ELIZABETH, NJ – February 2018 - United Way of Greater Union County, a 501 c3 non-profit organization has announced two new members have been selected to the organization’s 2017-2018 Board of Trustees. Camille Douglas (left), of Scotch Plains, Founder and Executive Director of the Miss Talented Scholastic Teens of NJ Inc., Scholarship Program and Amanda Parrish Block (right), of Summit, Founder and Executive Director of the GRACE (Giving and Receiving Assistance for our Community’s Essentials) Food Relief Program in Summit.
Amanda Parrish Block is the founder and Executive Director of GRACE, which provides fresh, nutrient dense food every week to several dozen families in need in Summit. In addition, GRACE connects anonymous recipients and donors in providing essential clothing and household goods to underserved families. Parrish Block received the 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. “Keeper of the Dream Award” from Shaping Summit Together.
Parrish Block, a native of Summit, has worked to strengthen families and communities facings critical socio-economic challenges for over 15 years, including successful initiatives in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York City. She worked as a White House intern during the Clinton Administration, as well as the United States Embassy in Paris where she co-authored a Congressional report on religious freedom violations.
Camille Douglas, a longtime resident of Scotch Plains, brings extensive credentials as an experienced executive and advocate for empowering women. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Miss Talented Scholastic Teens of NJ Inc., Scholarship Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing academic challenges while encouraging artistic talents to girls between the ages 9-17. The organization promotes academic excellence and provides scholarship awards to girls who reside in New Jersey.
In addition, Douglas also advocates for a support group for women and children living with AIDS, coordinates school supply drives and leads the distribution of food and clothing to the homeless within the Metropolitan area. She is a distinguished member of the National Association for Female Executives.
“United Way is committed to strengthening families and communities across our region,” said James W. Horne, Jr., CEO & President of United Way of Greater Union County. “Amanda and Camille add real, substantive experience and tremendous passion for the United Way mission to our Board of Trustees, and I am delighted to welcome their support for our work.”
About United Way of Greater Union County
United Way of Greater Union County fights for the education, financial stability, health and family strengthening of residents in Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield. Since 1969, UWGUC has been working to improve the lives of the residents by collaborating with nonprofit agencies, businesses, government officials, individuals, and volunteers to create positive sustainable change in the community. Today, United Way is a preeminent community-based leader, partner, and investment choice in these communities, serving 40 non-profit agencies and four Family Success Centers in the county. For more information, visit www.uwguc.org or call (908) 353-7171.