The Village NJ is changing the way we care for the youngest in foster care.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: Nearly half of children in foster care are under the age of 6, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
That’s a staggering number of babies and young kids who’ve already faced trauma, instability and the loss of familiarity. And while the foster care system works hard to keep them safe, it’s often unprepared to make them feel seen or human.
At The Village NJ, we believe dignity isn’t extra. It’s essential. And that starts the moment a child walks through our doors.
Not Just a Closet: A Place That Feels Like a Store
Sure, we’re called The Village Foster Closet. And yes, technically we store clothes, shoes, baby gear and other donated essentials.
But we never wanted it to feel like a closet. Or worse, a handout line.
So, we built something better.
At our Point Pleasant location, kids walk into a bright, organized, store-like space where they can browse racks, choose their own clothing and even try on shoes. There’s color. Warm lighting. Friendly faces. Thoughtful displays. And just like in any real store, kids don’t have to settle for “whatever’s left.” They get to pick what feels right.
Because when a foster child chooses a jacket that fits their style or a backpack in their favorite color, they’re not just dressing up. They’re reclaiming a small piece of control.
And that matters.
Why Dignity Changes Everything
Let’s talk about dignity for a second. It’s not about fancy stuff. It’s about choice. About autonomy. About not feeling “less than” because your life took a sharp left turn.
Kids in care already face so much, new homes, new schools, new people and often very little warning. Some arrive with nothing. Many have been through neglect, abuse or abandonment. The last thing they need is to feel like they’re just another case number.
That’s where The Village Foster Closet shows up differently.
By creating a space that looks and feels like a boutique, we send a message: You deserve care. You deserve respect. You deserve to feel like you belong.
What Dignity Looks Like at The Village
Here’s what we do differently and what makes the biggest impact:
1. Kids Get to Choose Their Own Items
This is big. We don’t hand kids a plastic bag and say “Here, this should fit.” We let them browse. Touch. Try on. Feel a little ownership in the process. Even if they’re young, they still have opinions. And when they get to make decisions, especially after feeling powerless, it builds confidence.
2. We Treat Donations with Intention
We only put out clean, current, gently-used or new items. Nothing stained. Nothing stretched. Nothing that says “last pick.” We believe that if it’s not something you’d gift to a friend, it’s not going on our shelves.
That’s part of dignity too.
3. We Organize with Care
Everything is sorted by size, gender and season. Clothes are folded or hung neatly. Shoes are lined up in pairs. Hygiene kits are labeled and packed with age-appropriate items. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about showing respect for the families we serve.
4. We Listen to Foster Parents
Families don’t have to “prove” their need here. We trust them. We ask what their child needs and we help them find it. And if we don’t have it? We try to get it.
Foster parents already carry enough. We don’t add pressure, we offer partnership.
Serving Monmouth and Ocean County with Heart
Whether you’re in Village Monmouth County, Village Ocean County or anywhere else nearby, you’re not alone. Since our founding in 2019, The Village NJ has served over 400 children and counting.
We’ve helped toddlers find warm winter boots. Teens pick out school clothes they actually want to wear. Babies go home with clean onesies and diapers. All at no cost to the family.
This is what a Foster Closet in New Jersey should look like. One that honors the whole child, not just the checklist.
How You Can Help Us Keep Dignity Alive
Here’s the truth: dignity costs nothing, but creating a space like this? That takes time, people and consistent support. Here’s how you can jump in:
- Donate items that are seasonally appropriate and in great shape
- Give new essentials (hygiene kits, socks, undergarments, gift cards)
- Volunteer your time to help sort, clean or style the space
- Sponsor a child or family, even small monthly gifts go a long way
- Share our story so more people understand what a foster closet can be
Final Thought
Foster care isn’t just a system. it’s a moment in a child’s life where everything shifts. The least we can do is make that moment feel a little safer. A little brighter. A little more human.
That’s what The Village is here for.
Because when you create a space where kids can choose, smile and feel seen, that’s not just giving. That’s giving with dignity.
