BIOGRPAHY OF THE REVEREND JOSE C. LÓPEZ Rev. Jose C. López is a State Chaplain for the New Jersey Department of Correction. He served as Chaplain at Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital in Secaucus He is formed a Protestant Chaplain at the Barnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center. Rev. López presently serves as a volunteer Chaplain at the Kearny Correctional facility and has expertise in HIV, alcohol, drug and family trauma counseling. He is a member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), serves as a member of the New Jersey Notary Public Commission since 1980 and is a member of the American Correctional Association.  Rev. López was appointed by Governor Chris Christie and reappointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve on the state of New Jersey’s Council on Mental Health Stigma in the state and is Board Certified in Clinical Pastoral Education.    Rev. Lopez served as a Board Member of Jersey City’s PACO Agency from 1980 to 2002.  Rev. López began his ministry as Founder and Pastor of the Iglesias Cristiana Avivamiento Pentecostal (Christian Church of Pentecostal Revival) in1982.  In 1979, Rev. López served under the leadership of Reverend Roberto (Bob) Roman, who founded the Christian Children’s Parade. By the year 1981, Rev. Lopez, took the helms of leadership of the Christian Children’s Parade in Jersey City.  Under his leadership, he expands it internationally under the name Children of Faith Parade and Multicultural Festival where for 44 years he promoted the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the City, County, State and International level. The children’s parade was one of the only event to be held following the first anniversary of September 11 in the year of 2002.   It was at that first anniversary of September 11 the Rev. López innovated the Children of Faith Parade and Multi-cultural Festival, which celebrates children and families of all religions, organizing numerous community events throughout the year.     In 2003, Rev. Lopez founded and serves as President of the New Jersey Center for EMPOWERMENT and Community Development Inc., which seeks to improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents by engaging, educating and ultimately empowering the clients served by the institution.    Rev. Lopez is experienced as a grant developer, trainer and consultant within the nonprofit sector, specializing in faith-based initiatives, communication skills, fundraising strategies, organizational and board development. Rev. Lopez, is Member of AETH- Hispanic Association for Theological Education American Correctional Association recognizes Rev. Jose C. Lopez, as a Professional Chaplain of this association, which is dedicated to aiding the correctional community in the pursuit of excellence. Rev. López is also honored to serve, as the New Jersey Hispanic Outreach Director for Christians United for Israel (CUFI), is a Board Member of the New Jersey Family Policy Council. Rev. López is also honored Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) with The Illustrious Award 2016 Social Entrepreneurship. Rev. Lopez, a voting Board of Delegated Member of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, the State’s largest Hispanic civil rights organization.  Rev. Lopez is happily married to Juanita C. López and has raised six children, Jasmia, Edward, Kathleen, Matthew and Abraham and Pedro, a beloved spiritual son and who have blessed him with Nine Grandchildren.