A MESSAGE FROM SETH KAPER-DALE, CEO, RCHP-AHC

Dear Friends and Followers of RCHP-AHC, 

Since June 1, 2005, when RCHP-AHC came into existence, we’ve run a fairly well-oiled machine that has been in steady growth mode—finding new and ever-changing ways to serve those who, for a variety of complex reasons, find themselves on the margins in our state. 

We own and operate 27 homes/buildings.  We lease and sub-lease hundreds of homes.  We provide social work, housing, and wrap-around services for various populations of people who need a boost of support.   

In the past 9 years (2016 on) we’ve grown at an incredible rate.  Our housing stock has grown, but so too has our total client base and our staffing and infrastructure. 

This first quarter of 2025 is, hands-down, the hardest quarter we’ve ever experienced.  The funds that we are contracted to receive, specifically our most extensive grants for refugees, unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking and immigrants, are being slashed with no warning, or, invoices are simply not being paid.  The Trump Administration, and specifically DOGE, has taken a massive swipe at Health and Human Services (HHS) and most of the funding that we receive comes through a branch from the HHS tree—a branch called Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).   

The cancellation of one contract, and the ‘not paying’ of other invoices for services that we rendered in December, January and February has led our organization to be a shell of what it was prior to January 20th.  It is incredible how fast the house crumbles when your “partner,” the federal government, walks away with the money.   

And yet, here we are, in mid-March, and every day RCHP-AHC’s headquarters in Highland Park, and offices in Vineland, Trenton, New Brunswick and Asbury Park, are still buzzing with activity. Each day refugees, and parolees, and unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking, and the homeless poor, and those who are living paycheck to paycheck, come through the doors and are met by staff and volunteers who are dedicated to stopping, and listening, and trying our best to offer services that bring relief, encouragement and joy.   

This newsletter is full of successes. It is the message of successes that I hope you hear, loud and clear. I am being honest about our struggles, but a ‘truer truth’ is that we are still operating an organization that gives many in Central NJ a chance to see, in the middle of all the chaos, a glimpse of beauty—indeed, a glimpse of the image of God. 

RCHP-AHC is a stand-alone 501c3 non-profit. It is not affiliated in any fiscal or official way with any one church or faith tradition. It is independent. And yet, it’s roots run deep in traditions that know that we are called to love deeply at all times and in all places, and that we are called by the Most High to display preference and abundance for the poor and disenfranchised.   

We’ll keep doing that—with or without federal funding. 

Peace to you, 

Seth 

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FEATURE STORIES

Q & A with Dan Correa    

Dr. Dan Correa, in addition to his Monmouth & Ocean County Regional Office Director position for I-RISE, is also a police chaplain for the Middletown, NJ police dept, as well as Lead Pastor for Middletown Assembly of God Church and Abundant Life Church (Asbury Park). 

You wear several hats in your work life.  What was it about I-RISE that prompted you to apply for the Regional Office Director position?

I’ve dedicated my life to ministry since I started preaching at just 8 years old. Over the years, I’ve always felt a deep calling to advocate for the underprivileged and bring hope to those in need. As a pastor of two immigrant congregations and a police chaplain for over 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that immigrants and refugees face—especially in today’s climate of fear and uncertainty due to restrictive immigration policies and funding cuts.   

When I learned about Interfaith-RISE, I immediately resonated with its mission to provide resources, support, and hope to immigrant communities. This position allows me to combine my passion for ministry, advocacy, and leadership to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. Every day in this role is an opportunity to serve others and bring light into difficult situations, which is why I felt compelled to join I-RISE. 

You’ve started this position at an interesting and challenging time.  How has your job changed for you and your staff in the 6 months since you’ve started?

 

The past six months have been both rewarding and challenging. The current immigration policies and government funding cuts have made it harder for us to provide the resources our clients desperately need. On top of that, there’s a palpable sense of fear in the immigrant community, which makes it difficult for people to trust and seek help.   

Despite these challenges............

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UPDATES & HAPPENINGS

Housing for Homeless and Low-Income Residents – AHC recently closed on 2 new properties in Freehold. One family moved into their new home in December 2024 and the other family will move in very soon. We are thrilled that two families now have homes to call their own! 

Lease/Sub-Lease Properties – We were concerned about being left with a surplus of leased properties after the “cease and desist” order from the new Administration for providing services for new immigrant arrivals, however we are now pivoting and working with landlords to consider allowing these apartments to be used for populations in our other programs, such a re-entering citizens and the homeless/soon to be homeless. Such great news!

RISE UP Music Fest! Sunday, March 23rd at 5pm at RCHP

Funding cuts and proposed cuts threaten services for those in need. Local musicians and allies have organized a concert to raise funds for these services provided by the RCHP-Affordable Housing Corp.

   

Please come and join us for an evening of incredible music or just make a donation if you can’t attend! https://rchp-ahc.org/donate/ 

Accompany Now! April Info Session

Friday April 11 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Unaccompanied Children and Human Trafficking – Presented by Accompany Now!

Accompany Now! Outreach Coordinators will present on the risks and realities of human trafficking among unaccompanied children. Accompany Now! is a nonprofit program of the Reformed Church of Highland Park Affordable Housing Corporation providing case management to unaccompanied children in NJ, NY, PA, and neighboring states.

 

Register here 

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Accompany Now! Info Sessions Recap

The Accompany Now! staff strives to keep the public informed of their work, as well as sharing ways the public can help to serve this vulnerable population of unaccompanied minors.  Here’s a recap of their most recent info sessions

. 

Submitted by Bella Gerstmann, Community Outreach Coordinator

January information session - Advocating for unaccompanied children and their families. The Accompany Now! Outreach team gave a presentation on immigrants' rights and the risks they face. Community members learned how they could help advocate for and educate their immigrant neighbors. Attendees included parishioners from the Church in Brielle, United Way of Central Jersey, Elizabeth Public Schools, and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, among others. 

February information session - Held on Valentine's Day, this presentation by Accompany Now!'s outreach team highlighted how community members can show love for unaccompanied children and immigrant communities. The presentation came just after the agency received overdue funding, having been in preparations for a near shutdown. The outreach coordinators gave updates on Accompany Now!'s situation and policy changes affecting unaccompanied minors, and their most pressing donation needs (backpacks!). Participants included stakeholders from Stillwaters Anti-Trafficking, Rahway Health Department, the Church in Brielle, and more. 



We thank all attendees for taking an interest in the work of Accompany Now! and the clients we serve! 

PROGRAM UPDATES & HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF

Global Grace Cafe is still open for business!

Some people say that the kitchen is the heart of a home. If that’s true, then certainly the Global Grace kitchen is the heart of RCHP, serving up helpings of Love, Monday through Friday, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Recent cuts in I-RISE staffing have also meant the social hall is a bit empty these days. If you’re looking for a way to support I-RISE, filling your stomach with delicious international cuisine is a great way to do it! Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your appetite! 

Global Grace Farms - Planting season is here! We’re starting off with peas, potatoes and greens. If you’d like to volunteer this Spring or Summer, reach out to Ashar, GG Farms Director, at ggfarms@interfaithrise.org Volunteers are always needed for planting, tending and harvesting.  

Global Grace Health - Twenty-Twenty Four was a busy year for the GG Health team, traveling all over the state providing much needed services to vulnerable low income and homeless populations.  Hosting four clinics weekly, the team delivered care to 2,496 individuals over the year, in addition to distributing an estimated 260,000 pounds of food to 15,600 people! 

Services included health screenings for homebound individuals, such as COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, tuberculosis tests, hypertension and glucose screenings, and cancer screenings. They also offered health education workshops on topics like prostate cancer, breastfeeding, and nutrition, exemplifying a year of dedicated service aimed at improving the quality of life for those in need.  

Global Grace Marketplace - GG Marketplace has given their website an exciting makeover! Click on this link to check out the expanded offerings. Or visit the shop in person Tuesday through Saturday, 10am – 6pm at 208 Raritan Avenue, in Highland Park. 

Interfaith-RISE - As most of you probably already know, I-RISE has been severely affected by the recent cuts in federal funding.  During the month of January, our website had a 191% increase in visits, largely fueled by monetary donations and volunteer signups.  Your support helped our staff (who have made colossal efforts these past few weeks) to provide services for our clients.  Our reduced staff could not have done this without your financial and volunteer support.  We can’t say this enough – THANK YOU to all our supporters! 

I-RISE Recycled Woodshop -  Tim and the Woodshop volunteers continue to create and innovate. Their latest creation is this awesome wood serving tray, which may be purchased online or in person at the Global Grace Marketplace. Shop online or visit in-person at 208 Raritan Avenue, in Highland Park.  



Neighbors Housing Neighbors - Not surprisingly, this program that assists the homeless and nearly homeless, has exploded in growth.  Lisa, our amazing church admin, receives, on average, 10-15 calls per day from people inquiring about our Neighbors Housing Neighbors Program.  We are listed on many websites, and Social Services refers people to us on a daily basis as a resource for rental assistance, security deposit assistance, and finding housing for people in need. Thanks to Denise and the NHN team for working tirelessly for our treasured neighbors!

Re-Entry Housing - Our small but mighty team is doing great work.  In January the team engaged with 11 people who are currently held in State Prison, seeing if we’d be able to serve them when released.  We also engaged 20 folks who have been released on parole from State Prison.  Many of the 20 are in our housing already, and some were housed in January.

Still Waters Anti-Trafficking - Still Waters is thriving.  Funding has been secured, and that allows for stability for providing services.  We have a large group from India that has made amazing progress!    

RCHP-AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORP

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

I-RISE Trenton Office Grand Opening Recap 

Just four days before the new Administration began its budget slashing in D.C., I-RISE had its Grand Opening for our Trenton office on January 16th. This location has been sorely needed, especially for our Haitian clients. We are so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, and also to those who took advantage of the social services offered to clients in attendance. Our staff and volunteers, as always, went above and beyond to make sure our guests were well cared for and attended to. 

We are especially thankful to Pastora Karen (pictured below in sparkly hat), who has been so supportive in providing the space at Westminster Presbyterian Church, as well as in so many other ways.  While services have been affected by the federal government funding cuts, our spirits have not been broken, and we will continue to offer services as best we can.  (Visit https://interfaithrise.org/donate/ to make a financial contribution) 

If you can offer material donations and/or volunteer support in the Trenton area to assist Victor (Case Management Supervisor) and his team, please contact fida@interfaithrise.org  

Federal budget cuts have severely affected our staffing and our agency's ability to fully function. However, our client needs have not diminished. 100% of donations from the public will go to Direct Client Assistance. Thank you!