The Cranford Family Care Association is celebrating 80 years of service to the Cranford community. Founded in 1936 as a response to the Great Depression, Cranford Family Care’s philosophy is one of neighbors helping neighbors. It provides short-term, emergency assistance to families living in Cranford. The most common form of assistance is help with rent, mortgage payments and utilities. Assistance can take the forms of monetary contribution or a donation of food from its pantry located at 61 Myrtle Street in Cranford.
With generous financial and in-kind support from many residents, businesses, places of worship, schools, and likeminded organizations, each year Cranford Family Care ensures that families are able to stay in their homes, feed their families, and have access to the basic necessities. During the holiday season, special meals and gifts are provided to our families through the generosity of others. The CFC has been blessed with many kind partners to ensure this Christmas is filled with joy by providing toys, books, and clothing. Gift cards are a welcome donation that can be given to our older children.
A special note of gratitude is extended to Project Home for our housing funding and to the Cerebral Palsy League of Cranford and Jardine Academy for our office and storage space partnership. This, and the help of many volunteers, ensures that the greatest percentage of donations goes directly to those in need. More than 92 cents of every dollar contributed makes a difference in the lives of those in crisis.
Donations of food, particularly non-perishable food like mashed potatoes, rice and ready to serve side dishes, jam or jelly, coffee, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, relish, and powdered drink mixes such as iced tea and lemonade, are greatly appreciated as we stock up for the coming winter months.
Please call 908-276-3530 before making a delivery to ensure someone is there to receive it; no items may be left in front of the building. And, of course, financial donations and gift cards are always welcomed.
Families seeking assistance from Cranford Family Care should make an appointment to fill out an application for assistance. Those seeking help should be prepared to prove residency in Cranford.
“With 80 years of neighbors helping neighbors behind us”, says Executive Director Kathleen Willis, “we are grateful to the Cranford community for making our work possible and request the continued support of our citizens and organizations to help our community’s most vulnerable. Together, we can continue to make a difference for our neighbors in need.“
(above) The Cranford Cerebral Palsy League hosted its annual 5K Run on October 15. Cranford Family Care has a longstanding partnership with the CPL and was grateful to participate as a sponsor for this year’s event. Board members manned our table at the Water Station and handed beverages to the runners as they competed in the race. (l-r) Board President Carolyn Dittmar, Julie Carroll, Executive Director Kathy Willis, Mike Flynn, and Elyse Piacentini)
(above) The Township of Cranford issued a Proclamation at its October 25, 2016 meeting commemorating Cranford Family Care’s 80th Year of Service. (front, l-r) Mayor And is Kalnins, Executive Director Kathy Willis, Diane, and Barry O’Donovan; (back, l-r) Mike Flynn, Board President Carolyn Dittmar, Julie Carroll, Jennifer Mehr, and John Mujica.
