<h2>A Legacy of Community Support</h2><div>For more than 125 years, Children's Aid and Family Services has been a steady source of support for vulnerable children, adults, and families across northern New Jersey, helping people navigate life's most challenging moments and build brighter futures.</div><div><br>Based in Paramus, the nonprofit has deep roots in the community. Founded in 1899 with a focus on child protection and adoption, Children's Aid has grown along with the region it serves. Today, the organization serves a growing number of individuals each year, reaching tens of thousands of people across the area, many of whom are local families -- neighbors who need a helping hand during a difficult time.<br><figure><figure class="rte-inserted-image" data-img-size="large" data-img-align="center" style="max-width:75%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;"><img src="https://uyluucdnr2.ucarecd.net/5be9da8b-52a2-4e88-87d6-dfcb48031351/-/resize/1400x/-/format/auto/-/quality/smart/" alt="CAFS STRIVE cooking finalWLN115.JPG-5be9da8b-52a2-4e88-87d6-dfcb48031351" data-media-id="6a3d86bab2d55b998aa1a559" data-component-role=""></figure><figcaption class="attachment__caption"></figcaption></figure></div><h2>Programs That Make a Difference</h2><div>Children's Aid offers a wide array of programs that provide meaningful support. These include:</div><ul><li>Free formula, diapers, and baby essentials for families with infants and toddlers</li><li>Day program and community residences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities</li><li>Programs that strengthen family relationships</li><li>Programs that help older adults remain connected, active, and independent</li><li>Substance misuse prevention, education, and recovery support in schools and throughout the Bergen County area</li><li>Therapeutic foster care and adoption services for children and teens</li><li>Mentoring, educational guidance, and financial assistance for young adults transitioning out of foster care</li></ul><div>As a member of the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce, Children's Aid is proud to be part of a strong network of local businesses and organizations committed to giving back. Chamber members have supported the agency's work through community diaper drives, helping ensure that families with young children have access to essentials when they need them most.<br><figure><a href="https://cafs.org"><figure class="rte-inserted-image" data-img-size="large" data-img-align="center" style="max-width:75%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;"><img src="https://uyluucdnr2.ucarecd.net/f61acfee-7ede-4e24-9ee3-e26611791d29/-/resize/1400x/-/format/auto/-/quality/smart/" alt="CAFS Busterbox launchWLN115.jpg-f61acfee-7ede-4e24-9ee3-e26611791d29" data-media-id="6a3d8685bb28976162e6178d" data-component-role=""></figure><figcaption class="attachment__caption"></figcaption></a></figure></div><h2>Expanding Services to Meet Evolving Needs</h2><div>As the needs of the community have evolved, so too has the organization. Today, Children's Aid is also a leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The agency operates 19 community residences across northern New Jersey, along with STRIVE, a day program in Paramus where participants engage in enriching activities, build life skills, and stay connected to their communities.</div><div><br>Alcohol and drug prevention, education and recovery support are also key parts of the mission. Through school- and community-based programs, Children's Aid works to address substance misuse and promote healthier choices for youth, families, and older adults alike. Recovery services support individuals on the journey of recovery, including peer-to-peer recovery services, and case management.</div><h2>Community Support and The Depot</h2><div>Community support plays an important role in making this work possible. One example is The Depot, located at 22 Prospect Street in Midland Park. This all-volunteer-run gift shop features new brand-name and artisanal items, and all proceeds benefit Children's Aid. The shop is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. Since 1965, The Depot has donated more than $3.5 million to Children's Aid, directly supporting programs and services for those in need. It was also just named Best Collectible Shop in "201 Magazine's" Best of Bergen Community's Choice Award, its third time receiving the honor.<br><figure><figure class="rte-inserted-image" data-img-size="large" data-img-align="center" style="max-width:75%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;"><img src="https://uyluucdnr2.ucarecd.net/f421b282-5991-468b-b1a6-33b66c170698/-/resize/1400x/-/format/auto/-/quality/smart/" alt="CAFS The Depot Gift Shop 3WLN115.jpg-f421b282-5991-468b-b1a6-33b66c170698" data-media-id="6a3d86c35034cfd12f71354f" data-component-role=""></figure><figcaption class="attachment__caption"></figcaption></figure></div><div>What has remained constant over the years is the organization's commitment to building brighter futures for every person it serves, whether it's finding a caring foster family for a child, providing diapers to a family in financial need, or helping an adult with disabilities live fuller lives.<br><br></div><div>Thanks to the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and community supporters, even during times of uncertainty, Children's Aid continues to make a lasting impact.</div><div><br>To learn about running a diaper drive, volunteer opportunities or other ways you can get involved, visit or reach out to Karen Mullane at Kmullane@cafsnj.org.</div>
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