News

Volunteering is Impactful – 11/25 

By Kim Rokohl, Graduate Assistant 

On Monday, November 25, representatives from the Human Rights Institute (HRI) had the opportunity to volunteer with Healthcare, Senior Services, and Homelessness (HS&H) Outreach Services. This organization is a Northern New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to providing numerous services related to Healthcare, Senior Services, and Homelessness.  

HS&H Outreach Services aims to provide each individual with the opportunity to feel human again. Those suffering from housing insecurity, food insecurity, and job insecurity face stigma around their struggles. Too often, they are seen not as a person, but rather, as “other”.  This narrative compounds a difficult situation, forcing one to struggle not only with one’s circumstances, but also with one’s self-worth. Accepting this dehumanizing narrative creates an additional challenge of combating one’s struggles while simultaneously feeling unworthy of care.  

HS&H Outreach Services wants to empower its community by creating conditions for dignity and respect, while also providing individuals with resources. Meeting people where they are is a crucial part of the process, as it destigmatizes services in addition to making them accessible. This accessibility is key to guaranteeing that provided services can be received by those in need. 

Esperanza is the Lead Organizer for this non-profit organization. Growing up, she always wanted to aid her community, saying that if she ever had the means of lending support, she would. Today, she is making good on that promise.  

This December 18, HS&H Outreach Services is holding its second annual Gala of Hope. The event provides a night of freedom from the normal constraints of life that those less fortunate face. With music, food, drinks, and optional free formal attire for the night, these individuals are given a chance to feel like a part of the community again and just enjoy the moment. The Human Rights Institute is proud to support this effort and future ones with this inspiring organization.  

Volunteering in one’s community may seem like a small step towards creating change, but it is a start. Such volunteerism closely aligns with The Human Rights Institute’s mission of shining a light on human rights issues. Organizations like HS&H Outreach Services depend on volunteers to carry out their mission and spread their message of dignity and respect. We encourage you to find such organizations to help with in your local community. 

The Human Rights Institute at Kean University hosted a focused discussion on LGBTQIA+ and Higher Education. The event took place on Wednesday, April 24th. It aimed to explore the state of LGBTQIA+ rights on college campuses, share best practices, and address ongoing disparities. The panel featured diverse voices from the academic community and advocacy sectors including Senator Lesniak, providing valuable insights into making higher education more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

On Saturday, October 19, the Human Rights Institute hosted our inaugural Drag Brunch in the HRI Gallery. The event was held against the backdrop of the current exhibit, “Wigstock," which captured moments from the Wigstock festival in NYC in the early 1990s. The HRI aimed to provide a safe and affirming space for a cross-section of campus life to come together in celebration of inclusivity, authenticity, and the power of creativity in combating discrimination against marginalized populations. More than 80 Kean students, staff, faculty, and alumni experienced a powerful performance from three fabulous drag queens, including Kean alum Kay Gorgeous, showcasing their amazing talents. The event concluded with a vulnerable and enlightening Q&A with the drag queens. Allowing those in the audience to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community firsthand is one step closer to ensuring inclusivity and acceptance of all.