NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Governor Jon S. Corzine and Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin today announced the recipients of the 2006 Connie Woodruff and Wynona M. Lipman Awards. The annual ceremony honors women and organizations throughout the state whose contributions have improved the lives of fellow New Jerseyans.

“The organizations that are being honored today could not be more deserving of these awards,” said Governor Corzine. “It is clear that the strength, compassion and drive embodied by Ms. Woodruff and Senator Lipman lives on in New Jersey.”

The Connie Woodruff and Wynona M. Lipman Awards are cosponsored by DCA’s Division on Women and the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women.

“The purpose of Women’s History Month is to commemorate what women have done in the past, and look forward to what we can achieve in the future,” Commissioner Levin said. “The Wynona Lipman and Connie Woodruff awards honor today’s history makers - women of strength, vision and character that contribute to the advancement of women throughout New Jersey. The recipients of these awards have carried on in the same tradition of Senator Lipman and Connie Woodruff – a tradition of excellence and inspiration.”

The Connie Woodruff Award is named in honor of the late Connie Woodruff, the first Chairperson of the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and past President of the National Association of Commissions on Women. The Wynona M. Lipman Award is named for the late Senator Wynona M. Lipman; the first African American woman elected to the New Jersey State Senate, and champion of women’s rights, minorities and children.

Governor Corzine and Commissioner Levin presented awards to 17 outstanding New Jersey organizations that support women. 

2006 Connie Woodruff and Wynona M. Lipman Awardees

Connie Woodruff Award

The New Jersey Advisory Committee for Women Veterans
Statewide
The New Jersey Advisory Committee for Women Veterans was founded in 1985 to inform women veterans of opportunities and benefits earned as a result of their crucial roles in our state and nation’s defense.  Committee members are women who have served in the military.  The New Jersey Advisory Committee for Women Veterans serve as advocates to ensure that programs and policies related to women veterans meet the needs of the changing roles women face in today’s military.  Through its advocacy efforts, the Committee also helped remember and memorialize women veterans by creating the Minute Woman Monument at the General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown.

Wynona M. Lipman Awards

Innovations in Science & Technology

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Kappa Omega Chapter
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Partnership in Mathematics and Science Program began in 1995 to encourage young women and minority students to enter careers in math and science. Theta Kappa Omega implemented a local program in 1996 in Atlantic City, designed for middle and high school students.

Service in Education

Business and Professional Women of New Jersey
Manahawkin, Ocean County
The Business and Professional Women of New Jersey has been working on behalf of women since 1919. BPW’s mission is to empower working women to achieve their full potential and partner with employers to build successful workplaces. BPW’s commitment to working women is reflected in events and programs that benefit local communities, encourage the personal and professional development of women, and raise awareness of issues affecting working women among business leaders and policy makers.

Center for American Women and Politics
New Brunswick, Middlesex County
The Center for American Women and Politics was founded in 1971. CAWP’s mission is to promote a greater understanding and knowledge of a woman’s relationship to politics and government, and to enhance a woman’s influence and leadership in public life. CAWP’s activities are concentrated in four areas: education, information services, programs for women public officials and research.

Mentoring Program

Camden County Commission for Women
Camden County
For the last four years, the Camden County Commission for Women has hosted an Annual Careers Workshop/Volunteer Fair. The fair highlights non-traditional careers for girls between the ages of 13 and 18.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapter
Teaneck, Bergen County
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Bergen/Passaic Chapter fosters the principles of equal rights and opportunities for women while promoting cultural awareness. The coalition partners with the Bergen County Community College and Englewood Public Schools in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Undergraduate Programs (GEAR-UP). Members participate as mentors, workshop presenters, college tour chaperones, conference participants and members of special committees.

Job Training and Professional Development Program

Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey
Camden County
Throughout its 30 year history, the Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey has helped create opportunities for women through a broad range of services. HFC’s services include mental health services, substance abuse counseling, computer literacy, English as a Second Language and employment training programs.

St. Francis Community Center
Brant Beach, Ocean County
St. Francis Community Center provides year-round educational, social, recreational and self-development activities for women and families. In partnership with the Adult Basic Skills Consortium of Ocean County, the community center also provides GED prep, English as a Second Language courses and computer classes; and career assessment, counseling, job readiness and life skills, and resume preparation.

Violence Against Women Program

New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition
New Brunswick, Middlesex County
The New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition was created in 2002 as a direct response to the increased number of reported cases of domestic violence in the City of New Brunswick. The coalition’s mission is to increase New Brunswick’s responsiveness to issues concerning domestic violence.

Women Rising: Battered Women’s Program & Support Group of the YWCA
Jersey City, Hudson County
Women Rising, Inc. improves the lives of survivors of domestic violence. This program provides emergency shelter and crisis response to victims and their families. 

Service in Healthcare

New Jersey Statewide Go Red for Women Luncheon, American Heart Association
Statewide
The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement raises awareness of women’s risks for cardiovascular disease, and helps them take action to reduce their personal risks. The American Heart Association launched Go Red for Women, extending the effort that began in 1997 with the “Take Wellness to Heart” awareness campaign.

Women's Health & Counseling Center
Somerville, Somerset County
The Women’s Health & Counseling Center is a community-based, nonprofit provider of personalized healthcare for women, particularly those who may not be able to obtain services from traditional providers due to financial, cultural, language or other barriers. WHCC’s goal is to provide a safe haven where compassionate and high quality services are available, including medical and preventive care, and counseling and support programs.

Community Service

Homestead Youth Association
Pennsauken, Camden County
The Homestead Youth Association encourages youth to become active in community service by participating in programming and services to seniors. In 2002, the organization began to host a “Woman’s Health Luncheon” for senior women.

Junior Woman’s Club of Woodstown
Woodstown, Salem County
The Junior Woman’s Club of Woodstown helps foster children who are awaiting placement through the Division of Youth and Family Services. Through its “backpack” program, the organization has provided school supplies, personal hygiene items, craft projects, toys and books to over 400 children. The organization has worked to involve many community groups in this project to make it a great success.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.,
Southern New Jersey Chapter Southern New Jersey, Camden and Gloucester Counties
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter has worked to expand opportunities for women by fostering principles of equal rights and opportunities for women of color; promoting the awareness of culture; participating in civic affairs; and effecting policy decisions on political, social and economic issues.

SisterHood, Inc.
Burlington City, Burlington County
SisterHood, Inc. is committed to enriching the lives of women and children in transition or life crises. The organization’s mission is accomplished through caring, sharing and bearing the burdens of women and children in need in advocacy, mentoring, career development, counseling and supportive programs.

The Family Afterward
Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County
The Family Afterward provides transitional housing for women in recovery and their children. The program opened its doors in 2000, under the auspices of Freedom House, Inc. The Family Afterward addresses the unique needs of women in recovery who are attempting to reunify with their families, and provides women with safe and sober housing while showing them how to pursue economic independence.