TOMS RIVER, NJ –  Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver today joined O.C.E.A.N. Inc. President/CEO Channell Wilkins and leaders from O.C.E.A.N. Inc.’s children’s services programs to honor Mrs. Dora Flores for her nearly 55 years of service making delicious and nutritious meals for children in the Head Start Program at O.C.E.A.N. Inc. Mrs. Flores was first hired in 1967 while serving as the cook at the LEAP Head Start Center in Lakewood, New Jersey. Head Start offers services such as early learning and development, nutrition, health, and family well-being to help children get ready to succeed in school and in life.

“Mrs. Flores’ continuous dedication to the Head Start children at OCEAN, Inc. is a shining example of those who choose to carry out their lives in the service of others. She has provided the children with a constant nurturing presence and we are grateful for the generosity and kindness she has shown to them over the years,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. ”Her nearly 55 years of service is remarkable and I am so pleased to offer her this well-deserved acknowledgement and thanks today.”

“Miss Dora has worked diligently to ensure the children of Head Start have nutritious meals prepared with love. Because of her focus on good nutrition, the children are exposed to different foods from other cultures, foods they may not have experienced before Head Start. Through the wonderful meals Miss Dora prepares, she helps broaden the Head Start children's food choices and helps them grow to be healthy eaters,” said Meg Saunders, Vice President of Children’s Services O.C.E.A.N., Inc.

Lt. Governor Oliver presented Mrs. Flores with flowers and a certificate for her years of service to the organization. OCEAN, Inc. leaders presented Mrs. Flores with a resolution on behalf of the organization for her long-term commitment and service to the program and children.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including energy assistance, housing vouchers, affordable housing production, fire and building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery and mitigation.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: