By Sydney Stavraka 

Summer Philanthropy Intern 

When a family is in crisis — due to domestic violence, mental illness, housing instability, or financial insecurity — there is rarely a single solution that addresses all the complexities involved. Effective support must go beyond immediate shelter—incorporating trauma-informed care, coordinated services, and the opportunity to regain autonomy. 

Across New Jersey and North Carolina, grantees supported by the F.M. Kirby Foundation are helping individuals and families navigate these transitions with dignity. Their approaches vary from safe housing and counseling to design-informed environments and long-term case management, but they share a central goal: to meet people where they are and help them move forward. 

In Morris County, New Jersey, JBWS works to ensure that survivors of domestic violence are met not just with safety, but with practical pathways to stability. Its continuum of care includes emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transitional housing, financial education, and counseling for both adults and children. 

“Survivors are often most at risk during the initial stages of leaving,” said Diane Williams, CEO of JBWS. “We focus on reducing barriers from that very first point of contact.” 

JBWS eases the path to safety by offering child-friendly shelter spaces, housing assistance, and partnerships that protect family pets. Recognizing that abuse is often financial as well as physical, the organization offers support around budgeting, credit repair, and transportation access. 

Longer-term, JBWS invests in prevention through youth education and community engagement. The Jersey Center for Nonviolence, a program of JBWS, works directly with individuals who have used violence in relationships promoting accountability and long-term behavioral change. 

“Crisis intervention is just one part of what we do,” Williams said. “We’re just as focused on long-term recovery and prevention.”

While JBWS addresses the aftermath of domestic violence, other crises such as serious mental illness and homelessness also require attention. Community Hope, based in New Jersey, takes a layered approach to support individuals with serious mental illness and veterans experiencing homelessness, two groups who often face overlapping challenges. Its model blends clinical care, transitional housing, and supportive living environments to bridge the gap between institutional care and full independence. Their programs are designed not just to provide stability, but to adapt as recovery progresses, offering personalized, trauma-informed care every step of the way.  

The Lyons VA Transitional Housing Program offers veterans structured support ranging from short-term bridge housing to intensive clinical services. Each participant receives personalized case management focused on mental health, employment, and community reintegration. Additionally, their Hope for Veterans® initiative has supported over 6,000 veterans and family members in transitioning out of homelessness. 

At the same time, Community Hope provides supportive housing for civilians with persistent mental illness. Through group homes and independent apartments, clients build daily living skills with staff support. For many, this model provides a critical step between institutional care and full independence. 

“We operate from a trauma-informed lens and emphasize client ownership,” said Jenn Stivers, Chief Programs Officer. “That means we’re partners in progress but the pace and direction belong to them.” 

Community Hope’s wraparound services include everything from budgeting help to pet therapy. But like many housing-focused organizations, the availability of affordable units remains a limiting factor. Even so, Community Hope continues to expand partnerships with landlords and leverage creative housing solutions to meet growing demand. 

While most crisis responses focus on services, A Lotta Love starts with something more subtle but no less powerful: the environment itself. In North Carolina, A Lotta Love is working to transform shelter spaces themselves, making sure they feel safe, welcoming, and dignified. The organization began informally in 2014, when founder Lotta Sjoelin visited a women’s shelter and saw how harsh and impersonal the environment was. She returned with a car full of pillows, then stayed to redesign the space. 

Since then, A Lotta Love has renovated over 1,000 shelter rooms using their trauma-informed design model. Their work is rooted in research: more than 80% of people entering shelters report symptoms of PTSD, and post-renovation surveys show that 96% of residents feel more respected and comfortable in their surroundings.  

“Design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s emotional,” said Sjoelin. “We work with residents directly, especially children, to make sure the space reflects their needs.” 

Children’s rooms often incorporate favorite colors or themes, and families are invited to take the room designs with them when they transition into permanent housing. That continuity helps restore a sense of ownership at a time when families often feel uprooted. 

With growing demand across North Carolina, A Lotta Love has collaborated with more than 25 shelters in NC, and they rely on both monetary and in-kind donations from partners like Spoonflower and The Kirby Foundation. Yet, the need for trauma-informed spaces far exceeds current capacity. 

“There’s no shortage of shelters that need our help,” Sjoelin said. “We’re working hard to meet that need.” 

For people experiencing chronic homelessness, permanent housing can be the most urgent and transformative intervention, as shown by Housing for New Hope. Also based in Durham, Housing for New Hope (HNH) provides supportive housing and case management for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Their model prioritizes stable housing as a foundational step backed by national evidence as the most effective path to recovery. 

For 37-year-old Gus Cardelli, that first step came after months of living in a tent in the woods. Despite the cold winters and ongoing instability, he stayed hopeful finding motivation in nature, art, and the belief that better days were possible.

That opportunity came when he was connected to Housing for New Hope. Moving into his new home marked a major turning point. On move-in day, he woke up early, filled with anticipation. When his case manager handed him the keys, the moment signified more than just access to a home; it was a symbol of safety, independence, and a fresh start. 

Today, Gus is settled in a space that reflects his personality. He’s created a cozy home where his bedroom and television offer comfort and routine. With HNH’s ongoing support, he’s experienced reduced stress, begun saving money, and even purchased a car. His goal now is to maintain that stability and build a lasting foundation for the future. HNH offers ongoing case management, employment assistance, and flexible support services that adapt to client goals. 

“We know that people stabilize faster when they’re housed,” said Russell Pierce, Executive Director of HNH, “but our work continues long after move-in day.” 

Together, these nonprofits reflect a shared commitment to meeting people at their most vulnerable — and helping them move forward with dignity. From emergency response to long-term care, JBWS, Community Hope, A Lotta Love, and Housing for New Hope are meeting families at critical turning points. Their strategies may differ, but their impact is rooted in the same principle: people facing crisis deserve safety, respect, and the chance to rebuild. 

Whether it’s a safe shelter, a thoughtfully designed room, or a permanent apartment, each organization plays a role in helping families reclaim control — and dignity — in the face of adversity.