McNamara Family to be Awarded Union County Family Service Award

Lisa and Peter McNamara of Westfield will be two of 12 Union County residents honored on Oct. 24 by Homefirst at the first annual Union County Family Service awards.

The McNamaras will be honored for their work in the creation of Liam’s Rooms across New Jersey hospitals. The purpose of Liam’s Room is to alleviate stress for families who are spending countless hours in hospitals with a child suffering from an illness. Liam’s Room is a way to memorialize the McNamaras'  son Liam, who passed away at 16 months in Lisa’s arms. The couple spent many days in sterile hospital rooms and became all too familiar with the sterile and uninviting hospital rooms where they would spend with Liam.

“With new plush seating, brightly painted murals of sea life and beaches and entertainment for children, the room resembles a home environment, featuring many amenities that could be found in a child’s bedroom,” according to Homefirst.  “Liam’s Room also offers space for parents and guests to stay overnight.”

Currently, a Liam’s Room exists in Overlook Hospital and most recently one at Morristown Memorial Hospital. The McNamaras are working to create additional rooms in area hospitals.

Businesses and leaders in the community sponsor the awards ceremony, known as An Evening of Thanks.

The McNamara’s and the 11 other recipients were nominated by the mayor of their municipality and chosen through a competitive process, which looked at the following criteria: 1) commitment to families; 2) support for families in need; 3) service to Union County families; 4) impact; and 5) longevity of service. 

“Our honorees are an inspiration to me and to my colleagues at Homefirst and to everyone who cares about families in need.  They work quietly and faithfully to support and strengthen families facing adversity and we are very excited to salute them at An Evening of Thanks on October 24,” noted Ellen McGovern, Homefirst’s Executive Director. 

Provided by Homefirst: Established in 1986 in Plainfield, Homefirst delivers innovative comprehensive solutions to homelessness, based on national models of excellence. Their goal is to ensure every family in Union County has access to safe, decent, affordable housing- thereby strengthening families and building stronger more resilient communities.