(37th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle has been recently honored for her ongoing work advocating for children, families. senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) was the honoree at the Bright Side Manor 20th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 6. Bright Side Manor is a geriatric facility in Teaneck that is Bergen County’s only nonprofit assisted living facility committed to serving older adults of low- and moderate-income levels.
“It was an honor to be recognized by Bright Side Manor, but this facility is the one that we should honor everyday for its work and firm belief that older adults of all economic and social backgrounds should be able to access the care and services that will ensure their safety, security, health care, nutrition and peace of mind,” Vainieri Huttle said.
Vainieri Huttle received the received the Child Advocate of the Year Award from the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth & Families on Oct. 7. The alliance is an umbrella organization assisting member agencies that offer crisis programs, group homes, transitional living for homeless youth, in-home services, outpatient and residential treatment, adoption services and case management.
“Helping children and families persevere through difficult moments and grow stronger is a goal we all share,” Vainieri Huttle said. “Groups like the Alliance help make this is goal a reality, building a stronger society each and every day. It’s an honor to work with on behalf of children, youth and families.”
Vainieri Huttle will also be honored by The Arc of New Jersey on Oct. 28 as their Legislator of the Year.
Vainieri Huttle has long been an advocate for the disabled, including sponsoring recently signed laws to create a registry to protect New Jersey residents with developmental disabilities from abusive caregivers and to remove demeaning language about people with disabilities from state statute.
“Language used in reference to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities shapes and reflects the attitudes of society toward persons with disabilities,” Vainieri Huttle said. “Certain terms are demeaning and disrespectful, and create a barrier to the inclusion of people with intellectual and other disabilities as valued members of our community. It was long past time we got rid of them for good, and with the help of The Arc of New Jersey, we finally did. I am honored to receive their award and to work alongside this agency doing whatever I can to advance their good work.”
