Raise Jersey

Devils are proud to invest in our local New Jersey communities. Every month, Raise Jersey presented by Schindler will highlight community organizations that strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

November
YMCA of Newark & Vicinity December
United Community Corporation January
Boys & Girls Club Newark February
St. John’s Soup Kitchen April
Early Childhood Education

April's Community Organization

Newark Day Center

About Newark Day Center

Newark Day Center, located a few blocks from Prudential Center, is the oldest social services agency in New Jersey, and the third oldest in the nation. For over 200 years, the caring, hands-on, and innovative approach to early education and providing a community hub has been unwavering.

To learn more about Newark Day Center, and how to support their education and summer programs, please visit newarkdaycenter.org

Early Childhood Education

Newark Day Center’s Early Childhood Education program provides infant, toddler, and preschool education for over 200 children ranging from 3 months through 5 years of age. Their high-quality program with certified teachers trained to implement the most current educational initiatives for young children. The programs include Early Head Start which is a federally funded community-based program for low-income families. They collaborate with the Union Township Community Action Organization (UTCAO) and the Abbott program which is preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds in collaboration with Newark Public Schools.

Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund

Since 1882, the Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund, administered by Newark Day Center, has been providing happy summers for Newark youth. The Fresh Air Fund was created for inner-city children who seldom experience the great outdoors. Every summer children ages 7-12, which include the physically challenged, attend day or residential camp where they enjoy arts and crafts, swimming lessons, computer instruction and nature hikes. The Greater Fresh Air Fund relies on donations from community and corporate organizations, special events and individual donors.

February's Community Organization

St. John’s Soup Kitchen

About St. John's Soup Kitchen

For over 40 years, St. John’s Soup Kitchen has been serving as a beacon of hope and support for Newark’s most vulnerable residents.

Over the years, St. John’s has expanded their services to better meet the needs of their clients. Daily services now include food, health care, and social services for Newark’s unemployed, underemployed, homeless, and their families.

To learn more about St. John’s Soup Kitchen, and how to support with donations or as a volunteer, please visit njsk.org.

Soup Kitchen

Every day, St. John’s Soup Kitchen welcomes those facing adversity with open arms, and a space where dignity and compassion prevail. SJSK dedicated staff and volunteers prepare and serve over 300 warm breakfast and 300 hearty and nutritious lunches. Through resources and donations, SJSK can also provide clients with clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other personal and seasonal essential needs.

With each plate, they strive to make a positive impact, providing not just food but a reminder that everyone deserves dignity, warmth, and a place at the table.

Women’s & Children’s Center

The Center recognizes the resilience of mothers, many of whom are survivors of abuse. The Center strives to provide not only nourishment for their bodies but also a safe and supportive space where healing can begin. In addition to support services and social service referrals, they also provide baby diapers, baby wipes and clothes. Daily, the Center supports an average of 100 incredible women and their children.

Health Clinic

The Health Clinic operates as an urgent care facility, offering medical assistance without the need for insurance or proof of coverage. St. John’s believes that access to healthcare is a fundamental right and are committed to ensuring that clients receive the care and support they need to thrive. The Clinic offers specialized services with professional staff from Rutgers School of Nursing, the NJ Commission for the Blind, Beth Israel Hospital, and dedicated volunteer doctors, nurses, and students.

January's Community Organization

Boys & Girls Club Newark

About Boys & Girls Club Newark

The Boys & Girls Club of Newark provides a safe place and enrichment programs for youth to develop academic skills, establish healthy habits, and learn to make positive choices. The Clubhouse pillar programs – STEM Center, Swimming, Wellness – make sure every child can realize their full potential and grow into confident, successful young men and women.

For more information on these programs, and how to support or volunteer, please visit bgcn.org.

STEM Center

The STEM Center specializes in Computer Science, specifically the programming language of Swift and Robotics. The STEM Center has also launched Upward Creative Studios, a Digital Arts Lab to breed creative projects such as podcasts, graphic design, app development, gaming development, animation and so much more! BGCN’s STEM Program reaches beyond the Clubhouse and into BGCN’s 5 school-based sites, with the goal of extending into all Newark Schools.

Learn to Swim

The Learn to Swim program provides a safe environment for all levels of swimmers to enjoy the Clubhouse pool. The focus is on breaking the barriers of swimming associated fear and providing access to people of all ages to learn lifesaving skills while having fun. BGCN plans to start a competitive swim team this upcoming February.

The READY Family Wellness Center

BGCN has impacted the lives of its members by highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and emotional health. The READY Family Wellness Center continues to offer engagement and counseling to members and their families, including, dental and oral health treatment and education, and mental health services to underinsured residents. The READY Family Wellness Center continues to decrease the barriers to health and mental health equity and stigma by partnering with various community partners to provide services, education, resources, and support to BGCN families and staff, and the greater Newark community.

December's Community Organization

United Community Corporation

About United Community Corporation

Celebrating 60 years of service, United Community Corporation (UCC) continues to bring about positive change in the lives of Newark residents and in the health of its communities. UCC operates to assist low-income, disadvantaged, and at-risk individuals and families, including seniors and youth. UCC services, which include: an emergency shelter with case management, a program for the socio-economic wellbeing of seniors, low-income housing, and a range of high-quality after school and summer camp programs for youth.

On December 17, 2023, Prudential Center hosted UCC’s Shop with A Hero. During this annual city-wide event, Newark youth received gift cards and shopped with local Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Educators, Community Leaders, to name a few heroes! This festive day offers an environment for a child and a hero to build a lasting bond and mentorship.

Every month, UCC hosts a themed community event to distribute essential needs and services to Newark residents. On January 24, 2024, Cookies Coats & Cocoa provided winter coats, served cookies and cocoa, and offered groceries, vaccinations, and other resources to residents.

For more information, and how to support or volunteer, please visit uccnewark.org

November's Community Organization

YMCA of Newark & Vicinity

About YMCA & Vicinity

The YMCA of Newark & Vicinity has stood as a pillar in the Newark community for over a century. It is a haven where families, individuals, and youth find a home, whether they are displaced, in transition, crisis, or facing challenges affording market rent rates. "The Extended Stay Program offers a lifeline to these individuals, and through collaborations with various organizations, we provide resources like supportive housing, rental assistance, housing for Veterans, support for the underemployed, and crisis services for teens. The YMCA of Newark is a comprehensive service provider with a singular purpose and mission: serving others.”

YMCA Newark “Adopt a Room” Program

The New Jersey Devils proudly support the YMCA Newark Adopt a Room program by furnishing rooms and providing household items for teens and veterans. The Adopt a Room initiative offers the opportunity to support a family, individual or teen with a welcoming and safe environment.

The Adopt A Room project includes endowing residential rooms, and donating essential housing items (i.e., sheets, towels, furniture, toiletries.)

If you are interested in the Adopt A Room program, please contact 973-624-899 extension 6815, or visit YMCA Newark Adopt A Room at newarkymca.org.