It’s no secret that our organization started within months after losing Maurice Lewis to an act of random and senseless gun violence in Millville. Our founder and Executive Director, Sean Thom, was devastated after losing Reese, his former student, so he decided to do something. After conversations with former students, Reese’s family and friends, and community members, he decided to start Our Future First.
That decision started a path of advocacy and support for victims that Sean had never envisioned his life would take. He immediately got involved to help and support Reese’s family however they needed. Over time, he created a bond and friendship with Marisol Cruz (Reese’s mom) that will last a lifetime, especially since she is a member of our Board of Directors and our Board Secretary! He also worked with other families in the community to support however he could and continues to do so.
Fast forward almost 6 years later and Sean was blown away to learn that he was being awarded the NJ Attorney General Excellence Award for Victims’ Justice! He was nominated by the Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance Division for going above and beyond in supporting and assisting victims of crime.
While the award is a testament to the work that Sean and our organization have done over the years, the awards are not why we do the work. We want to help support and build our community in any way possible. We will continue our efforts to assist because that is our passion and purpose!