Longtime Supporters of Women’s Education Receive Award
ASBURY PARK, N.J., April 12, 2022 – Mercy Center’s Sisters Academy of New Jersey will host its 11th Annual Walk with Mercy Awards Luncheon at the Navesink Country Club on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In dedication of their service, this year’s honorees are Sisters Academy’s volunteer math tutors, Susan K. Kelly and Barbara Kolarsick-Harrigan. The event will include a musical performance by the Academy’s students.
“We are so grateful for Susan and Barbara’s contribution and commitment to the young women in our school every week. These two ladies inspire our students to become the best they can be and never settle for less. We appreciate all their hard work and dedication, and they truly are part of our Sisters Academy family,” said Kim Guadagno, Executive Director, Mercy Center.
“When you educate a girl, you educate a family, because no young woman will settle for her children receiving less education than she has had. I found joy at Sisters Academy because the girls are hungry for knowledge and determined to succeed,” said Susan K. Kelly.
“I come to the Academy each week and teach Math Enrichment to some 5th and 6th graders. The program focuses on logical thinking to approach and solve word problems. It’s incredible what the girls are capable of when you unleash their potential,” said Barbara Kolarsick-Harrigan.
Since 2010, The Walk with Mercy Award honors those individuals who have invested their time and talent into the education of the young women who attend Sisters Academy. These women are long-time volunteers and supporters of the vision to end generational poverty through the power of education. The luncheon did not take place in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid restrictions.
Walk With Mercy Sponsorship and Event Journal Ad opportunities are available. All proceeds from the event will benefit the operations of Sisters Academy of New Jersey. For more information and event ad format requirements, contact Eileen Greenlay at 732-774-9397, ext. 114. You can also email info@mercycenternj.org or visit us at https://www.mercycenternj.org/event/walk/ for event details and to purchase tickets.
About Mercy Center
Guided by the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center provides services, programs and education in a culturally sensitive manor to:
- Empower people in the greater Asbury Park area to reach their full potential by providing immediate and comprehensive services and programs to help stabilize their lives;
- Enrich the lives of those we serve by offering opportunities to develop skills to maintain emotional, economic, and physical well-being; and
- Educate children so that we can break generational poverty one child, one family at a time.
Mercy Center offers Emergency Services that addresses crucial needs such as food, personal care items, clothing, and temporary assistance with household utility bills.
Mercy Center’s Food Pantry is open every weekday, only one of two food pantries open full time in the area and offers self-choice selection in a stigma-free, friendly environment.
Our Family Resource Center is a “one-stop shop” for information, advocacy, counseling, resources and culturally specific, multi-lingual programs and services related to the support and preservation of families.
Mercy Center’s Sisters Academy of New Jersey is a tuition-free, middle school for girls grades four (beginning Fall of 2022) through eight. The Academy focuses on girls from surrounding communities from economically challenged families. It provides an education of excellence, life skills, and the necessary tools to become confident, self-sufficient, and successful in competitive high schools. In fact, 100% of our students graduate from high school.
To learn more about Mercy Center or to donate, visit www.mercycenternj.org. Follow Mercy Center on Facebook @MercyCenterAP and Instagram @MercyCenterNJ.
