Jocelyn is struggling to overcome an abusive past. A mother of three, Jocelyn was physically abused by her children’s stepfather. She battled with substance abuse that began after the abuse at the hands of her ex. Her children were removed from her care by the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) during these periods of physical and substance abuse.... Full story »

Just in time for the holidays, the Greater Newark Holiday Fund made its first $100,000 distribution to 11 North Jersey social service agencies. These agencies in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties serve New Jerseyans facing serious hardships. “Our goal this year is to provide more help than ever for the homeless and destitute, children and the elderly,... Full story »

FAMILY CONNECTIONS Naomi is a teenager who felt isolated and alone. Her confidence was at an all-time low. She had major trust issues and refused to confide in anyone about her problems. Naomi was also severely depressed. She tried unhealthy ways to resolve her issues, including self-mutilation and self-medication with marijuana. Eventually, Naomi went to the Family Connections agency’s Clean... Full story »

FAMILY CONNECTIONS Alex went to the Family Connections agency for youth services. One day the teenager walked into The Space — a counseling group at the agency — asking to speak with a counselor. Alex had no way of knowing he had walked into the ideal facility for his needs. Family Connections offers five school-based youth services programs for middle... Full story »

FAMILY CONNECTIONS George has lived an isolated life. After his parents died, he went to live with one of his brothers. George was struggling with a variety of personality and mental disorders, including schizophrenia. He speaks very little and often repeats what others have just said. He went to the Family Connections Wellness House to learn how to act around... Full story »

YOUTH CONSULTATION SERVICE Sameah,3, and her sister Alisha, 4, have been in foster care since their father died and they were removed from their mother’s care. The girls have had a difficult time adjusting and are under emotional stress. They cling to each other and have trouble sleeping. But the girls tell staff at Youth Consultation Service that they just... Full story »

In times like these we grapple with questions about how and why heartless crimes occur and what will happen next. Speaking with my father this morning, he recalled how he walked two miles to school each day (rain, shine, and over hills of course) through the streets of Boston. "How did we come to this," he asked? As grief... Full story »

WHAT IT DOES Jersey Cares joins with local nonprofit organizations to implement volunteer projects meeting community needs. By coordinating volunteer projects, Jersey Cares offers the other groups a consistent supply of volunteers. "We seek out organizations we think will be good partners," Dean said. "We find them through the communities." An affiliate of the HandsOn Network, Jersey Cares offers various... Full story »

“Some kids don’t ever get off their own street or the street three blocks away. It’s no wonder they never learned to dream big — that they’re afraid to dream big,” said Mary Inzana, founder of LifeTies. Full story »

HomeSharing Inc. helps combat homelessness by matching people who wish to share their homes with people seeking a place to live  Full story »