Parker CEO Witnesses NJ Governor's Executive Order for Puerto Rico Aid



By Fern Marder

Parker President and CEO, Roberto Muñiz has been active in fundraising efforts for people, particularly elders, who have experienced the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which adversely impacted Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He recently returned from a visit to Puerto Rico with an delegation from LeadingAge, an organization of over 6,000 members and partners representing the not-for-profit field of aging services, including organizations like Parker. Roberto wrote a heartfelt blog post about his experiences in Puerto Rico that has opened up many eyes to the amount of work that still must be done to help elders living in senior communities and their dedicated staff members who are living in dire conditions.

Recently, Mr. Muñiz was invited to witness New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy sign Executive Order 10, which establishes the Commission on Puerto Rico Relief, an 18-member commission that will collaborate with state and federal agencies to expedite processes benefiting displaced Puerto Ricans in New Jersey, as well as examine ways the state can aid the island. 

Governor Murphy stated his reason for signing Executive Order 10: “This joint commission will help the approximately 30,000 Puerto Ricans who have taken refuge in New Jersey by directing our state agencies to fast-track help for those who have been displaced. We also must find additional ways to help the island and return Puerto Ricans to normalcy. The federal response has been insufficient and we must step up as a state to help our brothers and sisters on the island.”

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