Women Aware Recognizes New Brunswick Women for Service and Volunteerism

Two New Brunswick women were recognized on Wednesday for their unwavering support of a New Brunswick-based domestic violence support and advocacy group.

Ella Mae Mitchell originally came to Women Aware seeking shelter in the early 1980's, and since then has risen up throughout the organization, serving as an advocate, a member of the Board of Directors, and a public speaker.

"Jesus has brought me a mighty long way," Mitchell said, while accepting her award. "It has been a long time coming."

"Today I can say a change has come," she said.

On Wednesday night, the organization provided her with one of two Lifetime Achievement Awards at its first ever volunteer recognition reception, held at the Piscataway Senior Center.

New Brunswick resident Linda Hrycenko was also recognized as Women Aware's 2012 Volunteer of the Year.

Women Aware organized the event for the first time specifically to honor the more than 200 volunteers who work with Women Aware to aid women and children affected by domestic violence that are in need of shelter, assistance and legal counseling.

Wednesday's event was the first community event to be held in the newly renovated senior center, said Piscataway mayor Brian Wahler.

Hrycenko said that she believes all volunteers in the room should be given awards for their service.

The enthusiasm, energy and genuine care and concern displayed by the staff at Women Aware is what keeps her coming back as a regular volunteer, she said.

Marian Haas, of East Brunswick was awarded the other Lifetime Achievement Award.

When Haas joined the organization's Board of Directors, she sought to make a "more meaningful contribution to the community," she said.

Haas has served on the Women Aware Board of Directors since 1984. One of the original board members for the domestic violence intervention and support agency, Haas works as vice president of human resources policy and practice for the Visiting Nurses Association of New York, according to information provided by Women Aware.

Patricia Teffenhart, Assistant Executive Director for Women Aware, said that in 2012, the organization and its army of volunteers provided emergency shelter for 249 women and children.

Legal advice and counseling was provided to 1,209 women in the same year, and more than 6,000 calls were fielded by volunteers on the Women Aware hotline, she said.

"Together we really are changing lives," she said.

To further aid in with those calls for help, approximately 20 new volunteers were recognized at the reception, newly graduated from Women Aware's 40-hour training program for all volunteers.

Working with Women Aware "Means so much to me," said Haas.

"Serving as a leader is really the best job possible," she said.

Women Aware's mission statement is "To end domestic violence in the lives of men, women and children," Haas said.

It's a bold statement, she said, and one that will take a lot of work to fulfill. But hopefully, "we can make it happen in our lifetime," she said.

For more information on Women Aware, visit www.womenaware.net.