A groundbreaking ceremony was held this Sunday to mark the beginning of construction for the new NJ Herzka Family Children and Family Services Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to serving as a center of stability for children and their families in crisis. This center represents a significant advancement in providing comprehensive care and support services to those facing serious health challenges in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond.
The ceremony, attended by community leaders from lakewood, Jackson and Philadelphia, celebrated the collaborative efforts that have made this project possible. The new center will support children battling illness and their families. “We are thrilled to break ground on the Center,” said Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Director Rabbi Sruli Fried, at the ceremony. “This facility will be a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complexities of childhood illness.”
For 25 years, Chai Lifeline NJ/PA has been there to help over 1,000 families with hope and compassion. As the communities it serves rapidly grow, Chai Lifeline NJ/PA continues to expand and require one location to continue offering:
- Professional case management services
- Crisis intervention
- Medical and insurance advocacy
- Respite for family members
- Transportation to/from medical appointments and hospital stays
- A multitude of programs for children of all ages, to include:
o daycare, after-school programs, and scheduling during vacation days
o big brother/sister program for siblings, featuring homework assistance and peer support
o classes, activities, and support groups for family members
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support from the New Jersey community and partners,” added Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. He shares that “their contributions have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children and families.”
The Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Center for Stability is expected to open its doors in September 2025 providing a critical resource for families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As construction begins, the project team remains committed to keeping the community informed and involved throughout the process.
For more information about the Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Center for Stability and how you can support this initiative, please visit https://www.chailifeline.org/njcenter
