FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (news release pdf)
February 20, 2016
Paula Harrington Tapped for Volunteers of America Board
Harrington honored to serve agency transforming the lives and circumstances
of individuals, families and communities
Trenton, NJ — Paula Harrington, principal and founder of Association Business Solutions, has joined the board of directors of the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV). VOADV provides community-based assistance to New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations, particularly individuals returning to society from the criminal justice system. Supporting veterans and their families is also central to the organization’s mission.
Ms. Harrington was appointed to VOADV in December 2015 and brings nearly 25 years of project management experience to the board. She will help raise awareness, provide fiscal oversight and help provide funding for this worthwhile organization. Her unique financial management and public relations background makes her particularly well-suited to help the organization ensure its resources are optimally aligned with its mission, so it has the capacity act even more decisively and effectively.
Headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, the VOADV of Delaware Valley was founded in 1896. Today, the organization proudly serves over 13,000 individuals in the region, providing the support needed to achieve self-fulfilled, independent lives. The organization operates 48 programs that offer assistance to those who are: experiencing homelessness; seeking permanent housing; struggling with addictive behavior; coping with chronic mental illness or developmental disabilities; rebuilding their lives after incarceration; and dealing with domestic violence. Central to VOADV’s mission is also providing needed assistance to veterans and their families.
Ms. Harrington’s longtime involvement in community-based organizations in New Jersey includes terms on the board of directors of four Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homes for people with developmental disabilities. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, which offers programs and services that connect employers with qualified workers and equip job seekers with the latest skills to compete in today’s job market.
“I am truly honored to be involved with the impactful work of the VOADV,” said Harrington. “The organization’s long history of positively transforming the lives of those in need in our community is truly remarkable. To have the opportunity to contribute to the mission and support the efforts of the dedicated employees of the VOADV is something I am very grateful for.” Professionally, Ms. Harrington and her partner founded ABS in 2003, offering expertise in public relations, communications, financial management, and government affairs. The company proudly remains a Certified Woman Owned and controlled business serving a diversified client base comprised of national and state-level professional associations, nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies. Prior to starting the company, Ms. Harrington served as a member of the Executive Branch of the State of NJ, providing project management services for the NJ Department of Labor. In that role, she worked on the first statewide business plan, a major reorganization of state agencies for the purpose of consolidating administration and other common business resources. Previous to public service, she spent five years working at the state’s top lobbying and association management group in Trenton, NJ.
###
About ABS
ABS is a full-service association management company located across the street from New Jersey’s Capitol Building in Trenton. ABS primarily serves nonprofit organizations, providing government affairs, public relations, and financial management. www.absnj.com