About
Our Kids
 Our kids all come with their own story,
and we don't turn any away. Many are running from abuse,
violence or gangs. Some were kicked out of their homes
with their infants because no one wanted a baby in the
house. Far too many of these kids aged out of foster care
and showed up on our doorstep on their eighteenth birthdays.
Others simply do not have any place to be and no other
connections to adults who can help them.
When our kids come to us...
• 65% are using drugs
• 60% have been diagnosed with mental illness
• 40% have a mental illness and chemical addiction
• 58% have a history of sexual or physical abuse
• 75% have not completed high school or obtained a GED
• 98% do not have a job
- Covenant House New Jersey is the largest
provider in the state of services to homeless and at-risk
adolescents between ages of 16 and 21.
- Last year, we served over 2,000 young
people.
- Tonight alone, we will give 110 homeless
adolescents and 19 babies in North and South Jersey a
safe and caring place to sleep.
- Another dozen will walk through our doors
in Newark, Elizabeth, and Atlantic City for the first
time, at all hours of the day and night, looking for
a way off the street and someone to help them, to care
for them.
- We will help over 50% of them to stabilize
their crises and leave the streets.
 When our kids leave us...
• 90% saw a doctor, often for
the first time in years
• 90% are no longer using drugs
• 88% received help to manage their mental illness
• 63% are working to further their education
• 82% have a job
Our staff ...
To accomplish this, we have a team of
Outreach staff on the streets each night finding and connecting
with homeless young people. We then provide them with a
Service Manager who helps them to develop and implement
a plan for their future, as well as link them with our
doctor, nurse practitioner, lawyers, addictions specialists,
pastor, and career and educational counselors. These caring
and competent professionals help our kids to address the
many concerns they bring to the door. They help them to
stop using drugs, manage their mental illnesses, and resolve
their legal issues. They help them to care for their sicknesses
after years of medical neglect. They work with them to
get jobs, go back to school, learn independent living skills
and move into their own apartments.
Most importantly, they love our kids
unconditionally, perhaps for the first time in their lives,
and help them to make good choices and have hope and a
belief in their future.
If you would like more information about
any of our programs, please call 973-621-8705.
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