On Sunday, June 2, Chai Lifeline marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its New Jersey Center, set to open in September 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to enhancing support for children and their families confronting serious health challenges in New Jersey and beyond.
“We are thrilled to break ground on this center, which will serve as a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of childhood illness,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA.
The ceremony featured a broad array of attendees, including Chai Lifeline executives and staff, lay leadership, and community leaders from Lakewood, Jackson, and Philadelphia. Peter Grollman, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, also participated, highlighting the collaborative spirit fueling this project.
Special recognitions were extended to key contributors, including Chai Lifeline Board Members Shalom Stein and Moshe Klein, the Herzka family for their dedication to the children and family services, Sarita Cohen who dedicated the case management and crisis intervention departments in memory of her late husband Yoni Z”L, the Gerzberg family, the Rothenberg Family for establishing the Eli and Raizy Childcare Crisis Center, and Mayer and Chaya Rivka Fischl for their contributions to the center’s Art Spot.
Mordy Schron, a longtime friend and supporter of Chai Lifeline New Jersey, spoke about the critical need for Chai Lifeline in the community and how the new center will enhance and expand its impact.
For nearly 25 years, Chai Lifeline NJ/PA has provided essential support to thousands of local families, offering services that include professional case management, crisis and trauma intervention, medical and insurance advocacy, family respite, transportation to medical appointments. The center will also offer counseling, big sibling programs, daycare and afterschool activities, recreational events, educational classes, and peer support groups, enhancing the holistic care provided to the community.
Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline, expressed his gratitude, noting, “The community’s generous support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children and families.”
The Chai Lifeline NJ Center is expected to become an essential resource for families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The project team remains dedicated to keeping the community updated and engaged throughout the construction process.
For more information about the NJ Center and how to support this initiative, visit www.chailifeline.org/njcenter.
