Our Mission & Values

The mission of the York Street Project is a weaving of innovative programs which provide
an environment to shelter, feed, educate and promote the healing of persons in need,
especially women, children, and their families.

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the York Street Project expresses in direct
service to the poor the religious congregation’s commitment to peace through justice. The
project begins a second century of loving ministry of the sisters and their collaborators who
work with the poor and oppressed in Jersey City.

 

The York Street Project community promotes the dignity of every person.

As a community we:

Believe that those who serve and those served have much to learn from one another.

Strive for non-violent resolution of conflict while living creatively with the tension of life.

Emphasize standing with people rather than doing for them.

Recognize both vulnerability and strength in people.

Support, encourage, and assist each person to take the necessary risks involved in taking control
over one’s life.

Offer a place of sanctuary where community has a chance to develop.

Foster awareness of the relationship of persons with their world.

 

York Street Project (YSP) clearly recognizes and understands that a person’s life and family
hang in the balance is they have no home, no education, and no childcare – and that these issues
cannot be viewed in isolation. Founded in 1989, YSP simultaneously provides housing,
childcare, counseling, case management, job and life skills training to nearly 400 individuals
each year that allows them to begin their journey out of poverty toward a life of self-sufficiency.

 

VALUES
DEFINITIONS
COMPASSIONATE CARE
We extend care, embracing individuals needs, and build a peaceful place so all may thrive.
COLLABORATION
We rely on the willingness of others to seek communication, innovation, and wisdom. We can accomplish more together than we can ever accomplish alone.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNTITY
We recognize the value of each and every individual we encounter no matter their situation in life.
RESPOND TO SIGNS OF THE TIMES
With flexibility we seek to engage best practices to meet the evolving needs of our community.
JUSTICE THROUGH EQUITABLE ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Dedication to conscious effort through an action-oriented framework in which we work toward the dismantling of systemic barriers.