March is Women’s History Month and March 8th was Women’s History Day. It’s a great time to reflect on the significant role women are playing at Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ). Twelve out of nineteen of our senior leadership team are women. Most notably, Julia Einbond has been part of that leadership team since 2015 and has been CEO since July 2023.
Our Work to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
During Julia’s time at CHNJ, we have expanded our efforts to better serve victims of human trafficking which impacts 10-20% of the population that we serve. Since 2020, we have also been the statewide provider of services for victims of trafficking of all ages. Those efforts have been led not only by Julia, but by Meghan Leigh, Senior Director of CHART; Rolidel Czekajlo, Senior Director of Services; and Kaitlyn Zedalis, Associate Director of Research Learning and Advocacy. Their work via our research arm, CHART, has developed an expertise on the topic that extends beyond NJ such that our work has impact across North America.
And within the past week, Julia was a speaker about our work on human trafficking before a US Senate Committee. You can read about her testimony here and can read more about our recent work here.
Our Work to Support Young Mothers
Raphael’s Life House (RLH) opened their doors in December 1993 and started with a clear vision: improve the lives of homeless pregnant women. Edith Coogan and Mary Orrico co-founded it after they realized there was no such facility that met a growing need in the community.
In 2003, RLH became part of CHNJ. It is a program where 18 – 21 year old pregnant women and mothers can live for up to 18 months. Our experienced staff supports each mom to prepare for the next steps for them and their family. Parenting and baby care classes, job readiness and education connections are among the services available.
Over the years, we have supported hundreds of moms and their babies overcome adversity and lead strong family lives. Jamillah is one such story and you can watch her share her story here.
Sleep Out Women Unite
On March 7th Janette Dubenezic, Senior Development Director, led our 11th annual Sleep Out Women Unite. 131 women gave up their bed for one night in recognition of our youth facing homelessness. In the process they raised $260,000 to support the work we do.
A big thank you to all the women who participated with a special shout out to the event Chairwoman Carol Williams along with her daughter Sharon Williams-Dowd who was the top fundraiser at this event with over $17,000 raised through peer to peer fundraising. The Williams family have been generous and long-time supporters of CHNJ with special support of our moms and babies program at RLH.
In addition to raising much needed funds for our work, at the event the women learned more about how we utilize their support. In that regard, they heard from both staff on the work we do and from youth as they faced homelessness.
