2026 New Jersey Innovation Awards Public Voting Survey

2026 Public Voting: New Jersey Social Innovations Awards

The 2026 New Jersey Social Innovations Awards celebrates New Jersey Social Innovators. These awards honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities a thriving region of innovation and opportunity. The theme of the awards, “Achieving a More Just Society,” recognizes organic leadership who re-envision the challenges that communities face and who find innovative solutions to reshape communities. We need to recognize the social innovators who create change through innovative programs, policies, and by revolutionizing realities to bring us all forward to a more accessible and inclusive tomorrow -- today.

Thank you or taking the time to vote for NEW JERSEY'S 2026 SOCIAL INNOVATORS!

1.What is your name?(Required.)

2.What is your email?(Required.)

3.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Community Health and Well-Being - Innovative service models improving behavioral health, social determinants of health, and overall community well-being(Required.)

David's Sensory Gym, Paper Strategies Inc.
David’s Sensory Gym in Broadway, New Jersey was created to provide a welcoming space where children and individuals with disabilities can engage in physical activity, play, and social connection. The gym’s mission is to promote joy, inclusion, and opportunities for children of all abilities to participate in recreational activities that support both physical and emotional well being. Established in memory of David Philip Leary, who lived with complex disabilities, the gym reflects a commitment to creating supportive spaces for families navigating similar challenges. The facility brings together children with autism and other developmental or behavioral needs in an environment designed to encourage movement, play, and positive interaction. The program operates in partnership with organizations including Special Olympics New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Care Management Organization, strengthening community involvement and support for participating families. The gym is managed by parent advocate and PSI owner Dave Leary alongside Scott Gately, a local physical education teacher and special needs advocate, who work together to create an inclusive and supportive community resource.

Janice Campbell, Tri-State Canines
Tri-State Canine Response Team serves as the K9 Ambassador partner for Crisis Intervention Team New Jersey, providing trained comfort and service dogs that support communities during times of crisis and tragedy. The organization responds to incidents across all twenty one counties in New Jersey and partners with Legacy Treatment Services as part of the broader CIT New Jersey network. During community emergencies, funerals, and critical incidents, the team deploys trained dogs and handlers who provide comfort and emotional support to individuals, families, first responders, and community members affected by trauma. In addition to crisis response, the organization participates in community outreach and prevention efforts, including providing Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention training and attending public events such as National Night Out and community mental health initiatives. The team has also responded to major tragedies beyond New Jersey, offering support in locations such as Texas, Florida, Colorado, and New York. Through its partnership with Crisis Intervention Team New Jersey, Tri-State Canine Response Team helps strengthen community based responses to crisis while supporting efforts that connect individuals experiencing mental health challenges with appropriate care and services.

Pam Capaci, Hope Shed's Light
Pam Capaci serves as Chief Executive Officer of Hope Sheds Light, a peer driven nonprofit organization that provides recovery support services for individuals and families affected by substance use in Ocean and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programs that connect individuals with trained peer recovery specialists who offer guidance and support based on lived experience. She has worked to increase the availability of peer services across a variety of settings while strengthening partnerships with treatment providers and community organizations. These collaborations help ensure that individuals navigating substance use challenges can access coordinated support and recovery resources. Pam has also helped grow Hope Sheds Light’s family support initiatives and sustain a warm line that offers timely information, encouragement, and connections to services for individuals and loved ones seeking help. Through strategic leadership and community engagement, she continues to strengthen recovery support networks and promote approaches that reduce stigma while expanding pathways to recovery throughout the region.

The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development
The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development strengthens healthcare education by integrating community voice and lived experience into medical training programs. Its work focuses on preparing healthcare professionals to better support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through interdisciplinary education and community engagement. At Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, medical students and pediatric residents learn directly from individuals with disabilities and family members who share their personal experiences with the healthcare system. These perspectives help shape the curriculum and provide practical insight into what compassionate and effective care looks like in real clinical settings. All medical students participate in structured learning experiences, including an early session on communication with patients with disabilities that includes discussion with community members and family educators. During their pediatric clerkship, students take part in seminars led by a developmental pediatrician and a parent educator, followed by family visits and guided reflection. Pediatric residents also participate in family led discussions coordinated by the center. These experiences help future clinicians develop stronger communication skills and a deeper understanding of patient and family perspectives.

Durand, Inc. - Community Connections
Community Connections is an extension of Durand’s adult day habilitation program designed to support adults with developmental disabilities in building independence, exploring personal interests, and strengthening connections within the community. The program focuses on empowering participants through structured experiences that promote social engagement, confidence, and skill development. Participants explore volunteer and community service opportunities at local organizations such as food banks, animal shelters, libraries, community gardens, and senior centers, allowing them to contribute their time and talents while gaining a sense of purpose. In addition to service opportunities, the program encourages participation in community activities including festivals, recreational outings, fitness classes, and arts and crafts events that promote social interaction and personal wellness. Through guided experiences and mentorship, participants develop important life and work readiness skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem solving. Durand also partners with local businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofit groups to create inclusive opportunities that highlight the contributions and abilities of adults with developmental disabilities within the broader community.

Kristin Prinn, LUCY Outreach
Kristin Prinn, MSW, LCSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of LUCY Outreach, an organization that expands behavioral health and family support services for youth in Camden, New Jersey. What began in 2007 as a small drop in program has grown under her leadership into a comprehensive youth and family center that now serves more than 850 youth and families each year. LUCY Outreach provides crisis response services, clinical support, mentorship, and family focused programming designed to address both behavioral health needs and the social challenges that affect young people’s wellbeing. The organization’s community based model recognizes the connections between mental health, housing stability, education, and family support. Kristin has worked to ensure that services are accessible for diverse families, including Spanish speaking households and those facing immigration related challenges. During the pandemic, she led a successful capital campaign that resulted in the opening of a 10,000 square foot youth center that expanded access to services. Through her leadership, LUCY Outreach continues to strengthen behavioral health support systems and opportunities for youth and families in Camden.

4.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Advancing Access to Health – Innovative models and strategies reducing health disparities, addressing social and economic conditions, and ensuring access to care, especially for special populations such as older adults, people with intellectual disability, autism, behavioral health challenges, or physical disabilities.(Required.)

The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton
The Woods System of Care, in collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health, expanded access to specialized healthcare for individuals with complex needs through the opening of the Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center in Hamilton, New Jersey. The center replicates Woods’ integrated model of care designed specifically for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other behavioral health conditions. By combining primary care and behavioral health services in a coordinated setting, the center aims to improve access to care for a population that has historically faced significant barriers in traditional healthcare systems. The facility provides specially trained clinicians and a care environment designed to support patients with diverse communication, sensory, and behavioral needs. This integrated approach emphasizes prevention, wellness, and whole person care rather than treating medical and behavioral health conditions separately. By addressing physical health, behavioral health, and support needs in one coordinated system, the center helps reduce health disparities while promoting better long term outcomes. The model also aims to decrease reliance on emergency and inpatient services by providing consistent, accessible, and specialized care within the community.

Dr. Marguerite Pedley, Princeton House Behavioral Health, Moorestown NJ
Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Moorestown location provides intensive outpatient and partial hospital programs that support children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. The center offers specialized programs designed to address the unique needs of different populations, including services for women, men experiencing trauma, young adults, older adults, tweens, and adolescents. Additional program areas focus on co occurring mental health and substance use disorders, LGBTQ and transgender supportive care, and services for individuals affected by domestic violence. By offering multiple levels of care and specialized treatment tracks, the Moorestown location provides individuals with access to structured behavioral health support during times of crisis while helping them maintain connections to their daily lives and communities. As part of Penn Medicine, Princeton House Behavioral Health also connects patients to a broader network of care throughout New Jersey. The program’s multidisciplinary team works to create supportive treatment environments where individuals can access professional care, develop coping strategies, and build pathways toward long term mental health and recovery.

Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi, Cherry Hill Free Clinic
Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi provides leadership for the Cherry Hill Free Clinic, an initiative dedicated to expanding access to healthcare for uninsured and underserved residents in the community. Under his guidance, the clinic has become an important resource for individuals who face barriers to care due to financial hardship, language differences, transportation challenges, or limited access to consistent medical services. The clinic operates through a community centered model that brings together volunteer physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who provide primary care services at no cost. In addition to addressing immediate medical needs, the clinic connects patients with additional supports such as behavioral health services, prescription assistance, and community resources that help address broader factors influencing health and well being. The clinic’s services benefit a range of vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals managing chronic health conditions, and people facing behavioral health challenges. Through culturally responsive care and community partnerships, Dr. Oyeyemi and the Cherry Hill Free Clinic help reduce healthcare disparities while strengthening trust and access within the communities they serve.

CARE - Community Addiction Recovery Effort
The Community Addiction Recovery Effort (C.A.R.E.) was established in 2016 to create a new approach to responding to opioid addiction within the community. The initiative began when Robbinsville police officers recognized that encounters with individuals struggling with substance use could be an opportunity to connect people with treatment and recovery resources rather than solely relying on traditional enforcement responses. Through the program, individuals who are arrested for or seeking help with addiction can be immediately connected with trained counselors, treatment providers, and recovery support services. The program also allows individuals to seek assistance through voluntary walk ins, creating an accessible pathway to treatment and recovery. C.A.R.E. works by building collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare providers, and recovery professionals to help individuals navigate treatment options and access ongoing support. Since its launch, the model has expanded beyond Robbinsville and is now used in some form by municipalities throughout Mercer County. The initiative demonstrates how coordinated partnerships can improve responses to addiction while expanding access to care and recovery resources.

Edwin Asuta, The Arc of Union County
Edwin Asuta serves as Executive Director of The Arc of Union County, where he leads programs that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Beginning his career as a direct support professional, he advanced through multiple roles within the organization, bringing frontline experience to leadership and program development. Under his leadership, The Arc of Union County provides a range of services that include residential supports, adult day and behavioral health programs, workforce development, transportation, and family services for more than one thousand individuals each month across twenty one municipalities. Mr. Asuta has worked to strengthen organizational systems and operations by applying data driven planning and performance management practices that improve efficiency while maintaining person centered care. He also oversees HUD affiliated housing initiatives that expand stable community based living opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through investments in workforce development, service expansion, and community partnerships, his leadership has helped strengthen inclusive services that promote independence, dignity, and community participation for individuals and families throughout Union County.

Steve Setteducati, New Concepts for Living
Steve Setteducati serves as Chief Executive Officer of New Concepts for Living, where he leads initiatives that expand housing, healthcare, and community based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Since assuming leadership in 2016, he has guided the organization through significant growth while strengthening person centered services that support independence and inclusion. Under his leadership, New Concepts for Living has expanded community residences, developed medically supportive homes for adults with complex medical needs, and opened the Achievement Center, a facility that significantly increased the organization’s service capacity. These initiatives focus on helping individuals live and participate within their communities while reducing reliance on institutional settings. Mr. Setteducati has also worked with municipalities and community partners to develop innovative housing solutions that help meet affordable housing obligations while expanding housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through strategic leadership and program development, he has helped strengthen integrated services that support individuals with disabilities and their families while advancing inclusive community living throughout New Jersey.

5.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Community Voice and Impact - Novel strategies that amplify community voice, promote belonging, and influence policy or programs(Required.)

Anthony Comerford, New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Anthony Comerford, PhD, is recognized for his leadership in advancing behavioral health services and strengthening systems of care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. As an executive, clinician, and consultant, he has extensive experience in behavioral healthcare leadership, program development, and psychological assessment. At New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Dr. Comerford led strategic initiatives to modernize organizational systems, expand services, and improve treatment options for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. He also provides psychological assessments and clinical care through the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, supporting individuals involved in the judicial system. Dr. Comerford holds advanced degrees in Human Development and Organizational Psychology and has served as a faculty member at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition to his clinical and academic work, he has played an active role in statewide advocacy and professional leadership through the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, where he currently serves as Board Chair. Through his leadership and service, Dr. Comerford contributes to strengthening behavioral health systems and expanding access to care across New Jersey.

Wendy Alexander, Center For Family Services
Wendy Alexander has spent more than thirty five years advancing social service programs that support families and individuals across Camden and surrounding counties in southern New Jersey. As Vice President of Family Support and Prevention Services at the Center For Family Services, she has overseen the development and implementation of programs designed to strengthen family stability, expand access to resources, and support long term community well being. Her work focuses on mentoring and supervising teams of case managers and navigators who help residents connect with benefits, services, and supports that improve daily living and financial stability. Throughout her career, she has helped convene partners to strengthen Family Success Centers, expand homeless services, and develop programs focused on parenting education, relationship skills, workforce development, and financial literacy. She also collaborated with colleagues to lead the agency’s Intercultural Competence Committee, helping integrate equity and cultural awareness into program design and service delivery. Through consistent leadership and a person centered approach, Wendy Alexander has helped expand opportunities and strengthen support systems for individuals and families across the region.

Karly Forman Cohen, Raise the Bar
Raise the Bar Family Services is a Camden based nonprofit organization that supports families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community centered programming and resource navigation. Founded in 2022 by Executive Director Karly Forman Cohen, the organization was created in response to challenges families face when navigating complex disability service systems. Raise the Bar works directly with children, youth, and their siblings by providing inclusive social, recreational, and life skills programming that promotes connection and personal development. At the same time, the organization supports caregivers through peer support groups, educational workshops, and individualized guidance that helps families access services and resources available to them. By maintaining a small and responsive structure, the organization focuses on building trusted relationships within the community and tailoring services to the needs expressed by local families. Through its work, Raise the Bar helps reduce isolation, strengthens family support networks, and improves access to information and services for families of children with disabilities in Camden and surrounding communities.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center
The Salvation Army Kroc Center Camden is a powerful engine for measurable community impact in Camden and across South Jersey. Each year, the 125,000-square-foot facility serves tens of thousands of residents, providing safe spaces and life-changing programs for youth, families, and seniors. The center delivers hundreds of youth development and after-school programs, helping students build academic skills, leadership abilities, and healthy lifestyles.The Kroc Center also addresses critical community needs through food distribution, workforce readiness programs, and family support services, while offering affordable access to fitness, aquatics, and arts programming that promotes overall wellness. Through scholarships and subsidized memberships, thousands of low-income residents gain access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.By combining scale, accessibility, and high-quality programming, the Camden Kroc Center continues to expand opportunity, strengthen families, and produce measurable improvements in quality of life for the Camden community.

Pastor Randy Van Osten, First Baptist Church of Pitman
Rev. Randy Van Osten serves as pastor of First Baptist Church of Pitman and is recognized in the Pitman community for his leadership in programs that support families and individuals in need. Through his work with the Pitman Food Pantry, a collaborative effort involving local churches and volunteers, he helps coordinate food assistance for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Rev. Van Osten also helped establish the The Lighthouse Community Center, where volunteers prepare and distribute hundreds of hot meals twice each month while also hosting youth programs that provide safe and welcoming spaces for connection and personal growth. In addition, the church operates Fig Leaf Thrift, a pay as you can thrift shop offering affordable clothing, books, and essential items to community members. Through these initiatives, Rev. Van Osten works with volunteers and local partners to expand access to food, basic resources, and supportive community programs throughout Pitman.

6.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Excellence in Population and Public Health – Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, care coordination, and public health policy to create sustainable impact.(Required.)

Tabitha Patel
Tabitha Patel is recognized for her leadership in strengthening systems that support access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. With more than twenty years of experience working across Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Medicare, she focuses on ensuring that healthcare networks are structured to provide reliable access to care. In her work overseeing Medicare provider networks that include members and providers in New Jersey, Tabitha manages critical responsibilities such as provider data reporting, network adequacy monitoring, and regulatory compliance. These functions help determine whether healthcare systems meet required standards for access and availability of services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through her leadership, she has improved reporting accuracy, strengthened compliance performance, and enhanced coordination across teams and vendor partnerships. While much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays an essential role in supporting population health by ensuring that healthcare networks operate effectively and equitably. Tabitha Patel’s systems focused approach helps strengthen the infrastructure that enables Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey to access care within their communities.

Eat Well Food Farmacy
The Eat Well Food Farmacy program addresses food insecurity and diet related health conditions by integrating access to nutritious food into healthcare services for patients experiencing chronic illness and financial hardship. The program operates on the principle that healthy food can play an important role in improving health outcomes. Participants receive medically tailored groceries, nutrition education, and ongoing support that help them adopt healthier eating habits and better manage diet related conditions. The program currently operates brick and mortar locations in Camden and Mount Holly, New Jersey, which serve as community hubs where patients can access food and health related resources. To expand access, the program also launched a mobile service that partners with primary care providers located more than ten miles from the existing sites. This mobile approach helps reduce transportation barriers and allows more patients to benefit from the program’s services. By connecting healthcare providers, nutrition education, and food access, Eat Well Food Farmacy supports improved health outcomes while addressing food insecurity as a key factor influencing overall wellbeing.

Maxwell Kursh, Cooper University Health Care
Maxwell Kursh serves as Administrative Director for Population Health at Cooper University Health Care, where he leads initiatives focused on improving community health and addressing social determinants that affect patient outcomes. In this role, he has guided efforts to strengthen the health system’s approach to identifying and responding to barriers that impact access to care for vulnerable populations. Maxwell played a key role in leading Cooper’s Community Health Needs Assessment process, working with health system leaders and community partners to identify priority health challenges and develop coordinated responses. He also helped launch Cooper Unite, a platform powered by Findhelp that connects patients with free and low cost community resources, including support related to food access, transportation, housing, and other essential needs. The platform has been integrated into the MyChart patient portal to improve accessibility for patients. In addition, Maxwell leads teams of Community Health Workers, Navigators, and Community Health Assistants who work directly with patients and community partners to address barriers to care and strengthen connections between healthcare services and community resources.

Jessica Czepiel, Inspira Health
The Inspira Population Health Care Management Team works to improve community health by connecting patients with the care and resources they need to address both medical and social needs. The team includes nurses, social workers, and community health workers who collaborate to identify barriers such as food insecurity, transportation challenges, and behavioral health concerns that can affect a patient’s ability to maintain good health. Community health workers are embedded within Inspira’s Food Farmacy program and engage with patients in clinics, homes, and community settings to provide screenings and connect individuals with supportive services including nutrition assistance, transportation, and community resources. Through this coordinated approach, the team helps ensure that patients receive individualized support that addresses both health conditions and social factors influencing wellbeing. In 2025, the Food Farmacy program served more than 6,100 individuals, more than doubling the previous year’s reach, while community health workers connected hundreds of patients with essential services. The team also coordinates transitional care services that help high risk patients safely move from hospital care to community based follow up, strengthening continuity of care and improving health outcomes.

Sharsheret, Inc.
Sharsheret is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey that provides culturally responsive support, education, and resources for individuals and families facing breast and ovarian cancer, particularly those at increased genetic risk. Founded in 2001, the organization focuses on supporting Jewish women and families while offering services that are accessible to anyone affected by these cancers nationwide. Sharsheret provides a range of free programs including one to one peer support, mental health counseling, financial assistance for treatment related needs, genetics education, and online and telephone based services that connect individuals with information and support regardless of location. These programs assist not only patients but also caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members who are navigating the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. In addition to direct services, the organization collaborates with research institutions and national partners to contribute to public health education related to hereditary cancer risk and psychosocial care. Through community engagement, educational outreach, and support programs, Sharsheret has reached hundreds of thousands of individuals across the United States while maintaining strong ties to its New Jersey roots.

7.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Economic, Educational and Workforce Advancement - Innovative workforce development, education, and economic mobility strategies(Required.)

Onna Jones, Hopeworks
Onna Jones is a workforce development leader whose work focuses on expanding access to career opportunities for young professionals by addressing barriers that often limit economic mobility. As Senior Director at Hopeworks and a NEXUS Fellow, she has helped design and implement a model that integrates workforce training and employment pathways with mental health support, resource coordination, and personalized navigation services. This approach recognizes that many young adults face challenges beyond job training and seeks to provide the support systems needed to help participants succeed in the workforce. Under her leadership, Hopeworks has developed a human centered program that helps young adults stabilize their lives while preparing for careers in the technology sector. The model combines trauma informed practices, workforce preparation, and structured resource navigation to help participants overcome obstacles and remain engaged in their career pathways. The program has produced strong outcomes and has drawn interest from workforce development organizations seeking to learn from and adapt the model. Through this work, Onna Jones contributes to expanding workforce opportunities and supporting long term economic advancement for young adults.

Camden Dream Center
Camden Dream Center works to expand economic mobility and educational opportunity in Camden through programs focused on STEM education, workforce development, and sustainable agriculture. The organization provides STEM and literacy education for youth while also preparing students and adults for careers in information technology and cybersecurity through U.S. Department of Labor approved Registered Apprenticeship Programs and a partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy. These programs create pathways into high demand careers that offer long term economic stability. In 2025, Camden Dream Center expanded its impact through a partnership with Mastery High School of Camden to launch a hydroponics lab funded by Feeding America. The lab supports AgSTEM education and provides students with hands on experience in sustainable agriculture and food production. Through this program, students learn practical skills, explore agricultural career pathways, and contribute fresh produce for distribution within the school and local community. By combining education, workforce training, and food security initiatives, Camden Dream Center supports skill development and economic opportunity for residents across Camden.

Pamela Brant, Symphony in C
Pamela Brant leads Symphony in C, an organization dedicated to expanding access to classical music education for young people in Camden and surrounding communities. Through her leadership, Symphony in C provides music instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorship that help students develop artistic skills, confidence, and creative expression. The organization focuses particularly on reaching youth who may have limited access to arts education, offering programs that nurture talent while supporting personal and educational growth. By bringing high quality music education into communities where arts opportunities are often limited, Symphony in C helps students explore new creative pathways and build meaningful connections through music. Under Pamela Brant’s direction, the organization works to ensure that students can participate regardless of financial barriers, creating inclusive opportunities for learning and artistic development. Through performances, educational programs, and community engagement, Symphony in C continues to strengthen arts education while supporting the creativity and potential of young people in Camden.

GoMo Health's Behavioral Health Division
The GoMo Health First Responders Resiliency Program supports the mental, emotional, and physical well being of first responders who regularly face high stress and traumatic situations in the course of their work. Recognizing that stigma, time limitations, and confidentiality concerns can prevent many first responders from seeking traditional forms of support, the program uses a mobile based platform to provide accessible and personalized guidance. Through digital engagement informed by behavioral science, the program delivers timely messages, coping strategies, and wellness resources tailored to the unique demands faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders. The platform allows individuals to access support privately and at times that fit their schedules, helping reduce barriers to participation. In addition to supporting first responders directly, the program also includes resources designed for family members, recognizing the important role that family support plays in resilience and recovery. By combining technology with behavioral health strategies, the program offers an innovative approach to promoting wellness and resilience among first responders and their families.

Corey Hoffmann, Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors
Corey Hoffmann serves as Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Rowan University and Rutgers Camden Joint Board of Governors, where he leads initiatives that expand workforce and educational opportunities for Camden residents. Since 2019, he has overseen the development and growth of the Certified Medical Assistant Pathway Program, a workforce training initiative designed to create pathways to employment in the healthcare field. The program supports recent high school graduates and adults by providing instruction in medical terminology, workplace expectations, financial literacy, and essential professional skills. Participants also receive mentorship and coaching while enrolling in Camden County College to prepare for the medical assistant credentialing process. The program includes an externship component that provides hands on experience in healthcare settings. To support participant success, Mr. Hoffmann convened a network of community partners who provide mentorship, career guidance, and social service supports that help reduce barriers to program completion. Through these collaborations, the program helps strengthen workforce development while expanding career pathways and economic mobility opportunities for Camden residents.

8.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Housing and Community Development - Innovations in stable, attainable housing models that strengthen communities(Required.)

Thrive Red Bank, Parents With A Plan
Thrive Red Bank is an innovative housing community designed to support adults with autism by combining independent living with access to professional support services. The development features thoughtfully designed one bedroom apartments along with shared spaces such as a teaching kitchen, wellness areas, and environments intended to promote calm, connection, and opportunities for skill development. The community model emphasizes person centered design that recognizes the strengths and needs of neurodiverse adults while supporting greater independence in daily living. A key component of Thrive Red Bank is the integration of trained staff and clinical support within the residential setting, providing residents with consistent guidance that supports safety, stability, and personal growth. The community also creates opportunities for students and professionals to gain practical experience working with neurodiverse adults, helping to strengthen the future workforce in this field. Located in a walkable area of Red Bank, the development allows residents to access employment, recreation, and community resources while participating fully in local community life.

George Vessels, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
Since joining Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services in 2017, George has played a key role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges across Union County and surrounding communities. He began as a direct service provider on the PATH Team, conducting outreach to individuals living on the streets, in encampments, and in emergency settings, helping connect them to housing, behavioral health services, and community supports. Through his dedication and leadership, George advanced to roles including Senior Counselor and Team Leader, and now serves as Union County’s Mental Health Coordinator within the Crisis Intervention Team. In this role, he works closely with municipal police departments, providing training, conducting ride alongs, and responding to situations involving individuals in crisis. His early collaboration with law enforcement helped lay the groundwork for coordinated response models such as ARRIVE Together. George also manages housing programs including Shelter Plus Care, helping secure housing for approximately 150 individuals and families, and oversees PATH programs in Hunterdon and Warren Counties that support nearly 200 individuals each year. Through outreach, housing coordination, and cross sector partnerships, George contributes to strengthening services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Richard Cotton, Asbury Farms Real Estate
Richard C. Cotton is a fourth generation resident of the region whose career has focused on land planning, agricultural development, and balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Throughout his professional work, he has partnered with agricultural organizations and community leaders to develop projects that support housing needs while protecting local natural resources. One of his notable initiatives is the Village at Hawk Pointe in Washington, New Jersey, an affordable housing development within the larger Hawk Pointe Community that provides housing opportunities for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cotton has also integrated sustainability into the broader Hawk Pointe development through energy, water, and environmental initiatives. These include the installation of a 1,900 panel solar array that powers the club’s energy use and a two megawatt system designed to support the commercial components of the Village at Hawk Pointe. In addition, he implemented an environmentally responsible wastewater management system that protects surrounding ecosystems while enabling water reuse on site, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable community development.

Ross Croessman, Project Live
Project Live, led by CEO Ross Croessman, provides safe, affordable, and permanent supportive housing for individuals with serious and complex behavioral health conditions in Essex County, New Jersey. The organization owns and operates twenty four properties that serve approximately 300 individuals, offering housing integrated within local communities and located near public transportation, shopping, and recreation. Project Live combines housing with comprehensive wrap around services that support long term stability and recovery. These services include case management, activities of daily living skills training, crisis intervention, peer support counseling, and connections to health care and public benefits. Each resident develops an individualized service plan upon entering housing to help support their goals and daily needs. The organization also offers employment and education services that promote independence and self sufficiency. Recognizing that many residents experience co occurring behavioral health and substance use challenges, Project Live has developed specialized residential programs supported by Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors and multidisciplinary care teams that include clinicians, nurses, psychiatrists, and peer recovery specialists.

NJ Organizing Project
The New Jersey Organizing Project is a grassroots organization that mobilizes residents to advocate for policies and programs that improve the well being of communities across the state. The organization works to empower everyday individuals to speak out, engage with policymakers, and participate in efforts that address pressing social and economic challenges. Through advocacy, community organizing, and legislative engagement, the group focuses on several key campaigns that support residents in areas such as disaster recovery, public health, environmental resilience, and economic stability. These initiatives include the Right to Storm Recovery campaign, which promotes fair disaster recovery and FEMA access; the Not One More campaign addressing the overdose crisis in New Jersey; People First Politics, which focuses on policies affecting residents’ daily lives; Shorekeeper, which raises awareness about sea level rise and storm preparedness; and Economic Security and Dignity, which advocates for housing stability, food access, and healthcare support. Through these efforts, the New Jersey Organizing Project encourages civic engagement and works to strengthen community voices in shaping policies that impact residents throughout the state.

9.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Innovative Philanthropy and Funding Strategies - Funders taking innovative approaches to social sector investment(Required.)

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and Camden Coalition
The New Jersey Safety Net Innovation Proposal (NJ SNIP) program, supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and implemented by the Camden Coalition, strengthens the capacity of safety net healthcare organizations to address critical mental health needs across New Jersey. The initiative provides community based organizations with two years of funding to expand or pilot innovative programs that support individuals living with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. In addition to financial support, the Camden Coalition provides tailored technical assistance to help participating organizations address project management challenges, strengthen implementation strategies, and build sustainable solutions. Through this initiative, nineteen community based organizations received support to develop and expand programs that improve access to care and enhance services for underserved populations. The program’s structure allows organizations the time and resources needed to test innovative approaches and refine them through continuous improvement. Early outcomes from the second cohort demonstrate positive impacts for individuals with serious mental health conditions, including initiatives such as Bridgeway’s wellness program supporting individuals with co occurring mental heal

Kim Bezanis, Zallie Community Foundation
The Zallie Community Foundation works to address food insecurity and health disparities across South Jersey through community driven philanthropy and strategic partnerships. The foundation focuses on increasing access to nutritious food, promoting wellness, and strengthening connections between community organizations that support families in need. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, food banks, schools, and healthcare providers, the foundation supports programs that provide direct food assistance and expand access to healthy meals. These initiatives include mobile food pantries, senior nourishment programs, children’s summer meal programs, and seasonal meal distributions that help ensure families have reliable access to food throughout the year. In addition to direct service, the foundation provides grants and supports volunteer initiatives that help local organizations expand their impact. The foundation also promotes nutrition education and community wellness programs designed to support long term health. By combining philanthropic investment with community collaboration, the Zallie Community Foundation helps strengthen local food support systems and expand access to essential resources for families across South Jersey.

Sherie Martin, PNC Charitable Trusts
Sherie Martin serves in a leadership role with PNC Charitable Trusts, where she works with donors and nonprofit organizations to guide strategic philanthropic investments that support community impact. In her role, she helps steward charitable resources by evaluating funding opportunities and partnering with organizations working to address a wide range of social and community needs. Sherie is known for taking a collaborative approach that focuses on building long term relationships with nonprofit leaders and aligning funding decisions with measurable outcomes. Beyond grantmaking, she provides insight, guidance, and connections that help strengthen the organizations she supports and expand their ability to achieve their missions. By engaging deeply with community partners and leveraging professional networks, she helps connect resources, expertise, and organizations in ways that extend the impact of philanthropic investments. Through this approach, Sherie Martin contributes to strengthening the nonprofit sector and supporting initiatives that create lasting benefits for communities across the region.

10.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Transformative Partnerships - Cross-sector partnerships solving complex social or environmental challenges.(Required.)

Share My Meals and the Meal Recovery Coalition
The New Jersey Meal Recovery Coalition demonstrates the impact of cross sector collaboration in addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste across the state. The coalition brings together partners from major corporations such as Campbell’s, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson and Johnson, alongside healthcare systems including RWJBarnabas Health, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations such as the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Working together with Share My Meals, these partners are building systems that make prepared meal recovery a standard practice across New Jersey. Through coordinated logistics, shared standards, and collective impact measurement, the coalition strengthens the state’s food support network while reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. In 2025 alone, coalition members recovered more than 85,000 pounds of food and distributed over 62,000 healthy meals to twelve community organizations serving individuals and families in need. The initiative demonstrates how coordinated partnerships across sectors can create practical solutions that improve food access, strengthen communities, and reduce environmental impact throughout New Jersey.

Dana Redd, Camden Community Partnership
Camden Community Partnership works to support the revitalization and long term growth of Camden through cross sector collaboration and community driven initiatives. The organization brings together community leaders, residents, employers, educators, and nonprofit partners to advance strategies that promote economic opportunity and neighborhood development. One of its key initiatives is Camden Works, a workforce development program designed to expand employment pathways for Camden residents. Through this initiative, Camden Community Partnership partners with managing and advisory organizations that provide infrastructure support, philanthropic investment, and connections to employers. Camden Works helps residents navigate the full employment process by offering job readiness training, skills development, recruitment assistance, and job placement services. Participants also receive case management and wrap around supports that help address barriers and promote long term job retention. Through resource fairs, training opportunities, and partnerships with local employers, the program increases access to employment and education resources. Camden Works helps strengthen economic mobility for residents while contributing to broader community health and stability in Camden.

Jonathan Cummings, Revive South Jersey and Ranch Hope
Jonathan Cummings is the founder of Revive South Jersey, an organization that has been working since 2012 to support the physical, social, and spiritual well being of youth and families in Cumberland and Salem counties. Through Revive South Jersey, he partners with local law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and schools to develop programs that strengthen family stability and expand opportunities for young people. These initiatives include youth sports programming, workforce development opportunities, and community based activities designed to engage youth in positive and supportive environments. Cummings also collaborates with organizations such as Ranch Hope to expand services and programming in Salem County. In addition, he is working on a new community initiative to open a food store in Salem City through a partnership with Rastelli Foods, aimed at increasing access to healthy food options for local residents. By building strong partnerships and responding directly to community needs, Revive South Jersey has become a trusted local resource that connects families with programs, services, and opportunities that support long term community well being.

Joseph's House
Joseph’s House is implementing a shelter based approach to addressing homelessness and substance use by creating a setting where individuals can access support and healthcare services in the same place they seek shelter. As a frontline homeless shelter in South Jersey, the organization provides a low barrier environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can receive assistance without preconditions that might otherwise delay engagement in care. Through a partnership with Maryville Integrated Care, Joseph’s House offers access to medication assisted treatment, behavioral health services, and care coordination directly within the shelter. This approach reduces common barriers such as transportation challenges, long wait times, and complicated referral processes that often prevent individuals from accessing treatment. Joseph’s House focuses on building trust, supporting housing stability, and connecting residents to long term resources, while Maryville provides clinical expertise and ongoing treatment support. Together, the organizations demonstrate how collaboration between shelters and healthcare providers can improve access to care, strengthen continuity of services, and support better outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges in South Jersey.

11.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Advocacy, Policy, and Systems Change - Innovative advocacy, policy reform, and legislative strategies advancing rights, justice, and structural change(Required.)

Catherine Chin, The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD)
Catherine Chin serves as Executive Director of the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities and is widely recognized for her leadership in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across New Jersey. Through her work, she engages with state government, service providers, and community partners to promote policies and programs that expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. In response to concerns about potential Medicaid funding reductions, Ms. Chin helped launch the “Defending the Achievement” campaign, an initiative that highlights the impact of Medicaid funded Home and Community Based Services Waivers. The campaign provides a platform for individuals with disabilities to share personal stories about how access to community based services has enabled them to move from institutional settings into independent living environments, pursue personal goals, and become active members of their communities. By amplifying these voices, the initiative raises awareness about the impo

Volunteer UP Legal Clinic Staff
Volunteer UP Legal Clinic expands access to legal support for individuals and families in South Jersey who may otherwise face barriers to obtaining legal assistance. The organization connects economically disadvantaged residents with free legal services through a network of nearly two hundred volunteer attorneys who donate their time and expertise. These attorneys assist hundreds of clients each year with issues that affect stability and well being, including housing, employment, public benefits, reentry after incarceration, healthcare access, and other civil legal matters. By removing financial barriers to legal representation, the clinic helps individuals better navigate complex legal systems and pursue fair outcomes. Volunteer UP works in partnership with local nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions to expand the reach of its services across Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Originally founded to address urgent legal needs in Camden, the organization now serves a broad range of community members including veterans, returning citizens, individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, and families at risk of housing instability.

Bikers Against Child Abuse - South Jersey Chapter
Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) is a volunteer based organization dedicated to supporting children who have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. The organization works to help children feel safe, supported, and empowered by building trusted relationships and providing a visible network of adults committed to their protection and wellbeing. Members of B.A.C.A. receive training on topics such as childhood trauma, the effects of abuse, and effective ways to communicate with children who have experienced harm. This preparation helps ensure that volunteers engage with children in a supportive and respectful manner. When a child joins the B.A.C.A. program, members create a consistent presence that helps the child feel protected and less isolated as they navigate difficult experiences. Volunteers also participate in court support, community awareness efforts, and ongoing outreach that reinforces a message of safety and encouragement. Through their volunteer commitment and training, B.A.C.A. members work to provide comfort, stability, and a supportive community for children who have faced abuse.

Contact of Burlington County
Contact of Burlington County has provided support and services to individuals impacted by sexual violence for more than fifty years. The organization operates a confidential 24 hour hotline available to individuals age thirteen and older, offering trauma informed support from trained advocates who listen, provide guidance, and help callers understand available options. In addition to hotline services, Contact offers counseling and therapy programs, including bilingual services, to support survivors and their families as they navigate recovery and healing. Advocates work with individuals to explore options such as safety planning, reporting incidents, accessing medical care, and connecting with counseling services while respecting each person’s choices and comfort level. The organization can also provide accompaniment and support during visits to hospitals, police departments, or court proceedings. Beyond direct services, Contact of Burlington County conducts outreach and prevention education for schools, service organizations, and professionals, helping raise awareness and strengthen community responses to sexual violence. Through these services, the organization provides ongoing support, resources, and advocacy for survivors and their loved ones throughout the recovery process.

Heather Simms, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
Heather Simms serves as Deputy Director of Advocacy and Peer Services at the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ), where she advances initiatives that support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and related barriers such as homelessness and unemployment. Working within a peer led organization, Heather draws on lived experience to help ensure that individuals with behavioral health conditions have their rights protected and their voices represented in policy and community discussions. She regularly participates in statewide planning councils, town halls, and advisory groups to advocate for underserved populations and promote more equitable behavioral health systems. Heather is known for building strong partnerships with community organizations, policymakers, and service providers to advance innovative and sustainable solutions. Her work has helped expand the role of peer support within state psychiatric hospitals and increase access to peer supportive housing across New Jersey. Through advocacy, collaboration, and system level engagement, Heather contributes to strengthening opportunities for individuals with behavioral health challenges to access support, stability, and community inclusion.

12.Please VOTE for ONE of the following Thought Leadership and Capacity Building - Strengthening the social sector through research, learning, and leadership development(Required.)

Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs Center (RISN)
Dr. Jennifer LeComte, Dr. Wendy Aita, and Dr. Andrea Iannuzzelli are leading a collaborative effort to improve healthcare access and system capacity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their work at the Rowan Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs Center (RISN). The center was established to address longstanding gaps in care experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who often face barriers when accessing primary care and behavioral health services. RISN provides an integrated model of care that combines primary care, behavioral health support, and specialized services tailored to the needs of this population. The team has developed innovative clinical approaches including trauma informed and sensory sensitive care environments, as well as desensitization programs that help patients successfully complete procedures such as blood draws and gynecological exams. In addition to providing direct care, the physicians train medical students and residents through Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, helping build a healthcare workforce better prepared

Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs - Rutgers-Camden
The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University Camden strengthens community initiatives through research, evaluation, and capacity building that support long term systems change. As a research partner to the Camden Food Security Collective, the institute worked closely with community leaders and partner organizations to develop tools that strengthen collaboration and improve the effectiveness of local food access efforts. The institute led the development of a shared measurement framework that integrates social determinants of health and food security, helping align data collection with the Collective’s strategies to expand access to services, increase financial stability, and strengthen the local food economy. Researchers worked directly with Collective members to shape evaluation questions that reflect both community priorities and lived experience. Through interviews, surveys, and bilingual community focus groups, the team gathered insights from more than one hundred stakeholders and residents. These findings were translated into practical tools including baseline data, ongoing evaluation methods, and shared accountability measures that support continuous improvement and guide expansion of food access initiatives throughout Camden County.

Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey, Southern Chapter, AFP Global
AFP Southern New Jersey strengthens the nonprofit sector by providing professional development, leadership training, and capacity building opportunities for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders throughout the region. Through educational programs, mentorship, and networking, the organization supports professionals at all stages of their careers while promoting ethical and inclusive fundraising practices. One recent initiative is the chapter’s Board Training Program, which helps nonprofit boards strengthen governance, increase engagement, and improve organizational leadership and accountability. In addition, AFP Southern New Jersey offers scholarships that help reduce financial barriers to professional development, allowing more practitioners to access training and industry resources. These efforts help build a more skilled and sustainable fundraising workforce while supporting stronger nonprofit organizations across Southern New Jersey. By investing in leadership development and encouraging collaboration within the philanthropic community, AFP Southern New Jersey contributes to improving the effectiveness and long term sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving communities throughout the region.

Robert Budsock, Integrity, Inc.
Robert Budsock is recognized for his leadership in advancing community centered strategies that improve clinical outcomes, strengthen care coordination, and expand access to behavioral health and public health services across New Jersey. As a leader at Integrity House, he helps guide programs that serve approximately 3,000 individuals and families affected by substance use disorders, with a strong focus on uninsured and underserved populations in the greater Newark area. Under his leadership, Integrity House has expanded efforts that integrate treatment, prevention, and community wellness initiatives. One example is the launch of the Community Health Hub at University Hospital in Newark, a kiosk located outside the Emergency Department that provides immediate access to harm reduction and wellness supplies including naloxone, drug test strips, HIV testing kits, wound care supplies, and hygiene resources. Budsock has also supported the expansion of the Integrity Harm Reduction Center, which offers peer support, case management, naloxone distribution, and connections to mental health care, addiction treatment, and housing services. These initiatives contribute to improved outcomes for participants and strengthen coordinated community based responses to substance use and behavioral health challenges.

Mary Coogan, Advocates for Children of NJ
Advocates for Children of New Jersey works to improve the well being of children and families across the state through research, public education, and policy advocacy. The organization collaborates with local, state, and federal officials to identify challenges facing children and develop solutions that strengthen systems of support. A key component of this work is the Kids Count initiative, which provides free, comprehensive data on issues affecting children and families throughout New Jersey. This data helps policymakers, community organizations, and residents better understand trends related to health, education, economic stability, and child well being. Advocates for Children of New Jersey also partners with local agencies and community groups to present and interpret the data, helping ensure that it is accessible and useful to a wide range of stakeholders. By translating complex information into clear and actionable insights, the organization supports informed decision making and promotes policies and programs that aim to improve outcomes for children and families across New Jersey.