Description
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
NESF provides case management and direct assistance to low-income, the working poor and homeless individuals and families in greater Essex County. We provide the following programs and services:
Homeless Services
Our homeless Drop-In Center provides a safe and nurturing environment where homeless consumers can take showers, receive food, wash clothes and use the telephone as well as access our food and clothing pantry. The Center is staffed with experienced personnel who provide linkages to emergency shelters and other supportive services.
Supportive Assistance for Individuals and Families (SAIF)
Funded by the State of New Jersey, SAIF offers a safety net for those individuals who are receiving General Assistance and nearing their five-year lifetime benefits. Through intensive case management, life skills training, benefits counseling, referrals to job readiness programs and linkages to medical care and other counseling services, program participants are provided with the essentials to gain self-sufficiency. This program is referral-based by the Essex County Division of Welfare to NESF.
Prisoner Re-Entry Program
Funded through the City of Newark, NESF offers comprehensive re-entry services to the formally incarcerated. Our program includes long-term goal setting, case management, linkages to in-house services and programs, job readiness programs, housing information, referrals to medical care and other counseling services. If needed, program participants can receive short-term shelter vouchers, access to the food and clothing pantry, furniture assistance referrals, obtaining proper identification and support in meeting their basic living needs.
Emergency Services
Through our centralized intake and initial assessment process, we provide supportive services to individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, such as; rapid re-housing for those experiencing homelessness, rental and mortgage assistance, security deposits, utility assistance and short-term shelter placements. Consumer interviews and eligibility determinations are by appointment only.
Central & West Ward Family Success Center
NESF is home to the Central and West Wards Family Success Center (FSC). Our FSC is a one-stop comprehensive resource center that promotes family unity and empowerment. The Center hosts monthly parent training workshops, grandparent support group, access to our community computer lab and direct emergency assistance. Program Initiatives include:
- Fatherhood Program Initiative: This program assist fathers and any male age 13 and over to become a better individual and father. Through the 24/7 Dad Curriculum, our goal is to have fathers remain committed, responsible and involved in their children’s lives in a positive and interactive way by improving their knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
- Grandparents Support Group: Our Grandparents support group provides supportive services to grandparents who are now rearing their grandchildren.
Food and Clothing Pantry
To alleviate nutritional shortfalls in families that are "food dependent," our agency has an on-site food and clothing pantry where consumers can receive weather appropriate clothing, food bags and food vouchers.
Additional Services
- In partnership with the NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired and New Eyes for the Needy, NESF offers free eye screenings and corrective lens vouchers to eligible consumers. This service occurs on the 3 rd and 4 th Wednesday of every month. Consumers are seen on a first come, first serve basis.
- In partnership with Public Health Solutions, our consumers have an option to apply for reduced medical coverage on-site through the Affordable Healthcare Act.
