environmental justice. Miranda brings this passion to FFNJ as the organization endeavors to distribute biodegradable and environmentally-friendly menstrual products. As an intern for the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, Miranda continues to study policy and learn from legislators and stakeholders who advocate for meaningful change in New Jersey politics. Outside of school and government, she is passionate about volunteer work. Miranda previously volunteered at her local library, contributed to Rowan University’s Get Fit program, and currently volunteers at the Shop, Rowan University’s food pantry.

After college, Miranda hopes to work in New Jersey government. She aspires to cultivate social and environmental change through her position and continue volunteering in her community. Miranda also seeks to spread awareness and positivity about aromanticism and asexuality. She is grateful that FFNJ gives her a platform to channel these passions and help New Jerseyans across the state.

Freehold Area Open Door

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Geeta immigrated to the United States eventually settling in Monmouth County in 1980. She attended Rutgers School of Business where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Always an asset to every position she has held she ended up a valuable employee at the Peddie School in Hightstown until her retirement in November of 2017. Because you can’t hold her down, Geeta immediately looked for a way to give back to her community. She began to volunteer at Freehold Area Open Door and Centrastate Medical Center. She has been with both of us ever since. Logging hundreds of volunteer hours and helping us hold it all together. When she is at the pantry we run like a well oiled machine.

Geeta strives to fulfill our mission of being able to assist each and every person with their immediate needs. On top of all of that, she as been instrumental in our launch and nurturing of our Community Arts of Freehold program. Her smile is infectious and her spirit is powerful. We will never know how she does it all. She is the one!

Girl Scouts Jersey Shore

Nancy began her career as a Marketing Administrator for Simon Property Group where she worked for over 20 years, organizing, implementing, and executing events, promotions and company initiatives. As a Guest services manager, she was responsible for concierge level customer service and a $4 million giftcard sales program. She used these experiences in her role as a Girl Scout volunteer, leading a team to reach goals and develop a successful program for girls.

Currently Nancy works as a full time Instructional paraprofessional at Wall intermediate school where she encourages students to get involved and always do their best.

She was an active member of Central Elementary School, C.A.P.E, serving for 12 years, volunteering on committees, organizing events and fundraisers. Currently, she volunteers with the Wall High School PTO and assists with programs through the Wall Soccer Club. Nancy is also a member of the Wall Women’s Leadership committee.

For the past 28 years, Nancy has been an lifetime adult girl scout volunteer. For the past 12 years, she has served as the community leader for Wall, Spring Lake Heights, Spring Lake, Brielle, Manasquan, Belmar and Neptune. During her tenure as a leader, she has mentored girls to achieve the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, the highest awards at their levels.

During the pandemic, Nancy ran a food drive for local food pantries and ran a cookie depot that sold over 100,000 boxes of cookies to support council. Between 2020-2021 she started eight new troops enrolling over 100 new members. She is currently the troop leader for nine troops in Wall, Spring Lake Heights, Belmar and Neptune, with girls ranging from 5-16. Thanks to her recruitment and retention efforts, GSJS currently serves over 639 girls in Wall.

Nancy currently serves on the following GSJS committees: Girl Scout Leadership Experience Committee Chairperson, Fund Development Committee, Volunteer & Troop Support Committee Member, Recruitment Committee Member, Marketing & Communications Committee Member, Product Sales Community Manager, GSJS Sunset Shores Regional Delegate and National Council Delegate and Strategic Planning Committee Member.
Nancy has received numbers Girl Scout Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Thanks Badge II Award, Honor Pin, Waves of Gratitude Award, Outstanding Volunteer Award, Outstanding Leader Award.

Nancy resides in Wall with her husband and two daughters.

Highlands First Aid Squad

Affectionately known as “Ro” to all who know and love her, Rosemary Denise Ryan, is a home-town girl—born and raised in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey.  Rosemary’s professional experience is predominately in the field of family law. She has worked as a para-legal for over 35 years for various law firms in Monmouth County including Lomurro Law and the Offices of Toby Grabelle, Esq., as well as working for the Monmouth County Prosecutor, Honorable Anthony J. MellaciJ.S.C. (ret.). Currently, she is the office manager for the Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC in Red Bank.  

Rosemary has a longstanding legacy of community and public service. Her latest contribution is as the President of the wholly volunteer Highlands First Aid Squad – one of the oldest volunteer squads in the nation. Previously Rosemary has been aHighlands Borough Council member and past Council President.  She has held positions on the Highlands Planning Board, Highlands Environmental Commission (10 years) and was a resident board member to the Highlands Business Partnership.

An ardent supporter of education, she served as the Board of Education President and as a BOE member for the Henry Hudson Regional School, the Booster Club President, and a founding member of the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation dedicated to raising funds for three local schools – Henry Hudson Regional School, Highlands Elementary School, and Atlantic Highlands Elementary School. Rosemary has been a strong leader and proponent for the successful regionalization of the three separate Boards of Education for these schools.  

As a graduate and parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Highlands, her strong faith in God and dedication to others was ingrained from childhood. When her children were much younger, Rosemary found time to be a Youth Group Leader & Booster Club President at OLPH and a soccer coach for Highlands/Atlantic Highlands Recreation League. The OLPH Youth Group, under her guidance, started the local Food Pantry, which the Highlands First Aid Squad continually supports with organized food drives.

For residents of Highlands, Ms. Ryan’s most notable civic work came about after Super Storm Sandy devastated her hometown. As a member of the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) team, she immediately took charge as the volunteer and supply coordinator —all while in remission from ovarian cancer and was bald from chemotherapy treatments. (Many of those she helped don’t recognize her now with all her hair!) Through sheer inner strength, faith, and determination, she organized and collected supplies, merchandise, and services valued at almost two million dollars. Additionally, she chaired the Hope for Highlands Committee which distributed $150,000 in residential grants. Ro credits the work during this trying time with keeping her mind and body so busy that she didn’t have time to think about her own trials.

As a hard-working, single mother, Rosemary raised two fine children, both graduates of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grammar School, Henry Hudson Regional High School, and Brookdale Community College, Monmouth University, Rutgers University, and Farleigh Dickinson.  Her “Jersey Girl” roots run very deep in her offspring.  Her oldest, Cara Ryan, a graduate of Rutgers University, is a third-grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Asbury Park. Her son, Brendan O’Gibney, M. Ed., is the Supervisor of ESL & Work Languages for Mercer County Technical Schools. Brendan holds two Master degrees, one from Monmouth University and one from Farleigh Dickinson. Rosemary’s nurturing nature extends to plants, too, as evidenced by her beautiful blooming roses and many native perennials adorning the hillside of her Highlands home where she resides with her 96 year-old-mother, also named Rosemary Ryan.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Journey

Having spent a career of forty-five years in health care, Kim knows and appreciates the value of a healthy meal and the important social value found in gathering at a table. Her Soul Kitchen journey started back when both of her parents were still alive and each Friday night they dined with neighbors at St. Anthony of Padua – where the Soul Kitchen meals were initially served. They always raved about the food and the mission that was behind the meal. In October of 2011, her folks said they had a reservation at the new location for a soft opening- She asked if she and her husband could join them. She called and confirmed the reservation for four people. That evening they went for dinner and were seated by a lovely woman in a chic black dress, (it was Dorothea but she didn’t know that at the time) at a lovely table with white linen napkins and mood-setting electric tea candles. (The location in Red Bank was where she had taken her car for service for years -kismet perhaps.) They chatted, watched the activity, read about the focus and the mission, and enjoyed a delicious meal. At the end of the meal, they were given the then “blue card” for payment along with information about volunteering.

Being a Red Bank resident for twenty-plus years at that time – Kim knew she wanted to volunteer in the town where she lived, supporting a mission that she valued and knew was important. This time she wanted more than a “one and done” volunteer opportunity and this looked to be a good fit. She filled out the application, attended the orientation and the rest is history. Here she is many years, and many anniversary pins later, enjoying every minute she spends there.

How could she not love working with other great volunteers and a leadership team that is committed; meeting people from all over; sharing the mission with others and getting to know and love the in-need clientele? To have them greet her by name and her the same with them. It is wonderful to see the success stories of those in need who secure jobs, housing, and social services support as a result of JBJSK efforts and yes, there are those whose loss she has mourned as well.

For twelve years Kim has continued to be grateful for her Soul Kitchen opportunity and for the friends she has made. The laughter, and occasional tears all create the wonderful experiences she has been privileged to share.

Kim truly appreciate the nomination as a representative of the many JBJSK volunteers

Kim is a behind the scenes volunteer that always goes above and beyond. Recently, the restaurant was closing for bad weather, Kim reached out to us and said she was still willing to come in to help if needed. She has been with the JBJ Soul Kitchen since day one, but is extremely humble and has never sought after any kind of recognition for her work, she religiously comes in twice a week, if not more. A few months ago she said she was sorry she’d be missing a few weeks, when I asked her why, she told me that she would be going to the Texas-Mexico border to volunteer as a nurse at the respite housing: the first stop immigrants make in the US. Kim is just an unbelievably good person.

Kick Cancer Overboard

A long-time resident of Tinton Falls, Ester’s introduction to kick cancer overboard was as a grandparent of a child affected by cancer. Ester attended a luncheon where her granddaughter Lucia, along with her siblings and parents were awarded a free cruise to Bermuda by the non-profit organization Kick Cancer Overboard. Paying her own way to join the cruise Ester saw families affected by cancer getting a well-deserved break. Retired from a 29-year career at the Middlesex County Board of Social Services she approached Ted Friedli, co-founder of KCO, about helping to raise funds to send more families on a cruise experience. Ester’s vision to sell homemade bracelets, ten dollars at a time, was born. Ester shared her vision with small local businesses to sell enough bracelets so that they can pick the next family to go on a cruise. The business owners’ response has been enthusiastic and their efforts continue to play a huge part in sending families on cruises. Individuals, including past cruise recipients wanting to pay it forward, joined her efforts by forming teams to help make and sell bracelets sending more families on cruises. Ester is grateful for everyone who has and continues to support her knowing that the sixty-nine families awarded cruises to date would not have been possible without all of them.

Kindness Cafe

Born and raised in Manasquan, Christine Rice is a graduate of Manasquan High School, afer which she went on to Villanova University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She continued her education at Georgian Court where she received a Master’s in Education, and is also certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). She taught kindergarten at Manasquan Elementary School for five years before taking time off to raise her family. Christine returned to the Manasquan school district in 2016 to teach ESL for eight years before returning in February of this year. She has been married to her husband Chris for thirty years and they have four children, Matt, Abby, Nick, and Tommy. In retirement, she puts all of her efforts into the Kindness Cafe which is a non-profit that she began as an effort to employ students and young adults with disabilities. When she has free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and learning about different cultures around the world.

Mercy Center

Diane Capozzi, a native of Jersey City, has navigated a life filled with purpose and service. Becoming a widow in 2007 after sharing a lifetime with her partner, she channeled her strength into a career at Verizon, where she excelled as a corporate manager. Post-9/11, she extended her passion for helping others by volunteering in New York City, focusing on disaster preparedness. Through administrative roles, Diane imparted crucial knowledge on readiness during times of crisis, embodying resilience and dedication in every endeavor. Her current role at Mercy Center as a dedicated front desk office volunteer showcases her unwavering commitment, volunteering at least twice a week and stepping up when needed 3-4 times, particularly during Thanksgiving distributions. Her profound impact and selfless service make her a standout nominee for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Middletown Township Lions Club

Beverly has been part of the Middletown Township Lions Club since 2005. She was the 2nd woman admitted to membership of the club once membership was opened to woman. In her 19+ years of membership she has served in various leadership positions, including President, multiple times. She has sought to empower and encourage Lion volunteers to meet humanitarian needs locally and globally.
–Beverly’s volunteering all started when she volunteered in the Peace Corps, volunteering in the Philippines from 1964-1966.
–She personally transported 2000 pairs of glasses and sunglasses to Uganda on behalf of the NJ Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. Another 1500 pairs will be transported shortly to Guatemala by her sister, under her direction.
–Setting up the 4th Friday Lion Tamer meal in 2008 alongside The Bayshore Lunch Program. Meals are paid for, provided and prepared by Lion members. Beverly has been at every one of the 187 lunches (as of 3/22/24)
–During the pandemic, she networked with her church to provide the space and Middletown Lions hosted 3 Covid clinics with Monmouth County Health Department
–Helped organize the packing of meals for Rise Against Hunger multiple times by once again networking with her church and bringing in over 50 volunteers to pack the meals
–She has expanded a relationship with Destiny’s Bridge to collect food, clothing, tents, blankets, jackets, propane and living supplies for the homeless in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
–Established a club relationship with Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Foundation to raise funding through the club to underwrite the cost of training service dogs for returning Veterans who suffer from PTSD.
–Instrumental in the club partnering with Middletown High School North to raise funds to install a greenhouse and outside learning lab at the school.
–She spearheaded club members, joining other Lion Clubs in NJ to chain together 100,000 pairs of glasses. This took months and culminated 5/2022, at The Liberty Science Center, broke a record and recorded in the Guiness World Book of Records. Lions Club continues to collect eyeglasses and serve the communities with vision screening free of charge in the schools.
— Beverly is always networking the Lions Club with local organizations – during the pandemic the Lions Club collected food and helped distribute it to Calico Cat (Bev was President of Calico Cat for 14 years) , Middletown Helps It’s Own, Monmouth Day Care Center and Back Pack Crew.
— Currently, Bev, is aiding an asylum seeker from Haiti with her 5-year-old son. The Lions Club has backed her and supported her in helping this family. The asylum seeker has joined the club and sponsored by Bev.
— Bev continues to bring new members to the Club, especially women in the community.
–The motto of Lions Club International is “We Serve” – Bev lives that motto everyday

Monmouth Arts

Caryl Sills moved to Monmouth County in 1968. During the 1970s, she was the fundraising chair for the Monmouth Medical Center Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She was also a member of the Fair Haven Environment Commission. In the 1980s, Caryl was one of the founding board members of the Monmouth Arts Festival. Additionally, she served on the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County board. In the 2000s, Caryl continued her philanthropic work. She established the Jewish Heritage Museum and served as a Monmouth Day Care Center board member from 2006 to 2023. Caryl also volunteered as a docent at the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers University.

The Caryl Sills Charitable Foundation has awarded several notable grants, including the Monmouth Arts’ Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit held annually. This exhibit is named in honor of Dr. Charles Sills, a renowned surgeon in the Jersey Shore region, and a painter, sculptor, art collector, and supporter of the arts. The Foundation also established the Caryl and Charles Sills English Educators Scholarships at Monmouth University and supported the New Jersey Repertory Theater, Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers, and Monmouth Day Care Center.

Monmouth County Diversity Alliance

Tonya Hornsby has been a dedicated government employee with the County of Monmouth for over 25 years. Her journey of service began at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where she started her career, before transitioning to her current role as Supervisor of Accounts in the County’s Finance Department. In addition to her responsibilities in finance, Tonya also plays a pivotal role as a County Election Board worker, ensuring the smooth functioning of local elections.

Driven by a passion for making a difference in her community, Tonya has always sought ways to serve others beyond the confines of her professional roles. She paused her career pursuits for a period to raise her children, all of whom have grown into successful adults contributing to society.

Tonya finds immense fulfillment in community service, a commitment reflected in her extensive involvement:

• Former Member of the Monmouth County Fair Housing Board
• Former Member of the Manalapan Township Recreation Board
• Team Leader in fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association
• Ambassador for the NFL at Super Bowl XLVIII
• Ambassador for the NBA at All-Star Game 64

Tonya’s dedication to service extends to her current roles as a valued member of the Manalapan Township Diversity Committee and PFPMA Inc. She believes in not just being a member of organizations but in being an impactful member, leaving a lasting positive impact wherever she serves.

Her diverse experience working across various departments within Monmouth County has given her a unique perspective on community needs and the power of service in addressing them. Tonya Hornsby continues to be an inspiring figure, embodying the spirit of service and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around her.

National Council of Negro Women

Sophia Taylor’s life journey exemplifies the incredible power of resilience, determination, and a heart overflowing with compassion. Born in Jamaica, West Indies, to parents Tiseta Simms and Lionel Keith Cameron, Sophia’s life took a transformative turn when she immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 1986. Her initial years in a new country were marked by financial and cultural challenges, but she remained steadfast in her commitment to making a positive impact on her community.

Sophia has a unique opportunity as a woman of color to play a vital role in educating and advocating for individuals from similar backgrounds. Her extensive community involvement includes serving as a member-at-large and DE&I Lead for the Boy Scouts of America Monmouth Council, a Board member and Treasurer of Monmouth County Crime Stoppers, and the Executive Secretary of the 200 Club of Monmouth County since 2013. This non-profit organization provides crucial financial support to first responders. Additionally, she serves as the Finance Chair and Vice President of the Stewardess Board at Bethel A.M.E. Church and holds the esteemed position of President of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. North Shore Area Section. These roles are in addition to her full-time job as the Administrator of a real estate appraisal firm in Monmouth County.

Sophia’s impact in each of these roles is significant, with one of her most notable achievements being her successful onboarding of over 160 children from minority communities in Monmouth County during her first year as a board member of Monmouth Council Boy Scouts.

Within the 200 Club of Monmouth County, Sophia has earned the respect, and trust of both board members and community partners – working closely with The Monmouth County Chiefs Association, The Sheriff’s Office, The Prosecutor’s Office and N.J. State Police. She annually plans and executes various events for the organization, including the Annual Awards Luncheon with over 250 guests, which honors exceptional first responders in Monmouth County who go above and beyond their duties within the community.

Since becoming a member of NCNW North Shore Area Section in 2017 and a Legacy Life member in 2020, Sophia has taken on various leadership roles, including chairing the Harambee breakfast, serving as Second Vice President, and now holding the position of President. Her primary goal for the section was to enhance the organization’s visibility in the community. Her first step was designing and launching a website for the section and partnering with a non-profit organization that offers after-school care in various towns in Monmouth County. Members of the North Shore Area Section volunteered as mentors, meeting with young ladies and organizing day trips. In addition to the section’s ongoing programs, Sophia initiated a remarkable example of community collaboration known as “Monmouth County Meets the Needs.” This event brought together various community partners to provide essential services such as vaccinations, HIV and syphilis testing, mental health outreach, haircuts for children, crisis food boxes, clothing, and more in a one-day event. Its resounding success paved the way for annual events in different neighborhoods within the county, continuing to make a significant difference in countless lives. As recently as December 2023, Sophia successfully advocated for donations totaling $14,000 to purchase visual and hearing devices, aiding the school nurses in early assessments of special needs children in the Neptune School District. Her connections within the first responder community also enabled her to identify and select families in the Asbury Park Area to receive cash donations from the local police department during the Christmas holiday.

Sophia’s commitment to the community extends beyond borders to her charitable efforts in Jamaica, where she sends barrels of back-to-school supplies to support two schools, almost 400 children, in her grandmother’s hometown of St. Ann’s. Her dedication knows no geographical boundaries, and she maintains a deep connection to the community of her cherished childhood summers.

Sophia considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to give back, both in the United States and her beloved Jamaica. Her extensive and meaningful involvement in various community service roles underscores her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. She credits this dedication to the influential women in her life, including her late mother, her resilient 99-year-old grandmother, her aunts, and cousins.

Upon relocating to New Jersey, her network of supportive and inspiring women expanded to include her mother-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Taylor, who was educated by the woman in whose honor Sophia is receiving an award today. Additionally, her sisters-in-law, nieces, fellow church members, NCNW sisters, and a remarkable group of like-minded professional women have become integral members of her close-knit circle of friends, affectionately known as the DIVAS.

Behind every remarkable individual stands a strong support system, and Sophia is no exception. She shares her life with her biggest supporter, best friend, and husband of 20 years, Mark Taylor. As “empty nesters,” they take great joy in their adult children, Ryan and Chevelle. Despite her extensive community involvement, Sophia intentionally dedicates quality time to her family and friends, recognizing the preciousness of life.

No Limits Cafe

Tammi went to have lunch at No Limits Cafe soon after it opened and asked if they needed volunteers. She met Stephanie Cartier the owner and co-founder that afternoon and she told Tammi yes and how to sign up. She has been there for four years now. No Limits Cafe is more than a volunteer position to Tammi alongside the other volunteers at No Limits, the staff, and the employees have become a family.

The employees at No Limits Cafe are adults with intellectual disabilities but every single human God creates has strengths and weaknesses. The employees at No Limits Cafe are showing the world their strengths. This community is a large but mostly silent group. No Limits Cafe is where these individuals can have their voice and let people see how capable they are of living a beautiful life with just some training and perseverance. The need for acceptance is viable in all of us and going to No Limits as a volunteer benefits not only the employees Tammi works with but also benefits her greatly. It allows her to open her heart and her world. It permits her to experience the needs and challenges of others and herself and to gain a deeper understanding of life.

Tammi has been volunteering in some capacity since she was in high school and has been involved in many wonderful services over the years and has been blessed to call so many people she has volunteered next to and with, her friend. She also volunteered alongside her children while raising them and hopes by doing so they see the value in opening their lives to others and experiencing the magnificence life has to offer. One woman Tammi met along the way was named Rosie. Tammi and Rosie’s kids made meals for the homeless and took and served them at the Salvation Army monthly. Rosie was an old woman at the time and was dedicated to the homeless. Tammi said, “Being with Rosie and with my children, she showed such caring strength to us that every age and person has significant value and if we can just stop and show kindness and love to one another we can make our world a place where generations to come can find hope, understanding, and maybe the value of volunteering.”

Ocean Chapter of The National Drifters

Evelene Anderson is a dedicated community service volunteer and advocate. She hails from Winterville, North Carolina, a small Southern town half-way between Raleigh and The Outer Banks.  Although she graduated in the top 5 of her high school class, like many young, African-American women of the 1960’s, she lacked the financial resources to attend the colleges to which she had been admitted.  Evelene moved to New York after high school and began a career in health care, working as a medical secretary in Staten Island, NY.   Within a few years, her high school sweetheart joined her in New York and in 1973, the family relocated to Freehold, New Jersey. 

As a recent transplant to suburban New Jersey, Evelene immediately saw a need for service to the community.  In 1975, together with the thirteen other African-American families residing in Freehold Township, Evelene co-founded The United Black Families of Freehold Township (UBFFT), a 501(c)(3) community service organization whose mission was to raise cultural awareness of the historical contributions of African-Americans, to provide positive African American role models to students growing up in the greater Freehold area, to raise and donate scholarship funds to those challenged to afford a college education, and to provide a sense of community to their children, many of whom remain close to this day (such as JLMC members Courteney Wilds and Victoria Anderson).  A passionate advocate of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion long before the moniker was coined and years before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was recognized as a state holiday in New Jersey, as President of UBFFT, Evelene spearheaded programs to recognize and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with an annual “King Day” program and she advocated for supplementing educational experience by encouraging the district to include in its curriculum a greater percentage of books authored by women, Indigenous People (“Native Americans” in the 1980’s), LatinX (“Hispanic” in the 1980’s) and African-Americans. UBFFT awarded over $25,000 in scholarships in the 30 years the organization was active.

Recognizing her contributions to the community, the Ocean Chapters of The National Drifters, Inc., a national women’s organization whose mission is to “Strengthen our families to build better communities”, invited Evelene to join the organization in 1983.  However, it was not until her children were adults with children of their own, and she and her husband had both retired that, in 2016, Evelene accepted an invitation to join Ocean Drifters from her daughter, who had joined the organization three years earlier.  Ocean Drifters has been the perfect complement to Evelene’s compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to helping others.

As a member of Ocean Drifters, Evelene has changed the volunteer ecosystem of the chapter.  While the Ocean Drifters has always volunteered, Evelene has taken volunteering to the next level.  She is dedicated to providing a face to our efforts and she’s worked tirelessly to ensure that Ocean Drifters is known not only for our financial contributions, but also for our willingness to roll-up our sleeves and do the heavy lifting of working hand-in-hand with those we serve.  Evelene created a partnership between the Ocean Drifters and the League of Women Voters enabling Ocean Drifters to expand their reach in voter registration and education.  Unaverred by the pandemic, Evelene created an online townhall event featuring Monmouth County Clerk, The Honorable Christine Giordano Hanlon to continue voter educate efforts.  Evelene’s commitment to an inclusive and representative society is reflected in her advocacy for seniors.  Through Evelene, Ocean Drifters has partnered with Senator Vin Gopal on the “Stay NJ” Senior Property Tax Credit Program designed to alleviate the financial hardship of high property taxes on seniors and giving them the freedom to stay in the communities they built. Evelene introduced the Ocean Drifters to the Susan G, Komen Foundation and serves as Team Leader in our annual participation in the More Than Pink Walk for A Cure.  Ocean Drifters has raised over $3,000 for breast cancer awareness and research over the past two years.  Evelene also spearheaded Ocean Drifters’ collaboration with Little People at Work Pre-School to update the school’s library with new, culturally diverse books, a key tool in helping to build a child’s social and emotional development.  Evelene is currently serving in her second term as Treasurer of the Ocean Drifters.  To commend her work on behalf of the chapter, Evelene was awarded the chapter’s highest honor, the Special Drifter Award – not once, but twice in the 8 years she’s been a member of the organization.  Evelene is the only member to hold this honor in Ocean Drifters 50-year history.  

Evelene attended Rutgers Douglas College and Brookdale Community College.  Evelene worked for the Freehold Township Board of Education from 1978 to 1979 and, in 1982, began an illustrious 28-year career with the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, under the leadership of The Honorable Jayne Clayton and, subsequently, The Honorable Claire French, retiring as Special Clerk Deputy in 2009.  Evelene continues to reside in Freehold, New Jersey.  Of her many accomplishments, Evelene is most proud of her role as wife, mother and grandmother.  This year, Evelene will celebrate her 60th Wedding Anniversary and marriage to her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Anderson, Sr.  The raised three children in Freehold Township, Benjamin, Jr., Senior Grants and Contracts Manager at Harvard University; JLMC member Victoria, Vice President of Programming for a cable company; and Gregory, Design & Technology Director for an Architectural Firm in Dallas, Texas.  The light of her life these days are her granddaughters, Brooke Anderson, a Graphic Design student in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tatum Anderson, a sophomore and pre-law International Relations major at NYU.

Rami’s Heart Covid-19 Memorial

Rima Samman-Whitaker was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and migrated with her family to the US in 1989. Raised in New Jersey alongside her younger brother, Rami, she quickly adapted to American culture. From an early age, both Rima and Rami displayed a strong artistic inclination, with a passion for performing and visual arts.

After college, Rima held leadership positions in the retail industry before transitioning into the refractive and eye surgery field. Despite her professional pursuits, she always maintained art and photography as cherished hobbies.

In April 2020, Rami was admitted to the hospital due to high fevers and difficulty breathing. Over the next 22 days, he battled severe fevers, blood clots, and kidney failure—health challenges he had never faced before. Daily dialysis treatments gradually improved his condition. However, during his hospital stay, an attending nurse tested positive for COVID-19. Instead of returning home, he was transferred to a nursing home and rehabilitation facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, where he underwent an additional 14-day quarantine before being released.

Tragically, Rami passed away just 48 hours after entering the center, at the young age of 40. In her grief, Rima remains a tireless advocate for her brother, seeking closure and understanding around his untimely death. In Fall 2022, she obtained certification in Grief Education and now dedicates herself to coaching others through their personal grief journeys.

Rima’s enduring love for her brother led her to create an impromptu memorial in his honor, which organically grew and has now become the first permanent national COVID memorial in the US known as Rami’s Heart Covid-19 Memorial. This heartfelt tribute stands as a testament to the lives lost during the pandemic. This Memorial also serves as a non-profit 501c3 organization that continues to provide support to families tragically impacted. Additionally, the memorial has been recognized as one of the top 40 monuments in Monmouth County in 2022.

Rima’s dedication to preserving her brother’s memory and supporting others in their grief journey is truly remarkable. 

Special Strides

Shari’s passion is helping others and caring for them. As a mother of two, pet parent, and a former NYC cardiac ultrasound technician, her innate skills were a perfect fit for Special Strides, where she has worked for the last 6.5 years as a “full-time” volunteer doing whatever is necessary towards its mission. She loves working with children and animals and is committed to giving back to her community, especially when it will help make a difference in the life of a child. Volunteering at Special Strides has given her a sense of inner joy and understanding of the importance of using equine movement to better the lives of people with all types of disabilities.

Shari’s responsibilities on a typical day at Special Strides include being a side walker, where she makes sure that her clients remain safe in the saddle as the physical, occupational, and speech therapists conduct their lessons; horse grooming, horse leading, and whatever help is needed in the office with billing and office work. She is always eager to be of assistance doing anything and helping anyone.

On 9/11, Shari and her family lost their home In Battery Park City due to the WTC attacks. With just the clothes on their backs, Shari’s family relocated on 9/12 to Marlboro NJ, staying with friends and family until they were able to find a new home. That unfortunate day, however, in large part contributed to Shari’s desire to give back to her community and to those in need, as the Marlboro community rallied around Shari and her family, providing them with clothes, emotional support and whatever essentials they needed to get through that rough period. The outpouring of love, kindness and generosity was overwhelming to their family and Shari knew that one day she would give back to her community.

Shari met Laurie Landy, founder of Special Strides, at a fundraiser 6 1/2 years ago, learned about Special Strides and knew this was where she needed to be. Her love of children and animals paved her way to making Special Strides her new forever happy home.

Shari lives in Asbury Park NJ with her husband Larry of 33 years and visits their two children, Aaron and Raquel, in los Angeles as often as possible.

The Feast – the Heartwarming Center

Nicole Dorrity is a woman living in recovery, having overcome a 20-year struggle with addiction. Eight years ago, she embarked on a journey of recovery, a path that ignited her passion for supporting others facing similar battles. In her early recovery phase, Nicole dedicated her time as a volunteer at the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, aiding at-risk and homeless veterans. This period of volunteering laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the field of addiction recovery.

In January 2018, Nicole joined Preferred Behavioral Health Group as a Peer Support Specialist for the Support Team for Addiction Recovery (STAR) program. After training, she received her certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRSS) in March of 2019. Here she played a crucial role in the development of the Support Team for Addiction Recovery (STAR) program, offering comprehensive support to individuals in recovery, from facilitating access to meetings to assisting in practical needs such as food and transportation.

Nicole’s passion to give back was further demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her ongoing efforts to support individuals in recovery, she volunteered with RAFTS (Recovery Advocates For The Shore), which led to her certification to teach the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist course—a course she herself had completed less than two years prior. She now teaches the course at Brookdale Community College two to three times each year.

In November of 2020, Nicole expanded her impact by joining JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank as the Community Outreach Coordinator. Here, she focuses on assisting the community’s most vulnerable, ensuring they have access to essential services including food, shelter, and support.

Nicole’s tireless work ethic is evident as she manages two full-time jobs while continuing to volunteer her time to support The JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center for men and The Heartwarming Center for women in Red Bank, along with individuals struggling with recovery. Her efforts were recognized in 2021 when she received the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies’ “Inspired Peer Leader” award.

Residing in Asbury Park, Nicole is a single mother to her son Tyler, 28, who lives in New York City. Despite her demanding schedule, Nicole remains committed to making time for her loved ones, cherishing every moment spent with them as a testament to the profound gratitude she feels for the second chance her recovery has afforded her.

Trinity Church and Trinity Center for Community

Adrienne Wert is a Social Worker with a Masters degree from Fordham University who lives in Asbury Park, NJ. She has been a member of Trinity Church since 2015 and a member of the church’s Vestry (our equivalent of a Board of Directors) since 2019. Adrienne is by far one of the most highly engaged vestry members and has demonstrated a willingness to take a lead in challenging conversations at meetings. After serving for years as a worship volunteer, she recently became a member of our verger team, the leadership group for worship volunteers that coordinates all the logistical details and personnel for services, including Sundays, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Adrienne truly goes above and beyond in giving her time and resources to the work of the church and the Trinity Center. She volunteers as a Social Worker for our Saturday Soup Community Meal, using her experience working in the fields of addiction and trauma-informed treatment to help our guests find work, housing, and sobriety. She is a founding member of the Women’s Hospitality Network, a multi-ethnic group of congregations that shelters single women experiencing homelessness, created in response to the lack of female-only shelters in Monmouth County. In this role, Adrienne spent the night at the church once every two weeks to run the program, in addition to serving as the organization’s treasurer. Adrienne is also a member of the newly formed Advisory Board for the Trinity’s Center for Community, providing vital leadership as our nonprofit expands to meet the needs of Asbury Park and neighboring towns. Adrienne is always one of the first people to volunteer to help the community, the church, and the Trinity Center, whether it be in a leadership role, making and serving food, or joining fundraising committees. She has made major contributions to our Code Blue Warming Center, Trinity’s drop-in warming center for those experiencing homelessness on nights when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Adrienne has a passion for hospitality and is dedicated to making people feel welcome and comfortable; she is well known to the members of the community who are experiencing homelessness and effortlessly draws them into conversation, demonstrating a kindness and warmth that puts people at ease. Adrienne is a volunteer member of the Racial Justice Project at Trinity and helps organize and lead events, including serving as a member of the Racial Justice Audit Team that is evaluating the impact of Trinity’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts. She supports LGBTQ Pride events at the church, including our participation in the annual Jersey Pride parade in Asbury Park.

Adrienne is a stellar volunteer, effective leader, and truly lives out her convictions in her day-to-day life in her commitment to charitable causes and social justice advocacy. She is an inspiration to many of us and an integral part of our community. Trinity Church, the Trinity Center for Community, and Asbury Park are better places because of Adrienne’s dedication and solidarity to our community.

We Are Loved

Phyllis DiNardi is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to making a profound difference in the foster care community. As the founder of We Are Loved, Phyllis has touched the hearts of countless individuals with her boundless passion, nurturing spirit, and unwavering dedication.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by foster children and their families, Phyllis prioritizes empathy and community-building at We Are Loved. Through tactical outreach efforts and partnerships with other organizations and individuals, she ensures that essential support and resources reach those who need it most.

As a mother of six and a nana of eight, she intimately understands the importance of love, support, and family. Her experience with foster care over the past 17 years has only further inspired her devotion to champion this cause. Throughout this time, she has opened her heart and home to an astonishing 49 foster children, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment where they can flourish and thrive.

Phyllis’ genuine warmth and compassion create a welcoming sanctuary for all who encounter her. With her unwavering commitment to the foster care community, Phyllis is undeniably leaving an enduring legacy and transforming lives, one child at a time.