OREANDA-NEWS. December 31, 2014. Verizon New Jersey’s predecessor – New Jersey Bell - opened its headquarters on Newark’s Broad Street in 1929 – launching many decades of community service to the people of the city and Essex County.

That mission continues today, and a great example of that is Verizon’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Newark to help hard-working families obtain the goal of home ownership.

For its commitment to the international nonprofit and its service within Newark and Essex County, Verizon recently received the first-ever “Corporate Citizen of the Year” award from Habitat for Humanity Newark.

Accepting the award on behalf of Verizon was Sam Delgado, vice president of external affairs for Verizon New Jersey, who has served as the key point of contact with the nonprofit. Delgado attended the nonprofit's holiday reception in Newark on Dec. 16 to accept the award and explained why Verizon embraces Habitat for Humanity Newark.

“Verizon is a tremendous and cherished partner of ours,” said Jeff Farrell, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Newark. “Sam and his team share in our commitment to serving the community and giving people a hand up, not a hand out. We salute Verizon for all they do for Newark and the surrounding area. The company is the ideal recipient for this award.”