Princeton Human Services Commission Honors Volunteers

Marge Smith (l), the first chair of the Princeton Human Services Commission, was one of the honorees at a gathering at the library this morning. Award presented by Cynthia Mendez (r).Photos by Dave Henry.

A quarter of Princeton’s residents earn less than $30,000 a year, and some residents struggle to put food on the table each month. When residents are in financial trouble, many turn to the Princeton Department of Human Services for help. A volunteer board, the Princeton Human Services Commission, helps fulfill the department’s mission by advocating for the interest of Princeton seniors, youth, and welfare recipients. The group also focuses on civil and human rights issues.

At a breakfast this morning at the Princeton Public Library attended by about 50 people,  the commission recognized former commission leaders for their work. A local girl scout troop was also honored for its volunteer efforts.

Celestin

Marge Smith was honored for her work as the first chair of the commission from 1998 until 2005. Claire Jacobus led the commission from 2006 to 2009, Karen Andrade-Mims was the chair of the commission in 2009, and Stacy Mann led the commission in 2010 and 2011.

Princeton Girls Scouts were recognized for their efforts to partner with the commission over the past two years. The Girls Scouts helped run the 2011 Communities of Light night that raises money for Womanspace while heightening awareness about domestic violence. Girl Scout Ciara Celestin ran a backpack drive in August, collecting items to be distributed to children in grades K-6 who needed school supplies.