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Resources in New Jersey

70 listings. Please call ahead — hours and services change.

Adoption

  • Children's Aid and Family Services — Adoption

    State-approved New Jersey adoption agency: free, confidential counseling for expectant parents before and after birth whatever they decide, adoption of children ages 8–18, adoption complaint investigations, and birth family search and reunion support.

  • New Jersey DCF — Foster & Adoption Services

    Statewide

    Adopting a child from New Jersey foster care through the Department of Children and Families, with an adoptive parent handbook, waiting children, adoption subsidy and kinship support. Adoption: 1-800-99-ADOPT; fostering: 1-877-NJ-FOSTER.

Free / Subsidized Childcare

  • Gateway Community Action Partnership — Head Start & Early Head Start

    School-readiness programs for children ages 0–5, and Early Head Start for pregnant women and infants and toddlers in low-income families, at sites across Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and Mercer counties. Transportation at many sites; services may be free to eligible families. Toll-free: (800) 457-3188.

  • GBCA Head Start (Greater Bergen Community Action)

    Free Head Start early learning for income-eligible families at twelve centres across Bergen County, Jersey City and Paterson: full-day classrooms, healthy meals, and health and dental screenings. Rolling enrollment; apply any time.

  • Head Start & Early Head Start

    Nationwide

    Free preschool, child care and family support for eligible families. Find a program near you online or by phone (Mon–Fri 8–6 ET).

Churches / Baby Closets

  • Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center

    Free, confidential pregnancy help in North Jersey. Its PREP (Parenting Readiness Enrichment Program) gives material aid to expectant parents who come regularly for counseling, mentoring or parenting classes. Centres in Hawthorne, Hackensack (809 Main St) and Wayne (2025 Hamburg Turnpike). Text: 973-874-1184.

  • Options for Her

    Free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, a mobile unit, and material assistance on request as donations allow, such as cribs, car seats, diapers, formula, baby food, bottles and clothing. Centres in Cherry Hill, Trenton (732-362-2256) and Ocean City (609-398-9449).

Clothing / Supplies

  • Moms Helping Moms — NJ Baby Supply and Diaper Bank

    New Jersey baby supply and diaper bank that works through a network of partner organizations (it does not give items directly to families). Its Need Diapers page lists partners by county where families can get diapers and baby supplies.

  • The Mama Exchange

    Central New Jersey nonprofit that gives baby, maternity and household items free, from diapers, formula and clothing to baby gear such as bassinets and highchairs, gathered from community donations. Request items through the forms page.

  • Village Foster Closet

    Free clothing and essential supplies for foster families, kinship caregivers and teens who have aged out of foster care in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, so children entering care have what they need from day one.

Domestic Violence

  • New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence

    Statewide

    Statewide 24-hour domestic violence helpline, 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), plus a Deaf helpline (855-812-1001) and a guide to domestic violence services in each New Jersey county. In an emergency, call 911.

  • love is respect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)

    Nationwide

    Free, confidential 24/7 help for teens and young adults in unhealthy or abusive relationships. Text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat online.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Nationwide

    Confidential support 24/7 for anyone experiencing abuse.

  • StrongHearts Native Helpline

    Nationwide

    Free, confidential 24/7 support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic and sexual violence, by phone, text or chat.

  • The Deaf Hotline

    Nationwide

    24/7 domestic-violence support for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing survivors, by videophone, chat or email (deafhelp@thehotline.org).

Employment

  • Dress for Success Central New Jersey

    Free interview outfits for women with a referral from a partner agency once an interview is scheduled, plus career-centre help, a Professional Women's Group and job-retention programs. Serves seven Central New Jersey counties.

  • Dress for Success Northern New Jersey

    Free interview outfits for women with a referral from a partner agency once an interview is scheduled, plus career-centre help, a Professional Women's Group and job-retention programs. Serves ten North Jersey counties.

  • New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers

    Statewide

    Free one-on-one career support from the NJ Department of Labor at One-Stop Career Centers across the state, walk-in or by appointment (unemployment help is by appointment only): job search, training and employment services.

  • American Job Centers (CareerOneStop)

    Nationwide

    Free local help with job searches, training and career services. Find your nearest American Job Center online or by phone.

  • Dress for Success

    Nationwide

    Professional clothing and career support for women. Find your local Dress for Success on the website.

  • Easterseals — Employment Services

    Nationwide

    Job training and employment support for people with disabilities through local Easterseals affiliates.

  • Goodwill Career Centers

    Nationwide

    Free job training, career coaching, résumé and interview help at local Goodwill career centers.

Potential Financial Assistance

  • The Salvation Army — New Jersey Division

    Statewide

    Emergency help with rent, mortgage and utility bills from the Salvation Army's New Jersey Division, whose local teams assess each family's needs.

  • Catholic Charities USA (Find a Local Agency)

    Nationwide

    Find the Catholic Charities agency serving your area for emergency, family and housing help.

  • Modest Needs

    Nationwide

    Small one-time grants for working individuals and families facing an emergency expense. Apply online.

  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    Nationwide

    Parish volunteers who help neighbors in need. The national office does not give direct help: ask your nearest Catholic parish for its St. Vincent de Paul conference.

  • The Salvation Army

    Nationwide

    Emergency rent, utility and other assistance through local Salvation Army offices nationwide.

Food Programs

  • Community FoodBank of New Jersey — Find Food & Services

    Connects families with free food and services through more than 800 partner agencies in 11 counties, and helps people apply or recertify for SNAP. Locations in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township (609-383-8843).

  • Fulfill — Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties

    Pantry and soup-kitchen locator and mobile pantry schedule for Monmouth and Ocean counties. If you can't find a pantry near you, call (732) 918-2600.

  • Mercer Street Friends Food Bank

    Feeding America food bank for Mercer County, supplying more than 100 pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and meal sites. Use its Find Food locator to find food near you.

  • Norwescap Food Bank

    Food bank serving Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren counties through a network of partner food pantries, plus a school Backpack Program for children on weekends and holidays. Call for information on area pantries.

  • Feeding America (Find Your Local Food Bank)

    Nationwide

    Enter your ZIP code to find the food bank, pantries and meal programs serving your community.

  • USDA National Hunger Hotline (Hunger Free America)

    Nationwide

    Connects you with nearby food banks, meal sites and programs like SNAP and WIC. Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. En español: 1-877-842-6273.

Health Assistance

  • CompleteCare Health Network

    One of New Jersey's largest federally qualified health centres, with 19 locations in South Jersey (Cumberland, Cape May, Gloucester and nearby counties), including women's care and OB/GYN in Bridgeton and Vineland, plus a mobile medical unit. Appointments: Cumberland County (856) 451-4700; Gloucester County (856) 863-5720.

  • NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid & CHIP)

    Statewide

    Free or low-cost health coverage for qualified New Jersey residents of any age, covering doctor visits, prescriptions and more. Children under 19 may apply regardless of immigration status. Apply online or call 1-800-701-0710.

  • Nurse-Family Partnership — New Jersey

    Statewide

    A registered nurse visits expectant parents at home during pregnancy and the child's first years, about two and a half years in all. New Jersey programs serve Atlantic-Cape May, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth and Passaic counties, a Southern NJ tri-county area, United Way of Central Jersey and Project Self-Sufficiency. Nurse-Family Partnership is now run by Changent.

  • Abortion Pill Reversal hotline

    Nationwide

    Started a chemical abortion and regret it? Call as soon as you can.

Housing Assistance & Shelters

  • HomeFront

    Mercer County family services: the Connie Mercer Family Campus emergency family shelter with intensive support, homelessness prevention, and adult education and career coaching. Experiencing homelessness in Mercer County? Call HomeFront at (609) 989-9417 or the Mercer County Board of Social Services at (609) 468-8296.

  • Family Promise

    Nationwide

    Prevention, shelter and housing help for families facing homelessness, through nearly 200 local affiliates. Find yours on the website.

Infant & Baby Equipment

  • Moms Helping Moms — NJ Baby Supply and Diaper Bank

    New Jersey baby supply and diaper bank that works through a network of partner organizations (it does not give items directly to families). Its Need Diapers page lists partners by county where families can get diapers and baby supplies.

  • The Mama Exchange

    Central New Jersey nonprofit that gives baby, maternity and household items free, from diapers, formula and clothing to baby gear such as bassinets and highchairs, gathered from community donations. Request items through the forms page.

  • Village Foster Closet

    Free clothing and essential supplies for foster families, kinship caregivers and teens who have aged out of foster care in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, so children entering care have what they need from day one.

Mental Health & Postpartum Assistance

  • The Center for Great Expectations

    Somerset nonprofit for pregnant and parenting women and teens affected by substance use, trauma, housing instability and mental health challenges: residential treatment where children under 5 can stay with their mothers, a residential program for pregnant or parenting teens with mental health needs, and START in-home counseling and telehealth for pregnant and postpartum women.

  • Nurse-Family Partnership — New Jersey

    Statewide

    A registered nurse visits expectant parents at home during pregnancy and the child's first years, about two and a half years in all. New Jersey programs serve Atlantic-Cape May, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth and Passaic counties, a Southern NJ tri-county area, United Way of Central Jersey and Project Self-Sufficiency. Nurse-Family Partnership is now run by Changent.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Nationwide

    Call or text 988 any time if you are in crisis.

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

    Nationwide

    Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA, free and confidential, for support before, during and after pregnancy.

  • Postpartum Support International HelpLine

    Nationwide

    Support and local resources for postpartum depression and anxiety.

Parenting Classes

  • New Jersey Family Success Centers

    Statewide

    Free neighborhood "one-stop" family centres in every New Jersey county, run through the Department of Children and Families: parent education, parent-child activities, family support and links to other services before a crisis. Centres are listed by county on the page.

  • Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey — Home Visiting

    Statewide

    State office for Healthy Families New Jersey and Parents as Teachers New Jersey, free home visiting programs in all 21 counties that help new parents bond with their babies, support development and school readiness, and keep homes safe. In Essex County, the Essex Pregnancy & Parenting Connection links expectant and new parents to home visiting and other services.

  • Parents as Teachers

    Nationwide

    Free home visiting and parent education for expecting families and parents of young children, through local affiliates.

  • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

    Nationwide

    Self-paced online parenting courses (also in Spanish). Many states and local agencies offer them free.

Pregnancy Centers

  • Choices of the Heart

    Free, confidential pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound in Gloucester County, with same-day appointments.

  • First Choice Women's Resource Centers

    Free pregnancy tests, ultrasound to confirm a pregnancy (eligibility applies) and options information at five North and Central Jersey centres: Jersey City (201-656-6120), Montclair (973-655-9806), Morristown, Newark (973-856-6658) and New Brunswick (908-561-0079). Text: 862-225-6700.

  • Gateway Pregnancy Center

    Free pregnancy testing and other free services for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy in Union County. Hours include Monday 11 am–2 pm; call for the full schedule.

  • Life Choices Resource Center

    Free, confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasounds by a registered sonographer (including a mobile ultrasound unit) and peer consulting on all options. 24-hour helpline by phone or text: 732-516-0911.

  • American Pregnancy Association

    Nationwide

    Free, confidential pregnancy helpline and a search for local pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and maternity homes.

  • Care Net Pregnancy Decision Line

    Nationwide

    Free, confidential pregnancy decision coaching by phone, and a map of 1,200+ affiliated pregnancy centers.

  • Heartbeat International (Worldwide Directory of Pregnancy Help)

    Nationwide

    Search 7,000+ life-affirming pregnancy help locations by state, city or ZIP.

  • Option Line

    Nationwide

    Call or text 24/7 to talk about a pregnancy and be connected with a pregnancy center near you.

Special Needs Assistance

  • Easterseals New Jersey

    Statewide

    Services for people with disabilities and special needs and their caregivers: adult services, supported employment and job training (including for Deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers), and mental health services.

  • SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

    Statewide

    New Jersey's parent advocacy network for families of children with disabilities and special needs: help with special education and health rights, parent groups, transition to adult health care, and the Family-to-Family Health Information Center (Family Voices NJ). Toll-free in NJ: (800) 654-7726.

  • The Arc of New Jersey

    Statewide

    Statewide advocacy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc of NJ Family Institute helps families understand and navigate the service system.

  • Easterseals

    Nationwide

    Services for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Find your local Easterseals affiliate.

  • Parent to Parent USA

    Nationwide

    Matches parents of children with disabilities or special health needs with a trained support parent. Find your state program on the map.

  • The Arc

    Nationwide

    Support and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, through 549 chapters.

Support for Fathers

  • Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey — Parent Linking Program

    For expecting and parenting teens, mothers and fathers alike, at six sponsoring New Jersey high schools: free on-site childcare during school hours, parenting groups and case management to help young parents graduate.

  • National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse

    Nationwide

    Resources for dads from a national clearinghouse funded by HHS’s Office of Family Assistance.

Transportation

  • NJ FamilyCare — Free Rides to Medical Appointments (Modivcare)

    Statewide

    Non-emergency rides to covered medical appointments for NJ FamilyCare members anywhere in New Jersey, arranged by the state's broker, Modivcare. Call 1-866-527-9933 at least two days ahead (up to a month ahead by phone), or book online.

  • Family Promise

    Nationwide

    Local Family Promise affiliates help families facing homelessness, including gas cards, transit passes and car-related help where available.

  • Medicaid rides to medical appointments (NEMT)

    Nationwide

    Medicaid covers free rides to covered appointments for members with no other way to get there. Call your Medicaid health plan, ideally two days ahead.