Programs — House of Miriam-New Jersey

Freedom School

House of Miriam NJ hosts a Freedom School Program at the Thirteenth Avenue School in Newark, in partnership with the New Ark Freedom School and the Children’s Defense Fund. House of Miriam NJ supports K-2 activities, while New Ark supports 3-8. This program was supported by a grant from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Community Affairs.

During the summer, scholars participate in a range of activities including academic enrichment, gardening and nutrition, field trips, and more. During the school year, scholars receive tutoring support and weekend field trips. Parent engagement is offered during both cycles of the program as well.

The 2026 program will be held at the Thirteenth Avenue School, July 6 -August 14, 2026.

For more information about Freedom School and other House of Miriam NJ programs, contact Yolanda Gadson - ygadson@houseofmiriamnj.org or 201-780-1556.

Community Engagement

HOM NJ is a partner of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Initiative (GRGI), led by Caresparc Community Connections. This initiative, which includes organizations such as Programs for Parents, Rutgers Health School of Nursing, the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University, and more, is designed to empower grandparents and older adults who are raising children when their parents cannot. GRGI meets these caregivers where they are by combining bi-monthly wellness events, fresh produce distributions, and caregiver workshops that offer practical tools, emotional support, and community connection.

As part of House of Miriam NJ's commitment to meaningful family and community engagement, grandparents participating in our programs are eligible to take part in this initiative and its program. This initiative is integrated into our broader parent engagement efforts, allowing GRGI participants to participate alongside other families in HOM-NJ's existing workshops, events, and support programming.

As part of our participation in national Freedom School initiatives, HOM NJ participates in National Day of Social Action.