Summer, you were nothing short of amazing!
This season, Circle of Care was proud to serve and uplift our community in so many meaningful ways. From distributing over 1,000 bookbags to the youth we serve, to donating nearly 400 backpacks to the wider community and providing 72 bikes to kids — our efforts were fueled by love and dedication to Passaic County’s young people.
Thanks to a new partnership with Staples, we’ve equipped our programs with essential resources, ensuring our work remains both effective and sustainable.
We are also thrilled to announce a grant award from the Paterson Education Fund, which allowed us to create eight dynamic social-emotional learning sessions. This support helped us connect with local vendors and community experts, enriching our offerings with diverse skills, information, and resources for all to enjoy — a proud reflection of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We also partnered with Paterson Public Library and their innovative Book Truck, giving families the opportunity to register for library cards and take home books — fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Community Partnerships Fuel Our Mission
In proud partnership with Passaic County, we co-produced Hike 4 Healing — an inspiring community wellness event aimed at promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention through the power of outdoor activity. The event brought together more than 20 health and wellness vendors who offered valuable resources, support services, and tools to help participants prioritize their well-being. Attendees also enjoyed a range of engaging activities and thoughtful giveaways — each serving as a gentle reminder to pause, recharge, and invest in self-care. Together, we fostered a space for healing, connection, and collective resilience.
Wacky Wednesdays: Where Play Meets Purpose
Thanks to the generous support of the Paterson Education Fund, our Wacky Wednesdays turned ordinary afternoons into vibrant celebrations of learning, creativity, and personal growth. These high-energy sessions brought social-emotional learning to life through fun, hands-on experiences that helped youth build confidence, strengthen relationships, and explore healthy ways to express themselves.
With the support of local vendors, participants took part in a wide range of interactive activities — from yoga and healthy cooking to painting as a coping technique and more. Each week offered new opportunities for creative expression, mindfulness, and emotional development, proving that play can be one of the most powerful tools for growth.
One of the most inspiring outcomes was the shift in our participants’ relationship with reading. What started as disinterest quickly blossomed into genuine excitement — with students eagerly raiding bookshelves to find their next best read. Week by week, their enthusiasm grew as they challenged themselves with new books, shared recommendations with peers, and rediscovered
Looking Forward
As we welcome autumn, we carry this momentum with gratitude and inspiration. Together, we will continue to bridge community and mental health — empowering the youth and families of Passaic County. Here’s to the next chapter, full of hope, growth, and connection.
