If you’re looking into ways to get involved with the changes being made to the community, there are ways to participate. Getting involved in local government can be important, but becoming involved with local organizations and community groups can be effective as larger groups can help bring more attention to issues affecting the residents.
There are several organizations in Jersey City that work to bring awareness to issues affecting the impoverished and underprivileged individuals and areas of Jersey City, as well as provide volunteering opportunities and low-cost events for the community.
1. Jersey City Together
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Jersey City Together is an organization that works toward making a difference in the community. They take action for more actual affordable housing in the area, improvements in the education system so every student has an equally excellent chance to thrive, improvements in relationships between the police and the community, and accountability on the landlords’ part for their treatment of tenants and rent control.
2. Saint Peter’s University – Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
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Erich Sekel, Community Service Director at Saint Peter’s University, informed us that they have a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet where food, clothes, toiletries, and household items are distributed for those in need. There is also The Campus Kitchen, where a surplus of food is recovered and delivered to shelters and families. In roughly 3 years, they saved 42,000 pounds of food and served 40,000 meals.
3. Earth Child Inc
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As described by the organization itself, the purpose of Earth Child Inc. is to “empower today’s youth to connect to nature through outdoor exploration, adventure and environmental education while also motivating others in their community to become natural leaders and ambassadors for Mother Earth.” Earth Child Inc. provides underrepresented youth in Jersey City the chance to explore the community’s ecology and become familiarized with the ways in which an urban environment can thrive through sustainability and conservation efforts.
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4. Better Tomorrows
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Better Tomorrows’ mission is to support low-income housing communities with case management and community services that empower children, seniors, and families to become more involved with their communities and help the neighborhoods thrive. They have several locations in Jersey City, including the Better Tomorrows at Lafayette and the Better Tomorrows at Ocean Towers & Ocean Pointe.
5. Mary Bethune Center
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The Mary Bethune Center is located in Greenville, and they act as a center for activities in cultural arts, fitness, wellness, and education. There are a number of events held in the Center and it acts as a meeting center for many community groups.
6. JC Public Library
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The public libraries across the city hold a number of events throughout each month, and many are remodeled with great features. The JC Public Library in Greenville, for example, has an Afro-American Historical Society Museum on the second floor, along with disabled access and routes available within the library. The JC Public Library – Miller Branch houses Community Awareness Series monthly programs, which focus primarily on music education and concerts.
7. Hudson Pride Connections Center
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Hudson Pride Connections Center is a home and platform for the LGBTQ+ community in Jersey City, providing a safe space for the community as well as services for those affected by HIV/AIDS in the area. They offer a series of health and wellness services, and they play a large part in community-based LGBTQ+ events including Jersey City Pride.
Thanks for including the Jersey City Free Public Library in your roundup! The Library is a great place to learn more about your community and find ways to get involved!