YMWCA OF NEWARK AND VICINITY
600 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
973.624.8900
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Emergency Residence Program
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Emergency services at the Newark Y
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive residential program, offering a range of programs and referrals to sustain individuals and keep families strong during periods of crisis. Our vision is to see our residents thrive in safe, long-term housing, receive all the support they need as they work toward their goals.
The Newark Y Emergency Residence Program runs one of the best shelters in Essex County, with 260 beds for individuals and families. Accommodations include private rooms for families, as well as community dining areas and free laundry facilities.
The Y offers case management and services to all of our shelter clients, including:
- Initial assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Advocacy
- Counseling
- Referrals for substance abuse or mental health services
- Employment assistance
- Housing search support
- Health screening referral
- Food and Clothes pantry donations
In addition, the YMCA sponsors workshops for residents on crucial issues, such as HIV/ AIDS, parenting and life skills trainings.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STAY AT THE Y?
Y caseworkers help each individual develop a plan for the future. Families are connected with all necessary services, and every effort is made to help children feel safe and supported during their stay. In our state of the art computer lab, residents can . . . All residents of the Y shelter are able to reduce stress by working out in the Y fitness center, swimming in the pool or shooting baskets in the gym.
In addition, the YMCA sponsors a toy drive for Christmas, a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, summer picnics and other holiday celebrations for all shelter residents.
At the Y, we have a very diverse summer program for families and individuals. We have activities open to all shelter residents from the last week of June until the first week of September.
IS IT SAFE TO STAY AT THE Y SHELTER?
The YMCA takes safety seriously. The shelter is supervised 24 hours a day, seven days a week and identification is required for entrance. The shelter occupies five floors of our facility at 600 Broad Street, in Newark’s downtown. A counselor is on duty on each of the shelter floors at all times. Our front desk staff admits residents, with valid identification, through the locked door to the elevators on the ground floor. A security guard is on duty at all times.
WHAT’S LIFE LIKE FOR THE CHILDREN IN OUR SHELTER?
The Children staying in our shelter go to school and attend as many of their regular activities as possible. Our staff helps ensure that children get to and from school, have a quiet place for homework, and even opportunities to have fun. Our new computer lab offers . . . We operate an AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM that includes:
- Tutoring and Mentoring
- Arts/Crafts
- Healthy Snacks
- Special outings, including: bowling, skating, swimming, NJPAC performances and gym activities.
Children staying in the shelter during the summer have a chance to attend the Y’s Summer Day Camp and participate in outings to our Camp Linwood-MacDonald, in rural Sussex County.
The generosity of the community makes it possible for the Y to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our residents.
LEARN, GROW, THRIVE
Youth Emergency Service Program (YES)
The Newark Y’s Youth Emergency Service program offers a 24-hour, safe, supervised, supportive residence for youth in crisis. Teens, ages 13-17, are placed in our program for a period of up to 45 days by child protective services agencies. During their stay, teens receive group and individual counseling, referrals to an extensive network of specialized services in our community, and ongoing support as they work toward their goals.
Our experienced staff coordinates all necessary services for each youth in the program. The staff is culturally diverse; including men and women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, who speak English, Spanish and French Creole. The YES program is committed to cultural competency, diversity and supporting client choices.
As part of the YES program, youth are connected with all the necessary medical, counseling, and educational resources available. We assist the teens in attending school and other enrichment activities. In addition, youth enrolled in our program have access to recreational activities offered at the YMWCA, such as swimming, basketball, racquetball, aerobics. Our staff organizes regular outings, including roller skating, movies and bowling. Every effort is made to ensure that the teens in our program feel safe and supported during their stay.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Become a Y volunteer: read to a child, help with a fundraiser, paint a room . . . Whatever your talents, if you have a commitment to the community, we can use your help! Fill out the volunteer application form on our website: http://www.newarkymca.org/volunteer.cfm.
Make a donation: Your donations support the work of our Emergency Residence Program. Please click on the Give To the Y! button at the top of this page. Or you can make a donation of goods. We are in particular need of men's clothing, cribs, playpens, strollers, car seats, disposable diapers, toiletries, pillows, plastic bins and school supplies. Please contact the Emergency Residence Program Director, Ms. Mabel Elmore at melmore@newarkymca.org or call 973-624-8900 ext. 6815.
Your contribution to the YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity allows us to build strong kids, strong families and a strong community. The YMWCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, offering hope and help to families through programs that teach values, build self-esteem and provide educational, recreational, and health and wellness opportunities.
We are grateful for your support.
