EVA’S VILLAGE BASED IN PATERSON, N.J. FEEDS AND PROVIDES HOUSING FOR THOSE IN NEED

(Paterson, NJ | November 5, 2025) — Eva’s Village, a cornerstone nonprofit in Passaic County, announced today that Lori Stokes will serve as Master of Ceremonies for Visions of Hope, the organization’s annual Gala, to be held on Thursday, November 13th, at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey (6:00–10:00 p.m.).

This annual celebration brings together hundreds of community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates united in their commitment to help those who are hungry, homeless, or struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. Proceeds from the evening directly sustain Eva’s Village’s comprehensive programs, which provide meals, shelter, housing, recovery services, and pathways to independence for thousands of individuals and families every year.
 

Lori Stokes
 Eight-time Emmy Award–winning journalist Lori Stokes is well known to Tri-State viewers from her years anchoring FOX 5’s evening newscasts and Good Day New York, as well as 17 years with WABC’s Eyewitness News This Morning. Stokes has been a trusted voice in broadcast journalism for more than four decades. She earned a Peabody Award for her coverage of the September 11th attacks and was recently recognized by the New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence for her lifetime of civic engagement. Since retiring in 2022, she has continued her public service as a board member of the Cleveland Clinic and the International Spy Museum.
 
Bart G. Mongelli
This year’s Gala honors Bart G. Mongelli, Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, whose distinguished legal career and decades of community leadership have made a lasting impact across New Jersey. A trusted advisor to both businesses and nonprofits, Bart embodies the spirit of service and compassion that defines Eva’s Village.
 
The event will also recognize Jim Walsh, a former Eva’s Village client and now Director of Community Engagement and Social Worker at Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, whose journey of recovery and resilience is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Eva’s Village. Finally, the Eva’s Village community will pay tribute to Melvin G. Ross, whose courage, faith, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew him, reminding us that with community and hope, transformation is always possible.
 
“Lori Stokes has spent her career amplifying stories that inspire, and Bart Mongelli has spent his life leading with empathy and service,” said Howard Haughton, CEO of Eva’s Village. “Together, they reflect the very best of what community means—standing with others to create lasting change.”
Lead Sponsors:                                                                                   
Railroad Construction Company                                                        
JW Pierson                                                                              
The Taylor Family
 
Event Committee:
Anita Baptist
Daniel J. Cipoletti
Al Daloisio, Jr.
Francene Forgione
Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad
Philip A. Mortillo
Linda Petros
Judith L. Siegel
 

About Eva’s Village

Since 1982, Eva’s Village has provided essential support and life-changing resources to individuals facing hunger, homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. From its beginnings as a humble soup kitchen, Eva’s Village has grown into one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive anti-poverty organizations. Through integrated care, Eva’s Village provides food, shelter, substance use and mental health treatment, and workforce development opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown Paterson, NJ, Eva’s holistic social services and behavioral health programs empower individuals to lead healthy, stable, and independent lives. Visit www.EvasVillage.org to learn more.

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