Congratulations to Women Aware Board President Diane Palmer for being recognized as a 2021 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award recipient.

Diane Palmer has volunteered for Women Aware, the state-designated domestic violence agency for Middlesex County, for nearly 30 years. She began her service as a children’s program volunteer and holds a special place in her heart for the families served in Women Aware’s emergency shelter. Diane gradually moved into a leadership role, joining the Board of Directors in 2006. She served as Board Secretary and Vice President before being named Board President in 2014. Diane maintains a close connection to the shelter, generously supporting the Annual Gift Shop and annual gingerbread house construction activity for mothers and children.

Diane’s volunteer service to individuals and families affected by domestic violence is heartfelt and hands-on whenever possible. She serves quietly, with a smile. There is no task too big or too small for Diane to accept if it means making things easier, better, brighter or more comfortable for Women Aware’s clients. Because her commitment to service extends into the Middlesex County community, Diane is an effective advocate for Women Aware’s services. She serves as a bridge between Women Aware and the people and organizations across Middlesex County who have the capacity, and demonstrate the commitment, to promote the safety and self-sufficiency of victims moving beyond abuse. Her personal outreach has resulted in monetary and in-kind donations to programs such as the Annual Gift Shop and events such as the 40^th Anniversary Virtual Candlelight Vigil. She is actively involved in Women Aware’s donor stewardship and community outreach. Diane’s leadership as President of the Board of Directors has supported the expansion of Women Aware’s 24-hour hotline, shelter, legal advocacy, children’s trauma reduction therapy and support group services to include Permanent Supportive Housing, a Housing Navigation Program and the foundation for a Family Justice Center for Middlesex County. Women Aware today shelters 200 women and children annually and serves an additional 2,000 victims of abuse. Most recently, Diane led the Board’s affirmation of and support for Women Aware’s executive leadership and staff as they met the extraordinary challenge of providing domestic violence services through a pandemic.

Pictured: Board President Diane Palmer (l) and Development Director Susan Dyckman.