Thank you for your continued support of the Urban League and our Equal Opportunity Dinner and Awards Ceremony. This event provides us the chance to express our vision, mission and commitment to leveling the playing field through advocacy, civil rights and economic self-sufficiency.

I am pleased to report that for sixty years the Urban League of Morris County has been a principal provider of social services to the residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. Last year we assisted more than 4000 individuals and families.

Many of us would find it difficult to believe that here in the confines of this magnificent county that we could have such a large number of folks in desperate need of resources just to keep the electric or gas on in their homes.

The one very positive feature about this sad tale of woe is that the Urban League and other social service organizations such as the Morris County Social Services, Homeless Prevention, and Fair Housing Council have worked and collaborated on a regular basis, to help those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet and keep their family unit intact. We have put aside our own insecurities and turf boundaries and instead pooled our resources for the benefit of those who need our assistance.

During the last four years the Urban League would have liked to report that there has been a decrease in clients/customers seeking our help, as it turns out there are more.

Additionally, we have expanded the League's programs and services both direct and indirect to our community residents. The programs take the form of Youth Education and Leadership, Job Training and Placement, English as a Second Language, Computer Training Lab, Housing; advocacy, reverse mortgage, discrimination, mortgage default and Community Outreach.

As we have always stated, it is the League's intent to fulfill the mission and where possible go the extra mile. Since 1944, when we were established, the Urban League has always sought to improve the lives of its constituents to the fullest extent possible and we will continue along this path.

It is with this in mind as President and CEO I must provide leadership, execute the policies of our Board and help acquire the needed resources to achieve the Mission of this organization, and I pledge to do this.

Therefore, on behalf of the Board, Staff, Guild, Members and Volunteers thank you for your loyalty and support of this affiliate.