In Yiddish, the word Mensch means “a person of integrity and honor, someone to admire and emulate, a person of noble character”. One of the very contemporary meanings of the Hebrew word, Mitzvah has come to express “an act of human kindness, a worthy deed”.

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 28, 2010, Mercy Center Ministries honored Sue and Jay Miller for their many years of service and dedication to their community. The Millers are mensches whose life together has been family-oriented and mitzvah-full.

Jay, an attorney with a practice in West Sayville, and Sue, realtor, artist/photographer, and founder of Women Sharing Art are devoted parents and soon-to-be grandparents. They have given of themselves unselfishly over the years to many community endeavors. In the words of Briana Taylor, Executive Director of Mercy Center Ministries, “Sue and Jay Miller are two very special individuals who embody the true community spirit, and who have tirelessly given back to the Mercy Center Community. The Millers are shining examples of the kind of giving that makes a true difference in the world. They are an inspiration to everyone around them.”

Mercy Center Ministries (631-447-3978, www.mercycenterministries.org) is a Suffolk County, community based, non-sectarian, not-for-profit agency with residences for homeless teenage girls and pregnant/parenting teens and their children. Mercy Center opened their first location in Patchogue in 1983. After a few years, it became apparent that more than housing homeless/runaway teen girls was necessary. Housing was needed for a much more vulnerable population, the homeless pregnant or parenting teen. Mercy Residence (Blue Point, 1987) and Mercy House (Sayville, 1989) serve young women who have no other options, Mercy Center provides the residents with safe housing and an education in order to build a better future for themselves and their children.

The 26th Mercy Center Ministries Anniversary brunch that was held at Land’s End to honor Sue and Jay Miller was ‘sitting room only’ – the place was packed. The speakers on hand to thank this wonderful couple included Briana Taylor, Sr. Mary Waters (Foundress of Mercy Center Ministries), Catherine Olinger (President BOD), Senator Brian X. Foley (D-NY), State Assemblywoman, Ginny Fields (D-5th AD), Mayor Paul Pontieri, Jr. (Patchogue Village), Pam Raymond (donning signature chapeau & eyewear, Sayville Inn) and the Miller’s daughter Kelly Wallent. There was not a dry eye in the house after Kelly spoke, her tribute to her parents was one of thanks and acknowledgment. Kelly told her parents that she and her sibs, Colleen and Brandon, “… got it. We have been watching and learning from you. You have shown us all by your life example how important service to others is. Thank you.” Now, if those are not words that every parent lives to hear I don’t know what could be.

Kelly, Colleen and Brandon, everyone thanks you for sharing your parents with us. Sue and Jay, thank you for being you.

The Millers and Pam Raymond Photo credit Ginnie Moore
Catherine Olinger (President BOD) Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt	Kelly Wallent Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
The Millers and State Assemblywoman Ginny Fields Photo credit Ginnie Moore
The Millers and Mayor Paul Pontieri, Patchogue Village Photo credit Ginnie Moore
The Millers and Senator Brian X. Foley (D-NY) Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
Jay Moran, Colleen Miller, Sue & Jay Miller, Kelly Wallent and Matt Wallent Photo credit Ginnie Moore
Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
Sue Miller and The 'Fun' Table Photo credit Ginnie Moore
Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
Jay Miller with friends Photo credit Ginnie Moore
Photo credit Carolyn Leyboldt
The Millers and Briana Taylor Photo credit Ginnie Moore	Photo credit Ginnie Moore
Through The Years Photo credit Ginnie Moore