Eva’s Village Honors Volunteers, Community & Business Partners at Annual Gala, Focusing on Causes of Homelessness

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Eva's Village

Oct 14, 2016, 19:00 ET


Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) October 14, 2016 -- Eva’s Village will host cocktails, dinner and a silent auction at 6 pm on Thursday, November 3 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The yearly benefit provides critical funding for the 20 comprehensive, anti-poverty programs offered by Eva’s Village. This year’s theme will put a spotlight on the programs that address the root causes of homelessness and help people move towards stability and independence.

Portraits of Hope
The Gala will feature “Portraits of Hope,” a photo exhibit by Paterson-based photographer Don Sherrill, that puts a human face on homelessness. Addiction and mental illness are two of the most common reasons people become homeless, and these disorders, which often co-occur, can quickly cause someone to lose his or her job, support system, and ultimately, his or her home. The exhibit features portraits of Eva’s clients and alumni and describes, in their own words, the circumstances that brought them to Eva’s Village, where they found the programs and the support systems they needed to rebuild their lives.

Honorees
Joseph C. Alpert, President of The Alpert Group in Fort Lee, NJ, will receive the “Where Hope Begins” Award. In 2010, The Alpert Group partnered with Eva’s Village to build Eva’s Village Apartments, an affordable housing development adjacent to Eva's facilities. The 50 units provide permanent homes and supportive services for individuals and families. For more than 40 years, The Alpert Group has focused on bringing safe, quality housing to diverse segments of the population throughout the tri-state area. By investing in communities like Paterson, Joe Alpert and his company have helped thousands of individuals in need to achieve stability and find a sense of pride in having a place to call “home.”

The West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ, will be recognized with the Community Service Award for their monthly volunteer service in our Community Kitchen. The church also made a generous gift to Eva’s Village in spring of 2016, as part of a campaign that raised over $100,000 for five community partners that serve individuals in need. The outreach campaign marked the 10th anniversary of rebuilding their sanctuary after a devastating fire. The leadership, clergy and congregation of West Side Presbyterian have been serving others at home and around the world since 1912.

The Msgr. Vincent E. Puma Memorial Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to serve those in need at Eva’s Village. This year, Eva’s Workforce Development volunteers, led by Judith Siegel, Jim Finn, and Ellen Peterson, will be honored for their work in the job-readiness program attended by all clients in Eva’s inpatient substance abuse treatment programs. The group meets with clients three times each week, helping them prepare to re-enter the workforce by guiding them to create resumes and apply for jobs, assisting with computer skills, arranging mock interviews and offering feedback on presentation skills.

Funds Raised Are Critical
Revenue from the Gala will benefit Eva’s anti-poverty programs, including the Community Kitchen; shelters and housing; recovery and medical; and education and job training programs. “Our annual events and other private donations contribute more than a third of our annual revenue,” Eva’s Development Director, Heather Thompson explained. Several of Eva’s programs rely entirely on private donations, including the Community Kitchen, Eva’s free medical and dental services, and the childcare and education programs for the children who live in Eva’s facilities. “We hope to raise over $600,000 at this year’s Gala, so it is a critical source of funding for our programs, and also serves as a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of our mission,” she noted.

Sponsors
Paterson-based Rapid Pump and Meter Service Co., Inc. and Machinery Services Corp. are sponsoring the event.Railroad Construction Company, Inc., also located in Paterson, is sponsoring the Gala’s cocktail reception. County Concrete Corp. is the feature presentation sponsor. Each sponsor is a long-time supporter of Eva’s Village.

More Information about the Gala
For more information, visit the Gala page on our website. Tickets, tables, digital ads or sponsorships are available online, or contact Joey Mazza by phone 973-523-6220 x 235; fax (973) 825-7297; or email Joey(dot)Mazza(at)evasvillage(dot)org.

More about Rapid Pump and Meter Service Co., Inc. and Machinery Services Corp.
Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co., Inc., was founded in 1960 as Rapid Meter Service Co. to service and repair flow meters. Machinery Services Corp. was founded in 1978. The company provides diverse electrical and mechanical services in NY and NJ. Today, the two companies are leaders in the sales, service, installation and maintenance of industrial and municipal water systems, waste water systems, complex production machinery, and custom products. With deep roots in the Paterson community, the companies are committed to supporting local social service and educational organizations.

More about Eva’s Village
Founded by Msgr. Vincent E. Puma in 1982, Eva’s Community Kitchen began by serving 30 meals a day in Paterson to feed the hungry. In response to the related issues of poverty, addiction, mental illness and homelessness in the community, additional programs and services grew out of the Community Kitchen to become Eva’s Village, a non-profit, social service, anti-poverty organization that is one of the most comprehensive in New Jersey. For more than 30 years, Eva’s Village carried out its mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted, and provide medical and dental care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual. Today, Eva’s Village helps thousands of individuals rebuild their lives each year through 20 integrated programs addressing needs in the community for food and housing, medical and recovery services, and education and training.

Ellen V. Kuhn, Eva's Village, http://www.evasvillage.org, +1 973-523-6220 Ext: 270, [email protected]