Covenant House New Jersey's Rights of Passage (ROP) is a long-term transitional residential living program that prepares young people for independent living.

The primary objective is to facilitate the successful transition from homelessness to interdependent adult living by providing the youth with a safe living environment that is enriched with supportive services.

An average stay at ROP is 12-14 months, during which time the residents must have full time employment and participate in living skills workshops. These workshops include budgeting, cooking, shopping, priority setting, employment concerns and decision making skills. Residents are also encouraged to participate in educational/vocational programs by earning their GED and considering college enrollment.

Residents also pay "rent" while living at ROP and are reimbursed the money when they leave the program to help them get a positive start on their new life.

The Atlantic City ROP building is located at 3529 Pacific Avenue and houses up to 20 young people, both men and women. It is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Youth and Families.

The Newark ROP building is located at 49 Hanford Street, a residential area of the city and houses 6 male residents. It is funded in part by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services Homeless Youth Act Initiative.

Covenant House staff are at both sites to assist with any problems that may arise and to insure the safety of the residents.