In Newark: Free Coat Giveaway, Community Resource Fairs For Local Families

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is hosting a series of free Community Resource Fairs and Open Houses this winter and spring, welcoming Newark families and community members to access essential resources while learning more about the Great Oaks Legacy educational experience. These events are open to the entire community, regardless of enrollment status.

Each Community Resource Fair brings together trusted local and statewide organizations to connect families with vital services and support. At our first resource fair on Feb. 11, families will be able to receive free winter coats on a first-come, first-served basis - courtesy of a donation from Jersey Cares. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour Great Oaks Legacy schools, meet school leaders and staff, learn more about the school’s K–12 pathway, and participate in resource giveaways available to all attendees.

Community members are encouraged to RSVP in advance at forms.gle/baB2vE3HYciamSnc9, though walk-ins are welcome.

Free Coat Giveaway — Feb. 11

As part of the February 11 High School Open House & Community Resource Fair, Great Oaks Legacy will provide free winter coats for families, available while supplies last. This special giveaway reflects Great Oaks Legacy’s continued commitment to supporting students and families beyond the classroom. The coats were generously donated by Jersey Cares and will be just one part of a night filled with free family and community resources.

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a Newark-based K–12 public charter school network recognized as No. 1 in College Readiness among Newark charter schools, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools Rankings.

“Our responsibility as a school goes beyond academics,” said Jared Taillefer, Chief Executive Officer of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. “Our buildings are places where families feel welcomed, supported, and connected to real resources. These Community Resource Fairs allow us to open our doors, strengthen partnerships, and make sure families leave with information and support that can make a difference in their everyday lives.”

Free Family & Community Resources Include:

• School tours and enrollment information
• Family support services
• Health and dental screenings
• Youth development and summer programming
• Access to local nonprofit and government partners
• Raffles and community giveaways

Upcoming Community Resource Fairs & Open Houses

High School Open House & Community Resource Fair

• Wednesday, February 11 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Great Oaks Legacy Charter School High School
• 17–19 Crawford Street, Newark
• Free winter coats available while supplies last

All Schools Open House & Community Resource Fair

• Thursday, March 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Fairmount Heights Middle School
• 240 14th Avenue, Newark

Elementary Schools Open House & Community Resource Fair

• Thursday, April 23 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Downtown Elementary School
• 909 Broad Street, Newark

All Schools Open House & Community Resource Fair

• Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Fairmount Heights Middle School
• 240 14th Avenue, Newark

Confirmed Community Partners

Community partners representing health, education, family support, and public services include:

• New Jersey Department of Children and Families
• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
• Programs for Parents
• Newark Federally Qualified Health Centers
• La Casa de Don Pedro
• Hola Doctor
• WAFAA Organization
• Newark Fire Department
• Horizon
• Newark Department of Health
• FARE
• Newark Public Library
• Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
• Liberty Dental
• Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey

Families and community members are welcome to attend any event. No prior connection to Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is required.

RSVP Today: forms.gle/baB2vE3HYciamSnc9

Learn More: www.greatoakslegacy.org

Interested community partners who would like to participate in future Community Resource Fairs are encouraged to contact Richard Greco, Managing Director of Marketing, Communications & External Affairs, at rgreco@greatoakslegacy.org

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.