Englewood Cliffs residents amongst nuns honored by York Street Project for fight against poverty

Jersey City, NJ – Breaking the cycle of poverty for women and children for 25 years and honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, are two major reasons that the York Street Project will host its annual fundraiser the Celebration of Hope on May 7, 2015 at the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ.

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP), now headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, founded the York Street Project in downtown Jersey City in 1989. Amongst those to be honored at the Celebration of Hope is Sister Kristin Funari, CSJP who has been serving on the Congregation Leadership Team since 2009, previously served as Executive Director of York Street Project in Jersey City, NJ and has been associated with York Street Project since its inception in 1988.

“Sister Kristin’s previous leadership and the collective efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace paved the way for many of the success stories of the mothers and children who benefit from York Street Project’s programs. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, it is most appropriate to honor those who laid the foundation for hope in our fight against poverty,” says Susanne Byrne, executive director of York Street Project.

The organization partners with religious congregations, community groups, service clubs, local businesses, foundations, government agencies, and private citizens in and around the Hudson County area that support their mission. This event, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a silent auction, will also serve to show York Street’s appreciation for many of those partners who have worked tirelessly with them to help provide housing, education, and childhood development with counseling and life-skills training to more than 300 economically-disadvantaged women and children each year in New Jersey.

“The cornerstone of our work is to provide homeless women with a stable foundation for them and each of their families,” says Byrne. “Once a family is placed in safe, decent and affordable housing – York Street is able to coordinate service delivery along a continuum of care that includes education, quality childcare and other support programs aimed at expanding opportunities,” she added.

Here are some statistics for the programs that support women and children at York Street Project and that will benefit from the proceeds collected at the spring fundraiser:

St. Mary’s Residence supports 45 women who receive housing and food. St. Joseph’s Home supports 23 women and their children by providing housing, food and career counseling. The Nurturing Place cares for and educates 50 to 60 infants, toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten children each year. Kenmare High School on average graduates 20 women each year.

For information on becoming a sponsor contact Deborah Hurley, Director of Development at 201-451-8225 or dhurley@yorkstreetproject.org .

About York Street Project

York Street Project‘s mission is to weave innovative programs that shelter, feed, educate and promote the healing and independence of persons in need, especially women and their children. This mission is acted out in four interrelated and coordinated yet separate programs: The Nurturing Place, St. Joseph’s Home, Kenmare High School, & St. Mary’s Residence. For more information please visit www.yorkstreetproject.org or call 201-451-8225.