Recent News & Events
Our 2008 Gala Fourth Annual International Tasting
Our Fourth Annual International Tasting in May at the Montclair Museum was a warm and festive celebration of FAMILYConnections' recent growth and continuing success. 200 supporters mingled with friends old and new, sampled the fare of more than a dozen restaurants and caterers, and heard a compelling speech by Kevin Ryan, former Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families and current head of The MCJ Amelior Foundation.
FAMILYConnections is deeply committed to providing aid where the need is greatest and the resources most limited. And, as always, these efforts are founded on the conviction that the people we serve can build on their own strengths to overcome obstacles and thereby grow and succeed. But we couldn't deliver on our mission without the confidence, enthusiasm, and continued support of all of you who contribute to our work. So thank you for standing with us as we branch out, providing comfort, safety and strength to our neighbors.
A heartfelt thank you to every one of our Gala Sponsors and Donors for their generous support.
Special thanks also to the Participating Restaurants and Caterers for their generous – and delicious – contributions. We encourage everyone to return the favor by frequenting their businesses.
Home For The Holidays
Family
Connections' Reunity House in South Orange, in conjunction with the Division of
Children and Families, hosted a holiday party last December for twelve of the
many successfully reunited by this model reunification program, which brings
together families torn apart due to abuse or neglect. For more
information, click here.
Rise&Shine Community Breakfast
On November 13th Rise&Shine, Family Connections’ program for childhood mental
health and development in Vailsburg, Newark, hosted its third Community
Breakfast.
Family Connections was pleased to welcome distinguished guests Kevin Ryan, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Children and Families, and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey from the 27th District. Assemblywoman Jasey presented Commissioner Ryan with a proclamation honoring his work and commitment to the well-being of children. Commissioner Ryan spoke passionately to Family Connections staff, Trustees, and guests about the importance of advocating on behalf of underserved children and families.
Following
the speakers, the Rise&Shine team gave an informative presentation on infant
massage, one of the many parent/child bonding classes provided by the program.
For pictures and information from the first Rise&Shine Community Breakfast,
click here.