The Displaced Homemakers Network (DHN) held its annual Legislative Reception on May 11, 2017 at the State House in Trenton. Five women from the Displaced Homemakers Centers in Burlington, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex and Passaic Counties were awarded the New Beginnings Award of $500 in honor of their successes in re-entering the workforce and improving their lives. One woman was awarded the McSwieney Award of $500 for her achievements in completing a degree program despite years of setbacks and challenges (named for founding DHN member Mickie McSwieney). Another client honored received career services through The Linda & Rudy Slucker NCJW/Essex Center for Women in Livingston. The DHN also presented Assemblyman Gerald Green (NJ-22) and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (NJ-6) with the Outstanding Service to Women Award, Senator Diane Allen with the Champion of Women Award, and Deb Huber, President of The National Organization for Women – New Jersey, with the Excellence in Advocacy Award.
Roni Salkin, President of the Displaced Homemakers Network of NJ commented, “Today, it is more difficult than ever for our displaced homemakers to succeed in this ever-changing, fast-moving world. We continue to be humbled by the achievements of our women as they improve their job skills, find employment in the paid labor force, and learn to provide for their families, all while recovering from the loss of a partner.” Salkin continued, “The Network is thankful to the NJ Division on Women and the Department of Children and Families for their continued support of the displaced homemaker programs. As long as we work together and support each other, no one is alone.”
The Mission of the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey, Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition, is to advocate for the needs of the Displaced Homemakers Centers and the women they serve. For more information about the DHN please visit www.dhnnj.org. Programs are nonsectarian and open to all women, regardless of religion.