The Care Plus NJ Foundation is proud to announce that Sister Mary Foley, Social Worker and Teacher at Academy of the Holy Angels, and her therapy dog Luke are among the honorees at the Courage Awards Gala on May 28, 2014 at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey.
Sister Mary and Luke have worked for years alongside individuals and communities struggling from severe psychological distresstic events. Currently positioned as a Social Worker and Teacher at Academy of the Holy Angels, Sister Mary offers help to faculty and students in need. She has Master’s Degrees in Divinity and Social Work, and is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. As a member of the Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC) and Therapy Dogs International, Sister Mary travels to where she is needed with the help of Luke.
Luke, Sister Mary’s therapy dog, was trained at Kuykendall Working Border Collies from 2002 to 2004. Luke works daily to relieve stress from faculty and students at Academy of the Holy Angels and has been a member of Therapy Dogs International since 2007. In his spare time, Luke works herding geese at Academy of the Holy Angels and Demarest Town Park.
“Over the past 8 years, Sister Mary Foley and Luke have worked tirelessly with schools and communities in the aftermath of a death or otherwise severe psychological distresstic event. Her dedication and selfless work in suicide prevention and as a member of the Bergen County TLC is admirable,” said Sue Heguy, Bergen County TLC Coordinator and Care Plus NJ staff member. “We at the TLC have been in awe of the faith that fills Sister Mary’s life and she continues to be an inspiration to the entire team,” Heguy continued.
The Courage Awards Gala, now in its 16th year, honors and celebrates individuals, groups, and corporations who work tirelessly on behalf of others facing the daily and life-long challenges that are compounded by mental illness and Behavioral Health-related issues. This year’s honorees include the Paramus Stigma-Free Zone Task Force, a coalition of concerned citizens, business leaders, local government, and school officials that supports the elimination of stigma in the Paramus community; Stephen Gavosto, a local business owner and former Care Plus NJ Trustee who has been a strong proponent in the fight to end stigma. The night will also include recognition of the Compassionate Care Award presented to a staff member that truly represents the best in the field of Behavioral Health care in New Jersey, as well as 23 recipients of the 2014 Bernard Dubnick Scholarship.
The Courage Awards Gala includes a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle, and more. The Gala is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, attracting attendees from across the state, including representatives and supporters from the Northern New Jersey business community. The Foundation is currently welcoming sponsors and dinner guests. For more information, click here or call 201-986-5070.
