Rooted in Community Awards Honors New Jersey Individuals and Corporations Making an Impact


Mount Holly, NJ | June 3, 2021 – Oaks Integrated Care announces its first-ever Rooted in Community Awards to celebrate local heroes for their contributions to the community through work, service, and leadership. Dedicated to empowering individuals and meeting the needs of the community, the nonprofit organization offers over 230 mental health and addiction programs that will benefit from the event proceeds.

The virtual ceremony kicks off Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. to recognize the following outstanding individuals and corporations:

  • Tammy Snyder Murphy, New Jersey First Lady
  • George Sowa, Founding CEO of Greater Trenton
  • Cheryl Norton, Executive Vice President & COO of American Water
  • Judith A. Lightfoot, DO, MACOI, Chief of Infectious Disease at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Food Bank of South Jersey, represented by President and CEO Fred Wasiak

Serving over two million people throughout the state of New Jersey, honoree Cheryl Norton, Executive Vice President & COO of American Water, believes in the importance of ensuring equity and sustainability in the city of Camden and beyond. Norton shares, “We are stronger when we come together. American Water takes great pride in what we do and commit to doing our part to create a more equitable society.”

Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, the Food Bank of South Jersey went above and beyond to support the Oaks Integrated Care Food Pantries by providing essential items to keep pantry shelves stocked even when the need continued to increase dramatically.

“The impact of COVID on South Jersey was pronounced, elevating the food-insecurity landscape of our region from 1 in every 11 to 1 in every 7 people facing the daily disaster of hunger,” reports Fred C. Wasiak, President & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. “With more than 60,000 people in our region facing food insecurity for the first time, escalating the food-insecure population of our service region to over 170,000 people, our mission to expand operations, grow capacity and strengthen our food distribution network, with partners such as Oaks Integrated Care, was never more crucial. Together, standing strong, we worked to get food into neighborhoods, communities and households at a time when hunger truly hit home.”

Proceeds from the Rooted in Community Awards benefit Oaks’ mission to deliver critical services to more than 30,000 individuals a year. Every dollar raised helps improve the quality of life for vulnerable children, adults, and families in the community. Oaks ensures that everyday essentials such as housing, food, and quality social services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstance.

Derry Holland, Oaks Integrated Care CEO, explains, “With so many people impacted by the pandemic, we couldn’t have made such an incredible impact without the support of community heroes. We hope you will join us for the Rooted in Community Awards to show our appreciation to these dedicated individuals and organizations.”

To purchase tickets, sponsor or make a donation to the Rooted in Community Awards visit www.oaksintcare.org/event/rooted-in-community-awards/. Contact the Oaks Development Office at 609-267-5928 for more information.

About Oaks Integrated Care

Oaks Integrated Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families living with a mental illness, addiction, or developmental disability. The organization offers over 230 programs throughout New Jersey designed to meet the needs of the community with compassion. For more information, please visit www.oaksintcare.org or call the Development Office at 609-267-5928.

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