FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2010

Eleven Honored For Human Rights Contributions

            Crisis Hotline volunteers who are there at the darkest hour... a woman who stands up and speaks out for justice for her neighbors and community...mentors at a safe haven who help to inspire and guide the at-risk youth to loftier goals and a better future... a group of quilting enthusiasts who have found a way to provide comfort through their craft...an educator who is teaching his students to create a kinder and more accepting world... several individuals who have dedicated time, energy and infectious enthusiasm to bring programs, food, housing and hope to children and adults, and a 9th grade freshman who alone is making a difference in his school, community and the world.  These individuals and organizations were singled out for their contributions in stirring ceremonies in Union Township.

            The ninth annual Unity Achievement Award presentation by the Union County Human Relations Commission honored citizens for contributions that enhance the spirit and quality of life for individuals, families and their extended communities  while commissioners, family members, friends and co-workers cheered proudly at the AGL Resources/Elizabethtown Gas Company facility on Morris Avenue.

            “The Union County Human Relations Commission is all about helping people understand each other and get along better,” said Commissioner Charlie Newman, director of the Union County Office for the Disabled, who co-chairs the Commission.  “We encourage celebrating our diversity, and respecting everyone’s human rights.”   The awards were created to recognize the activities and efforts of culturally-diverse individuals and organizations who go “above and beyond” to improve human relations, he said.

          The eleven Award recipients are Joseph Bonacorso (Clark); Flor Gonzales (Plainfield); CONTACT We Care (Westfield); Elisa Sananman (Westfield); Jordan Siegel (Roselle); Westminster Comforters (Berkeley Heights); Sandra Cureton (Hillside); Restore Ministries (Elizabeth); Rosa Floyd (Elizabeth); Annie R. Lucas (Plainfield); Father Donald Hummel, St. Agnes Church (Clark).

          Joseph Bonacorso, currently a freshman at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, won a standing ovation from the attendees for his magnificent efforts to find new paths to raise awareness about global human rights initiatives among his schoolmates.  When he did not find a school club that addressed human rights, he sought one out and brought Amnesty International to Clark.  In addition to getting high school students from a small New Jersey town invested in affairs around the world , he has also brought together the school and community to think both globally and locally.  Among other consciousness-raising activities, this outstanding student spearheaded a fund-raising program to buy solar cookers for refugee camps in Darfur and Chad.

          Plainfield resident Flor Gonzales, founder and director of the Latin American Coalition, was honored for being a human rights advocate for the Hispanic community, calling attention to wrongs and working to make them right.  Her steadfast determination, commitment, perseverance and heart has encouraged many victimized immigrants and undocumented individuals to report crimes committed against them to local law enforcement officers.

          CONTACT We Care, the Westfield-based crisis hotline, was recognized for intervening empathetically and unconditionally to callers in crisis.  Their dynamic and interactive approach to each caller has helped make a difference in people's lives, and has saved lives.

          Westfield Resident Elisa Sananman was, among other accomplishments, the driving force that led the effort to build an independent living complex in Springfield for physically challenged individuals — the first of its kind in Union County. She was inspired by a 20-year-old man, paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair and destined to live his life in a nursing home because adequate housing was not available to him. She also was honored for her efforts to organize the Interfaith Caring Community of Westfield, which resettle and provided support for Kosovar refugees, helping them achieve financial independence in two years.

          Roselle Public School counselor Jordan Siegel was recognized for his creative extracurricular educational initiatives encouraging students to intellectually explore the heart, soul and body of violence caused by intolerance and hate, and for inspiring students to look profoundly at how we all can do our part to address inhuman acts of unkindness and intolerance in our midst to effect a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and our world.

          The Westminster Comforters — members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Berkeley Heights — have spread their love of quilting to spreading comfort through their quilts.  Their beautiful handiwork finds its way to children and adults who can be comforted being wrapped in its warmth, and perhaps can make a difference in their lives.  Recipients have included St. Clares Home in Elizabeth, the Children’s Specialized Hospital, the Valerie Fund, and other homes that offer shelter for victims of domestic violence.

          Sandra Cureton of Hillside was recognized for being here, there and everywhere in her community — Hillside — and for always going the extra mile to deliver excellence and magnificence to the many individuals whose lives she has touched, in programs for youth, senior citizens, and the entire community.

          Restore Ministries in Elizabeth was recognized for connecting and working with at-risk youth.  Under the directorship of Linwood Bagby, a speech therapist in the Elizabeth Public School system, their intervention, inspiration and guidance has reclaimed young lives one-at-a-time, helping their members value education, and develop their potential and become responsible contributing members of an ever-changing global society.

          Rosa Floyd of Elizabeth was honored for over four decades of providing caring support to individuals and families in need in Elizabeth, Roselle, Linden and Newark.  In addition to annual Thanksgiving food baskets, Rosa and her family have delivered food baskets throughout the year. , and have arranged day trips and parties for underprivileged children.

          Annie R. Lucas was honored for her role as Northeast District Governor of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.  In this not-for-profit community service organization, Ms. Lucas has been involved in many local and global service projects focusing on youth and the community, and ranging from education to health and wellness to culture and the arts.

          Father Donald Hummel of St. Agnes Church in Clark was unable to accept his Unity Award for Achievement by the Clergy last year, and was presented with it at this year’s ceremony.  Father Hummel was recognized also for the many lives he has influenced through his involvement the scouting organizations, since he started out as a Cub Scout over 52 years ago, and as a  Chaplain for both county and state law enforcement, fire and public safety agencies.

            Award recipients were also presented with individual personalized resolutions sponsored by the New Jersey Legislature, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

            Mr. Newman was also presented with an award marking the end of his two-year term as Co-Chair of the Commission, honoring his great energy, hard work and leadership.   The award presentation was officiated by First Assistant Prosecutor Cernadas, who serves on the commission, and commission co-chairs Charlie Newman and James F. Keefe.

            The Union County Human Relations Commission consists of a voluntary group of Union County residents and professionals, who themselves represent diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and personal backgrounds.

            The Commission’s activities include conflict mediation and prejudice reduction, bullying and cyber-bullying prevention workshops for educators, students and the public, and the locally renowned “Police and Teens Together” high school program.  Educational programs are being explored and developed for host sites which are a part of the InterFaith Community Network, and Union County’s houses of workshop are always invited to join the Network.

             For more information, contact Commissioner Karen Positan at 908-889-9028.