AUGUST 2026
Peer2Peer Expands to Nine Counties to Serve More Youth in Foster Care
Children’s Aid and Family Services’ Peer2Peer program is expanding, bringing one-on-one mentoring and support to more youth in foster care across New Jersey.
During the past year, the program served 45 young people in Hudson, Essex, and Union Counties. Recently, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families selected Children’s Aid’s Peer2Peer program to expand into Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren, providing more youth with access to the program’s unique peer mentoring model.
Helping Older Adults Stay Connected
As people age, staying connected, active, and engaged becomes increasingly important. Changes in health, daily routines, and support needs can sometimes make it more difficult to maintain those connections. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called loneliness and social isolation serious public health concerns, with 1 in 4 adults over 65 considered socially isolated. Through Celebrating Seniors, Children’s Aid and Family Services helps older adults navigate these changes while creating opportunities to learn, connect with others, and feel supported.
Planting with STRIVE
STRIVE members have been developing hands-on gardening skills while learning how to care for plants.
Members planted tomatoes, basil, cucumber, cilantro, and parsley, and more, giving them the chance to learn how different plants grow and what kind of care they need over time. “My favorite part is watching them grow from little seedlings into beautiful plants,” shared Mika.
From the World Cup to the NFL Season: Promoting Safe Rides Home
During the FIFA Club World Cup, The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources launched a community outreach campaign encouraging people to plan for a safe ride home if they were drinking or using other substances.
Staff distributed prevention materials, including table tent cards, coasters, posters, lawn signs, and information about The Center’s free Buster Boxes, to 17 restaurants and bars, the Hackensack Bus Terminal parking lot, and three college campuses throughout the Meadowlands area.
Keeping our Homes Safe and Welcoming
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and community partners, several of our community residences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are receiving important upgrades, including new roofs, a renovated kitchen, and a new rear deck. These improvements help ensure that the individuals who call these residences “home” continue to live in safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments.
Back to the 80’s Gala
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Indian Trail Club—Franklin Lakes, NJ
Organization and Foundation Support
Children’s Aid and Family Services gratefully acknowledges the many generous organizations and foundations that provided grants to support its programs for vulnerable children, adults and families.
Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation | Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation | Allendale Woman’s Club
Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust | Columbia Bank Foundation | Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust | Frank X & Mary E Weny Charitable Trust
Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust | Gift of Life America | Greater Bergen REALTORS® CARES Foundation
Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation | Horizon Foundation for New Jersey | Johnson & Johnson
Nordstrom | Novartis | PSEG Foundation | Sisters of St. Francis Peace
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church | TD Charitable Foundation | The Ann E. Talcott Fund
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation | The Buster Spike Lucky Elkin Marri Love & Luck Fund
The Children’s Foundation of the Oranges | The Greater Newark Holiday Fund
The Hyde and Watson Foundation | The John and Margaret Post Foundation | The Kaplen Fund
Lillian P. Schenck Foundation | The M&T Charitable Foundation | The Valley Hospital Foundation
The WaWa Foundation | TJX Foundation | Turrell Fund | Valley Bank
Visions Federal Credit Union | Whole Foods Market Foundation | The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood