Newark Community Resources

✓ VerifiedAdvocacyGovernment+1

Brick City Peace Collective (BCPC)

All ages · All Wards

A division of OVPTR that unites grassroots organizations, service providers, and city departments into Newark's public-safety ecosystem.

✓ VerifiedGovernment

City of Newark

All Wards

Municipal government partner collaborating on housing initiatives and youth programming across Newark.

Essex County

County government partner extending programs beyond Newark city lines.

Essex County Division of Community Action

Low-income Essex County residents needing utility assistance

Essex County office administering utility- and energy-assistance programs for county residents.

Essex County Division of Family Assistance & Benefits

Low-income Essex County residents · All Wards

County office administering SNAP, TANF, Medicaid enrollment, subsidized childcare, and emergency financial assistance.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernmentHealth & Wellness

Essex County Division of Senior Services

Essex County residents age 60+ and their caregivers · Central Ward

Essex County's Area Agency on Aging, coordinating services for county residents age 60 and older, including the ADRC information and assistance line, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver respite, and adult protective services. Office located at 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Newark.

Counseling & TherapyTrauma RecoveryVictim Services

Essex County Family Justice Center

Domestic violence victims in Essex County · Central Ward

A walk-in one-stop center in Newark providing coordinated, trauma-informed services for domestic violence victims in Essex County, including safety planning, risk assessment, and support groups. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, with in-person services on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Essex County Office of Senior Services

Seniors age 60+ and caregivers · All Wards

County office for caregiver support, adult protective services, senior transportation, and meal programs (toll-free 1-877-222-3737).

GovernmentWorkforce & Reentry

Essex County One-Stop Career Center

Job seekers, dislocated workers, youth · All Wards

County American Job Center offering job placement, WIOA training funds, and youth employment services.

EducationGovernment

Federal Student Aid / FAFSA

Students and families applying for college aid · All Wards

Runs the FAFSA and helps students access Pell Grants, work-study, and federal loans for college and career school.

GovernmentTools & Resources

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Residents affected by a declared disaster · All Wards

Federal disaster-recovery help, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, after a declared disaster.

GovernmentHousing & Shelter

HUD Newark Field Office

Renters and homeowners needing housing help · All Wards

Federal housing agency handling fair-housing complaints, HUD-assisted housing questions, and referrals to HUD-approved counselors.

Invest Newark (Urban Enterprise Zone)

Newark small businesses · All Wards

Administers the Newark Urban Enterprise Zone -- sales-tax reinvestment, facade grants, and business recruitment support for certified businesses.

GovernmentTools & Resources

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center — Newark

Residents needing in-person federal tax help · All Wards

Local IRS office (appointment-only) for in-person help with tax questions, payments, and account issues.

GovernmentTools & Resources

IRS VITA — Free Tax Preparation

Filers earning under ~$67,000, seniors, disabled · All Wards

IRS-sponsored free tax-return preparation by trained volunteers; call to locate the nearest Newark-area VITA site.

GovernmentHealth & Wellness

Medicare

Residents 65+ and people with disabilities · All Wards

Federal health-insurance program for people 65+ and those with certain disabilities, with 24/7 help on enrollment, plans, and claims.

Newark Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC)

Businesses applying for a liquor license · All Wards

Municipal board that approves liquor license applications and enforces alcohol licensing compliance.

Newark Animal Care & Control

Newark residents with an animal-welfare or stray-animal concern · All Wards

City animal control, shelter operations, and animal-welfare enforcement (routed through the Health & Community Wellness main line).

Newark Central Permitting (Building Division / UCC)

Residents and contractors doing construction/renovation work · All Wards

Issues building permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and zoning approvals for residential and commercial projects.

Newark Cooling Centers (Code Red)

Newark residents during extreme heat · All Wards

City of Newark Code Red cooling-center activation; call the Dept. of Recreation/OEM for the nearest ward location.

Newark Department of Public Works

All Newark residents · All Wards

Main city department for trash collection, recycling, street maintenance, snow removal, and forestry.

✓ VerifiedGovernmentHousing & Shelter

Newark Division of Affordable & Sustainable Housing

Renters and would-be homeowners · All Wards

City office managing affordable-housing programs and inclusionary-zoning units for Newark residents.

Newark DPW Parks & Grounds Division (Park Permits)

Residents wanting a park pavilion, picnic area, or sports-field reservation · All Wards

Issues permits for park pavilions, picnic areas, and sports fields (e.g. a family cookout); register online via Community Pass.

Newark Fire Prevention Bureau

Event organizers, food trucks, assembly venues · All Wards

Issues fire and life-safety permits for public events, food trucks, and assembly gatherings.

Newark Food & Drug Bureau

Mobile food vendors and temporary event food sellers · All Wards

Issues food-handler, mobile food-vendor, and temporary-event food permits; conducts retail food safety inspections.

✓ VerifiedGovernmentTools & Resources

Newark Municipal Court

Residents with municipal tickets or minor cases · All Wards

City court handling traffic tickets, local ordinance and minor criminal matters, payment plans, and bail.

Newark Non-Emergency / 311 Call Center

All Newark residents · All Wards

Central city hotline (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) for refuse collection issues, street repair, code enforcement, and general municipal service requests.

Newark Office of Central Licenses and Permits

Anyone operating a business in Newark · All Wards

Issues the general (mercantile) business license required to legally operate a business in Newark, in person or online.

Newark Office of Special Events (Block Party Permits)

Residents/nonprofits planning a block party or street closure · All Wards

Issues block-party and street-closure permits; apply at least 21 days ahead via the online portal or in person.

GovernmentWorkforce & Reentry

Newark One-Stop Career Center (NJ DOL)

Job seekers, career changers, unemployed workers · All Wards

State-run American Job Center offering job-search help, workshops, unemployment support, and training referrals.

Cooling CentersEducationGovernment+1

Newark Public Library — Main Library

All Newark residents · All Wards

Free computer/internet access, literacy and job-readiness programs, and research help across the Newark branches.

Newark Recreation, Cultural Affairs & Senior Services (RCASS)

All Newark residents · All Wards

City department overseeing recreation centers, senior centers, and community programming across all six wards.

Newark Recycling & Bulk Waste Services

All Newark residents · All Wards

Curbside recycling twice weekly and bulk-item pickup twice monthly (max 10 items); call to schedule appliance pickup.

Newark Snow Removal

All Newark residents · All Wards

The City of Newark manages public-street snow removal and salting during winter storms; residents remain responsible for clearing their own sidewalks. Call for emergency snow or ice conditions. For cold-weather shelter, see Newark Warming Centers (Code Blue).

Newark Street Maintenance / Pothole Reporting

All Newark residents · All Wards

Report potholes and damaged city-owned streets via the online Request Tracker or by phone.

Newark Urban Forestry / Tree Services

All Newark residents · All Wards

Report street trees needing pruning or removal via SeeClickFix or by phone; city-owned trees are assessed by an ISA-certified arborist.

GovernmentWorkforce & Reentry

Newark Workforce Development Board

Newark job seekers, youth, and employers · East Ward

City workforce board under the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development that coordinates publicly funded job training, apprenticeships, and hiring events for Newark residents. Programs include construction and HVAC training, youth workforce development, and employer partnerships.

GovernmentTools & Resources

NJ Courts — Essex Vicinage Self-Help

Residents navigating court without a lawyer · All Wards

Court help office explaining procedures, providing forms, and connecting self-represented residents to services.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernmentTools & Resources

NJ Department of Human Services

Low-income and vulnerable NJ residents · All Wards

State department overseeing NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, WorkFirst NJ cash assistance, and disability and aging services.

GovernmentHealth & WellnessTools & Resources

NJ Division of Aging Services / ADRC

Seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers · All Wards

Connects older adults and people with disabilities to in-home care, Medicare counseling, and county aging offices.

AdvocacyGovernment

NJ Division on Civil Rights

Residents facing discrimination · All Wards

State civil-rights agency investigating discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations under NJ LAD.

GovernmentHealth & Wellness

NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid & CHIP)

Low-income children, parents, pregnant people, adults · All Wards

Languages Spanish, English

New Jersey Medicaid/CHIP providing free or low-cost health, dental, and prescription coverage to eligible residents.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernmentHousing & Shelter+1

NJ LIHEAP — Home Energy Assistance

Low-income households with heating/utility bills · All Wards

Helps very low-income residents pay heating/cooling bills and covers emergency utility and heating-system needs.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernment

NJ SNAP (Food Assistance)

Low-income households needing help buying food · All Wards

New Jersey food-assistance program providing an EBT card for groceries; apply at MyNJHelps.gov or call the SNAP hotline.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernmentHealth & Wellness

NJ WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

Pregnant/postpartum people, infants, children under 5 · All Wards

Nutrition program providing healthy food, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education for young families.

✓ VerifiedGovernmentTrauma Recovery+1

Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR)

All ages · All Wards

City of Newark office leading citywide community-based violence intervention, prevention, and trauma-recovery strategy.

Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center

Women in crisis — survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness

A City of Newark resource center supporting women in crisis with domestic-violence and sexual-assault services, homelessness support, job development, and grief/mental-health support.

GovernmentTools & Resources

Social Security Administration — Newark Field Office

Newark residents (retirement, disability, SSI, cards) · All Wards

Federal office for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI/SSI), replacement cards, and Medicare enrollment help.

GovernmentTools & Resources

USA.gov Benefit Finder

Residents unsure which benefits they qualify for · All Wards

Official federal benefit-finder that matches residents to 1,000+ government assistance programs (replaced Benefits.gov).

USCIS Newark Field Office

Immigrants with green-card/naturalization matters · All Wards

Languages Multilingual

Federal immigration office (appointment-only) for naturalization interviews, green-card services, and biometrics.

GovernmentHealth & Wellness

VA New Jersey Health Care — East Orange Campus

Military veterans in Newark and Essex County · All Wards

VA medical center serving Newark-area veterans with primary care, mental-health care, and specialty services.

21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and Out-of-School Time Resources

K-12 students and their families, through before-school, after-school, and summer out-of-school-time programs · Statewide (NJ), including Newark/Essex County providers

New Jersey's out-of-school-time program funds before-school, after-school, and summer programming for K-12 students and their families. Grantees include school districts, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and faith-based groups running academic tutoring, youth development activities, arts, technology education, and career preparation.

✓ VerifiedTechnical AssistanceTools & Resources

A.M. Consulting

Community organizations, leaders & partners · All Wards

Provides technical assistance, capacity building, facilitation, and leadership development — plus tools and resources — to help community organizations and leaders strengthen their work and grow.

Counseling & TherapyHousing & ShelterVictim Services

Access Family Services

Domestic violence survivors and their children in Essex County · Central Ward

Access Family Services is Essex County's domestic violence program, offering a 24-hour bilingual hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, support groups, and court/legal advocacy. Services are provided regardless of English proficiency or immigration status; the listed Gateway Center address is the public administrative office -- the shelter location is confidential and is not published.

AdvocacyEducation

AFSC Immigrant Rights Program

Immigrant families and individuals · All Wards

Languages Spanish, English, multiple

Free legal representation, Know-Your-Rights education, and advocacy for immigrant communities across New Jersey.

Arts & CultureYouth Mentoring

All Stars Project of New Jersey

Youth 5-25 · All Wards

Transforms the lives of youth from underserved communities through the developmental power of performance, including the Cops & Kids police-community program.

Baddie University

Girls 11-17 and young women 18-25 · All Wards

Mentorship and empowerment program fostering economic mobility, self-confidence, and community for girls and young women.

Counseling & TherapyWorkforce & ReentryYouth Mentoring

Be The Changemakers, Inc.

Youth grades 9-12 · All Wards

Reduces youth justice-involvement by building vocational and life skills, emotional stability, and self-awareness for high-risk teens.

Bessie Mae Women and Family Health Center

All ages 0-99 · All Wards

Provides primary care, OB/GYN, and mental/behavioral health plus domestic/sexual violence advocacy, with multilingual services.

Bethany Baptist Church Food Pantry & Clothes Closet

Newark residents needing food and clothing assistance

Weekly food pantry and clothes closet at Bethany Baptist Church.

EducationYouth Mentoring

Boys & Girls Club of Newark

Youth (children and teens) · South Ward

After-school, summer, and teen programs with a trauma-informed approach to support the development of Newark's young people.

Food & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter

Bridges Outreach

People experiencing homelessness, and veterans · Central Ward

Street outreach, meals, case management, and housing support for people experiencing homelessness across Essex and Union counties.

EducationHealth & WellnessYouth Mentoring

Butterfly Dreamz, Inc.

Teens and young adults 12-24 · All Wards

Equips young people of color to be confident leaders through wellness coaching, group mentoring, internships, and scholarships.

Counseling & TherapyFood & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark

Low-income families and individuals · All Wards

Languages Spanish, English

Behavioral health, addiction, housing, immigration/refugee, aging, and basic-needs services across northern New Jersey.

Champion House Food Pantry (United Community Corporation)

Newark families needing emergency food assistance (ID, SS card, and proof of residency required)

A UCC-operated food pantry site; call ahead. ID, Social Security card, and proof of residency required; one package per family per month.

Clinton Hill Community Action

All ages · South Ward

Community development organization revitalizing the Clinton Hill neighborhood through civic engagement, housing, food, and advocacy projects.

Community PantriesFood & Basic Needs

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

Food-insecure residents · All Wards

New Jersey's largest anti-hunger organization, distributing food and providing SNAP support through a statewide partner-pantry network.

Complex Vision Newark, LLC

Youth 14-25 · South Ward

Builds youth life skills, knowledge of self, and conflict resolution through mentoring, basketball tournaments, and high-risk intervention.

Housing & ShelterTrauma RecoveryVictim Services

Covenant House New Jersey

Youth (16-21) facing homelessness; human trafficking survivors · Central Ward

Covenant House New Jersey operates a 24/7 crisis and residential center in Newark for young people ages 16-21 experiencing homelessness, with all services free. It also runs a statewide 24/7 human trafficking hotline (862-240-2453) and supported 2,373 young people in FY25.

AdvocacyTrauma RecoveryViolence Prevention

Equal Justice USA

All ages · All Wards

National organization transforming the justice system by promoting healing-centered responses to violence and trauma-informed policing.

Education

Essex County College Adult Learning Center

Essex County adults age 16+ · Central Ward

Essex County College's Adult Learning Center, operating since 2001, offers free ESL, Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency preparation, civics, and computer literacy instruction. Programs serve Essex County residents age 16 and older at the college's main Newark campus.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernment

Essex County Family Assistance & Benefits

Low-income Essex County / Newark residents · All Wards

The Essex County welfare office where Newark residents apply for SNAP, WorkFirst NJ/TANF, General Assistance, and Emergency Assistance.

AdvocacyHousing & ShelterTools & Resources

Essex-Newark Legal Services

Low-income Essex County residents · All Wards

Free civil legal assistance to Essex County's low-income residents in housing, family, consumer, and public-benefits matters.

Federal Bonding Program

Job seekers with a criminal record, a gap in work history, poor credit, or a history of substance use, and the employers who hire them · Statewide

A no-cost, six-month fidelity bond of up to $25,000 that protects an employer against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement by a new hire. It gives an employer a reason to say yes to a candidate with a record, a gap in work history, or a history of substance use. Contact the State Bonding Coordinator (FederalBonding@dol.nj.gov) to request a bond for a specific hire.

EducationYouth Mentoring

Gateway U | Trio New College Network

Students with HS diploma or GED · All Wards

Provides access to accredited, affordable Southern New Hampshire University degrees with academic coaching and career services.

EducationWorkforce & Reentry

Goode Education Group (Gateway U | Trio New College Network)

Ages 16 and up · All Wards

Delivers workforce development, clean-energy employment training, industry-recognized credentials, and case management.

EducationFood & Basic NeedsHealth & Wellness

Greater Newark Conservancy

Newark residents and families seeking fresh food and garden programs · Central Ward

Greater Newark Conservancy operates urban farms, community gardens, and seasonal farm stands (accepting SNAP/WIC) across Newark from its Urban Environmental Center at 32 Prince Street. It also runs nutrition education and youth environmental programs.

Healing & Resilient NJ (HRNJ)

Individuals, families, and organizations dealing with trauma or building resilience · Statewide (NJ) — includes Newark/Essex County

A state site with a directory of trauma-informed service providers, a free self-paced online trauma-awareness course, and a "Resilience Room" with de-stress tools. Built by the NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Resilience.

EducationFood & Basic NeedsYouth Mentoring

High School Academic Program c/o Bessie Green Community

All ages · All Wards

Feeds, clothes, and supports neighbors with food, toiletries, life-skills education, and social-work assistance for housing and benefits.

✓ VerifiedArts & CultureTrauma Recovery+1

HigherSelf

All ages · All Wards

501(c)(3) building community through an art gallery, healing and wellness programming, art therapy, and youth mentoring. The 7 Space — our Art Gallery & Wellness Center in downtown Newark — is a program operated by HigherSelf.

Counseling & TherapyHarm ReductionHealth & Wellness+1

Hyacinth

People living with or at risk of HIV in New Jersey · South Ward

Hyacinth is New Jersey's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization, operating a Health & Wellness Clinic at 194 Clinton Avenue in Newark offering HIV/STI testing and treatment, PrEP, substance use counseling, housing placement assistance, and client legal advocacy. The organization serves more than 38,000 people statewide.

Individuals with Disabilities / Schedule A (USAJOBS)

People with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability · Nationwide

Schedule A lets federal agencies hire a person with a documented disability without running the standard competitive process. Applicants need a letter confirming the disability from a doctor, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or a federal, state, or local disability agency. Selecting this hiring path in a USAJOBS profile makes a resume visible to agencies filling Schedule A positions.

Inspired By U

All ages · All Wards

Brings free trauma-informed art therapy, support groups, education, and case management to adults to promote individual and family healing.

Integrity Harm Reduction Center (Integrity House)

Individuals who use drugs and are at risk of overdose

A harm reduction program of Integrity House offering sterile syringes, fentanyl test strips, naloxone, wound care, and referrals to treatment.

Counseling & TherapyHealth & WellnessTrauma Recovery

Integrity House

Adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, including pregnant and postpartum women · Central Ward

Integrity House is a nonprofit provider of therapeutic-community addiction treatment, mental health care, and recovery support, headquartered at Lincoln Park in Newark. Services include residential and intensive outpatient treatment, women's supportive housing, harm reduction, and mobile community care.

Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges

Residents of Orange, East Orange, and West Orange

Weekly food pantry primarily serving Orange, East Orange, and West Orange residents.

Technical AssistanceTools & Resources

Invest Newark

Newark small and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs · All Wards

Invest Newark is the City of Newark's economic development corporation, successor to the Brick City Development Corporation (BCDC). It offers free business training programs, development services, and access to capital and connections for small and minority-owned businesses.

AdvocacyEducationYouth Mentoring

Ironbound Community Corporation

Children, youth, and families · East Ward

Languages Spanish, Portuguese, English

Community org serving Newark's Ironbound with early learning, after-school and youth programs, family success centers, a food pantry, and advocacy.

It’s All About the Seniors and Kids, INC.

All ages · All Wards

Reduces violence through high-risk intervention, peer counseling, employment readiness, and a grooming/mentoring barbering program.

Job Source (New Jersey)

New Jersey job seekers · Statewide

New Jersey's official job bank. Search current openings across the state, build a career profile, and get matched to employers hiring now. Run by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

EducationWorkforce & Reentry

JVS of MetroWest New Jersey

Immigrants, refugees, job seekers, and people with disabilities in Essex County · All Wards

JVS of MetroWest NJ is a nonprofit vocational service agency based in East Orange offering ESL classes, career counseling, healthcare job training (CNA, EKG, phlebotomy, home health aide), GED preparation, citizenship classes, and disability employment services. It provides multilingual support for refugees and immigrants across Essex County.

EducationFood & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter+1

La Casa de Don Pedro

Immigrant families and all ages · North Ward

Languages Spanish, English

Newark nonprofit (est. 1972) fostering self-sufficiency through Head Start/childcare, housing and energy services, food assistance, and an immigrant resource center.

La Casa de Don Pedro Pantry

Newark families needing food assistance

La Casa de Don Pedro's food pantry site (separate from its main Park Avenue office).

EducationWorkforce & ReentryYouth Mentoring

Leaders For Life, INC.

Youth and adults 13-25 · South Ward

Improves quality of life for disenfranchised youth through literacy, life skills, employment support, mentorship, and tutoring.

AdvocacyTools & Resources

Legal Services of New Jersey

Low-income New Jersey residents · All Wards

Runs the free statewide LSNJ-LAW hotline connecting low-income residents to civil legal help (housing, family, consumer, benefits).

Literally No Days Off, LLC

Young adults 18 and up · West Ward

Reduces West Ward violence by sourcing tangible resources such as IDs, birth certificates, jobs, training, and drug detox/rehab.

LP Consulting Services

Ages 13-19 · North/East

Empowers communities and organizes through data-driven, high-risk intervention strategies to reduce crime.

EducationFood & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter

New Community Corporation

All ages · All Wards

Helps inner-city residents improve quality of life through housing, transitional care, adult and early learning, and emergency food.

New Direction

All ages · All Wards

Nonprofit providing community outreach, mediation, conflict resolution, high-risk intervention, prevention, and safe passage.

AdvocacyWorkforce & Reentry

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

Communities of color across New Jersey · Central Ward

Newark urban advocacy and research organization advancing economic justice, criminal-justice/reentry reform, and democracy for people of color.

Counseling & TherapyWorkforce & Reentry

New Jersey Reentry Corporation

Formerly incarcerated / returning citizens · South Ward

Helps returning citizens reintegrate through job placement, legal aid, addiction and health services, and case management (Newark/Essex office).

AdvocacyTechnical AssistanceWorkforce & Reentry

Newark Alliance

Newark residents, employers, and anchor institutions · Central Ward

Nonprofit collaborative of Newark anchor institutions advancing inclusive economic growth through the Hire. Buy. Live. Newark framework, the Newark Anchor Collaborative, and Newark Youth Career Pathways. Its initiatives include downtown revitalization (Newark Downtown District), addressing homelessness, and growing the local innovation economy.

Newark Anti-Violence Coalition

All ages · All Wards

Addresses violence as a public health issue through social-justice action, family mediation, counseling, and community organizing.

AdvocacyArts & Culture

Newark Arts

Newark artists, arts organizations, and residents · Central Ward

Newark Arts is the citywide arts council that advances arts and culture in Newark through grantmaking (including the Creative Catalyst Fund), artist mentorship programs, and the annual Newark Arts Festival. It connects artists, arts organizations, and residents across all five wards.

Health & Wellness

Newark Community Health Centers

Uninsured, underinsured, and low-income (all ages) · All Wards

Languages Spanish, English

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health across multiple Newark sites, regardless of ability to pay.

Counseling & TherapyVictim ServicesViolence Prevention

Newark Community Solutions

Youth 13-18 · All Wards

Youth Violence Prevention program filling service gaps for justice-system-involved youth with counseling, advocacy, and case management.

✓ VerifiedGovernmentHealth & Wellness

Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness

All Newark residents · All Wards

The city public-health department: clinical services, health centers, disease prevention, environmental health, and community wellness programs.

Food & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter

Newark Emergency Services for Families

Families and individuals in crisis · Central Ward

Emergency assistance, rental/financial help, life-skills training, and a Family Success Center for Newark and Essex County families in crisis.

GovernmentHousing & Shelter

Newark Housing Authority

Low-income renters (public housing & Section 8) · All Wards

Administers Newark's public housing developments and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for low-income households.

AdvocacyCounseling & TherapyHealth & Wellness

Newark LGBTQ Community Center

LGBTQIA+ residents and allies in greater Newark · Central Ward

The Newark LGBTQ Community Center provides a safe, inclusive community space with support, advocacy, and social justice programming for LGBTQ+ people and allies in the Newark area. Located downtown at 89 Market St., it hosts events, programs, and community resources.

Arts & CultureEducation

Newark Museum of Art

General public, families, students · Central Ward

New Jersey's largest museum, offering art collections, exhibitions, and education programs at 49 Washington Street in downtown Newark. Open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 12-5pm.

EducationWorkforce & ReentryYouth Mentoring

Newark Opportunity Youth Network / My Brother’s Keeper

Youth 6-24 · All Wards

Operates alternative schools and job training (LEAD Charter, YouthBuild Newark) with credentials, case management, and leadership development for opportunity youth.

AdvocacyArts & Culture

Newark Pride, Inc.

LGBTQ+ residents of Newark, with focus on Black, Brown, trans, and gender-expansive communities · All Wards

Newark Pride, Inc. is an LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit that organizes the annual Newark Pride Festival, now in its 21st year (July 2026), with city-wide events and partnerships with dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations. It centers Black, Brown, trans, and gender-expansive communities in Newark. Mailing address: PO Box 20004, Newark, NJ 07101 (no public street office or phone published).

AdvocacyGovernment

Newark Public Safety Collaborative

All Newark residents · All Wards

Rutgers-based initiative democratizing data and analytics so community organizations can co-produce public safety and crime-prevention strategies.

Newark Street Academy

Newark residents 16-24 who dropped out of school · All Wards

Re-engages disengaged youth through case management, adult basic education, vocational training, financial literacy, and life skills.

Newark Warming Centers (Code Blue)

Newark residents during extreme cold · All Wards

When the City of Newark activates Code Blue during dangerous cold, warming centers open across the city so no one is left outside in freezing conditions. Call the Office of Homeless Services for the nearest ward location and current hours, or dial 311 (973-733-4311).

Next Generation Project

Youth and young adults 8-24 · All Wards

Provides consistent mentoring, tutoring, conflict mediation, and counseling to help at-risk and high-risk youth form positive self-identities.

Cooling CentersFood & Basic NeedsGovernment+3

NJ 2-1-1

All New Jersey residents · All Wards

Free, confidential, 24/7 statewide helpline connecting residents to housing, food, healthcare, utility assistance, legal services, and childcare.

NJ Business Action Center

New Jersey businesses and entrepreneurs · Statewide

Free help starting, operating, and growing a business in New Jersey. The Business Action Center offers one-on-one guidance on permits, financing, and state resources. Call 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397).

NJ Civil Service Commission — Job Announcements

New Jersey job seekers · Statewide

Search and apply for State and local government civil service jobs across New Jersey. Create an account and apply through the Online Application System, find general and public-safety testing information, prepare with the Law Enforcement Examination prep course, look up any civil service title and its duties, and, for veterans, see how preference and the Rule of Three work. The Civil Service Commission posts open competitive announcements, continuous recruitments, and the exams that lead to permanent public-sector positions.

Food & Basic NeedsGovernmentHousing & Shelter

NJ DCA — Rental & Utility Assistance (DCAid)

Low-income New Jersey households · All Wards

State housing and energy-assistance programs via the DCAid portal: LIHEAP/USF utility assistance, Weatherization, and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP).

NJ Department of Education — Grant Opportunities

NJ schools, districts, and community education partners · Statewide

Open grant listings from the New Jersey Department of Education — discretionary and formula grants for schools, districts, and their community partners, with deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply.

NJ Dept. of Labor — Business & Employer Services

New Jersey employers and nonprofits that hire · Statewide

Hiring and training support for New Jersey employers and nonprofits, from the state Department of Labor. Programs include on-the-job training, the Federal Bonding Program, incumbent-worker upskilling, Opportunity Partnership, and Registered Apprenticeship. Ask for a Business Services representative.

NJ Harm Reduction Coalition

New Jersey residents seeking naloxone · All Wards

Statewide coalition providing free mailed naloxone (call or text 1-877-4-NARCAN) across New Jersey.

NJ Office of Resilience (Dept. of Children and Families)

NJ nonprofits, schools, agencies, and community organizations (workforce, reentry, housing, youth programs included) · Statewide (NJ)

A state office that trains and coaches organizations on trauma-informed, healing-centered practices, and runs the free TRUST self-assessment tool organizations use to measure trauma-responsive workplace practices.

NJ Resiliency Coalition

New Jersey residents, providers, and organizations building resilience · Statewide

New Jersey's chapter of the national resilience movement, hosted on PACEsConnection. Shares trauma-informed strategies, local events, and tools for schools, providers, and community groups across the state.

Counseling & TherapyFood & Basic NeedsHealth & Wellness

NJCRI (New Jersey Community Research Initiative)

All ages · All Wards

Offers 35+ years of HIV/AIDS care, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, a food pantry, and trans- and LGBTQ-affirming services (hotline 1-833-702-5020).

NJCRI Harm Reduction Center

Individuals who use drugs and are at risk of overdose or HIV/HCV exposure

NJCRI's walk-in syringe exchange site offering naloxone, wound care, and HIV/HCV testing.

Arts & CultureEducationYouth Mentoring

NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center)

Newark and greater NJ residents; students and youth via arts education · Central Ward

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark presents theater, music, dance, and comedy performances year-round. Its arts education programs serve tens of thousands of New Jersey students annually through classes, in-school residencies, and free community events.

Office of Second Chance Employment (OSCE) — Council for Airport Opportunity, Downtown Newark Career Center

People with a criminal record (justice-involved job seekers) referred through a community-based organization · Newark / Essex County NJ (Downtown Newark Career Center); wider program also covers JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports

A Port Authority program, run day to day by the nonprofit Council for Airport Opportunity, that connects people with a criminal record to jobs at the region's airports and other Port Authority sites. A community-based organization refers the candidate, and CAO staff at the career center handle job readiness, referrals, and placement at no cost. Newark office: 17 Academy Street, 5th Floor, Newark NJ 07102, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Unemployed New Jersey residents, people facing layoff, and public-assistance recipients, placed with an employer that trains them on the job · Statewide

NJDOL reimburses an employer 50% of a new hire's wages, up to $10,000, for training that person on the job over 4 to 26 weeks. The hire must be a New Jersey resident who is unemployed, facing layoff, or on public assistance, and must be paid above minimum wage. Can be paired with a Federal Bonding Program bond for a hire coming off public assistance.

Opportunity Partnership for Businesses

NJ employers who design a training program with a school or training provider, and the trainees they select · Statewide

NJDOL pays the full cost of a training program an employer designs with a school or training provider to fill a specific skill gap. The employer interviews and selects the trainees, then hires the graduates. Set it up through a local One-Stop Career Center.

PACEsConnection

Anyone working on trauma, resilience, and community healing · Nationwide

A national community for preventing and healing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and building resilience. Members share research, screening tools, and trauma-informed practice, with regional groups for local work.

AdvocacyYouth Mentoring

Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons

Young girls and women of all ages · All Wards

Helps young girls overcome emotional obstacles and embrace their worth so they can reach their full potential.

Pathways Internship Program (USAJOBS)

Current high school, college, and graduate students, and people in a qualifying career or technical education program such as Registered Apprenticeship, Job Corps, AmeriCorps, or Peace Corps · Nationwide

Paid federal internships for students enrolled at least part-time in school or a qualifying training program. Interns who complete the hour and performance requirements can move into a federal job without competing in the open hiring process. Positions post on USAJOBS under the Students & Recent Graduates hiring path filter.

Port Authority Job-Seekers (NY & NJ)

Job seekers in the NY / NJ region · Regional

Career opportunities and job-seeker resources at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — airports, ports, bridges, tunnels, and transit — including openings, apprenticeships, and workforce programs.

Counseling & TherapyHealth & WellnessViolence Prevention

Prodigal Sons and Daughters Behavioral Health

Ages 13-25 · West/South

Delivers counseling and consultation focused on mental/behavioral health, substance use, co-occurring disorders, and life skills.

EducationTools & Resources

Programs for Parents

Families, children, and child-care providers · Central Ward

Essex County's Child Care Resource & Referral agency, helping families find child care and supporting early-education providers.

PSE&G Payment Assistance

PSE&G customers needing help paying energy bills · All Wards

PSE&G payment-assistance programs (USF, Fresh Start, PAGE, NJ SHARES, Lifeline). Apply online, in person, or via apply.sharesnation.org. PAGE program direct line: 732-389-2204.

Counseling & TherapyHealth & WellnessYouth Mentoring

PUSHH (Peers Understanding Strategies for Healing & Help)

At-risk youth · All Wards

Provides healing strategies, mental-health and therapeutic counseling, advocacy training, and community outreach to develop youth leaders.

Recent Graduates Program (USAJOBS)

People who completed a degree or career/technical certificate within the past two years; veterans get up to six years if service kept them from applying sooner · Nationwide

A one- to two-year federal training track with an assigned mentor, a written development plan, and at least 40 hours of formal training a year. Apply on USAJOBS within two years of graduating, or six years for veterans.

Refal, Inc.

Children and adults 1-64 · West/South

Supports educational, economic, and social development of people of African ancestry through youth mentoring, crisis intervention, and safe passage.

Registered Apprenticeship — Office of Apprenticeship

Adults seeking a paid apprenticeship, and employers who want to sponsor one · Statewide

A paid, full-time job that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction and ends in a portable, nationally recognized credential. Apprentices earn a wage from the start. Email the Office of Apprenticeship (apprenticeships@dol.nj.gov) to find an open program or register as an employer sponsor.

AdvocacyEducationHousing & Shelter

Rutgers Law School Clinics

Low-income NJ residents (limited caseload) · All Wards

Faculty-supervised law-student clinics at Rutgers Law-Newark offering free civil representation in housing, consumer, special-education, and civil-rights matters.

RzTheFlags, LLC

Ages 8-24 · All Wards

Provides supportive services for crime victim-survivors and those at risk through counseling, support groups, case management, and referrals.

Salvation Army Newark

Newark residents needing food assistance

Food assistance by appointment through the Salvation Army's Newark corps.

SCORES Reentry

Ages 18 and older · All Wards

501(c)(3) reentry organization providing wrap-around support, high-risk intervention, healing circles, and credible-messenger training (bilingual).

AdvocacyEducation

Seton Hall Law Center for Social Justice

Low-income and underrepresented NJ residents · All Wards

Seton Hall Law clinics and pro bono projects providing free representation in housing, immigration, family, and civil-rights matters.

Food & Basic NeedsHealth & WellnessHousing & Shelter

Southward Promise Neighborhood

All ages · South Ward

BRICK Education Network's two-generation division providing South Ward families with finance, food, housing, employment, and health resources.

St. James Social Service Corporation

Newark residents needing emergency food assistance

Emergency food pantry serving Newark residents.

St. Mary/Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry

Newark residents needing food assistance

Weekly food pantry at St. Mary/Pierre Toussaint Church.

Striving Together Equals Progress, Inc.

Ages 1-18 · West/South

Charitable and educational organization providing guidance and cultural instruction to young African-American males.

✓ VerifiedFood & Basic NeedsWorkforce & Reentry+1

Team Resurrection, Inc.

Youth 6-18, adults, and seniors · West Ward

Nonprofit offering prisoner re-entry, youth outreach, senior programs, food-pantry referrals, and women's empowerment groups.

✓ VerifiedArts & CultureHealth & Wellness+2

The 7 Space

All ages · All Wards

Languages English, Spanish

The 7 Space | Art Gallery & Wellness Center is a program of HigherSelf. Downtown Newark art gallery, wellness center, and community gathering place.

Community PantriesFood & Basic NeedsHousing & Shelter+1

The Apostles’ House

Homeless families, women and children · North Ward

Newark agency (40+ years) providing women-and-children emergency shelter, transitional housing, a food pantry, and trauma-informed case management.

AdvocacyHealth & WellnessHousing & Shelter

The Arc of Essex County

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Essex County · All Wards

The Arc of Essex County provides advocacy and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Essex County, serving about 1,500 people annually through 40+ programs. Services include early intervention, day programs, residential placements, respite care, vocational training, and recreation.

Food & Basic NeedsHealth & Wellness

The Beth Greenhouse at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Newark residents, seniors, students, and community groups · South Ward

A hydroponic greenhouse at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center growing more than 5,000 pounds of fresh lettuce, herbs, and greens each year for the Newark community. Hosts a seasonal farmers market (June-November, Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) that accepts SNAP, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits, plus year-round nutrition education programs.

Arts & CultureTrauma RecoveryViolence Prevention

The HUBB Arts and Trauma Center

Ages 13 and older · Central Ward

Provides healing programs through arts therapy, community-based violence intervention, safe passage, youth mentoring, and a trauma recovery center.

Counseling & TherapyHousing & ShelterVictim Services

The Safe House (Clara Maass Medical Center / RWJBarnabas Health)

Domestic violence survivors and their children in Essex County · All Wards

A 24-hour emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children in Essex County, operated through Clara Maass Medical Center (RWJBarnabas Health). Services include safe temporary housing, crisis counseling, legal and housing advocacy, and referrals; admission is by 24-hour hotline. The shelter location is confidential for resident safety.

EducationFood & Basic NeedsYouth Mentoring

United Way of Greater Newark

ALICE households and low-income families in Essex and Hudson counties · Central Ward

United Way of Greater Newark is a nonprofit backbone agency serving Essex and Hudson counties, supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households through food distribution, free tax preparation (Newark Prosperity Hub/VITA), and youth programs including tutoring and the Newark Thrives out-of-school-time network. Offices are located at 50 Park Place in downtown Newark.

Counseling & TherapyHealth & WellnessVictim Services

University Hospital Foundation

Ages 13-65 and up · All Wards

New Jersey's public academic health center offering counseling, advocacy, support groups, and the Victim of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO).

AdvocacyViolence PreventionYouth Mentoring

Until Freedom

All ages · All Wards

Intersectional social-justice organization offering faith-based outreach, rapid response, and Kingian Nonviolence and organizing training.

Upskill: NJ Incumbent Worker Training

NJ employers training people already on staff · Statewide

NJDOL grants an employer up to $2,000 per worker to train someone already on payroll, either in-house or through an outside training provider. Open to businesses, unions, and community organizations. Useful when a partner employer wants to grow a worker we placed, not just hire a new one.

Urban Care

Young adults 18-24 · Central/East/North

Provides therapeutic intervention and supports for youth and families facing violent behavioral and emotional challenges.

EducationHousing & ShelterWorkforce & Reentry

Urban League of Essex County

Newark and Essex County residents · West Ward

Founded in 1917, the Urban League of Essex County provides economic empowerment services including housing counseling, employment services, a Financial Opportunity Center, early childhood education, and technology training through its Tech House. Programs also include the PACE pre-apprenticeship construction training and the Urban Seniors Jobs Program.

US National Labor Exchange

Job seekers nationwide · Nationwide

A national job-search platform that aggregates verified openings from state job banks and employers, connecting job seekers with real vacancies at no cost.

USAJOBS — Federal Government Jobs

Job seekers nationwide · Nationwide

The federal government's official employment site. Search and apply for jobs across every U.S. agency, create a profile and resume, and set up saved searches and alerts for federal openings.

Veterans Hiring Path (USAJOBS)

Veterans separated from active duty under honorable conditions, including disabled veterans · Nationwide

Veterans' preference gives eligible veterans extra points in federal hiring, and the Veterans' Recruitment Appointment lets many veterans get hired directly without competing against the general applicant pool. Applying requires a DD-214; disability preference also requires an SF-15. Filter USAJOBS search results by the veterans hiring path to see open positions.

EducationWorkforce & ReentryYouth Mentoring

Voices International Publications

Youth grades 9-12 · All Wards

Combats barriers leading to crime through youth mentorship, entrepreneurship training, case management, and life-skills bootcamps.

AdvocacyTools & ResourcesWorkforce & Reentry

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

Economically disadvantaged NJ residents · All Wards

Newark nonprofit mobilizing pro bono attorneys for free civil legal help, including expungement/reentry, family, housing, and consumer matters.

Welcoming Waves Wellness, LLC.

All ages · All Wards

Offers individual, group, family, and couples therapy plus creative expressive therapies and mindfulness for healing and personal growth.

West Ward Victims Outreach

Ages 15 and up · All Wards

City victim-services office improving access for survivors of violence through case management, safe passage, and community engagement.

Workforce 55+ (SCSEP / On-the-Job Experience)

Unemployed adults 55 or older with family income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level; enrollment priority to people 65+, veterans, people with disabilities, and people formerly incarcerated within the past five years · Statewide, with Essex County intake in Newark and East Orange

Assessment, case management, and paid community-service training, about 18 hours a week at minimum wage, at a nonprofit or public site, as a bridge to permanent work. The On-the-Job Experience option lets a private or nonprofit employer observe and train an eligible worker before hiring, with wages covered for four weeks. Priority group explicitly includes people formerly incarcerated within the past five years. Essex County intake at the Newark (973-733-5772) and East Orange (973-395-3249) One-Stop Career Centers.

WorkforceGPS — Grantee Resources

Workforce grant recipients and program staff · Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Labor's technical-assistance hub for workforce grant recipients — tools, training, and guidance for running and reporting on federal workforce grants.