Advance Specials & Affiliated Organizations

(Community Association with a Ministry to People Youth Development Program) provides pre-school, after-school and summer programs for children aged 2 ½ – 13 and their families, mainly on the north side of Paterson. The program runs throughout the year. They are committed to work as a “partner” within the community. A stimulating and nurturing environment is provided. Total care is available as well when schools are not in session with transportation available to pick up children from certain schools. For more information click here for the Camp YDP website.

Supports retired clergy and spouses.  For more information, click here. 

Provides no-cost home repairs to persons in need in the northwest area of our Conference. Participants are made up of high school youth and adult volunteers. In addition to home repairs, participants engage in morning devotionals, singing, worship services and recreational activities. For more information click here to go to their website.

Works to alleviate hunger and its root causes for those in need in Paterson, Passaic County and northern NJ. CUMAC has a pantry feeding 3,000+ monthly. The Depot warehouses over 2 million pounds of food annually for a network of about 40 partner feeding programs. This Community Food Coalition (CFC) distributes food while also screening clients for member pantries. They advocate at the local and state level on behalf of CFC clients. CUMAC also has a Community Closet that offers clothing & household items; Pathways to Work that imparts job skills and hands-on experience; Place of Promise that is a supportive housing program for chronically homeless individuals; and seasonal projects for school supplies, holiday gifts and other items for area children in need. All of the programs rely heavily on volunteers and financial support from the community. For more information click here to go to their website.

Provides advocacy, research and social services to the detained and released detainees.  First Friends provides a link to the outside world by providing toll free lines (English & Spanish) in five different detention facilities where more than 2000 individuals are detained and through visiting individuals in detention. The Pen-pal Program allows volunteers, who cannot visit to write to detainees.  Visit website.  

Served the Camden community since 1913. Today, they are a community center that provides a healthy and nutritious lunch six days a week, day care, an after school program, and an evening teen program. They focus on a two generation approach to lift families out of poverty. Their commitment is to provide a safe space for Academic achievement, Athletic accomplishment, and a flourishing Arts program. Their hope and vision for the next century of service is to create a “community living room.” For more information click here for the website.

A college preparatory institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church which reflects the principles espoused by John Wesley and core values of honor, virtue, and humility. Students experience an environment where talents and values are forged for making a positive difference in the world. Half scholarships are available for students in grade 6 to 12. For more information click here for the website.

Provides ministry to troubled boys ages 9 to 16 ½ and services to troubled girls between the ages of 14–18 years. They are faith-based and provide learning environments for those whose needs can best be met through experiences outside their homes. They can obtain or regain their long-term academic, behavioral, and spiritual focus in their residential setting. Counseling, housing and recreation are offered, as well as spiritual guidance, time to attend chapel services and Bible study. Both Ranch Hope and Victory House are licensed by New Jersey State Department of Children and Families. For more information click here for the website.

The Maker’s Place goal is to connect neighbors in Trenton with neighbors in central New Jersey and beyond, by opening a neighborhood resource center that empowers poor and marginalized people in our capital city. The Maker’s Place is a site for local mission and ministry. Starting with initiatives centered on food and families, The Maker’s Place is cultivating transformative relationships that help people build bridges out of poverty and create a multiethnic and economically diverse community hub where all people can experience the wide welcome of God. For more information click here for the website.

United Methodist Communities is a conglomerate of assisted living facilities throughout New Jersey dedicated to compassionately serving older adults with an emphasis on community. Specializing in senior lifestyles for over a century, United Methodist Communities help form the foundation for an abundant life. For more information click here for the website.