Providing shelter, support and hope.
Individuals and families not from Cumberland County should contact their local county Board of Social Services. Individuals fleeing domestic violence should contact SERV at (866) 295-7378. Assistance is also available by dialing 211 or visiting www.nj211.org.
At the Cumberland Family Shelter, our approach goes beyond just providing a roof over someone’s head and fulfilling their basic needs. Our team of professionals’ guide guests through available services, helping them determine their next steps toward stability. Personalized support ensures that each guest receives the assistance they need with dignity and respect, fostering an environment where they can regain their footing.
For children staying at the shelter, creating a safe and engaging environment with activities and events demonstrates our commitment to their well-being beyond basic shelter needs. This integrated approach acknowledges the importance of emotional and developmental support for young guests during what can be a challenging time in their young lives.
Homelessness is a pervasive and complex issue that affects individuals and families from all walks of life. At Cumberland Family Shelter we understand the challenges that come with experiencing homelessness and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for those in need.
Our mission is to empower individuals to regain stability, dignity, and independence by offering access to shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, counseling, and other critical services. Whether you are seeking short-term assistance or long-term support, we are here to help you on your journey towards a brighter future.”
Support through financial donations
Donating to Cumberland Family Shelter is more than just a financial contribution. It’s an investment in the future of families in our community who are facing homelessness and hardship. Your generosity helps us provide safe, stable housing, supportive services, and resources that empower parents and children to achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Support with essential goods and food donations
If you’re looking for simple ways to give back to your community, consider supporting Cumberland Family Shelter. We are always in need of extra help, especially during the cold winter months. Donating much-needed items, such as clothing, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food, can make a big difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Our organization relies on the support of dedicated volunteers like you to be the difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to commit to a regular schedule, there are many ways to get involved and make a positive impact.
We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, including direct service with clients, administrative tasks, and special events. So why not take the next step and join us in our mission to create positive change in our community? We look forward to working with you!
We are deeply committed to transforming lives and nourishing hope for thousands of individuals and families in Southern New Jersey. Every day, we work tirelessly to combat hunger by delivering a wide variety of nutritious food to over 140 food sites—pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and vital community programs. But the fight against food insecurity is far from over. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. Join us in creating a brighter, healthier future for those who need it most. Your action today can change lives forever.
If you or someone you know is in need click here to learn more about how we can help.
For more information on how we can provide food services to your site click here
If you are an existing food pantry and need forms to submit click here
Joining Beyond the Bell isn’t a simple decision. It takes vision, commitment, and a willingness to do something new for the sake of students and families. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Each school that opens its doors to Beyond the Bell is choosing to lead boldly — knowing that with the challenges come extraordinary rewards.
They are choosing to:
• Step outside the traditional role of “school” to meet needs that go far beyond the classroom.
• Say yes to serving students with dignity, compassion, and consistency.
• Build stronger connections with families by showing that they are cared for in every season.
The rewards are unmistakable: students who can focus because hunger isn’t a distraction, families who feel supported during tough times, and communities that grow stronger together.
To our school partners: thank you for your courage, your leadership, and your heart. You are proving every day that schools can be more than places of learning — they can be centers of hope and resilience.
Together, we are showing what’s possible when education and nourishment walk hand in hand.
What Is Beyond the Bell? Meeting Hunger Where It Happens
At the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center, we believe no child should go without access to healthy food—before school, after school, or during summer break.
That’s why we created Beyond the Bell, a flexible, school-based food program that supports students and families outside of regular school hours—including:
• Evenings
• Weekends
• School holidays
• Summer months
Beyond the Bell is…
Beyond the Bell is more than a program—it’s a promise to meet students where they are, with dignity, consistency, and care.
Interested in bringing Beyond the Bell to your school?
Contact Amy Serra Queeney
amy@ruraldevelopmentcorp.org | 856-327-3145
Thanksgiving Turkeys for Pantries: Southern Regional Food Distribution Center in Vineland, NJ Hosts Annual Holiday Giveaway for their 142 Pantry Partners Across Nine Counties
**Vineland, NJ – November 20, 2024, 9:00 AM** – In a heartwarming annual tradition, the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center [SRFDC], one of the six major food banks in New Jersey, distributed Thanksgiving turkeys, and roaster chickens to its 142 partner food pantries across Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, and Union counties. This event ensures thousands of families in New Jersey can celebrate Thanksgiving with a wholesome meal.
Starting as early as 7:00 AM, vehicles from pantry partners began lining up along the center’s driveway, extending half a mile down Mays Landing Road in Vineland, NJ as the day progresses. By 9:00 AM, the driveway is a bustling scene of gratitude and community spirit as staff from the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center, supported by our County/State officials and community members, work tirelessly to hand out turkeys. Thanksgiving staples will be delivered/picked up later in the week, just in time for Thanksgiving!
To support pantry partners who wait in line, the SRFDC will offer treats and refreshments, fostering a festive atmosphere despite the early hours, sponsored by the Bottino Brothers. “This event is all-hands-on-deck,” says Yesenia Mcwhite, Food Coordinator for the center. “We’re deeply committed to helping local families enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and this day is one of the most fulfilling on our calendar.”
Each turkey handed out is more than just food—it’s a symbol of community, support, and the shared commitment to making sure no one goes without on Thanksgiving. This distribution event highlights the ongoing dedication of the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center to combat food insecurity and bring hope to families throughout Southern New Jersey. While we do not distribute food directly to the public, we have amazing pantry partners available to you during their scheduled distribution days and times. Please give us a call at 856-327-3145 for pantry locations.
Southern Regional Food Distribution Center is an entity of the Rural Development Corporation, LLC., a designated 501(c)3, who is the parent nonprofit for the Cumberland Family Shelter. Our shared vision focuses on homelessness and food sustainability.
This unified approach not only addresses immediate challenges faced by individuals and families but also aims to create long-term solutions through empathy-driven services. By emphasizing empathy and inclusivity, we create a supportive environment where individuals feel respected and empowered as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Together, our efforts make a significant impact in Cumberland County and beyond, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in tackling complex social issues.
If you are a 501(c)(3) church / organization interested in helping combat food insecurity in your community by starting a food pantry, please contact Yesenia Mcwhite at 856-327-3145.
Support through our fundraising events
Supporting fundraising events for Cumberland Family Shelter is an excellent way to give back to the community and help those in need. By participating in these events, whether it be through attending or volunteering to help put them on, you are contributing to the shelter’s ability to provide safe and stable housing for families experiencing homelessness. Your support can help to provide critical resources such as food and clothing. By working together to support fundraising events for Cumberland Family Shelter, we can make a difference in the lives of families in need and help them to build a brighter future.
Event Sponsor
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