Celebrating Aminata’s First Day of College
For many parents, there are few moments more emotional than dropping children off at school and none bigger than college. We remember the mix of nerves and excitement, the pride in how far they’ve come, and the hope we carry for their future. Recently, Jim White, Chief Development Officer at CHNJ, had the privilege of seeing that same milestone through the eyes of a Covenant House New Jersey young person, and it reminded us exactly why we choose to do this work.
Aminata, one of CHNJ’s rising stars, started her very first day of college two weeks ago. She worked tirelessly to get there, and thanks to Covenant House New Jersey—and the generosity of supporters—she began this new chapter with everything she needed to feel at home in her dorm.
We joined Aminata on her college tour. She was shy and nervous—just as any kids can be at that age. Our guide was Elijah, a CHNJ alum who is now a confident college senior. Watching him encourage Aminata with such kindness reminded us how far these young people can go when they are given love, respect, and opportunity.
Over pizza afterward, both Aminata and Elijah expressed their gratitude. For us, it was a powerful moment: two lives touched by Covenant House, two young people on their way to bright futures, and a reminder that the support of our community helps make moments like this possible.
Last year, Covenant House New Jersey served 2,372 young people facing homelessness and trafficking (a 31% increase), providing not just safe shelter, but also education, counseling, and career readiness through programs at our Dove Learning Center. Those resources are what prepared Aminata and Elijah for college—and what will help hundreds of other young people pursue their dreams.
Today, as Aminata begins her freshman year at Mount Saint Vincent College, we see her not just as a student but as a symbol of what’s possible when we come together to lift up our youth.
To all of you who support Covenant House New Jersey: thank you for walking alongside Aminata, Elijah, and so many others. Together, we are building futures filled with hope and opportunity.
