1925-2018
Born in Montclair, Josephine Janifer was a counselor for the Newark Job Corp and in 1965 Exec Director of the Newark Preschool Council. In 1979, she became the first Director of the Newark Private Industry Council, an employment and training group for disadvantaged residents. She retired in 1992.
Josephine served widely in the community as the President of the Newark Public Library Board of Trustees. She was the first woman to serve on the Board at the Library.
She was also one of the first women to serve on the Board of Trustees of Blue Shield of New Jersey and was President and a member of the Auxiliary of the Crippled Children’s Hospital. She also served on the boards of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, the Essex County Human Services Advisory Council, the Essex County Advisory Board for Handicapped Citizens, the Institute Advisory Council, the Teen Power House Advisory Board, the Mental Health Association of Essex County, Catholic Community Services, the Home and School Association of Branch Brook School and the Bruce Street School for the Deaf. She also was a member of the Phillis Wheatley Literary Club and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority.
In her retirement tribute it was said of Mrs. Janifer, “Throughout her life Mrs. Janifer continually worked to improve the quality of life for many, many Newark residents. Her commitment to service goes far beyond the normal boundaries of human accomplishment.”
Bibliography
“Library trustee named” Star Ledger, Aug 22, 1976
“In Appreciation” Star Ledger Jul 19, 1979
Terrell, Stanley, “Head Picked for Newark Job Council” Aug 10, 1979