SJSSC Where helping people is not an option, it’s a way of LIFE!

Services

St. James Social Service Corporation offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting individuals and families in need, including hunger prevention, housing and utilities assistance, and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Through the food and supplemental programs, the organization addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability, fostering a stronger, more resilient community.

Hunger Prevention

Soulfood Café Soup Kitchen serves lunch Monday through Friday from 12 – 2 pm and dinner is served Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 – 6 pm and serves an average of 175 people a day. Though a “soup” kitchen, the chef prepares provides hot, home style, nutritious, and well-balanced meals, which sometimes, includes soup. The Soulfood Café was featured on the Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible where celebrity Chef Robert Irvin and his team renovated the kitchen and dining room and spotlighted Chef Emeriti, the late Georgianna Loney-Wilson who was at the time, 80 years young. All are welcome and patrons can get meals “to go”.

The Emergency Food Pantry operates Monday through Friday between 1-3 pm. Those in need are eligible to receive groceries according to family size once a month. The food bags generally include frozen meat; canned goods and dry staple items. Baby food and milk is sometimes available upon request. To receive groceries, you must provide an id and show proof of residency. Annually, more than 10,000 families receive emergency packages and the food pantry is one of the largest in Essex County. Collectively, the food programs distribute roughly 800,000 lbs. of food annually.

SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS

St. James Diaper Bank and Period Products program is in conjunction with the Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ). Diapers are available for children sizes 1 - 6 and disposable briefs are available for men and women in need. Diapers and Briefs can be received once a month Tuesday – Thursday, between 11am – 2pm. Identification and proof of children is needed. The Be a Blessing Holiday Distribution operates annually during the holiday season. Guest can register in October for the Thanksgiving Distribution and November for the Christmas Distributions which includes toys. The distribution includes a turkey or oven stuffer roaster along with all the fixings needed to prepare a holiday dinner and registration is on a first come first serve basis. Registration for toys begins in October and ends in November. As a special treat for patrons, the Soulfood Café serves a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on the Friday after the holiday. Both the Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions provides food for 400 families and more than 2000 toys are distributed for children who are less fortunate.

HOMELESS PREVENTION SERVICES

Through specific streams of funding, when available, SJSSC provides rental assistance to those who have fallen on tough times, are behind in their rent and may be in imminent danger of becoming homeless. The program also provides rapid rehousing services which provides security deposits to those who may be homeless or need to secure better, safer housing. The aforementioned programs are based on income eligibility according to family size. SJSSC also processes applications for the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF) utility assistance programs for those who need help with their PSEG bill or emergency oil. Case Manager can also assist with the New Jersey Shares applications.

HEALTH and WELLNESS SERVICES (HW)

Case Management services are provided to those men and women who are living with HIV/AIDS and their families. These services include Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) for housing and utility assistance and can also provide food through the HW portion of the Emergency Food Pantry and Soulfood Café. Clients can also participate in the agency 340 B program to receive their medication.

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Soulfood Café
Soup Kitchen

The SoulFood Café Soup Kitchen, run by St. James Social Service Corporation, provides free, nutritious meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. It serves as a welcoming space where the community can find nourishment, support, and a sense of belonging.

Emergency
Food Pantry

St. James Social Service Corporation’s Emergency Food Pantry offers essential groceries to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring access to nutritious food during times of need. This service helps alleviate food insecurity by providing immediate relief, care, and support.

Be A Blessing
Holiday Distribution

The Be A Blessing Holiday Distribution, organized by St. James Social Service Corporation, provides special food packages and essential items to families during the holiday season. This program brings hope and joy to those in need, ensuring they can celebrate with dignity and warmth.

St. James Social Service Corporation (SJSSC) is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization located in the heart of the Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey. Founded in 1996 to serve the residents of Newark, since 2001, it has expanded its reach to serve those in Essex Counties and those throughout the State of New Jersey.