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2013 Annual Repor t
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Page 1: 2013 - HomeFirst...Robert and Stephanie Dell’Olio Luchino Phil and Joanne McGovern Peter and Lisa McNamara ... Kieran Hughes Dolores Hynes Julie Isbit Virginia Johnston ... a member

2013Annual Report

Page 2: 2013 - HomeFirst...Robert and Stephanie Dell’Olio Luchino Phil and Joanne McGovern Peter and Lisa McNamara ... Kieran Hughes Dolores Hynes Julie Isbit Virginia Johnston ... a member

Leadership MessageAt Homefirst we envision a future in which every family has safe, decent housing they can

afford. We seek to strengthen families and communities each day through a combination oftransitional, supportive and permanent housing options as well as crucial family support servicesbased on innovative national models of excellence. Our family support programs mobilize socialand community resources to connect, engage and empower each family member.

Homefirst has accomplished so much in striving to make this vision a reality for the families weserve. In 2013, Homefirst’s housing and support programs reached 1,868 individuals in 752households, an increase of 17% over 2012. We are investing in the future with twelve new homescurrently under development. The Homefirst Community Garden in Scotch Plains added 70square feet of additional planting beds. In addition, Family Support Center programming wassignificantly expanded and youth enrichment opportunities were also strengthened. Homefirstcontinues to be an innovative and visionary leader in providing comprehensive solutions tohomelessness and community building.

All of Homefirst’s success would not be possible without the support of our incrediblecommunity of donors, volunteers and staff. We want to thank each of them for their generosityand invite you to read about the remarkable outcomes that have been cultivated from their giftsof time, talent and treasure.

Casey Woodruff Ellen McGovernPresident, Board of Trustees Executive Director

At Homefirst, families requesting emergency assistance come inevery day from communities throughout Union County and beyond.In response, we employ the National “Housing First” Model; the basisof this model is to provide housing first in order to create a stablefoundation for each family. Currently, Homefirst owns 51 permanentand transitional housing units offering families a safe affordable placeto live while receiving comprehensive social services.

Comprehensive Solutions

Homefirst

factThe Association for the Children of New Jerseyreported in 2013 that homeless and low-incomechildren are more likely to face food insecurity, to experience major developmental delays and tosuffer from emotional difficulties.

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Financial Statement

Homefirst has a strong network of diverse funding sources. The Board of Trustees along with our dedicatedstaff carefully steward our financial resources. During 2013, the generous financial support of individuals,religious congregations, businesses, community groups, and foundations provided vital support to our coreprograms: Housing & Social Services, Family Strengthening & Community Building, and Homeless PreventionEmergency Assistance. In addition to these loyal donors, Homefirst is also generously funded by GovernmentGrants and Rental Revenue generated from our Housing. All of these resources combined help us to make a real difference in the lives of the families we serve.

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Building Strong Communities – One Family at a Time

The face of homelessness and poverty has changed in America and not for the better.Today, families with children are one of the fastest growing segments of the homelesspopulation. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that families comprise 41% of the homeless population.

The Family Support and Prevention Program emphasizes family strengths, deliveringcomprehensive family support services and partnering with families to mobilize social andcommunity resources. The Youth Success Center supports and assists youth in theirtransition to adulthood. We know the challenges of homelessness and poverty are many and the solutions are complex but the profound reality is that each family, each child, eachperson matters.

Innovative Programs

Homefirst

factIn Union County, 7.9% of families live below thepoverty line. In Plainfield the rate is 15.9% which is 147% higher than the New Jersey average.

Support and Revenues Expenses

43% Government Grants

25% Rental Housing Revenue

14% Individual Donors

4% Event

9% Religious, Civic & Businesses

5% Foundations

52% Social Service Programs

6% Fundraising

6% Management

36% Housing Programs

Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets - Year Ended December 31, 2013

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Individual Donors

AnonymousLeonard and Linda Berkowitz Ellen Catlin* Patrick and Jane Collins*

The Estate of Capitola Dickerson Steve and Marybeth Lapham* James Ooi and Amy Yin*Andrew Radin and Wendy Jones

Ned and Frances Voss Casey Woodruff and Priscilla Mann*

Cornerstone Society $5,000 and above:

Rosemary Ames Irma Arndt Michael and Kimberly Beckerman* Gerald and Brienna Benaquista Kevin and Peggy Brown* Cory Chmelka Marjorie Cohen Bruce and Myrna Pope Cummings Susan Devaney* Lou DiGiovanni Glen and Lisa Dumont Roger Dumont and Julie Sedlock* Maureen Erwin and Allen Darwin* Nelson Espeland* Robert and Michele Fischer* Charles and Constance Fletcher*

Steve and Donna Gartner Randal and Laurie Gaulke Lisa Glover*George and Elizabeth Hardy Kathy Higgins-Husar and Richard Husar

William and Ann Houpt* Jean Kellogg*David and Pamela Kolb* Chester and Carol Kolton Eric Levine* Xiangheng Liu Anthony Manory* Ellen McGovern* John McGovern Judy Musicant and Hugh Clark

Steven and Erica Needle* Anil and Binali Patel John and Mary Ann Penna* Fred and Doris Lange Kevin and Jane Quinn Douglas and Barbara Ritter Philip and Elizabeth Round Eugene Schaefer and Diane Genco David and Margo Seaman Kathy Silber Jeff Spelman Gail Stock* Daniel and Fran Tozzi David and Kathleen Twardock Tom and Lisa Walker* Paul and Aleta Zoidis

Leadership Circle $4,999-$1,000:

Roberta Chiarella and Brian PhilpotCarole Cook Alice DavenportAugustine and Doreen DiGiacomo Ana Galindo Charlotte Gelfand Marian Glenn Betse Gump

Steven Lane Robert and Stephanie Dell’Olio Luchino Phil and Joanne McGovern Peter and Lisa McNamara Shelby Mobley James and Susan Mullin Ronald Murtha Ann Robinson

William and Kathleen Strott Benjamin Sykora John and Mary Ann Trotter Maureen Waterbury Matthew Wiener Marty Zervas

Pacesetters $999-$500:

The Homefirst Community Garden is taking root…In 2013, the Homefirst Community Garden served as a

wonderful reminder that small actions, like planting a seed, canyield bountiful results. Over 1,000 lbs of fresh organic vegetables,fruits and herbs were harvested and distributed to 210 Homefirstfamilies, including 245 children. The garden helps to addresscritical issues like nutrition and food insecurity but also drawsvolunteers to Homefirst and serves as a focal point of our youthsummer programs. In 2013, we were proud to expand ourplanting beds and increase the number of families served by this engaging educational program.

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We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors who generously supported Homefirst during 2013:

*Faith League donors have made a vital commitment to donate at least $1,000 per year for 5 years.5 Year Donors 10 Year Donors 20 Year Donors

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Sustainers $249-$100:

AnonymousAlexander and Sandra Antonelli Charles and Mary Baumann Sanford and Tassie Becker Edward and Helen Beglin Brenda Berger Peter and Jane Berlant Michael Bernardo Peter and Flavia Blechinger David and Lisa Bleich Joelle Bochner Janet Bongiovanni Jerry and Janice Bongiovanni Phyllis Brociner Graham and Patricia Bryant Thomas Burke John and Sharon Campbell Ruth H. Carley Jill Carlson Rose Cerminaro Joanne Heeger Cogswell Howard and Sylvia Cohen Margaret Cohen Steve and Lisa Colao Amy Conover and Patricia Bonk John and Gwyneth Cote* Jennie Crespo Natalie Darwin Debbie Dixon Carlos Ezeta David and Tyler Farrand Patricia Fleming Michael and Joan Gallagher David and Deirdre Gelinne Thomas and Michele Glover Glenn Godart

Kenneth Gold Gary and Bonnie Goldberg Mike and Janice Gossman Craig and Nancy Guiffre Jean Crichton and Robert GunhouseJohn and Helen Hadzitheodorou Michael Hassett and Ilene Karpf Claudia Heffner Julian and Betty Joyce Hill Eileen Hirsch Charles and Joan Hoeckele Christian and Jane Hoffman Kieran Hughes Dolores Hynes Julie Isbit Virginia Johnston Joe and Susan Judge Edward and Marlene Kalaigian Charles Kanter and Shelly London Jane Kelly Marjorie KellyLori Klein Christine Krause David and Deborah Kristiansen Waltraude Lindenfelser Kenneth Lipstein and PamelaBrownstein

Timothy and Mary Beth Livolsi Carl Loeser Illana Margolis James and Eileen Martin Robert and Cynthia Martin Annarelly McNair Kathy Meyer Thomas and Elizabeth Miller Janet Molnar

Timothy and Maria Mulhall James and Melbabourne Nixon Pat Ohleth Daisy Ortiz Delores Paruta Scott and Terri Pavlak Joy Petzinger Al and Rosemary Pittis Mark Powell and Catherine Eckert Joan Rafford Sarah Rand Brian Richard Beatrice Roth Martin Rothfelder Curt and Janis Rubin Brian Salge Michael and Kelly Samson Martin and Judith Schwartz Wendell and Patricia Scott Neil and Susan Sedwin Emily Serna Jeffrey Sharlein James and Barbara Snyder Liliana Soares Evans and Cheryll Spagner William and Marian Taylor Bernard and Lynn Turiel Paul and Susan Vastola Ted and Barbara Weeks David and Elsa Weinstein Leslie and Susan Williams Frank and Rose Wilson Irwin and Judith Wrubel Linda Habgood and Gary ZanfagnaDavid and Patricia Zensky

Partners $499-$250:

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AnonymousLouis Beckerman John Bennett Richard and Daria Berlin Michael and Constance Billy Norma Bowman Hope Brand Gary and Joanne Cogswell David and Caroline Crane Reverend Roy James De Leo

Georgia Flamporis Richard and Lois Griggs Robert and Mary Hill Tim and Corey Jung Gary Kapner Walter and Madeleine Korfmacher Fred and Doris Lange Susan Logan Timothy and Jane Mann George and Marcia Maull

Steven and Jennifer McCall Robert and Amelia McTamaney Thomas and Martha Omberg Darius and Carlene Palia Ann Pretty Joseph and Nishita Roesler Warren and Virginia Rorden Travis Rymon John Sheehy Jr. Jaime and Dawn Stedronsky

5 Year Donors 10 Year Donors 20 Year Donors

Individual Donors We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors who generously supported Homefirst during 2013:

*Faith League donors have made a vital commitment to donate at least $1,000 per year for 5 years.

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Supporters $99-$1:

David Abrams Joseph and Thelma Barnes Bernard and Patricia Beck Christopher Belden Frank and Geraldine Besson Russell and Nancy Block Charles and Ann Brackbill James Brennan Sherman and Judith BrewerLarry and Karen Budnick Glenn Buttermore and Christina McCrea

Hans and Marifel Calis Bobby Capers Nancy Chellevold Peter and Joan Chemidlin Allen and Mary Chin Willa Cofield Harvey and Harriet Davidson Robert Day Nick and Linda DeNichilo Angelo and Gloria Deodato Irvine and Carol Dixon Barbara Durant Nancy DurantRobert and Joan Ehinger Frederick Fischer and Judith Love-Fischer

Michael Fox

Gladys Gassert Alan Gelfand and Judith Augustino Howard and Paula Gerber Karl and Lynn Gerckens Sally Gilbert Marion Gillen Barry Glover Glenn and Jane Goellner Jonathan and Florence Goldberg Larry and Jo Ellen Gurkin Raziel and Nancy Haimi-Cohen Gary and Vivienne Harting Robert Heinbokel and Patricia WatralHelen Hopkins Ron and Karen Kashlak William and Cynthia Kellogg Robert and Alice Knecht John and Margaret Koch Mary Ann Kuhn Barbara Kuppersmith Harry and Mary Loeser Mason and Alice Logie Joanne Macaluso Juanita Major August Manz Janice Meyer Ralph and Margaret Miano Craig and Nerissa Morong Maxine Neuhauser

Keith Nier and Lessie Culmer-Nier Herman and Dorit Noether Daniel and Margaret O’Neill Daniel and Awilda Ortiz Kenneth and Judith Peskin James and Carolynn Pulliam Judith Rittenhouse Henriann Robins Jeffrey and Kathleen Robinson Joan Scelfo and Deborah Scelfo-O’Connor

Art Seif Arline Siegel Neshama Siner Edwin and Kathleen Sjonell Jerome and Stephanie Spivack Alba Spreen Nancy Stein Stan and Beatrice Stracey Ronald and Marylyn Straight Peggy Jane Weiss Ronald and Andrea West Betty Willey Lawrence and Sherry Woodruff Barbara Yantz Michael and Roberta Zito Pat Ziv

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Homefirst is very thankful for loyal donors like Amy Yin and James Ooi, whohave generously supported our mission since 2004. Owner of a national award-winning design studio, Amy Yin Interiors in Short Hills NJ, Amy shared her flair fordesign with Homefirst by decorating a common room in our Family SupportCenter pro bono and donating furnishings and window treatments. She was also a member of the committee that helped us with our logo design and re-brandingefforts. Last year, her firm was a sponsor for our first Homefirst Evening of Thanksand hosted a table of guests. Amy explains, “Our designs bring joy to our clients,support their life’s goals, and help them live the life they envision. We are proud to support Homefirst because we understand having a stable, safe home is thefoundation for anyone to pursue their dreams.” After she introduced her husbandto Homefirst, James joined the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee. Forseveral years now, he has shared his business and financial expertise and is an

invaluable resource to our team. Even the youngest members of this family are a part of our community,and recently came to grow seedlings for our spring garden.

Amy Yin, Owner Amy Yin Interiors, LLC

Partners in Mission: “A stable, safe home is the foundation for anyone to pursue their dreams.”

Individual Donors We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors who generously supported Homefirst during 2013:

5 Year Donors 10 Year Donors 20 Year Donors

*Faith League donors have made a vital commitment to donate at least $1,000 per year for 5 years.

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Allstate New Jersey Insurance CompanyBJ’s Charitable FoundationBramnick, Rodrigues, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff

Plainfield Foundation John Tyler Foundation

Businesses, Congregations, Foundations and Organizations:$10,000 and above

AnonymousE.J. Grassmann Trust The Helen and William Mazer Foundation The Palisades Educational Foundation, Inc.

The Fred C. Rummel Foundation Turrell Fund Union Foundation Amy Yin Interiors

$9,999 to $5,000

Alan Bigdelle-AMDCRobert and Susan Diamond Foundation Fanwood Scotch Plains Service League Federated Business CentersLewis M Gabbe Foundation, Inc. Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ Merck Partnership for Giving New Providence United Methodist ChurchNorthfield Bank

The Arnold A. Schwartz Foundation Siemens Caring Hands Foundation Dr. Patrick R. Smith Spire GroupStandish Foundation The Henry S. & Agnes M. Truzack FoundationUnity Bank - Scotch PlainsWestfield Service League

$4,999 to $1,000

Adler’s Jewelers All EnvironmentalDr. Kenneth W. AridaBlizard Landscaping Bollinger InsuranceBroadridge Foundation Calvary Lutheran Church - Cranford Chubb & Son Community Presbyterian Church - Mountainside Document Solutions First Presbyterian Church of CranfordFirst Presbyterian Church of RoselleFirst Presbyterian Church of SpringfieldFirst Unitarian Society of Plainfield JMK Auto Sales

Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Westfield

Lindabury, McCormick and Estabrook, P.C.Loria Music, RahwayJane Mann LCSW The Metro Company Presbyterian Church of Basking RidgePresbyterian Women of Osceola Presbyterian Church - ClarkPresbyterian Women of The Presbyterian Church in WestfieldPrudential Foundation Matching Gifts ProgramRolf’s AutoScotch Plains Baptist ChurchThe Springfield Coalition for the Homeless Unico - ClarkUnion County Federation Knights of ColumbusWilson Memorial Union Church - Watchung

$999 to $250

Mr. B Printing Besson Orthodontics Brenner & Levine, P.A. Center for Hope Hospice Auxiliary Church Women United in the Plainfield Area Coffee With Conscience - WestfieldFanwood Lions ClubGreater Central Jersey Clergy Hershey’s Subs & DeliKnights of Columbus Council #783 - Berkeley HeightsKnights of Columbus Council #6226 - Cranford

Knights of Columbus Council #253 - ElizabethKnights of Columbus Council #3310 - ElizabethKnights of Columbus Council #4186 - KenilworthKnights of Columbus Council #3946 - Roselle Knights of Columbus Council #5730 - Scotch Plains Knights of Columbus Council #552 - Watchung Offen Eye Associates PSE&G Power of Giving Campaign Scotch Plains Lions Club Strauss Law Office LLC

$249 to $25

5 Year Donors 10 Year Donors 20 Year Donors

Donors We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors who generously supported Homefirst during 2013:

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Evening of Thanks

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Allstate New Jersey Insurance CompanyBramnick, Rodrigues, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff Ellen Catlin*

2013 Evening of Thanks Sponsors:$10,000

Amy Yin InteriorsCasey Woodruff and Priscilla Mann* Steve and Marybeth Lapham* The Alternative Press

$5,000

Rosemary Ames Gerald and Brienna Benaquista Patrick and Jane Collins* Bruce and Myrna Pope Cummings Glen and Lisa Dumont Roger Dumont and Julie Sedlock* Nelson Espeland* Steve and Donna Gartner Kathy Higgins-Husar and Richard HusarEllen McGovern* John McGovern

Judy Musicant and Hugh ClarkNorthfield Bank Anil and Binali Patel Harold J. Poltrock Kevin and Jane Quinn Walter RisserMarco SerranoSpire Group Daniel and Fran Tozzi Janice Wilkerson & Muhammad Wilkerson

2013 Evening of Thanks Supporters:$4,999 to $1,000

• Homefirst Permanent and Transitional Housing Programs: 51 units owned by Homefirst; 2 added in 2013

• Family Support Center and Community Outreach: 371 Families served in 2013

• Homefirst Youth Success Center: Provides our youth with exposure to supportiveand empowering mentors

• Homefirst Community Gardens: Planted, Tended & Harvested 1,000 Pounds of Fresh Organic Vegetables, Fruits & Herbs

2013 HighlightsHomef

irst

factIn 2013, Homefirst Housing and Programs had a positive impact on 981 children.

On the evening of Thursday October 24, Homefirst hosted An Eveningof Thanks, the first annual Union County Family Service Awards at TheGalloping Hill Golf Club in Kenilworth. The event recognized and honoredindividuals from different communities in Union County who serve familiesin need in extraordinary ways in their civic and private lives. NJ StateAssemblyman Jon Bramnick served as Master of Ceremonies for theevent. Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella was the HonoraryEvent Chair, joined by an Event Committee of 20 community volunteers.

5 Year Donors 10 Year Donors 20 Year Donors

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Voices of our Youth

“I’ve been involved with Homefirst since September 2011. I heard aboutHomefirst from my Mom who volunteered and taught Spanish classes atHomefirst’s Family Support Center. After hearing my Mom praise Homefirst, formonths and months, I finally decided to see for myself and all I had to say was,“Why did I wait so long?” Not only did Homefirst’s Family Support Center look likea home, but I immediately felt at home once I walked in the door. I began toattend the “Teens Club” offered by Homefirst and I even brought some of myfriends from school to come join. After a short time, I decided I wanted to giveback to Homefirst, so I became a high school volunteer working in the FinanceOffice after school. I learned a lot about accounting and business proceduresfrom Kathy Higgins, the Homefirst Finance Director. After about a year of

volunteering, I became a paid intern and I am still working with Ms. Kathy today. Homefirst is a busy place,so I now not only work in the finance office, but assist at the Kidz club by helping kids with their homework. I also help out in the Homefirst Community Garden each summer where we plant, grow and harvest fruitsand vegetables. Homefirst donates all their fresh produce to families in the community. I am proud to be apart of the Homefirst family.”

– Joel, 19 years

For over 27 years, Homefirst has helped children by serving their families and the community around them.At Homefirst each day is an opportunity for our staff, volunteers and donors to make a tangible difference in thelives of our youth and their families.

“Homefirst helped me and my family transition from a homeless shelter intoaffordable housing and for that I thank them. The Homefirst Teens Program allowedme to broaden myself to try new things such as gardening and helping youngerkids with their homework. Teen night was amazing! Being in a safe and positiveenvironment with other teens and counselors gave me such a safe feeling. I thankMs. Jenny, Ms. Laquanna and many others that I love so much for assisting mealong the way.”

Niasia is a high school senior from Plainfield and lives with her mother and hasgrown up in Homefirst housing. Niasia for the past three years has attended theTeen Success Center weekly and she credits Homefirst with giving her a future fullof many exciting opportunities. Niasia, is considering college in the fall or joining theUnited Stated Navy. We wish her the best of luck!

– Niasia, 17 years

“Homefirst has always been helpful to me and my Mom. When we came back to Plainfield and didn’t have anywhere to live Homefirst put us in a nice apartment. I am blessed to know that they are there for me. They are caring and they give megreat advice too!”

Lamont lives with his mother in Homefirst housing and is a Plainfield middle schoolstudent and a member of his school’s basketball and baseball teams. Lamontparticipates in the Teen Success Center each week and enjoys Homefirst’s partner-ship with the First Tee Golf Program at Plainfield Country Club. We are so proud ofLamont and wish him much success as he goes to High School in September.

– Lamont, 14 years

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Jennie Crespo Recognized for 15 Years of Service to Homefirst

Jennie Crespo, Director of Housing and Social Service, has been an integralmember of the Homefirst staff for the last 15 years. Her leadership has helpedgrow Homefirst’s housing and social service programs to 51 homes today.Jennie’s professional career has spanned 25 years, serving a variety of specialneeds populations including; homeless, persons with disabilities, veterans,victims of domestic violence, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Jennie will be the first to tell you her responsibilities at Homefirst don’t constitute her job butrather her calling. “Homefirst lives by its mission and I love being a part of all thatwe stand for ” she recently remarked. Perhaps Homefirst’s clients sense thatJennie’s reassuring manner and sound advice don’t just come from years of counselinghomeless families. Jennie says, “I can truly say I have walked in some of the shoes of the families I serve and Iknow exactly what they are going through.” Jennie openly discusses the time in her life when she and her familywere homeless. The message she wants to share with others is clear: homelessness can happen to anyoneand there is no shame in asking for help.

“Why I Serve the Homeless— I came to work at Homefirst because I felt it was my calling to assist andempower people in need. Homefirst lives by its mission and I look forward to another 15 years of doing what I love.”

Jennie shared the following story with all of us last winter after participating in the annual HUD Point in Timecount of the homeless conducted nationwide every January.

“Greg picked me up this January morning at 2:45 am. It was snowy but we were ready to go. We met ourteam, staff from the County and a Sheriff’s Officer. We received a map ofPlainfield and known areas where the homeless live on the streets. By now I was excited and nervous not knowing what to expect. Our first stop was by the Plainfield train tracks. Up we went sliding on the ice up the hill. There weremattresses set up, blankets, clothes hung up on trees to dry. We found no oneon this freezing night, thank God. Then off we went again to several hideouts.We found three homeless men at the second stop and we got them in the vanand took them to the County Office for a hot meal and to arrange for shelter.We continued on our journey and went to an abandoned house in Plainfield.We all had flashlights shining on the building, I heard the yell, “Plainfield Police,here to help you.” As I see a head coming through a basement window, my

heart dropped to know that there was someone living in thisabandoned house. I assisted him and helped him to the van. Hisname was Anthony, 59 years old with severe arthritis. He statedthat he has not had housing in a long time after he lost his homeand has been homeless since. We put him in the van and outcame another man, very tall about 6’5”. We took them both tothe County Office. The next day I followed up with these menand began the process of getting them connected to housingand support services. This experience is a reminder of howHomefirst meets the needs of all — Housing First in conjunctionwith comprehensive support services.”

Featured Staff

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Board of TrusteesCasey Woodruff, PresidentNelson Espeland, Vice PresidentJerry Bongiovanni, TreasurerLisa Glover, SecretaryEllen CatlinJane CollinsRev. Carolyn EklundMarybeth LaphamEric LevineJudith MusicantJames Ooi

StaffEllen McGovern, Executive DirectorKathy Higgins, Director of Finance & AdministrationJennie Crespo, Director of Housing & Social ServicesAmy Concepcion, Family Support CoordinatorJackie Crespo, Parent Support CoordinatorJoel Mercado, Family Support & Finance AssistantRoxanne Miller, Youth Support PartnerMeghan Perrin, Finance & Development AssociateGregory Reeze, Family Support PartnerCrystal Robinson, Parent Support PartnerLily Soares, Accounting ManagerLaQuanna Walker, Transitional & Supportive Housing

CoordinatorJanice Wilkerson, Family Support Outreach Coordinator

Homefirst Mission Statement

Homefirst delivers comprehensive solutions tohomelessness by providing transitional & permanenthousing, homeless prevention assistance, and familysupport services to strengthen families and buildcommunities.

Our Leadership Team, Kathy Higgins, Directorof Finance & Administration, Jennie Crespo,Director of Housing and Social Services andEllen McGovern, Executive Director.

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Main Office1009 Park AvenuePlainfield NJ 07060(908) 753-4001

Family Support Center905 Watchung AvenuePlainfield NJ 07060(908) 753-4002

www.homefirstinc.org


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