By Libby Solleder – a rising Senior at Fairfield University
As a summer intern at Covenant House New Jersey, I had the privilege of speaking with Dave Hall, the Chief Program Officer at CHNJ and learning about his life of dedication. Dave has served CHNJ for twenty-three years! During his weekly commute to the Atlantic City location, Dave shared insights about his role and the impact of Covenant House. Despite my initial nervousness, Dave’s kind and comfortable disposition quickly put me at ease, allowing our conversation to flow naturally.
From Rahway to Education Advocate
Dave grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, and graduated from Hampton University with a business degree. Post-graduation, he shifted his career focus to education, recognizing the great need within the black community. At twenty-two, with no prior experience, he began teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grades in East Orange. Managing three separate lesson plans daily for a diverse classroom was a daunting task. Yet Dave’s passion for making a difference shone through.
“HOW did you do that?” I asked incredulously. “Honestly… I don’t know,” Dave responded with a laugh. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities and his dedication to education were clear.
A Philanthropic Path
Dave’s love for helping others led him to various roles, including leading a Young Father’s Group and running an HIV/AIDS education program at a correctional facility. His journey with Covenant House began as a volunteer,* inspired by the transformative and eye-opening experiences of meeting homeless individuals. When offered a position, he knew it was his calling.
His Work at CHNJ
Over his twenty-three years at Covenant House, Dave has held numerous roles, from Service Manager to Chief Program Officer. His typical work week involves commuting to locations like Atlantic City, Montclair, and Asbury Park, collaborating with teams to address staffing and residential issues.
Higher positions meant less face-to-face time with residents. Yet, Dave ensures he still interacts with them, understanding their challenges to better serve them. When asked what he would do if he weren’t Chief Program Officer, Dave immediately replied, “Service Manager at Covenant House,” valuing the direct impact with youth via our supportive services that is central to our standard of care.
Dave has experienced both heartache and happiness in his life of dedication. The hardest moments are losing young residents, like a young mother who asked him to carry her deceased baby at the funeral. Despite these heart-wrenching experiences, Dave remains committed to his work, valuing the “remember me?” moments when former residents share their success stories. (Read Bendalie’s success story here.) Those are the moments that provide Dave’s life with purpose, and enable him to remain positive on some of the harder days.
Dave’s near-term goals for Covenant House include increasing bed capacity to accommodate more individuals in need. He is driven by empathy, always considering what he would want for his own children if they were residents.
A Life of Dedication
Dave’s life of dedication is a testament to the power of giving. His sense of purpose comes from the impact he sees in helping others. As a new member of the CHNJ community, hearing Dave’s “remember me” stories reassures me that my work is making a significant difference.
I am grateful for the opportunity to support Covenant House and inspired by Dave Hall’s journey. The world would indeed be a better place if we all took a page out of Dave’s book. Let’s continue to aid CHNJ and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
*Learn how you can volunteer at CHNJ here.
