Marking the beginning of the Administration’s Season of Service, New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today visited Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, where she and members of her staff met with program participants and served hot meals during the organization’s Thanksgiving Celebration.
“It is a privilege to join Oasis and see the immediate, positive effect its programs have on the women and children it serves,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “When staff and volunteers provide a hot meal, a health program or training class, they also provide participants the tools for a new beginning and self-sufficiency. I thank Oasis for its continued care for Paterson’s residents in need.”
Annually, Oasis serves more than 65,000 hot meals to women and children from the community.
"We are very excited that Lt. Governor Guadagno can join us again for the annual Thanksgiving celebration at Oasis,” said Sister Gloria Perez, Executive Director of Oasis. “This event brings together corporate groups, public servants and other local leaders with over 1000 women and children in our community who are struggling to make ends meet this Thanksgiving.”
Opened in 1997 to provide meal services to women and children, Oasis expanded its mission in 2007 to become a “safe haven” with additional health and safety services as well as literacy, language and workforce development programs. All programs are designed to help families succeed in the workplace and community while meeting their immediate needs of food, clothing and social services.
Kathleen Long, Director of Development for Oasis, added, “Many of the women joining us for this special meal have also participated in the adult education and workplace readiness programs of Oasis, where we strive to prepare them for jobs in our community. We know these programs are of great interest to the Lt. Governor and this Administration, as they help strengthen communities for the long term.”
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, the Christie Administration is once again giving back to New Jersey through its Season of Service initiative. Officials are volunteering throughout the Garden State and also taking time to recognize those who volunteer within their community. Individuals and organizations with charity program stories and pictures can share them by using #SeasonOfService. Residents can find volunteer opportunities, as well as recognize individuals and groups that enhance New Jersey’s communities through service, by visiting www.volunteerism.nj.gov/.
More information on Oasis and its programs can be found on its website at: http://www.oasisnj.org/.
Lt. Governor Guadagno was joined by Senator Nellie Pou (D-Bergen and Passaic), Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter (D-Bergen and Passaic) and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres.
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