When Paula and her son moved back north from Florida a couple years ago, they were in need of housing. She was also in search of employment to support her family of two. 

One of Holiday Fund’s partner agencies, New Community Corporation (NCC), was able to provide support and assistance in both of these areas for Paula and her 10-year-old son. 

The mother and son pair were placed at Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families. Paula enrolled in the New Community Career & Technical Institute Culinary Arts Specialist program, where she excelled, and which led her to a job as a cook at NCC’s extended nursing care facility. 

NCC, born out of the civil unrest of the 60s, provides housing, health, education and community services to people of New Jersey. Their passion for helping the disadvantaged is shared with other committed agencies in the Newark area, like Catholic Charities, Youth Service League, and more. 

In fact, the 10 agency partners of the Holiday Fund make a difference every day in the lives of individuals in Northern NJ. For over 80 years, these organizations have provided services of care, hope, and kindness. 

For example:

• Family Connections delivers professional counseling, skill-building, training and prevention services to over 4,000 children, adults and families.
• Children’s Aid and Family Services helps children who don’t have families able to care for them. 
• The Urban League of Essex County is passionate about improving the lives of disadvantaged residents.

Every donation to the Holiday Fund is funneled to the ten partner agencies, including NCC, where Paula and her son found the assistance they needed at just the right time.

Today, Paula has two jobs. Now a graduate of the program, she remains employed at NCC’s skilled nursing facility, but she also accepted another job as a personal chef for a local celebrity. In an article highlighting her accomplishments on NCC’s website, Paula said:

“The thing that makes me happy is when I put a plate down in front of someone and they clean the plate. I like when that plate is cleared because it shows that they enjoyed what they ate and they’re satisfied.”

To support programs at New Community Corporation and other reputable agencies, make a donation to the Holiday Fund. Your gift is distributed to 10 partner agencies who provide critical services for our community.

No one should live disadvantaged and vulnerable lives in 2020. Your support will make a difference.