Ed Johnson from Brookdale Community College To Receive Partner In Education & Government Award

The Community Affairs & Resource Center (CARC) is gearing up to celebrate 44 years of dedicated service to the community with its upcoming 12th Annual Stars Gala. Scheduled for May 10, 2024, at the Eatontown Sheraton Hotel, the gala promises an evening of celebration, networking, and philanthropy.

This year’s gala, organized to support CARC’s mission of promoting self-sufficiency through education, advocacy, and collaboration, will feature an array of honorees who have made significant contributions to the community. Among these outstanding individuals stands Ed Johnson, the Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Community Relations at Brookdale Community College, who is set to receive the Partner in Education & Government Award.

The gala aims to recognize and honor individuals whose efforts have positively impacted the community. Ed Johnson’s recognition underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering partnerships between educational institutions and governmental entities to uplift and support the community.

CARC, formerly known as the Hispanic Affairs and Resource Center, has been a pillar of support since its establishment in 1980. Serving a diverse population regardless of age, race, creed, or national origin, CARC offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families across Monmouth County.

In addition to Johnson, other notable honorees include Carol Stillwell, President & CEO of Stillwell-Hansen Inc., and a Brookdale Foundation Board of Trustee who will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award, Jeanne Marie Wall, Editor-in-Chief of TAPinto Community News who will receive the Community Ambassador Award, Maria Delaplain, Energy Assistance & Efficiency Manager at New Jersey Natural Gas who will receive the Community Development Award, Magdalisa Aviles, Manager of Community Development & Growth Aetna Better Health of New Jersey who will receive the Community Healthcare Leader Award, and Lazaro Cardenas, Esq., Managing Partner at the Law Offices of Patel & Cardenas, who will be presented with the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Twelve Stars Gala promises attendees an unforgettable evening, featuring a 5-hour open bar starting at 6:30 p.m., dinner with live music by the Xol Azul Band, a gift basket auction, pop-ups, and a roaming photo booth.

As CARC continues its steadfast commitment to serving the community, events like the Twelve Stars Gala serve as a platform to celebrate achievements, honor exemplary individuals, and inspire collective action towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. To support, you may purchase tickets here. https://www.classy.org/event/twelve-stars-gala/e552878

About CARC
Community Affairs and Resource Center (CARC) is a non-profit community-based social service organization providing comprehensive programs and services to economically disadvantaged individuals and families since incorporated in 1980. “CARC empowers communities we serve by providing services that build self-sufficiency and enhance quality of life. “Our business operates from its main office in Asbury Park and offices in Freehold, West Long Branch, and Lakewood in Ocean County.

CARC provides a vast range of programs and services to economically disadvantaged individuals and families with the goal of revitalizing the communities served. Services include advocacy, linkages to services for victims of domestic violence, information and referrals, translation and interpretation, education liaison services, NJ Family Care, SNAP (food stamp program) and NJ Shares energy assistance applications.

Over the years, CARC has intensified its efforts to improve local neighborhoods by implementing a variety of programs including career assessment and employment services, homelessness prevention/rental assistance, English as a Second Language, a Hispanic Women’s Resource Center, a Weatherization program, an Energy Assistance program in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean and Atlantic Counties and a Lead-Safe Home Remediation program in Monmouth, Middlesex and Atlantic counties.