What services do we provide?

Since its founding in 1997, First Friends of New Jersey and New York has upheld the inherent dignity and humanity of immigrants whose lives have been impacted by the immigration and enforcement sys-tem. We provide compassion and hope to immigrants through connections with volunteers dedicated to helping them survive detention, gain freedom and rebuild their lives. Services provided include vol-unteer visitation, commissary, bonds, pen-pals, resettlement support, cash assistance, and advocacy.

What does building a Culture of Health mean to First Friends of New Jersey and New York as an organization?

The immigrants we serve have been detained by ICE--some for as many as several years--and thus have experienced a tremendous amount of mental, emotional, and physical stress. Their families have also suffered economically since they have not been able to provide financial support by earning a living. Building a Culture of Health in Jersey City means that everyone in the community including those impacted by detention will get the support they need to be healthy.