By Mabel Pais
“When you take someone’s hand, you should never let go of it until they can stand on their own two feet.”
- Vincent Puma
EVA’S VILLAGE ‘VISIONS OF HOPE,’ last November, honored BART G. MONGELLI for his leadership, generosity and commitment to those in need. Eva’s Village is a cornerstone nonprofit in Passaic County, NJ. Emmy Award-winning journalist Lori Stokes was emcee for the organization’s annual Gala, held at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey (6:00–10:00 p.m.).
MOTTO
Eva’s Village provides meals to the community, offers housing, and assists individuals with addiction issues. Their motto is to treat everyone who enters their doors with dignity and respect, regardless of their challenges.
This annual celebration brings together hundreds of community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates united in their commitment to help those who are hungry, homeless, or struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. Proceeds from the evening directly sustain Eva’s Village’s comprehensive programs, which provide meals, shelter, housing, recovery services, and pathways to independence for thousands of individuals and families every year.
LORI STOKES
Eight-time Emmy Award–winning journalist Lori Stokes is well known to Tri-State viewers from her years anchoring FOX 5’s evening newscasts and ‘Good Day New York,’ as well as 17 years with WABC’s ‘Eyewitness News This Morning.’ Stokes has been a trusted voice in broadcast journalism for more than four decades. She earned a Peabody Award for her coverage of the September 11th attacks and was recently recognized by the New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence for her lifetime of civic engagement. Since retiring in 2022, she has continued her public service as a board member of the Cleveland Clinic and the International Spy Museum.
BART G. MONGELLI
This year’s Gala honors Bart G. Mongelli, Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, whose distinguished legal career and decades of community leadership have made a lasting impact across New Jersey. A trusted advisor to both businesses and nonprofits, Bart embodies the spirit of service and compassion that defines Eva’s Village.
JIM WALSH
The event will also recognize Jim Walsh, a former Eva’s Village client and now Director of Community Engagement and Social Worker at Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, whose journey of recovery and resilience is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Eva’s Village. Finally, the Eva’s Village community will pay tribute to Melvin G. Ross, whose courage, faith, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew him, reminding us that with community and hope, transformation is always possible.
“Lori Stokes has spent her career amplifying stories that inspire, and Bart Mongelli has spent his life leading with empathy and service,” said Howard Haughton, CEO of Eva’s Village. “Together, they reflect the very best of what community means — standing with others to create lasting change.”
Watch the video from Howard Haughton and others – https://youtu.be/ClOFVAE1fOs
Eva’s Village
Since 1982, Eva’s Village has provided essential support and life-changing resources to individuals facing hunger, homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. From its beginnings as a humble soup kitchen, Eva’s Village has grown into one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive anti-poverty organizations. Through integrated care, Eva’s Village provides food, shelter, substance use and mental health treatment, and workforce development opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown Paterson, NJ, Eva’s holistic social services and behavioral health programs empower individuals to lead healthy, stable, and independent lives. Visit www.EvasVillage.org to learn more.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Education, Business, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.
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