Welcome to our news and impact page—a space where stories of transformation and hope come to life. Here, you'll find inspiring stories from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs, alongside news coverage highlighting how The CARE Center of New Jersey is making a meaningful difference in the community. From personal journeys of resilience to media features on our latest initiatives, this page celebrates the power of compassion and community in creating lasting change.
Usually, at food pantries, you get canned goods. ... Here, they had fresh string beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes-it was like you were in Heaven!
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn’s Story
When Gwendolyn’s 38-year-old daughter passed away suddenly, her world turned upside down. Grief weighed heavy on her shoulders, and with it came the added responsibility of raising her three granddaughters. Providing for them became her top priority, but it wasn’t always easy.
“Sometimes the money isn’t plentiful,” Gwendolyn shares. “So I have to do without.”
It was during one of those difficult seasons that Gwendolyn discovered the Food for HOPE pantry. She didn’t know what to expect, but what she found exceeded her imagination.
“Usually, at food pantries, you get canned goods,” she says. “But no, here, they had fresh string beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes—it was like you were in Heaven!”
For Gwendolyn, the pantry was more than a place to get food—it was a lifeline. The fresh, high-quality items filled her table and her heart, reminding her that she wasn’t alone.
“It’s important for this food pantry to expand,” she says with conviction. “To help those that are less fortunate and in need. They didn’t have to do this, but they did it anyway.”
Thanks to the Food for HOPE pantry, Gwendolyn can focus on what matters most: caring for her granddaughters and holding onto hope for the future.
Gwendolyn
Food for HOPETM Recipient
Lives Transformed: Real Stories, Real Impact
Behind every video and story is a person who found hope when they needed it most. Discover how The CARE Center is changing lives through heartfelt stories, inspiring journeys, and the power of a helping hand.
Anna’s Impact Story
After suffering financial hardship for more than two years, Anna found a sense of hope in The CARE Center’s food pantry. “We really don’t know whether to pay for a bill or feed the kids. It’s been a really tough two years for us. ... Every time I come, I leave with joy.”
Anna also shared that the food pantry gives her a sense of dignity by allowing her to cook for her friends again. “To come and get a little something—and it’s not a little something, it’s a lot—it means a lot not only to my family, but to others. Because what I get from the food pantry, I’m also able to help others.
“It would be a great help to reach out and expand the food pantry services. … I’m sure we can do this for more people!”
Anna
Food for HOPETM Recipient
Tyquan’s Impact Story
Small business owner Tyquan sought growth—not just for his business, but for his leadership. Immersed in “The Executive’s Playbook” seminar, Tyquan embraced a new mantra to navigate the entrepreneurial storm: “To be emotionally intelligent and not let my emotions take over.”
Collaborating with peers, he gained a multifaceted view on challenges, realizing, “Having peers helped me to see problems from multiple perspectives.” This shift in perspective led him to a vital truth: “I cannot expect people to sacrifice as I would.”
Tyquan, eager to grow further with Capacity Builders, shares, “If they’re already a good leader, it can help them become the ultimate leader.’” His sights are set on mastering the art of leadership.
Tyquan
Small Business Owner
Sam & Jessica’s Impact Story
Sam and Jessica were struggling after the loss of their 3-month-old baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and were troubled with questions like: “Where can we go for help? Is there someone who can provide care without analyzing, judging, or criticizing us?”
A neighbor told them about the support groups offered through The CARE Center. The couple discovered GriefShare and took a leap of faith. The next week they began their journey of healing.
After several weeks, the couple shared, ”We were met with such genuine warmth, dignity, and unconditional acceptance. … It wasn’t easy, and through a flood of tears we were able to open our hearts more and more each week. We met and shared from the depth of our pain toward the process of healing.”
Sam & Jessica
Support Group Participants
