Freedom Youth Family Justice Center holds Stars of Freedom Annual Gala

freedom youth
New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (second from left) and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (fourth from left) with some honorees and attendees.
Photo by Jewel Webber

The Bronx-based youth organization Freedom Youth Family Justice Center, which works to assist survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, hosted its Stars of Freedom Annual Gala on Friday, Jan. 24, at Eastwood Manor, located at 3371 Eastchester Rd.

(Left to right) Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Member Jokoyah Boford Stevenson, Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Executive Administrator Josh Lopez and Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Founder and CEO Monique Riley. Photo by Jewel Webber
Attendees enjoying the festivities. Photo by Jewel Webber
Joseph Riley, Executive Director of Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Executive Director Joseph Riley and his wife, Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Founder and CEO Monique Riley, were awarded citations by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. Photo by Jewel Webber
Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Founder and CEO Monique Riley and Executive Administrator Josh Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber

Numerous individuals were honored for productively and positively driving changes in the Bronx community. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez were also on hand for this event, with Gibson also issuing citations to the Freedom Yout Family Justice Center leadership and the honorees.

Chelle B. Curations MPA Founder and Visionary Officer Rochelle Bent (center) holds her award with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez holds her award with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Shanny Herrera, District Manager for Council Member Yusef Salaam, holds her award with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
The Links Inc. Greater Bronx Chapter President Marilyn-Ross Moody holds her award with Lopez and Riley. Photo by Jewel Webber
Elmhurst Hospital Behavioral Health Community Health worker Joana Assuncao holds her award with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
The North Bronx National Council of Negro Women President Lisa Dawson with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Bronx Borough Director at the Mayor’s Office Alina Dowe with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Bronx Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Danielle King-Stennett (right) with Joseph and Monique Riley and Josh Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Not On My Watch, Inc. Executive Director Pamela Damon with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Honorees Seeds for Growth and Development Inc. Founder, Director and CEO Keisha McCroskey (left) and Working Women Warriors Founder Deacon Seleste Burns (second from right). Photo by Jewel Webber
Monroe University Assistant Director of Graduate Practical Training and Career Services Desia Monsanto with Riley and Lopez. Photo by Jewel Webber
Gospel Tabernacle Church Senior Pastor and Overseer Franklyn Williamson with Riley. Photo by Jewel Webber

Fernandez, who was one of the honorees, spoke on keeping the Bronx community safe. She highlighted the inspiring work of Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Founder and CEO Monique Riley. She also discussed making an effort to keep the community safe, having the training to know the signs of human trafficking, creating task forces and more.