Josephine's Place Appoints Sheila Casey as New Executive Director

ELIZABETH, N.J. - April 18, 2023 - PRLog -- The Board of Trustees of Josephine's Place, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, is pleased to announce Sheila Casey has been appointed Executive Director. Josephine's Place facilitates the empowerment of women by offering classes, workshops and programs that enable women to grow in confidence, develop competencies and life skills, realize their potential, and uplift their families, communities, and future generations. As the organization's third ED since it first opened its doors in 2003, Sheila follows in the footsteps of Gail Driscoll, immediate past Executive Director, and Sister Judy Mertz, the organization's founder.

Sheila comes to Josephine's Place with a deep knowledge of the City of Elizabeth's community. She was most recently Agency Administrator for the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, where she was the main point of contact for all staff, volunteers, and interns. She also was responsible for expanding the organization's volunteer program and providing fundraising support.

"We are thrilled to have Sheila join us as we celebrate our twentieth year serving and empowering local women. She knows the Elizabeth community and knows how to engage volunteers and staff in an organization's mission," says Marie Mahony, Board of Trustees member and Treasurer. "Sheila radiates calm and kindness, which are wonderful assets as we seek to bring our mission to more women."

Moving forward, Sheila envisions continuing the organization's successful fundraising events while opening Josephine's Place to more possibilities by engaging with a wider group of women in the community. "As the population of Elizabeth changes, we want to continue to welcome and serve women of all backgrounds, especially those who are newly arrived to our area from other countries,"  she says.

Sheila's focus will also be on growing the Josephine's Place volunteer roster. "We have a waitlist of women who want to take classes like English and computers," she notes. "My goal is to have more volunteers bring their skills and talents here, so that we can increase the number of  English classes to support the women."

About Josephine's Place

Josephine's Place officially opened on October 1, 2003 at 622 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, and was headed by Sister Judy Mertz, of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. The purpose of creating this storefront, drop-in space was to serve the needs of women in an economically challenged area.

Josephine's Place maintains an active calendar of workshops, classes, celebrations, outings, and activities. These give the women the knowledge and skills to understand and advocate for their rights, find jobs and build their careers, and take control of their own and their families' health and welfare. Volunteers are needed to assist with the organization's events and classes. Those interested in volunteering can learn more and by visiting the website, www.JosephinesPlace.org.

Josephine's Place has received many awards and recognition including a Unity Achievement Award from the Union County Human Resources Commission. The Elizabethport Presbyterian Center recognized Josephine's Place as a "Good Samaritan" during the annual Elizabethport Pride Parade. As testament to its success and impact, it has become a model for other women's centers and programs.