CHNJ is proud to unveil the newly renovated residential rooms at the Newark Youth Engagement Center! CHNJ’s 3-year Strategic Plan for 2024 includes our goal for “Shelter with Care,” through which we commit to creating an environment that elevates all its members. We recognize that beautiful, well-maintained physical spaces influence attitudes, behavior, and the well-being of the people within them. This project was made possible through the generous funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Shelter Support grant program.
The residential rooms now have new, clean floors, beds, bedframes, headboards, wardrobes, nightstands, and underbed storage units. In keeping with our strategic plan goal, the furniture was intentionally chosen for its attractive design, not only for its durability and functionality. The feedback from the community, especially the youth, has been overwhelming! They are so appreciative of the new floors and the welcoming, homey furniture. Some of the youth have personalized their spaces with artwork they created here in the art room at the Dove Learning Center. We are so grateful for staff and our young people who graciously handled minor inconveniences so that CHNJ could complete this worthwhile project and make progress towards our “Shelter with Care” goal. CHNJ is currently starting our next “Shelter with Care” initiative – a full renovation of our Atlantic City Rights of Passage site, also thanks to NJ DCA Shelter Support funding.
Here is what our young people are saying about the renovated residential rooms at the Newark Youth Engagement Center:
“The color is great and looks modern.”
“All the drawer space is great and now I have a nice place to put my mirror in my wardrobe.“
“Looks more homey. Less like a shelter, a comfortable space.”
“Room looks like more of a dorm now, much more comfortable!“
