Having a space for families of all ages and backgrounds is essential, which is why the top priority for Rahway Community Action Organization is community.
What is Rahway Community Action Organization?
The Rahway Community Action Organization (RCAO) provides human and social services, educational programs, and assistance for Union County, primarily Rahway, families.
RCAO, founded in 1967, is one of the oldest community-based, nonprofit organizations in Union County. Services are provided to Union County residents of all ages, as well as all household incomes.
RCAO’s focus revolves around early childhood education, family strengthening, and assisting families in crisis by helping to meet their emergency needs.
The three main components of RCAO’s work are:
- Helping Hands Learning Academy
- Rahway Family Success Center
- Emergency Needs Program
Executive Director Aneesha Ghaly and Grant Manager & Community Partnership Facilitator Kristen Koehler provided the Turrell team with a tour last year, with the emphasis on the Helping Hands Learning Academy.
RCAO’s Helping Hands Learning Academy
The Helping Hands Learning Academy (HHLA) provides a safe environment for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. It is a year-round program that serves children ages 6 months to 13 years.
Its focus is to provide a stimulating early care and educational experience, which promotes children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
HHLA follows the Creative Curriculum for preschool-aged children to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Through this curriculum, students are encouraged to learn through play and given instruction based on the Science of Reading.
What sets RCAO Apart?
While RCAO focuses on providing care and educational resources for children ages 6 months to 13 years, the entire community feels connected with the organization.
Many workers have either been at RCAO for decades or had their own children enrolled within the early education programs. Additionally, foster grandparents volunteer in the classrooms, from arts and crafts to nap time.
When a family in the community lost a parent, RCAO was there to help. Whether it was through helping to schedule doctor appointments, completing paperwork or lending an extra hand, support was always available.
The Turrell Fund is proud to support RCAO and its mission of serving children and families in Union County!
