New Jersey Statewide Navigation Bar
NJ Office of the Attorney General Home
 
 
 
L&PS home page contact us news headlines about us frequently asked questions library employment opportunities available grants proposed regulations
 
For Immediate Release:  
For Further Information Contact:
June 9, 2005

Office of The Attorney General
- Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General
Juvenile Justice Commission
- Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director

 

Sharon Lauchaire
609-292-2288

 

JJC to Host Affirmative Action Training and Awards Luncheon

BORDENTOWN - On Friday, June 10, the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission will host the New Jersey Affirmative Action Officers Council’s (NJAAOC) 23rd Annual Training Seminar and Paul M. Smith Scholarship Awards luncheon.

This year’s training, “Monitoring Employment Policies: Best Practices” will include a presentation by Ellsworth E. Wiggins, Sr., Director, Office of Business Diversity, New Jersey Transit. Affirmative Action Officers, Human Resource Personnel, and other state employees interested in employment policies will attend this training. To date, approximately 85 individuals have registered to attend. The training is designed to help EEO/AA officers understand the importance of monitoring hiring and termination policies as it relates to discrimination.

Attorney General Peter C. Harvey will be the keynote speaker and will issue the oath of office to NJAAOC new officers: Charles Williams from Kean University as Chair; Marvin Askins from New Jersey Casino Control Commission as Vice Chair; Jennifer Payne from the Department of Banking and Insurance as Treasurer; and Maureen Peterson-Kenney, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority as secretary. Also joining in the celebration will be Yollette Ross, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor; Michelle Meyer-Shipp, Director, Division of EEO/AA, Department of Personnel; Regena L. Thomas, Secretary of State; and the family of Paul M. Smith.

“The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission is proud to host the 23rd Annual New Jersey Affirmative Action Council Training Seminar and Paul M. Smith Scholarship Awards Luncheon,” said Francine Williams, Chair of event and the JJC’s Equal Employment Officer/Affirmitive Action Officer. “As the state agency responsible for rehabilitating some of the state’s most troubled young people, the JJC has implemented a Respect and Dignity program for its juvenile residents, as well as a mandatory training for all JJC staff. It is critical that young people learn at an early age how to treat colleagues and associates. The JJC is proud that our residents could be a part of this important day.”

The highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of the Paul M. Smith Scholarship Awards. Paul M. Smith, one of the founders of the New Jersey Affirmative Action Officers Council, recognized the need for, and strove to create, a working environment free of discrimination, where people could ascend to their full potential, physically, mentally, spiritually and economically. His commitment and achievements led him to assume the role of Affirmative Actions Officer in the Capital Office of Civil Rights, where he later became Director. Smith went on to become the Affirmative Action Officer for New Jersey Transit until his death in 1988.

Smith’s commitment to these personal goals prompted the members to establish an Annual Achievement Award in his name. Each year students from the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state are presented with a scholarship award. Applicants must already be accepted into college, provide transcripts, provide information on extra curricular activities, and submit an essay on Affirmative Action. Finally, they must be interviewed by the NJAAOC Scholarship committee.

This year, the first place award of $1,000.00 will be awarded to Kenyatta Beasley from Plainfield High School. Second place winners, Connie J. Smith of Vineland High School, and Kristyna Mendoza form Vineland High School, will each receive a $500.00 scholarship that can be used toward the purchase of books for their college courses.

The seminar will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the JJC’s Valentine Residential Community Home located in Bordentown The award program will begin at 12:45 at the JJC’s Female Secure and Intake Facility (FSC&IF) next door and will include a presentation by the residents of the JJC’s Female Secure Care and Intake Facility.

The FSC&IF is a secure facility. Any members of the press, including photographers, attending the award ceremony must RSVP to 609-292-2288 to have their names placed on the visitors’ list. Those entering the facility must bring photo ID. Cell phones, pagers, etc. are not permitted in the facility. Visitors will be searched prior to entering the facility.

The State of New Jersey protects the confidentiality rights of juveniles. Juveniles will be present throughout the day, including a presentation, but cannot be interviewed or photographed without permission.

# # #

Subscribe here to receive the Attorney General's Weekly Update via e-mail
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
bottom navigation graphic
departmental: oag home | contact us | news | about us | faqs | library | employment | divisions, programs and units | services from a-z
statewide: njhome | my new jersey | people | business | government | departments | search
 
Copyright © State of New Jersey

New Jersey Home My New Jersey People Business Government Departments New Jersey Home Contact Us Privacy Notice Legal Statement more news More Highlights