Jeanette Page-Hawkins
Director
Jeanette Page-Hawkins was appointed Director
as of October 18, 2003, after serving as Acting Director since
June 1, 2003. Jeanette has over 25 years of experience in child
and family welfare.
Prior to her appointment, Jeanette was Executive
Director of Newark Emergency Services for Families, Inc. (NESF),
a non-profit agency serving residents throughout the Essex County-Greater
Newark area.
Jeanette is noted for her advocacy for the homeless
and poverty stricken. She has served on the DFD WFNJ Task Force
and Essex County Human Services Advisory Council, as well as on
several local committees, task forces and boards. Jeanette has
received special recognition for her outstanding community service
and professionalism, including: Who's Who in Executives & Professionals
(2001); City News 100 Most Influential; New Jersey Black Child
Development Institution; and Montclair YWCA 50 Most Influential
Women. She was a 1993 recipient of the National Alliance To End
Homelessness Non-Profit Sector Award.
Prior to joining DFD, Jeanette worked for DYFS
as District Office Manager in Plainfield. During her employment
with New Community Corporation of Newark, she was instrumental
in developing the New Community Harmony House, a transitional
homeless facility for 102 homeless families. Jeanette has a BA
and a Masters degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. She
lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with her husband, Elton.