Our Mission

The ministry 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 CYCLE OF POVERTY IS RELENTLESS :
· In order to support herself and her children, a woman needs a decent job.
· In order to get a decent job, she needs a decent education.
· In order to get a decent education, she needs a decent place to live and someone with whom to entrust the care of her children while she is at work or school.
· The cycle grinds on, swallowing families, swallowing generations.
The only way to break this cycle is to take it all on at once.

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.