BERNICE'S PLACE

Bernice’s Place

Children’s Program

Carina Grajales, Program Coordinator

​

Where do children experiencing housing instability go after school and during the summer months?

​

For many children in Elizabeth, the answer is Bernice’s Place.

​

We provide transportation to and from our program, bringing children from shelters and temporary housing into a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. The program offers structure, enrichment, and opportunities for children to build healthy peer relationships and a sense of belonging during an otherwise uncertain time.

​

Many of the children we serve benefit from connecting with peers who share similar life experiences, helping reduce feelings of isolation and supporting emotional well-being.

While in the program, children receive a healthy meal and snack. For some, these meals are an important source of daily nutrition, especially during the summer months when school is not in session.

​

In addition to youth programming, families are connected to ECHH’s broader continuum of services, including emergency assistance, eviction prevention, transitional housing, and employment support. Our goal is to support the entire household through a holistic, wraparound approach that promotes stability and long-term housing security.