The Newly Renamed Resource Center of Somerset Names John Graf, Jr. Director of Development

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly renamed Resource Center of Somerset, the New Jersey State Department of Children and Families domestic violence lead designated agency in Somerset County, announced today that John Graf, Jr., former CEO of United Way of Somerset County, has been appointed as the Director of Development to the Hillsborough, New Jersey-based non-profit  501(c)(3) agency. The Bedminster resident's primary responsibility is to lead the agency's fund-raising campaign for 2010 and into the future.

"Having the opportunity to raise vital dollars for an organization that serves survivors of domestic abuse makes my work very fulfilling.  In addition, I'm pleased to be part of their family and to be working with a team that truly affects the lives of so many individuals in need of help," John Graf stated when he accepted the appointment.

Executive Director Paloma Amar-Coleman stated, "Mr. Graf has been one of the leading advocates of the Somerset County non-profit community for the last 25 years, and his wealth of experience in fundraising will be such a valuable asset to our organization."

"In a time when fundraising dollars are so difficult to obtain, our Board is confident that John will be able to reach out to the many untapped funding sources in Somerset County.  He will work to deliver our important message to local corporations, businesses and community-minded individuals interested in hearing more about our agency's mission.

"Our primary goal is to make sure our organization is identifiable to the community and to provide a greater outreach to the individuals who are experiencing abuse in their homes and relationships," said Board President, Peter J. Jegou of Far Hills, NJ.

Former Board President, Diane English said: "John has partnered and worked throughout Somerset County during his career and that will be a bonus as he leads our Development Team in the coming years."

About John Graf:

Graf's career in public relations and fundraising has garnered him recognition and many awards for helping to raise more than $50 million for countless not-for-profit educational, governmental and cultural/arts organizations, including the Somerset County Business Partnership's 2002 Citizen of the Year and the Business Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

John was recently named a 2009 National Jefferson Award recipient for his 30 years of public service, and he was appointed this past July to Raritan Valley Community College's Board of Trustees by Governor Jon Corzine.

During John's career serving Somerset County not-for-profit organizations, he helped raise nearly $20 million while CEO for the United Way of Somerset County, was the Coordinator of Community Relations for the Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools as well as its Foundation Coordinator, and the Director of College & Community Relations at Raritan Valley Community College.  He also worked for Somerset County's Office on Aging, and in 1995 John worked for Governor Christie Whitman as a Public Information Officer at the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

About the Resource Center of Somerset:

Founded by a small group of volunteers who provided emergency shelter for women escaping abusive relationships, the Resource Center of Somerset has been serving survivors of domestic abuse in Somerset County, adults and children, for over 30 years.

The Resource Center has grown to keep pace with the needs of those looking for shelter and safety from domestic abuse.  The agency has expanded services to include not only emergency shelter, but transitional housing, legal advocacy, outreach counseling, community education, Domestic Violence Response Teams comprised of trained volunteers who work with local police departments, and more.  Services are offered in English and Spanish and are provided at no charge.

The decision to change the agency's name to the Resource Center of Somerset was made to partially revert to the original name because it has such strong recognition and a positive legacy in the community.

For additional information about the Resource Center of Somerset, or to find out more about domestic abuse, including tips for teens on warning signs of abusive relationships, please visit their Web site at: (www.resourcecenterofsomerset.org) or call the Resource Center at (908) 359-0003, ext. 223.

Press Contact: ANTHONY WINCHATZ   (908) 359-0003, EXT. 223

SOURCE Resource Center of Somerset