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Phone Number (973) 482-0625
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The Apostles' House | Newark NJ

Be The Key Gala 2026

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Every Key Opens A Door Door Opens An Opportunity Opportunity Changes A Life

The Be the Key Community Impact Awards celebrates the people whose generosity, leadership, and service help women, children, and families in the Apostles House Community unlock hope, housing, and opportunity.

Event Date & Time:

  • Wednesday, September 16, 2026
  • 6:00 PM
  • Kean University – Liberty Hall Academic Center, Union, NJ
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TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!
Thank you for the incredible support of our 2026 Be the Key Community Impact Awards. While tickets are no longer available, you can still help open doors for women, children, and families by making a donation.
MAKE A DONATION

Host: Darnelle the Brand

Charismatic host and community connector, Darnelle the Brand, will lead us through an unforgettable evening of celebration, reflection, and purpose.

Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience with the sounds of the LMNOP Band, blending soulful grooves with uplifting energy.

Cocktail Reception

Dinner

Community Impact Awards Presentation

Special Recognition

Music & Celebration

Honoring Champions of Hope

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Beta Alpha Omega Chapter

For their enduring commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and the empowerment of local communities.

The Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ)

For their steadfast leadership in fighting hunger and expanding access to nutritious food across New Jersey.

Dr. Michael Gertsman, Rutgers University Medical School Ambulatory Care Center

For his dedication to compassionate care, medical education, and improving the health of Newark communities.

Leo Heredia Outstanding Service Award

For his dependable service, compassionate leadership, and commitment to meeting the needs of local families.

MEND Hunger Relief Network

For their compassionate work advancing food security, dignity, and healthier communities throughout Essex County.

Wolfe Family Charitable Gift Fund

For their generous support of organizations creating hope, stability, and opportunity for families in need.

Special Presentation in Memory of Reverend Eric T. Duff

In honor of a legacy of visionary leadership, compassionate service, and unwavering commitment to families in need.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a sponsor of the 2026 Be the Key Community Impact Awards Gala and help open doors to hope, housing, and opportunity for women, children, and families experiencing homelessness.

Your sponsorship supports emergency shelter, housing stabilization, food access, workforce development, children’s programming, and supportive services that empower families to build brighter futures.

Sponsors receive recognition opportunities, event benefits, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in our community.
To learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits, please download our Sponsorship Packet.

BECOME A SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSORS

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TRICKY TRAY TABLE SPONSOR
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Ticket Information

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the individuals, organizations, and community partners who are helping women and families move from homelessness to stability.

Tickets and table sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, businesses, and community supporters who wish to be part of this special event.

Your ticket purchase directly supports the mission of The Apostles’ House and helps provide critical services for the families we serve.

Additional event details and attendee information will be shared prior to the gala.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Can't Attend? You Can Still Be the Key​

Your support helps provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, housing assistance, workforce development opportunities, and supportive services for women, children, and families working to overcome homelessness.

Every gift helps open doors to stability, independence, and a brighter future.

Whether you attend the gala or support from afar, your generosity makes a lasting impact.

MAKE A DONATION

Can’t Attend? You Can Still Make an Impact.​​

Donate

All donations bring us one step closer to reaching our $41,000 goal. Funds that will directly support shelter, meals, and critical services for families experiencing homelessness.

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I welcome you to The Apostles’ House 2025 Annual Gala — Our Voice!

This year’s theme is more than a celebration. It’s a declaration that the women and families we serve are not invisible. Their stories matter — and they deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.

We are in a time of great need. Every day, women come to us facing housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, and systemic barriers. And yet — they rise. They speak. They persist.

This Gala was designed to amplify their voices. You’ll hear directly from our guests, staff, volunteers, and donors whose collective stories reflect resilience, compassion, and community.

We are also proud to honor those who go above and beyond to advance our mission. Their commitment is proof that real change happens when we come together.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support helps provide emergency shelter, safety, and hope to families who need it most.

We look forward to sharing this impactful evening with you on September 24th!

Nadege Duvernay
Executive Director

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Event Committee

Behind every successful gala is a team of dedicated individuals who believe in the mission. The Event Committee plays a vital role in helping The Apostles’ House celebrate community impact while raising critical support for the families we serve.

The Apostles’ House extends its gratitude to the dedicated volunteers, staff, and community leaders whose time, talent, and commitment help make the Be the Key Community Impact Awards Gala possible.

Rachel Beck
Shalencia Cajulus
Nadege Duvernay
Dilma Duarte

Sarah Fischer
Rochelle Edwards
Keesha Gibson
Joann Harper

Kari Hurwitz
Vanessa Jean-Louis
Ari Kaplan
Priya Patel
Iris Yanta

Together, they are helping open doors to hope, housing, and opportunity for the women, children, and families served by the Apostles’ House.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business or Cocktail Attire.

Yes. Table sponsorship and reserved seating options are available through our ticketing page.

The tax-deductible portion of your ticket purchase is limited to the amount paid above the fair market value of goods and services received. Details will be provided with your purchase confirmation.

Absolutely. Donations of any amount are welcome and help support the mission of The Apostles’ House.

Please download our Sponsorship Packet or contact our Development Office for additional information.

The Apostles’ House Development Office: 973-482-0625 ext 2401 or 2404, development@theapostleshouse.org

Moments from 2025 Our Voice Gala

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Testimonials

What Our Families
Say About Us

“

I would like to say that The Apostles' House has helped me in ways I didn’t expect. I greatly appreciate all the hard work, time and energy that the staff, volunteers, and others put into helping us in our time of need. They are very resourceful and persistent to help you achieve your goals. Even though it’s a shelter they made it feel like a home setting. In closing, I would like to say thank you to all the staff, volunteers, donors, and others for the much-needed assistance, time, and support.

-Tara T,
“
My journey to a better life began at the Apostles’ House. It was June 14, 2006 when I was released from state prison to the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP). I remember ISP telling me I was going to The Apostles' House, a shelter for women and children in Newark, New Jersey where I was to reside until further notice. I had never been to Newark before and did not know what to expect. Once I arrived at The Apostles’ House I became acquainted with all the wonderful staff. They were a big inspiration to me then and still are today.
-Gina M,
“

In 2018, I was a resident of The Apostles’ House Women and Children Emergency Shelter for seven months. During my stay in the shelter, I found a support system within Miss Victoria and Miss Iris. They provided the guidance, support, and resources I needed to regain control of my life, even during the times I rebelled against it. Through it all, they showed great love and concern, and to their credit, I was able to enroll my son in childcare so that I could focus on finding and securing employment. Today I am employed and living on my own with my son. I still experience many challenges, however, I continue to take the steps necessary to maintain a life for me and my son

-Letterah G,
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