Compassionate Teens Recognized
Local teens selected as outstanding examples of caring, compassion, community building, justice and non-violence will receive the prestigious Humanity Award at the Creative Living Counseling Center’s ninth annual Humanity Awards event, Sunday, November 23, at 4:30 p.m. at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 So. Monroe Ave., Ridgewood.
The Humanity Awards were created by the Creative Living Counseling Center (CLCC) following the Columbine massacre to counter the focus on “bad teens” with an annual focus on teens of exemplary character and caring actions. Nominated for the awards by their schools or faith communities, the teen winners inspire hope for the future by the diverse ways they make life better for those around them.
To honor these extraordinary young people, two Broadway stars — George Merritt of “Big River” and ” Jekyll and Hyde” and Julie Hanson of “Phantom of the Opera” — will again perform, as they have for the last three years. There will also be performances by a number of exceptionally-talented local, teen musicians.
Past Humanity Award recipients have been energized by the recognition of their good works. For example, Matthew Renzulli was a 2005 Humanity Award recipient for his ongoing work in collecting new socks for homeless persons served by Eva’s Shelter in Paterson. In 2006, persons attending the Humanity Awards event were asked to bring new pairs of socks for this project and CLCC donated $100 of new socks to Matthew. Matthew received the socks with these words which capture the essence of our hope to nurture and encourage these young people who demonstrate in their lives the qualities of care, compassion, justice, non-violence and community building.
“Little did I know last year, as I stood here accepting the very same award, that the impact and inspiration of receiving this recognition would encourage me to continue with my community service, especially the “Eva’s Sock Drop.” Little did I know that it would surpass over 40 locations and collect over 8,000 pairs of socks for the homeless. I know that collecting socks is such a small thing, but I hope that I have been able to bring a little bit of comfort to those less fortunate. I am extremely grateful as a teenager to have the privilege of understanding the true meaning of Hope and Compassion, and that every one of us can make a difference, no matter how small the gesture!”
The Creative Living Counseling Center is a non-profit, interfaith counseling service headquartered in Allendale, with offices throughout Bergen and Passaic counties. For 39 years, the Center has enhanced local life by providing both spiritually sensitive psychological counseling and outreach programs that address such needs as teen bereavement, anger management, effective parenting and marriage enrichment.
Proceeds from the Humanity Awards event provide funds vital for the continuation of the Creative Living Counseling Center’s services of counseling and outreach programs for the people of Bergen and Passaic counties.
