It is an honor to serve in another leadership capacity within the realms of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), Bergen/Passaic Chapter.  The opportunity here is great in working with dynamic women who are committed to fulfilling their responsibilities in the advocacy areas of Arts & Culture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Public Policy.  Furthermore, it has been inspiring to address leadership and organizational enhancements through the auspices of Membership and Chapter Development, Public Relations, Fund Development, and Financial Management especially when our collective efforts turn visions into realities.

In addition, being a part of an organization that embraces the importance of mentoring young ladies in the Role Model program continues to be rewarding to witness.  The collaborative efforts of the Role Model and Scholarship Committees have brought a new dimension in the organization’s efforts to support the family unit.  NCBW’s dedication to advocate on behalf of the youth includes providing education and career resources vital to young adults and parents.

The NCBW. Bergen/Passaic Chapter intends to continue to provide new and enhanced programs, singularly or through community collaboration, as a testimony to the strides that have been made, the current challenges that impact women, and to ensure attention to disparities impacting African American women and families.  Some of the current issues include:

• Childhood Obesity
• Status and Updates on HIV/AIDS
• Health disparities in Weight Management, Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Cancer, and Mental Health
• Affordable Health Care, Equal Pay, and Financial Growth
• Equity access to Education, and Advanced Education Careers
• Mentoring young girls

We should thank all NCBW members, past and present, who have served in any capacity for the organization.  Your generous and “Extreme Volunteerism” help forge the road to its place in this society today.

Cassandra Savoy
First Vice President, NCBW Bergen/Passaic Chapter
In a society, if one group hurts, the whole is impaired.