COURT HOUSE – Caring for Kids, a nonprofit organization in the heart of Cape May County, hosted an open house Oct. 12. Caring for Kids has been assisting hundreds of families in the county since 1995 with the focus on strengthening families, preventing maltreatment of children and increasing the number of involved fathers.
The organization utilizes the Parents as Teachers (PAT) approach and is the state’s first Blue Ribbon Affiliate, having earned the PAT Quality Endorsement in October of last year.
The organization offers free services including home education and support to better the lives of children and caregivers. Fatherhood programs, support groups, English as a Second Language classes, child development, health screenings and family programs are some of the services provided.
Caring for Kids also has a thriving food pantry and assists with diapers and other necessities.
Caring for Kids is a grant-based service that thrives and grows with the community. With outreach from local churches, businesses, schools, agencies, volunteers and civic organizations, Caring for Kids flourishes. During the celebration, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Cape May County Division 2), presented the organization with a new sign.
The Hibernians are a national organization providing charitable work. There are two chapters in Cape May County.
Several members attended and presented the staff, Deborah Brasch, and Joanne Hackett, with the sign erected on the front lawn.
The Middle Township High School Interact Club was also present. It is a community service-based organization hosting events throughout the year.
The Interact Club organizes fundraisers such as coat drives, food drives, and hosts a Thanksgiving dinner as a way to give back to the community. Members value the need of giving back to the community and have chosen Caring for Kids as one of the organizations to work with.
Matthew Famiamo of Wildwood explained how Caring for Kids had impacted his life. Famiamo has been involved with the organization for over six years. He started as a father wanting to learn parenting skills so he could be a good father and role model to his unborn daughter. Famiamo volunteers to give back to the organization. He explained how difficult it is to find parenting services if someone is not involved in the court system.
Famiamo is involved with the Fatherhood Class and 24/7 Dad program as well as trying to help with improvements to the building.
He said the Caring for Kids building is in dire need of renovations, from small projects like grass cutting, raking leaves to larger projects like completing an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathroom, new flooring, and painting are among projects in the works.
For information on Caring for Kids, to volunteer, donate or learn about services call 609-675-5400.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
