Unity Table honors Essex County teachers and first responders at The Highlawn

More than 100 educators, first responders and civic leaders gathered in West Orange for a Unity Table reception recognizing service and building cross-sector connections as the school year begins. The event also collected backpacks and school supplies for Essex County families ahead of Community Day in Orange.

Why it matters: - The reception paired public recognition with practical support for students, teachers and first responders across Essex County. - The event also turned networking into a supply drive for children and families preparing for the school year. - Unity Table used the gathering to connect people who often work in separate parts of the community.

What happened: - More than 100 educators, first responders, elected officials, business professionals and community leaders gathered at The Highlawn in West Orange for “Welcome Back: Honoring Our Teachers & First Responders.” - Unity Table created the evening to honor educators and first responders as the new school year begins. - The event drew leaders from education, healthcare, public safety, law, construction, nonprofit organizations and business. - Unity Table is a program of the New Jersey nonprofit Little Box of Love.

The details: - Guidance counselors met business owners during the reception. - First responders exchanged ideas with attorneys and entrepreneurs. - Educators connected with public officials, nonprofit leaders and community advocates. - Attendees included State Sens. Renee Burgess, Britnee N. Timberlake and John F. McKeon. - Other attendees included Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren; Democratic nominee for Essex County Commissioner-at-Large Abdur R. Yasin; former New Jersey First Lady Ruthi Byrne; Essex County Sheriff’s Office Acting Chief Zipporah Thomas-Jenkins; Chief Todd Warren; West Orange Councilwoman Joyce Rudin; Councilman Larry Crump; Englewood Councilwoman Angela David, Ward III; and Orange Township Council President and At-Large Councilmember Adrienne K. Wooten. - The evening’s theme centered on “Different Voices. Shared Solutions.” - J. Wayman Henry III, founder of Unity Table, said the group wanted one night where teachers and first responders were the ones being welcomed. - State Sen. Renee Burgess said bringing educators, first responders, business leaders, public officials and community advocates together strengthens the entire community.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a broader strategy of using social gatherings to build relationships across sectors before turning those relationships into action. - Unity Table is positioning itself as a community platform, not just an event series. - The supply drive shows the group is linking civic recognition with direct neighborhood support.

What's next: - Guests were encouraged to donate backpacks and back-to-school supplies for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Community Day at Monte Irvin Park in Orange on Monday, August 31. - Supplies collected through Unity Table’s network are being delivered to support local children and families. - Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones said Community Day is meant to help every child in Essex County begin the school year prepared and supported. - Unity Table will return to The Highlawn on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for “Todos a la Mesa — Everyone to the Table.” - The free gathering will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the culture, leadership, entrepreneurship, service and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. - Details and RSVP information are available at Unity Table.

The bottom line: - Unity Table is using recurring receptions to connect community leaders, spotlight service and channel support into local action.