By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Last month, Pennsauken Deputy Mayor Nicole Roberts was honored by the organization that served as a positive influence in her life and has impacted local youth for decades. The goal of the Homestead Youth Association is to provide young people with educational and cultural experiences through recreational activities; and Roberts, along with so many others from the neighborhood in which she grew up, benefitted greatly from the work of these community volunteers.
“Who would have known that some 50 years later, one of those children who were the first beneficiaries of Homestead services would become the deputy mayor of Pennsauken Township?” said Debbie Samuels, chairperson of the Homestead Youth Association Board of Directors, who presented Deputy Mayor Roberts with a special picture, entitled “Great African Americans.” “We, the board of directors of the Homestead Youth Association, are proud of you and your commitment to service in our community.”
In 1972, resident Robert Cream met with a group of young people to develop activities and programs for the youth of the Homestead area of Pennsauken. Nicole Robert’s parents, Benjamin and Helena King, were a part of that group. Later on, Mrs. Gladys Pritchett became the first chairperson of the board of directors of the Homestead Youth Association, serving the community along with the iconic Rick Taylor. Mrs. Catherine Crocker and Mrs. Barbara Davis headed the education programs of the HYA in 1991, when the organization moved into its current location on Willow Ave. The work of these many dedicated volunteers made quite an impact on the deputy mayor.
“People with a powerful sense of community and public service created the Homestead Youth Association. I, and all of my friends and cousins, benefited from HYA,” explained Roberts. “Through the Homestead, we all went roller skating, swimming, camping, did frequent trips to Bass River and vacationed together in Virginia, like a big family. We were so blessed to be able to experience all of those activities together. It made us all close and was absolutely a shining example of community and public service.
“We had an amazing childhood, and HYA had a lot to do with that. I am beyond grateful for all the selfless hard work it took to create and run this incredible organization. Thank you to every original member who devoted so much to the youth of our community and thank you to every participating member throughout the years who have kept the Homestead running.”
Roberts’ sense of public service was fostered through the Homestead Youth Association; and she stressed that the Pennsauken Township Committee is dedicated to serving the residents of Homestead, as well as the entire community.
“I am fortunate to serve with such an amazing team. Mayor Rafeh, Township Committee and I are here to serve all of Pennsauken. Please do not hesitate to contact me, or any of us, with any questions or concerns.”
