The Interfaith Hospitality Newtork (IHN) of Essex County held its annual fundraising breakfast on Thursday at Mayfair Farms in West Orange.

IHN helps families, parents and children in Essex County that have lost their homes by giving them food and shelter as well as addressing the issues that had lead to the family's homelessness. Local houses of worship, such as Prospect Presbyterian and St. George's in Maplewood and Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, are part of IHN's network.

Over 300 individuals came to the breakfast to hear about what IHN had accomplished in the past year and were asked to help support the continued success of the program. In addition to shelter, IHN offers job skills training, resources for to find jobs and housing and after school activities that provide academic tutoring and enrichment.

Tia Aery, IHN's Executive Director, spoke about the important mission of helping homeless families regain housing and their independence. Using the theme “A Home of My Own,” Aery focused on the children and how IHN helps them not only with shelter and housing but with tutoring, aftercare, enrichment programs, camp scholarships and more.

Among those in attendance was NJ State Assemblywoman Mila Jasey.

Aery was followed by former IHN guest Jacquelyn Graham who shared her story and her enormous talent in song.

Finally, Peter Abdill, on IHN's Board of Trustees asked guests to support IHN’s work with a donation or by making a gift pledge over a five-year period.

Afterwards, guests were treated to Jacquelyn Graham singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as the IHN children danced.