On Friday, May 9, we will celebrate this year’s esteemed Making a Difference Award Honorees at the 29th annual award ceremony; that’s when ten inspiring individuals will be recognized for creating positive change for New Jersey residents across a range of societal issues such as homelessness, violence prevention, youth development, and disaster response.
The 2025 Honorees—chosen from a pool of more than 370 nominees statewide—are tackling serious challenges that people in their communities are facing every day, developing real solutions and creating resources that provide positive pathways forward. In addition to being publicly recognized for their work, the Honorees will receive cash prizes totaling $152,500 collectively to support their causes, determination and grit that have brought them to this auspicious moment.
“These community champions are selfless, fearless, and committed to creating lasting change in people’s lives,” said Scott Berrie, vice president of The Russell Berrie Foundation, which provides the award. “My father, Russell Berrie, was passionate about lifting up unsung heroes and he would be deeply inspired by their innovation and dedication to addressing urgent issues and helping our neighbors in greatest need. It’s an honor to recognize and celebrate these exceptional honorees.”
Meet our 2025 Making a Difference Award Honorees
Sr. Patricia Prendergast
Atlantic City
Sr. Patricia Prendergast of Atlantic City created Adelaide’s Place, a daytime respite center and safe space for homeless women. Since its founding in 2002, Adelaide’s Place has become an essential hub in the community where women can gain life skills and work with social workers and healthcare professionals to rebuild their lives and find permanent housing.
Ashante Taylorcox
Marlton
Ashante Taylorcox of Marlton founded You Are More Than, Inc., a survivor-led organization supporting marginalized LGBTQ and BIPOC survivors of exploitation and commercial sex trafficking. The organization provides trauma-informed mental health services, educational support, and pathways to financial stability.
Nyene Baker
Trenton
Nyene Baker of Trenton is the founder of Visionary Philanthropy Group, a violence prevention and intervention program for at-risk youth. The organization has a unique focus on building technology skills through partnerships with tech companies that help young people achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
Julie Flores-Castillo
Red Bank
Julie Flores-Castillo of Red Bank is only 21 but is using her personal experience to help others. As a young teen of 14, Julie suffered a life-altering situation with the immigration system; today, she advocates for immigrant youth and raises awareness of available resources and support.
John El-Maraghy
Jersey City
John El-Maraghy of Jersey City created Archangel Raphael’s Mission Inc. (ARM), a volunteer organization focused on restoring dignity to homeless individuals by providing mobile hygiene and health services in Newark, New Brunswick, and Hoboken. ARM also facilitates connections to housing and food resources, legal services, and more.
Lewis Spears
Jersey City
Lewis Spears of Jersey City is the founder of Kismet of Kings, an academic and leadership development organization that creates a positive environment and enriching experiences, from camping to entrepreneurship, to help young BIPOC men succeed and thrive.
Robert Guarasci
Paterson
Robert Guarasci of Paterson leads the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, a social service agency focusing on education, youth development, affordable and supportive housing, and community building initiatives. The organization assists 4,000 children, teens, and families daily through a range of cradle-to-career services.
Desi Shelton
Camden
Desi Shelton of Camden created the Camden Rep Theatre Company, a vibrant theater arts program that has a three-fold purpose: elevating urban female voices, preparing pre-professional young artists with college applications and auditions, and attracting new theatergoers to the community.
William Keegan
East Brunswick
William Keegan of East Brunswick was a Port Authority Police lieutenant during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and served as Night Operations Commander of the WTC Recovery Teams. After retiring, he founded HEART 9/11, a disaster response organization of volunteer first responders, construction workers, and 9/11 family members that have responded to 362 disasters in 16 states and six countries since 2007.
Peg Wright
Somerset
Peg Wright of Somerset created the Center for Great Expectations in 1998, a safe space for homeless women who were pregnant and parenting. The center has grown into a nationally recognized model of trauma-informed care for more than 1,000 families annually through supportive housing, recovery programs, and a child development center.
All of us at the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award are awed and honored to be in the company of these individuals who are making a significant difference in their communities!
