FFL Management and Board Members

President
Vice President
Secretary
Program Director
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member

Board Member Profiles

Bill Murray (back to top)

Bill has worked for the Meadowlands Racetrack for the past 32 years in various positions including editor of several company newsletters. For the most part of his working career his work has involved dealing with the public, which is an aspect Bill truly enjoys.

"I came to Friends for Life through a friend, like most everyone else. My friend Big Blanche was hosting the Friends for Life fundraiser and I was hooked. That was about 12 years ago." Since that time, Bill's relation with Nelson Rivera has drawn him into the FFL operations in a more involved way than just as a supporter.

When Friends for Life was faced with the Ryan White Funding cuts Bill offered Rev. Moore his help by writing the monthly newsletter, Lifeline. Bill says that," I thought it would help the organization to get the message out that it was still going on in spite of the lack of money and perhaps generate private support." The newsletter proved to be a great way to get the word out to supporters, inform clients of medical news and give the clients a venue to voice their feelings at the same time. Since its inception there has been over 30 editions of the newsletter. When asked to join the board of directors there was no hesitation on his part to say yes. " By that time I was involved up to my chin with FFL and being a part of the Board just seemed like the next step." With the development of the new board of directors, Bill was chosen as their Chairperson shortly thereafter. "I don't think I had a choice. it was a shotgun vote!" He goes on to say, " I was honored to be asked and I am having a ball being behind the scenes of this most sincere organization. But the most amazing thing is how many generous people there are giving of them selves to keep FFL moving forward. I am proud to be in their company."

"My wish for the future of Friends For Life is to shut it down because a cure has been found. Until that day it has to be here for the people that need it."

Brian Eslinger (back to top)

Ron A. Greene (back to top)

In my role as an Educational Administrator I am called upon to utilize many skills and talents. These range from writing grants to developing new programs and curriculum to help better serves all of our students. I bring these same skills and abilities to Friends for Life as I work with others to make Friends for Life a safe haven, a place of where love truly can flourish and blossom among all.

I came to Friends for Life in 2004 after working as a volunteer in the kitchen during my holidays. At the time I was living and working as a Principal in West Virginia. Nelson Rivera, whom I had known for about fourteen years, introduced me to Friends for Life. I was inspired by Nelson's passion and dedication to become involved.

I truly hope that Friends for Life continues to expand and grow in numbers and all that we serve. In addition, the hope is that we can branch out to other areas and continue serving all God's people in many facets of life. I hope and desire that Friends for Life continue to grow and expand and reach out to Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties becoming a leader and a pillar for all the not-for-profits helping all people who have been affected by Aids and giving them the support and a foundation and helping hand in their everyday challenges.

Nelson Rivera

Nelson's introduction to Friends for Life was through his dear friend Michael Andersen, who was a volunteer at FFL. Later on Nelson attended the Fabulous Fakes Fundraisers on a regular basis. After his friend Michael passed away, Nelson found himself with time to spare and decide to dedicate his time in memory of Michael. He did such a good job at FFL that the second year he was honored as Man of The Year.

His professional background found him doing various stints in the helping others. From working with battered women and abused children, Nelson also worked with the Sullivan County Names project and was co-chair for the AIDS Task Force.

While working as a volunteer in the kitchen for FFL, Nelson was there when the funding was cut and many of the paid staff were cut as well. Nelson stood by, took control of the Day Program, and to this day has been instrumental in keeping FFL up and running. He has extended himself and FFL to the many other groups and organizations in North Jersey and managed to get the word out that Friends for Life is alive and well. If there is a venue where he can promote FFL, he is there, reaching out to anyone in need of our services and to anyone who wants to help our organization. He take his commitment to FFL very seriously, and his efforts are rewarded by the many people who have watched him over the years and have joined him in his venture of keeping the Friends for Life mission statement a reality. He is the pied piper.

His goals and hopes for the future of FFL is to keep making people aware to the seriousness of HIV/AIDS and the people who live with it on a daily basis. To keep the organization up and running through fundraising, donations and funding. To help anyone who needs the help, support and love that Friends for Life can provide. To keep the memory of those like Michael Andersen alive and honor their lives with continuing the work at hand. To honor the name of this organization and truly be...a friend for life.

Dexter Findlay (back to top)

Dexter comes to us first as a client who has been a great help in our kitchen as well as volunteering in various fundraising activities. His professional background as an office manager for a nursing agency and customer service office will prove to be very useful in the functions of FFL. From the delegation of tasks, information input, payroll and scheduling his expertise will be valuable both in the day operations and as a board member.

His dreams for FRIENDS FOR LIFE is to see it expand both in its offerings as well as the client population. "Giving hope and support on a wide scale in whatever direction is needed." Dexter went on to say that he wants to give back to FFL for all it has given him. He is grateful for what this organization did for him when he first comes through the doors.

"Friends for Life helped me a lot in opening up and not being closed minded. It helped me to be not afraid and not feel alone. That's what I want to give back to someone else." Can you see why Dexter would be a valued member of the board?

Dr.Tim Eustace, DC (back to top)

The Board member with the most seniority with FRIENDS FOR LIFE and the one with the most personal experiences in life with HIV is the most modest in his biography.

Dr.Tim has been at Friends since the beginning. Tim says, "My family and I wanted to help during the AIDS crisis, so we volunteered to augment the health of people living with AIDS through chiropractic, massage and nutrition. Our children were born HIV+, so we have a personal glimpse of what many members go through." He goes on to say, "I am honored to be able to adjust many amazing and wonderful people over these nearly twenty years."

Dr. Tim has served two terms on the Ryan White Planning Board, has received the Mark Benge award, and been recognized by Friends for Life for his service over the years. His degrees are in Psychology, B.S. and Chiropractic, D.C. and he is currently serving as the Mayor of Maywood, NJ. Tim is truly a man for all seasons, and Friends for Life has benefited from his experiences and talent.

Elaine Gustenhoven (back to top)

Elaine Gustenhoven resides in Oradell with her husband, Ted. She is blessed with a daughter, a son, and one grandchild. A graduate of Ramapo College with a degree in business, she is presently employed a a Licensed Real Estate Broker for T.J.Gustenhoven Realtors in Maywood. A member of the Church of Annunciation in Oradell, she became interested in Friends for Life. Her experience includes past President and six years of service to the board of directors of the Maywood Rotary Club.