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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 | The Indian Eye 24

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

SAM JOSHI DIVYA CHATURVEDI

Edison Mayor grants $1 m for Elizabeth Freeman Center names

services at community center new Executive Director

ivya Chaturvedi, an Indian American has been named the new Exec-
utive Director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, effective September
D16th. She succeeds Janis Broderick, who is retiring after 16 years of
service. Chaturvedi brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and
global social impact, having worked with organizations like the United Nations,
the Ford Foundation, and the Center for Creative Leadership.
Most recently, she led two Massachusetts nonprofits focused on support-
ing low-income bilingual women as executive director of Found in Translation.
Before joining Found in Translation, Divya served as a Co-Executive Director
dison, a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, has received $1 mil- of Saheli Inc., a nonprofit serving immigrant survivors of domestic violence,
lion in federal funding to expand the Minnie B. Veal Community Center a role in which she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and nonprofit
Eon Grove Avenue. This expansion aims to serve the growing population management skills.
of senior residents in the area. Mayor Sam Joshi, along with U.S. Rep. Frank She is currently serving as a state commissioner on the Massachusetts
Pallone Jr. and other elected officials, announced the funding at the center. Commission on the Status of Women.
“I thank Congressman Pallone for securing $1 million for the expansion
of Edison’s Minnie B. Veal Community Center.” said Mayor Sam Joshi. “Our Divya has a master’s in public administration from Columbia Uni-
cherished senior population will benefit immensely from the addition of more
space, services, and engagement opportunities. With this funding, this central versity’s School of International and Public Affairs. She is also
location can ensure the continued enrichment within our senior community.” certified in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the In-
The plan includes building a 40-foot by 40-foot addition to the side and
back of the existing building, specifically for senior programs. Importantly, stitute for Nonprofit Practice (INP). She has worked across coun-
this expansion won’t impact the existing youth and recreational programming. tries in Asia and Africa as well as the United States handling di-
The township’s vision is to enhance senior services, and they are actively seek-
ing community feedback for the concept design. The project is expected to be verse groups of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
completed by 2026.
“The funding we’ve secured for the Minnie B. Veal Community Center Since 1974 Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) has provided leadership
will truly make a difference in the lives of Edison’s seniors,” said Congress- and services to address domestic and sexual violence in Berkshire County.
man Pallone. Every day, 24 hours a day, EFC confronts the life and death issues faced by
This expansion is set to provide a significant boost to the entire township, people experiencing or affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault, as per
creating a central location where seniors can engage in wellness programs, its website.
social gatherings, educational programing and classes, and recreational activ-
ities, all under one roof. Continued on next page... >>

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