National Fair Housing Month 2012 Recognized in Monmouth County, New Jersey

New Jersey Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Director Wanda Nieves joined the Monmouth County Board of Chosen freeholders at their presentation of certificates of appreciation to elementary teachers Irina Kinley from Long Branch Middle School and Irene Sullivan from St. Veronica Catholic School in Howell

This year the Monmouth County Fair Housing Contest received 429 entries from the public and private schools that house 6th grade students. There are 12 First Prize Winners and 12 Honorable Mention Winners. Alyssa Vito is the grand prize winner. All of the winners will receive U.S. Savings Bonds. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to three elementary school teachers who have created awareness about fair housing and the elimination of housing discrimination by encouraging student participation in the county's annual Fair Housing Poster Contest.

Newark Field Office Director Diane Johnson, Art Teacher Mrs. Pat Brown of St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, and Freeholder Director John P. Curley present the Grand Prize Award to Alyssa Vito of St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Freehold, New Jersey.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders created the Fair Housing Office and appointed the first Fair Housing Board in 1968. The office provides policy and guidance related to compliance with state and federal fair housing laws and regulations that protect the rights of all residents.

The Freeholds also presented a proclamation to Mary Gilmore the County's Fair Housing Officer, marking April as Fair Housing Month.

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