To be a model of how diverse populations can live together in community with mutual respect, compassion, and justice.
Our Vision
About Us
- We will sponsor cross-cultural and other events intended to allow residents to socialize and to get better acquainted with one another;
- We will educate ourselves about, and become advocates for, matters important to local residents, especially matters that foster understanding and equitable public policy;
- We will sponsor forums and take actions intended to inform residents about public questions that are vital to the safety and viability of communities of diverse people with respect to race, gender identity, economic status, nationality, ethnicity, religious or non-religious practice, sexual orientation, et al.
Our Mission
2025 - Current
LtoR: Martha Friend, Jaime Coleman, Kelly Ganges, Beth Morgan, Steve Lestition, Patricia Hendricks Farmer, Fred Vereen Jr, Elizabeth Ferguson (Missing- Olga Martinez)
Leadership Team
Leadership - 2022-2025
Front row: Patricia Hendricks Farmer, Beth Morgan, Elizabeth Ferguson, Olga Martinez
Back row: Kelly Ganges, Steve Lestition, Martha Friend, Fred Vereen Jr, Bill Howard
"The power of connection and community among neighbors will be our driver.”
Lawrence resident Bill Howard shared these words after a 2021 backyard gathering of 40 neighbors who came together to discuss the necessity of community organizing. During the event, it was clear that there was an appetite for community organizing and Bill’s words planted the seed for our yet-to-be formed community organization, Lawrence Neighbors Together.
Active organizing began in early 2022 when a coalition of residents and local organizations joined the reparations campaign of the NJ Institute for Social Justice, led by Executive Director Ryan Haygood. The purpose was to convince town councils across the state to pass local resolutions urging NJ state legislators to vote for a bill authorizing a NJ Reparations Task Force. During this time, another Lawrence resident, Kelly Ganges spoke to what many in the organizing group were feeling, "I’m interested in continuing to work with all and any persons seeking to uplift the community, fight against racism and advocate for justice!" By end of June 2022, Lawrence Neighbors Together had officially formed with the group’s Framework finalized in September 2022. Lawrence Council passed a resolution in support of the NJ Reparations Task Force on Tuesday July 19, 2022 and Lawrence Neighbors Together was ready to continue the work of neighborhood engagement, education and advocacy!
Based on topics suggested by members plus local community issues, Lawrence Neighbors Together sponsors events and community conversations concerning affordable housing, Project 2025, sex education in schools, book banning and municipal Master Plans. We have sponsored a Constitutional Observer Training, a county-wide Town Hall and organized the first Lawrence Township PRIDEfest.
Lawrence Neighbors Together embraces its mission in finding strength in unified action.