Blog
Environmental Conservation, Sustainability and Justice Bloom in North Jersey Community Gardens, Thanks to Jose German-Gomez
Many New Jersey residents of urban low-income communities lack easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables and the green spaces these gardens provide. Jose German-Gomez launched the Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC) to protect the environment and promote local sustainability and food security at the community level. NEEC’s programs fulfill its mission with community outreach, urban growers, a community food network, and environmental initiatives.
Honoring Remarkable Foster and Adoptive Parents—Changing the Course of Children’s Lives to Create Brighter Futures
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month; it is a month to honor, celebrate, and raise awareness of all the issues related to foster care. The Russ Berrie Foundation shines a spotlight on these selfless and caring honorees making a difference in the lives of foster children.
Introducing the 2025 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honorees
The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award annual ceremony celebrates the 2025 Honorees, inspiring individuals who are tackling societal issues and creating positive change for New Jersey residents and in their communities.
The Honoree Who’s Creating New Pathways for Children with Autism
In observance of World Autism Month, we feature Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr of East Orange, a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honoree who created Nassan’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides accessible, affordable educational and recreational programs and other support services for children and families affected by autism in and around New Jersey’s inner-city communities.
Meet Fraidy Reiss – Changing the Destiny of Young Women in Forced Marriages
Fraidy Reiss, founder of the nonprofit organization Unchained At Last, is working to end forced and child marriage and create laws prohibiting it throughout the entire U.S.
Meet Quadeer Porter: Improving the Lives of Newark’s Young Men
Quadeer Porter established Brothers Building a Better Nation (BBABN) to help Newark-area men at risk for self-harm by eliminating the systemic barriers to mental health services. BBABN clients get access to a therapist of color and resources to alleviate housing, addiction and other social issues, especially for those who were formerly incarcerated.
How Making a Difference Award Honorees are Uplifting Lives in South Jersey
Since 1997, 67 people from South Jersey counties have received the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. Erik Estrada of the Camden County-based Community Foundation of South Jersey serves on the MADA advisory board and shares insights about changemakers and their impact in South Jersey.
The Genesis of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award: Heralding New Jersey’s Unsung Heroes
Russ Berrie’s deep appreciation and empathy for the unsung heroes among us in NJ who work tirelessly to improve lives, and his passion for philanthropy, motivated the launch of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards.
Meet Riccardo Dale: Helping Put Youth at Risk on the Path to Success
Riccardo Dale, a 2024 Russ Berrie honoree, founded Free All Minds Academy (F.A.M.) to support at-risk youth from 8th grade to adulthood, providing weekly mentoring and guidance.
Meet Gary Oppenheimer: Connecting Gardeners to Food Pantries to Fight Hunger
Our third subject for Hunger Action Month is Gary Oppenheimer, a 2011 MADA honoree and founder of AmpleHarvest.org, a nonprofit that connects gardeners with food pantries for surplus donations.