Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
This was the first annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon to begin to thank all those who make Libertae possible. Residing in beautiful Bensalem since
1973, we have enjoyed amazing support from our communities from numerous; individuals, organizations and leaders. We felt it important to celebrate the
special nature of being a part of our community and model the gratitude we profess to those we serve. Our women lived a life of isolation and shame, at
Libertae they learn that they are accepted and supported and have the capacity to rejoin our larger family as responsible, active members of society.
The luncheon took place October 23rd at the Buck Hotel in Feasterville.
Click the names below to learn more about our honorees:
Susan M Rade – Outstanding Volunteer
It began with a flyer, of unknown origin, that Mr. Steve Rade gave to his wife Susan saying I think they are an organization you might find interesting.
Truer words were never spoken!
Susan began her relationship with Libertae as a volunteer in our Family Center in June of 2005. Susan made an immediate love connection with our babies,
toddlers and moms, helping with the children, sponsoring events, providing equipment for our mothers and children. Susan brings her business sense, her
life experience and her compassion to the task of helping women who face overwhelming odds in their pursuit of a new life.
Susan is Vice President of Wireless Xcessories Group, a company she founded with her beloved husband Steve. Susan credits her husband for his constant
support and encouragement with her involvement at Libertae. Susan also credits her Mother, Sylvia Kellem for instilling in her the importance of caring
and nurturing those in need. Susan is also the mother of two daughters, Jennifer, a well known Hollywood stylist and Stephanie, a Doctor of Internal
Medicine. Both children reside in Los Angeles.
January 2006, Susan joined Libertae Board of Directors and continues to support our organization through her work in committees and development projects
while maintaining her volunteer work two days a week in our Family Center and with our mothers.
We are delighted to recognize and celebrate Susan Rade.
***Note: watch for Jennifer Rade's new show airing November 1 on MTV – ‘Style’
ETA NU – Outstanding Organization
It began seventeen years ago with an invitation to a cozy meeting in a member’s living room to talk about the issues confronting women who are
afflicted with the disease of substance use disorders. After that night a member, Sheila Ciocian began tutoring for their GED and our relationship grew!
Who are these wonderful women? Beta Sigma Phi began in the early 1930’s and is an international social sorority whose motto is Life, Learning and
Friendship. For the most part, the Sisters of Eta Nu, our local chapter, have been together for over 25 years. New members are always welcomed and we do have
a few new members who have added a wonderful dimension to our group. We hold a monthly meeting as well as a social each month that includes our husbands.
We truly have become an extremely cohesive group.
Eta Nu is also a service sorority and feels that Libertae is a most needed and deserving organization. We are all proud of the efforts of the residents
and staff there and hold a poinsettia sale each Christmas to help facilitate their efforts along with other projects. In addition, we also do our best to
lend support at the holidays to local families who may be enduring hard times.
It is with great pleasure that we have this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to a fine group of women who support our families in recovery.
State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo – Outstanding Leader
Libertae is very fortunate to have THE point person on issues related to substance use disorders in Harrisburg as a Representative, a past board member,
a valuable advisor and a friend. Visit very early in the morning, call him on his cell or camp in his office throughout budget season and you will be treated
with respect and his enthusiasm for making our communities stronger. He is a committed proponent of the notion that Treatment Works!
A lifelong resident of Bensalem, Bucks County, Gene DiGirolamo is serving his eighth term in the state House. He graduated from Bishop Egan High School
in 1968 and has attended Delaware Valley College and Holy Family College. DiGirolamo resides in Bensalem with his wife Donna, and their two daughters Gina
and Mary. Two married sons, Gene Jr. and Anthony live in Florida with Gene’s first grandchild, Mave. He began his public service in 1990 with an appointment
by the governor and subsequently elected as Bensalem Township’s auditor.
Gene serves as Chairman of the Labor Relations Committee and on the Health and Human Services Committee; Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Council, where
he serves as Chairman; a member of the Election Reform Task Force. He also engages in a numerous community activities.
Gene has been honored many times and we are proud to join the “chorus” who sing his praises. We know that his real satisfaction, lies in the gleam in the
eyes of those in recovery, the happy faces of children who are born healthy to sober mothers and the many families that heal in recovery.
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