COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Stand with Dignity Partners with the Children’s Home Society of NJ to Bring Joy to At-Risk Youth
Compassion Begins at Home: Our Duty to Our Neighbors
At *Stand with Dignity*, we believe that true charity begins at home. Alongside supporting our own families, our primary duty is to care for our neighbors and uplift the local communities around us.
The children we serve reflect the beautiful diversity of New Jersey—coming from all races, including European, African, and Arab heritages, and representing Christian, Muslim, and non-religious backgrounds alike. With nearly 1 million people currently living under the poverty line in New Jersey, thousands of local children face daily hardships. While they might not live next door, a short drive reveals a profound need for food, shelter, clothing, and human connection. Our mission is anchored in two timeless expressions of faith and humanity:
> *The Noble Qur’an (3:92):* “By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend benevolently out of what you love; and whatever thing you spend, Allah surely knows it.”
*Imam Ali (as):* “Man is either your brother in faith or your equal in humanity.”
Partnering with the Children’s Home Society of NJ (CHSNJ)
The Children’s Home Society of NJ provides vital support to at-risk youth navigating poverty, many of whom are growing up without parental care. CHSNJ champions the belief that children should never be institutionalized or “boxed up” in massive, impersonal facilities. Instead, they deserve true homes, individualized care, and a life of genuine dignity.
“A Special Day of Fun” — A Resounding Success!
To build a bridge of solidarity with CHSNJ, *Muslims for Peace* and *Stand with Dignity* volunteers recently launched a small, focused pilot event at Masjid Ali. We wanted to create a magical, stress-free day of pure joy for the children, while keeping the group size manageable for our volunteer team.
We are incredibly proud to report that the event was an overwhelming success! This beautiful collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, and we are already designing a meaningful program for this upcoming Muharram to honor the selflessness of Imam Hussain (as).
How the Magical Day Unfolded
1. *The Red-Carpet Welcome:* 10:00 AM.
As the CHSNJ bus pulled up to Masjid Ali, volunteers lined the entrance cheering, clapping, and showering the children with silly string. Every child was crowned with a festive party hat and given glow sticks, setting a joyful “celebrity” tone for the day.
2. *Arts, Crafts, and Bonding:* 11:00 AM.
We opened the morning with creative arts and crafts projects designed to spark imagination and break the ice. Light snacks were provided as volunteers and children began to bond.
3. *Indoor Games & Piñata Smash:* 12:30 PM.
The excitement moved indoors for a high-energy bowling tournament, followed by the children taking turns to crack open a giant, candy-filled hamburger piñata.
4. *Outdoor Sports & Backyard Fun:* 2:00 PM.
The afternoon was spent outdoors enjoying bubble games, the jungle gym, and an energetic soccer match, kept cool with plenty of refreshing, healthy drinks.
5. *A Culinarily Celebrated Dinner:* 4:00 PM.
The children were treated to a premium, three-course catered feast from Kababery, featuring a delicious spread of meats, rice, fresh salads, appetizers, and desserts.
6. *Masjid Tour and Farewell Gifts:* 5:30 PM.
Following a peaceful, educational tour of the Masjid, we bid our new friends farewell, sending each child home with customized gift bags full of books, toys, and financial resources.
By The Numbers: Our Impact
- 13* resilient children attended alongside their mothers and two dedicated CHSNJ staff coordinators.
- $2,000* was raised directly by Muslims for Peace to completely fund the day’s activities and gifts.
- 100% Personal Attention:* Every child was paired with *1 to 2 dedicated volunteer “fans”* whose sole job was to make them feel uniquely loved and celebrated.
- Educational Tools:* Every child received brand-new English and mathematics workbooks, reading novels, new clothing, and age-appropriate toys.
- Direct Family Support:* Each child received *$50 in critical gift cards* ($25 to Walmart and $25 to ShopRite) to help their households purchase essentials.
- Extended Reach:* All remaining funds, toys, and resources were safely packed and donated directly to the CHSNJ children who were unable to attend the event in person.
Save the Date: Winter Holiday Event on December 12th!
The impact of this event extended far beyond a single afternoon. We have since received moving phone calls and a formal letter of gratitude from CHSNJ detailing how much the families cherished the absolute sincerity of our community volunteers.
In fact, the partnership has grown so strong that *CHSNJ has officially invited Stand with Dignity to host their major Holiday Event on December 12th* for a group of children who are completely without parents.
*Volunteers Needed:* We need *10 dedicated volunteers* to step up and make this winter holiday unforgettable for these children.
Keep an eye on your inbox—we will be sending out a community-wide email shortly with full registration and donation details. Let’s come together once again to show these children they are surrounded by love.
Media & Organization Contact
*Zain Ali*
Director of Charity Events
*Stand with Dignity*
P.O. Box 6262, Monroe, NJ 08831
