Each year the Apostles’ House selects a theme that reflects both our mission and the moment. Last year, we celebrated Our Voice—recognizing the power of advocacy, partnership, and speaking up for those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This year, we’re asking something different. We’re asking our community to Be the Key.

But what does that really mean?

“Be the Key” is the name of our workforce development initiative. But for us, it’s much more than a program. The Be the Key Program was created to help women move beyond crisis by providing industry-recognized training, employment opportunities, and the confidence to build a new future. Participants gain practical skills, connect with employer partners, and unlock pathways to financial independence.

Every certification earned, every job secured and every goal achieved begins with someone believing that opportunity should be accessible. That same belief inspired this year’s gala theme.

Being the key isn’t about opening every door yourself. It’s about becoming the person, organization, or partner who helps open a door for someone else.

Sometimes that’s through providing safe shelter, through offering employment. Sometimes it’s by donating a meal, mentoring a family, sponsoring a program, or simply showing up when someone needs hope. Every act of generosity becomes a key that unlocks opportunity.

Our 2026 honorees embody that spirit.

This year, we are proud to recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Beta Alpha Omega Chapter, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, MEND Hunger Relief Network, Dr. Michael Gertsmann and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Ambulatory Care Center, the Wolfe Family Charitable Gift Fund, and Leo Heredia for their unwavering leadership, compassion, and commitment to strengthening our community.

Each has opened doors in their own way—whether by fighting hunger, expanding access to healthcare, empowering women and families, investing in community solutions, or serving others with extraordinary dedication. Together, they remind us that lasting change doesn’t happen through the efforts of one organization alone. It happens when an entire community chooses to be the key that unlocks hope, opportunity, and brighter futures for others.

On Wednesday September 16 at Kean University’s Liberty Hall Academic Center, we’ll gather to celebrate those who are helping open doors across our community.

Whether you’re attending as a sponsor, donor, volunteer, partner, or guest, you’re helping ensure that more women, children, and families have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Together, we can all Be the Key.