Cranford Teen, Organization Honored For Helping Homeless

CRANFORD, NJ — A Cranford teenager and organization were among those to be honored by the Homefirst Interfaith Housing & Family Services Inc. for their work in the fight to end homelessness in Union County

The awards were given out at the Evening of Thanks awards dinner at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, which raised more than $35,000.

Richard Brown, chief executive officer and president at Monarch Housing, was named this year’s Housing & Advocacy Champion. Brown has more than 45 years of experience in housing development and community organizing.

Based in Cranford, Monarch has been a leader in expanding the supply and accessibility of affordable housing in New Jersey.

“This is our time, and this our issue. We must all become advocates to end homelessness,” said Brown. “Our voices need to be heard in Washington, Trenton, Elizabeth as well as our hometowns.”

One of the 2017 Homefirst Heroes, Daniel Serna, 15, a resident of Cranford, was recognized for organizing school supply drives for the past four years, initially as part of his Bar Mitzvah.

“I feel honored to be recognized by Homefirst,” said Serna. “Receiving this award makes me realize the difference I can make in the community.”

Homefirst’s Plainfield Family Support Center hosts an annual school supply giveaway with the supplies donated through Serna’s drive.

Another teen and organization from Westfield were also honored.

The Westfield United Fund received the Philanthropic Champion award. Since 1937, the Fund has supported programs to families and individuals including those with physical and psychological disabilities in Westfield and its surrounding communities.

“The Westfield United Fund is proud to count Homefirst among our family of agencies and to be part of their life-changing and inspiring work. We look forward to many more years of partnering with Homefirst to help families, in Union County, find the stability they need to succeed,” said Deirdre Gelinne, executive director of the Fund.

Sophie Braun, 12, of Westfield, a seventh-grader at Edison Intermediate School, was also honored as a 2017 Homefirst Hero for organizing a swim-a-thon that raised about $3,000 for Homefirst. She and her swim group, The Barracudas, look forward to holding the second annual swim-a-thon during the spring.

“My parents impressed upon me the importance of helping others. I would like to thank my family for supporting my swim-a-thon. Even my grandparents participated by swimming laps,” said Braun.

Homefirst is a leading collaborator that delivers real outcomes to the issue of homelessness that is plaguing many communities. They provide transitional, supportive and permanent housing, homelessness prevention assistance and services to individuals and families. For more information, www.homefirstinc.org, or contact Homefirst Development Director Karla Spivey at 908-753-4001 or karla@homefirstinc.org.

(Images via HomeFirst Housing & Family Services)

Photos 1 & 2 - Daniel Serna, 15, of Cranford.

Photos 3 & 4 - Richard Brown, CEO & President at Monarch Housing

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