Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center is celebrating the restoration of $575,000 in state funding to the New Jersey budget. The center credits Senator Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight of New Jersey’s 29th Legislative District for their leadership in this critical effort.
This essential investment ensures that children and families in Essex County impacted by abuse and neglect will keep access to Wynona’s House’s life-changing services. The center provides advocacy, intervention, and support programs that promote healing and help break the cycle of abuse.
The funding was successfully restored after initially being excluded from the proposed state budget. District 29 state legislators spearheaded the effort, supported by the Essex County Board of County Commissioners. Their advocacy included introducing resolutions in the Assembly and Senate, highlighting the urgent need to protect child advocacy services across the state.
“Thanks to the commitment of our District 29 legislators, vulnerable children and their families will continue to receive the comprehensive services they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive,” said Robert Crocker, Executive Director of Wynona’s House. He added, “Their advocacy helped ensure that Wynona’s House can continue to provide a safe space where children are heard, believed, and supported every step of the way.”
Senator Ruiz stressed the importance of the center’s work. “Wynona’s House is a beacon of hope for children and their families facing unimaginable trauma and neglect, providing the resources and compassion they need to heal and move forward,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Their advocacy saves lives, and securing funding to support that mission goes to the very heart of what policy is intended to do.”
Wynona’s House serves approximately 950 child abuse cases annually across all 22 municipalities of Essex County. More than 950 child victims and 1,200 siblings and family members receive coordinated, compassionate services under one roof each year. Wynona’s House delivers trauma-informed, child-friendly care.
Assemblywomen Pintor Marin and Speight emphasized their duty to protect children. “We want our parents and children to know that help is available and right here in the heart of Newark,” they shared in a joint statement. “As legislators and moms, we have a duty to ensure every child is protected from serious physical injury and harm.”
The center coordinates a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) response involving staff from the Prosecutor’s Office, child protection services, and local hospitals, ensuring families receive justice, healing, and protection.
With this restored funding, Wynona’s House will continue providing child-centered care and leading training initiatives that impact thousands of people across Essex County and New Jersey.
To learn more about Wynona’s House, visit wynonashouse.org.
