Bergen and Essex County Catholic Charities assistance programs.
The programs available in northern New Jersey from Catholic Charities focus on providing self-sufficiency, housing resources and basic needs. This can include a job, education, short or long term housing, and free meals or food. Other aid, some of which may be financial, is available as funding allows. There are Catholic Charity churches in the entire region, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union County.
Catholic Charity educational and employment services
Education and employment assistance resources are extensive. This can include English as a Second Language, which offers literacy training, vocational English-language workshops, short-term skills training, and free career counseling. GED Preparation takes part in a classroom setting. Participants of this class will work on the skills needed to pass the high school diploma equivalency examination.
Having a decent paying job may be the best path to self-sufficiency. So case workers from Catholic Charities will help with job search and other employment activities. Participants will be able to learn the skills necessary for a successful job search in Newark and surrounding cities. This can include resume development, computer literacy skills and free Internet access.
Catholic Charities works with government agencies in northern New Jersey, including Essex, Bergen as well as other counties. There is workforce development centers. Catholic Charities also works with local companies as well as non-profits to help people make money from non-traditional jobs, whether it is online marketing or gig type jobs. A number of residents of the region have side hustle type jobs, and the churches can help with that. Find how to make money from side hustle jobs.
Additional vocation and job training is offered from the Boland Training Center. This is a comprehensive vocational training facility that operates in New Jersey and it is even accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The program offers services approved by the N.J. Department of Labor.
One component is Production Services. It will help people develop work experience and skills through training in collating, assembly packaging, shrink film, and light machinery. Or individuals can register for Vocational Evaluation and Assessment. This is a program that can be used to assess vocational aptitudes and limitations. Testing offered includes standardized tests, work samples, and situational assessments. Career counseling is available as well.
The objective is to lead to job placement somewhere in the New Jersey region, including counties of Essex or Bergen. Work with a case manager on resume reviews, job search services, interview skills and general placement.
Non-profits partner with Catholic Charities on Dress for Success. The program is based in Newark and can provide candidates with free professional interview and work clothing. This includes suits, ties, dresses, or other needed items.
Assistance for the elderly and immigrants
Senior programs are available from the Engel Center. This Catholic Charities program is for the elderly and frail residents of Union County. This can include a caregiver support group, access to home delivered meals, senior housing, and information. It is run in partnership with agency on aging offices.
Immigration and Refugee Assistance/Services will provide guidance and assistance to qualified clients that have immigration problems. Specialists from the agency will provide inexpensive, yet high quality, legal assistance. This will address phases of the complicated immigration and naturalization proceedings. Clients can receive counseling and assistance in any matter involving immigration, refugee resettlement and citizenship. Some financial support may be available for paying bills over the short term.
Housing and food programs in Bergen, Essex County and northern NJ
Catholic Charities is part of the Emergency Food and Nutrition Network in New Jersey. This is made up of almost 100 church based food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens in the Archdiocese of Newark. The centers are in all counties and regions, including Hudson and Bergen. Low income families can get free groceries and meals from the pantries.
There are many free food pantries as well as soup kitchens that are part of the network. There are canned and perishable/fresh food items. Or ingredients for a meal. Catholic Charities also helps arrange classes on shopping at grocery stores in counties such as Essex so clients learn how to eat healthy and save money. Find other free food in New Jersey.
Transitional and Permanent Housing for Homeless Families is available at St. Jude's Oasis. This is a short term, transitional and permanent housing program for the very low income and homeless families with children. Many people who use this program are not qualified for entitlement and other government benefit programs. The housing assistance program seeks to help families stabilize their housing situation in the community.
Each individual will be assigned to a caseworker for intake to determine needs in a host of areas. They can learn about housing, rental assistance, employment programs and even mental-health or substance-abuse counseling. The names of some of the centers include Canaan House, St. Rocco's Family Residence, Edna McLaughlin Residence, and St. Bridget's Residence. Find other rehousing grants in New Jersey.
Find help from Catholic Charities in Essex County, Newark and the region
The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark provides assistance to Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties in New Jersey. While many locations are open in the region, the main center is at 505 South Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016. Call (973) 596-4100 or (908) 497-3944 for intake.
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