DeForest Soaries facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DeForest "Buster" Soaries
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Soaries in 2017
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| 30th Secretary of State of New Jersey | |
| In office January 1999 – January 2002 |
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| Governor | Christine Todd Whitman Donald DiFrancesco |
| Preceded by | Lonna Hooks |
| Succeeded by | Regena Thomas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 20, 1951 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Fordham University (BA) Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv) United Theological Seminary (DMin) |
DeForest Blake "Buster" Soaries, Jr. was born on August 20, 1951. He is an African-American Baptist minister, author, and public speaker from Montclair, New Jersey. He used to be the Secretary of State of New Jersey. He also served as the chairman of the federal Election Assistance Commission. For many years, he was the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. He retired from this role in June 2021.
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Who is DeForest Soaries?
DeForest Soaries is a respected leader who has worked in many different areas. He has been a church leader, a government official, and a community helper. He is known for his efforts to improve communities and help families.
Soaries' Early Life and Education
DeForest Soaries grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He later lived in Monmouth Junction, a part of South Brunswick, New Jersey. He is married to Margaret Donna Soaries. They have twin sons named Malcolm and Martin.
Soaries went to college and earned several degrees. He received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Fordham University. He then earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Later, he got a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from United Theological Seminary. He has also been given five special honorary degrees from other schools.
His Role as a Church Leader
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DeForest Soaries was the main pastor at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey. He started this important job in November 1990. He led the church for many years until he retired in June 2021.
Soaries in Politics and Public Service
Soaries has held important positions in government. He worked to help people and improve his state.
Serving as Secretary of State of New Jersey
From January 1999 to January 2002, Soaries was the Secretary of State of New Jersey. He was the first African-American man to hold this job. He worked with Governor Christine Todd Whitman. In this role, he supported more money for the arts. He also gave advice to the governor. He created a program called V-FREE. This program helped prevent youth violence across the state.
Working for Election Fairness
In 2002, Soaries ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey. He did not win that election. In 2003, he was chosen to join the federal Election Assistance Commission. This group was created by Congress to help make elections fair. Soaries served as the chairman of this commission.
Supporting Community Development
Soaries believes that churches and faith groups can help communities grow. He supported President Bush's idea of "faith-based initiatives." These initiatives help religious groups get funding for community projects. Through church donations, Soaries started several non-profit groups. These include the Renaissance Community Development Credit Union and the Harvest of Hope Family Services Network. These groups help people in need.
Soaries was also chosen by Coretta Scott King to speak at the 2000 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Atlanta. He has also worked with important organizations like the Urban League and Operation PUSH.
Helping Communities and Families
DeForest Soaries has started several organizations to help people. These groups work to improve neighborhoods and support families.
Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (CJCDC)
In 1992, Soaries started the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (CJCDC). This is a non-profit group that helps improve neighborhoods that are struggling. CJCDC's goal is to "rebuild communities, one family at a time." They work to make social, educational, and economic conditions better in Central Jersey. They want to help families with lower incomes have a better quality of life. The group believes that people can help themselves if they are supported.
Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. (HOH)
In 1996, Soaries founded the Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. (HOH). This is a faith-based group that helps find and train families to become foster or adoptive parents.
The Harvest of Hope Program created a special way to find and train potential foster parents. At first, they focused on First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. In just a few weeks, 85 families were ready to be foster homes in New Jersey. All 57 "boarder babies" (babies who needed homes) were placed with these families. This success led to the creation of HOH. HOH then trained other churches across New Jersey to do the same thing.
Harvest of Hope also started offering support to foster parents after children were placed with them. This included training, life skills, and help with any problems. The program also helped place older children and groups of siblings. For many years, Harvest of Hope helped the New Jersey State DCP&P (Division of Child Protection and Permanency) place children in good homes. They also provided training for existing foster families.
What is DeForest Soaries Doing Now?
Today, Soaries continues to be involved in important work. He serves as an independent director for three companies. These are Independence Realty Trust, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and Ocean Financial Corporation.
