Abode's Jean Morgan Receives State Award

Two men in suits and ties present an award plaque to a woman in a city council chamber

Abode is proud that Sen. Robert Wieckowski named Jean Morgan, our Director of Community Outreach, as a recipient of his 2018 African-American Heritage Leadership award. Jean is one of the longest-tenured employees at Abode, where she is our most recognized community ambassador.

Jean, who has worked at Abode for more than 30 years, is a sought-after speaker by numerous organizations and continues to serve as a community liaison who develops and sustains Abode's relationships with leaders in Alameda and Santa Clara counties.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," she said. "Sen. Wieckowski, Abode, and I share the same mission and vision — to help our community's most vulnerable children and adults. I very much appreciate this honor."

Jean first joined Abode in 1991. She has since recruited and trained thousands of volunteers for Abode. She also has maintained many of our partnerships and coordinates outreach and team-building opportunities with faith-based organizations, businesses, school districts, and other community groups. In addition, Jean manages Abode’s Sunrise Village Emergency Shelter in Fremont.

"We're thrilled for Jean, who is so deserving of this prestigious award," said Abode Chief Executive Officer Louis Chicoine. "Jean has spent years coordinating volunteer services directed at helping homeless people in our community. In the process, she has served with grace and wisdom. We heartily congratulate Jean on this well-deserved honor."

Jean was honored at Sen. Wieckowski's 7th annual African-American Heritage Leadership Awards ceremony on Feb. 8, 2018. The event, scheduled during Black History Month, was held at City Hall in Union City.

"For years and years, Jean Morgan has been a leading voice for the homeless, advocating on their behalf and working tirelessly to see that each person in our regional community has a roof over the head," Wieckwoski said. "Jean is a great treasure for Abode and one of the unsung heroes in our community. That is why I am honored to recognize her with an African-American Heritage Leadership Award."

From 2014 to 2022, Sen. Wieckowski (D-Fremont) represented the 10th Senate District in the California State Legislature, which covers parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties.