Press Releases

New Jersey's First Lady Mary Jo Codey Addresses Mental Health and
its Impact on Women

January 7, 2005 – Morris Plains, NJ – The Women's Leadership Council, a committee of United Way of Morris County, welcomes New Jersey's First Lady Mary Jo Codey as the special guest speaker at Winter Network Night on Thursday, February 3, 2005 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.  Approximately 200 women from corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and the community-at-large are expected to attend.  Pfizer Inc in Morris Plains will host the event, and proceeds benefit United Way of Morris County's 2004-2005 campaign.

Featured guest speaker Mary Jo Codey will speak about the issue of mental health and the impact it has on women and families.  Network Night participants will also have the opportunity to learn how United Way of Morris County is addressing mental health issues.

New Jersey's First Lady is a devoted wife and mother, a gifted educator and counselor, and a staunch advocate for individuals whose lives are affected by mental illnesses and for those who have been stricken with breast cancer.  A lifelong resident of New Jersey, she has been married to Governor Richard Codey for 23 years.

Mary Jo Codey's personal experiences with both clinical depression and breast cancer make her uniquely qualified to speak out on both of these serious health concerns. As New Jersey's First Lady, she welcomes the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the Governor's newly created Task Force on Mental Health and to spearhead the launching of a statewide fundraising campaign in support of breast cancer awareness.  "I just want to take this opportunity and make a difference… I want to take all of the things that have happened in my life and all of the things that I have learned and put them to use helping others who might be in similar situations," she says.

Winter Network Night tickets are $30; $25 for Women's Leadership Council members. Pre-registration is required.  Women's Leadership Council will also be collecting disposable cameras and picture frames for families of military returning from Iraq.

To attend the event, or for more information on becoming involved in the Women's Leadership Council, please visit www.uwmorris.org or email Amanda Boyadjis or phone 973.993.1160, x152.

About the Women's Leadership Council
The Women's Leadership Council provides the opportunity to meet and work with a dynamic group of women with varied backgrounds. Their goal is to harness the power of women to effect positive change in the community by leveraging their skills, relationships, and resources in support of United Way. Money raised through the work of the Women's Leadership Council benefits United Way of Morris County.

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact 
Irene Maslowski
973.226.1494