County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

April 27, 2015

 

National Fair Housing Month is recognized

Freeholders salute teachers who promote awareness of fair housing

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized educators who have created awareness about fair housing and the elimination of housing discrimination by incorporating fair housing in their curriculum and encouraging student participation in the County’s annual Fair Housing Poster Contest. The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents certificates of recognition to Principal Sister Margo Kavanaugh and teacher Karen Massimilo, both from St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, in honor of Fair Housing Month at their workshop meeting on April 23 in Freehold, NJ.Pictured left to right:Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, Freeholder Director Gary J. Rich, Sr., Sister Margo Kavanaugh, Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, Karen Massimilo and Freeholder John P. Curley.

Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County Planning Board, presented certificates to teacher Karen Massimilo and Principal Sister Margo Kavanaugh, both from St. Catharine School in Spring Lake. Kelly Forgas of Knollwood School in Fair Haven and Amy Hall of Monmouth Beach School also received recognition, but were unable to attend the meeting.

“These teachers have demonstrated the importance of educating our youth about an issue facing many of our residents and giving students a chance to express their thoughts in their artwork,” said Burry. “I look forward to seeing the student artwork every year.”

Each year, the Fair Housing Board publishes a calendar with the winning drawings.

Since 1969, the month of April has been designated as National Fair Housing Month throughout our nation, and during that time the Monmouth County Fair Housing Board has provided community education of fair housing issues, and encouraged activities that address fair housing rights.

“For more than 40 years the County of Monmouth has been committed to ensuring fair housing choices for our residents,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso who also serves on the County Planning Board. “The Fair Housing Office has worked tirelessly to eliminate discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion or disability.”
    
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders created the Fair Housing Board and charged it with the responsibility of making policy recommendations to the Freeholder Board, encouraging equal housing opportunities and providing assistance, support and information to anyone pursuing the rights allowed by law related to fair housing.

The Federal Fair Housing Act governs housing discrimination and includes seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. New Jersey is one of several states that also includes sexual orientation as a protected class.

The County’s Fair Housing Office is part of the Monmouth County Division of Planning that works to educate residents about diversity and eradicate discrimination in housing.

The Monmouth County Fair Housing Board’s meetings are held from January through October on the third Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Hall of Records Annex, 2nd floor Planning Board Conference Room. Public participation is welcome.

For more information or assistance with fair housing issues, residents can contact the Monmouth County Fair Housing Office at 732-431-7490 or by email at fairhousing@co.monmouth.nj.us.


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