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Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center in Newark, was honored by Newark Archbishop John J. Myers as the Catholic Charities’ “Humanitarian of the Year” at its annual gala.
Adubato, who serves on the board of Catholic Charities of the Newark Archdiocese, was recognized for his years of dedicated service to the residents of Newark.
“We are proud to honor Stephen N. Adubato, Sr. as our Humanitarian of the Year,” Dr. Phillip Frese, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, said. “He has consistently worked to improve the lives of others for more than four decades and is recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of Newark’s residents, especially in the area of education and social services.”
The award was presented by Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who said Newark’s North Ward wouldn’t be what it is today without Adubato’s contributions.
“Through intelligence, charm, creativity, force of personality and determination, Steve changed both the physical and social fabric of Newark,” DiVincenzo said. “He is one of a kind, and greatly deserves this honor.”
The gala was held Tuesday, April 5 at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville. Proceeds from the gala support the programs and services of Catholic Charities and its affiliates: Mount Carmel Guild Behavioral Health System and Mount Carmel Guild Schools.
Adubato founded The North Ward Center in 1970 in a small storefront office on Bloomfield Avenue. Today, it is a multifaceted community development organization that serves thousands of residents in the Greater Newark region.
“During an era of instability, uncertainty and transformation in the city, the North Ward Center served as a pillar of strength, offering job training, education and recreational opportunities to families struggling for survival,” said Adrianne Davis, the co-founder of The North Ward Center. “Because of Steve’s leadership, vision, dedication to the community, the Center continues to serve Newarkers.”
Today, the North Ward Center offers a variety of programs that provide a myriad of services to city residents.
The North Ward Child Development Center educates 680 children a year and is one of the largest Abbott preschools in New Jersey.
The Center founded the Robert Treat Academy Charter School, 443 Clifton Ave., which enrolls 450 students in grades K-8. Founded in 1997 as one of the state’s first charter schools, Robert Treat has gained a national reputation for its academic success and was named a “Blue Ribbon School” in 2008.
In August 2009, Robert Treat opened a second campus in the Central Ward that previously housed St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School on William Street on the grounds of the Newark Abbey. The move allowed St. Mary, the oldest Catholic elementary school in New Jersey, to continue operating as it had for years in buildings on the campus of St. Benedicts.
The North Ward Center also runs one of the largest youth development and recreation programs in the state, serving more than 3,200 children. In recognition of his contribution to youth, Adubato was honored by Essex County, which named the recreation complex in Branch Brook Park the Stephen N. Adubato Sr. Sports Complex.
Adubato, who has a Doctor of Humane Letters from Kean University, was recently honored by the New Jersey Ballet. In addition, he was honored by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and National Organization of African-American Administrators.
In 1981 he received the Official Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.
Along with the Humanitarian of the Year Award, Archbishop Myers presented the “Spirit of the Heart Award” to Martin Bowers, an employee of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. The award is given to individuals who, through hard work and perseverance, have benefited from the programs that Catholic Charities and its affiliates offer.
Bowers, whose parents died when he was 15, attended the Archbishop Boland’s Training Center as a trainee, where he not only learned a skill, but overcame his shyness and learning disability.
“When he finished the program, Martin was very responsive to job placement, but because he was such a diligent worker, we decided to keep him here with us,” said John Westervelt of Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is a not-for-profit social service agency of the Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newark. It serves upwards of 100,000 individuals and families in need and focuses on strengthening and preserving family life while restoring the dignity to each individual. As a ministry of the Church, Catholic Charities’ programs provide shelters for the homeless, food to the impoverished, care for the elderly and mentally ill and education to children with developmental disabilities.
