FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 26, 2018

 

WEST ORANGE, NJ – Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who also serves as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), was honored among two other recipients with the People Who Make a Difference award by Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey (PPMNJ) at their 90th anniversary celebration at the Wilshire Grand Wednesday evening.

“Planned Parenthood has been a steadfast leader in advocating for women’s health for generations past, which is why this award is so meaningful today,” said Lieutenant Governor Oliver.  “Protecting the rights of women and increasing their access to healthcare are causes that are not only near and dear to me, but are at stake in this country.  I proudly stand with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey while together we voice our concerns about the critical issues facing women today.”

The People Who Make a Difference Award is presented to individuals who have made a difference in their communities and for the people they serve. 

Roslyn Rogers Collins, President and CEO of PPMNJ said, "Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver has a remarkable record of advocating for healthcare for the citizens of NJ. Throughout her political career, she has been a true ally, championing women’s health and reproductive justice, unabashedly standing shoulder to shoulder with many organizations, including Planned Parenthood. She indeed is a person who has made a difference!!"

The 90th anniversary gala brought together hundreds of individuals and advocacy groups to celebrate the decades long history of the organization and its accomplishments.

Founded in 1928 when a statewide committee called the New Jersey Birth Control League was formed; the League opened the Newark Maternal Health Care Center. It was the first family planning center in New Jersey and women came from all over the state to use the facility. PPMNJ’s mission continues to be to empower individuals to make voluntary, informed decisions about their reproductive lives by providing safe, affordable health care, educational services, and championing public policies to make those services available to all.

PPMNJ is an affiliate member of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA).

During the awards segment of the evening, two women and one man were honored with the People Who Make a Difference award. The honorees were Lieutenant Governor Oliver, Karol Corbin Walker, attorney at LeClair Ryan, and Edward Stuart, a former-PPMNJ board member.

Established in 1967, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services that respond to issues of public concern including affordable housing production, fire safety and building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery.

For more information about DCA, visit: www.nj.gov/dca/

   DCa on Twitter

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty
Lisa Ryan
Gina Trish
(609) 292-6055