Newark Day Center
For more than 139 years, the Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund, run by Newark Day Center, has been making it possible for inner-city kids from Newark to enjoy camping experiences.
That’s a lot of campfires.
More importantly, that’s a lot of children — through the fun and work of camping — to learn the skills needed to lead happy, successful lives.
But that’s not all that Newark Day Center does for the community.
The Newark Day Center Mission
The Newark Day Center is passionate about advocating for those in need and helping learn the skills they need to succeed. That’s accomplished by providing a variety of comprehensive services to children, youth, adults, and seniors.
Services Provided
- Early Childhood Education provides early care for infants and toddlers and pre-school education for over 200 children.
- The Center conducts training for individuals seeking entry-level Child Development Associate credentials (CDA) in conjunction with the Early Childhood Institute.
- The Parent Aid Program provides support services and resources to parents, like clothing, furniture, food and other household supplies.
- Senior Information and Referral Services help older individuals remain active mentally, physically and emotionally.
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About the daily happenings at the busy center, Donna Johnson-Thompson, EdD, Executive Director, said:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my long career with Newark Day Center has been the opportunity to meet wonderful people along the way. Starting with the little learners who brighten our doors each day; to young parents committed to being the best they can be; to tireless grandparents; and to our supporters who come in all shapes and sizes.”
There’s never a dull moment at the NDC.
The Organization’s History
The Newark Day Center was founded in 1803 as the Newark Female Charitable Society, begun by a group of distinguished ladies in the community.
The original plan and primary goal of the society was simple:
Helping people gain employment by training them in new skills and by providing both the means and materials to earn a living.
In other words, helping people learn how to help themselves. That mission is still being accomplished every single day at NDC.
Community Impact
Did you know that many of the local social services agencies in existence today can trace their origins to Newark Day Center?
- United Way of Essex and West Hudson
- American Red Cross of Newark
- Newark Boys and Girls Scouts
- Conference of Jewish Charities
- Salvation Army,
- Newark Beth Israel, St. Barnabas, and Presbyterian Hospitals