Everywoman Opportunity Center's 29th annual awards dinner honors community members

Everywoman Opportunity Center Inc. will honor outstanding Western New York community members at its 29^th annual awards dinner. For almost 30 years, Everywoman has given awards in recognition of the outstanding actions of women who are pathfinders, risk-takers and role models for all women in their communities.

The awards dinner will be held on May 2 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens in Depew.

This year, three women will be recognized with the Award of Excellence, which celebrates the achievements of extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of women in Western New York:

•Angela Jordan Mosely, executive director of Vive Inc.

•Jill LaMantia, program manager of VA Women Veterans Program

•Crystal J. Rodriguez, executive director of City of Buffalo Commission on Citizens Rights

The Elizabeth B. Hopkins Alumna Award celebrates the achievements of an Everywoman program alumna who exemplifies personal achievement - an achievement aided, abetted and cheered by EWOC's program resources. This year's Alumna Award winner is Taija Cochran.

The Partner in Self-Sufficiency Award acknowledges the contributions and commitment of organizations that have worked with EWOC to help women become self-sufficient. This year, Everywoman recognizes Verizon. Accepting the award on behalf of Verizon will be John O'Malley, public relations manager at Verizon Wireless.

The 29^th annual awards dinner is sponsored in part by Hodgson Russ LLP and Merchants Group. Special thanks go to First Niagara Foundation. For tickets or additional information, call 716-847-1120.

Everywoman Opportunity Center Inc. is a not-for-profit agency that has served Western New York since 1977. Its mission is to help women achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency. Its five multipurpose centers provide services to women in transition. Everywoman centers are located in Buffalo, Dunkirk, Niagara Falls, Olean and Tonawanda/Amherst. Everywoman can be found online at www.everywoman.org.