Hazlet, NJ – A mom who arrived in the United States with two young children 26 years ago was named 2009 Volunteer of the Year by 180 Turning Lives Around, a nonprofit Monmouth County organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. Nina, who volunteers for 180 in three different capacities, left Iran at the urging of her father in 1983. (Because of the confidential nature of her volunteer work, Nina’s last name is being withheld.)
“He wanted us to come here for my safety and my children’s safety,” Nina said after 180’s Volunteer Recognition Reception, which was held on August 25th at the James J. Cullen Center in Hazlet. “It was hard to leave, but finally my father said, ‘It’s time,’ and I came to the United States.”
Nina, who has since become a U.S. citizen, volunteers as an advocate for both the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), each of which require being on-call for 12-hour shifts. When individuals who have been assaulted need assistance with the legal system, Nina accompanies them to court dates as a volunteer for 180’s Family Court Liaison Program. Now that Nina’s children are grown, the homemaker is happy to devote more hours to volunteering “because life allows me to give more. I want to give back – this is the country that gave me the safety and security that I have today.”
Nina praised the volunteer training she received from 180, saying it not only prepared her for helping clients but taught her a lot that has helped her in other aspects of her life. “Besides having children, my volunteer training was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said.
Also honored at the reception was Eileen Allen, 48, the Sexual Assault Nurse Coordinator for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Allen was recognized as 2009 Law Enforcement Partner of the Year for her work on behalf of sexual assault survivors and in collaboration with 180’s Sexual Violence Program. The City of Asbury Park was recognized by 180 as the 2009 Community and Business Partners of the Year for the many ways local officials and businesses generously contributed to the success of 180’s Spring Gala.
Executive Director Anna Diaz-White, who made the presentations, expressed her gratitude for all of those who gave their time to 180 Turning Lives Around. More than 600 people volunteered for 180 last year, contributing a total of 143,712 hours – equivalent to nearly 80 full-time employees.
“We are very, very grateful for all that you do,” Diaz-White said to those attending the reception. “Whether you touch lives directly by working with clients or indirectly by raising funds or helping in the office, we couldn’t do all that we do without you.”
The reception was supported by America’s Cup Coffee Co., Wegman’s of Manalapan, Orlane, Broadway Bagel, IM-X Pilates, The Atlantic Club and the James J. Cullen Center, which hosted the event.
