Lawmakers from Legislative District 29, who were instrumental in restoring $575,000 in funding that had been cut from the state budget for Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center, delivered a ceremonial check from the Legislature to the Essex County nonprofit last week.
Robert Crocker, executive director of Wynona’s House, thanked Senator Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight for their leadership in restoring funding for Wynona’s House for the FY2026 year. The investment means children and families across Essex County impacted by abuse and neglect will continue to have access to the intervention and support services Wynona’s House provides.
“Thanks to the commitment of our District 29 legislators, vulnerable children and their families will continue to receive the comprehensive services they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive,” Crocker said. “Their advocacy helped ensure that Wynona’s House can continue to provide a safe space where children are heard, believed, and supported every step of the way.”
Serving all 22 municipalities of Essex County, Wynona’s House provides a safe space where more than 950 child victims and 1,200 siblings and family members each year receive coordinated, compassionate services under one roof.
“Wynona’s House is a beacon of hope for children and their families facing unimaginable trauma and neglect, providing the resources and compassion they need to heal and move forward,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Because of their dedication, Essex County is closer to breaking the cycle of abuse and building a future where every child feels safe, loved, and cared for.”
Wynona’s House delivers trauma-informed, child-friendly care and coordinates a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) response supported by 20 hospital staff, 35 Prosecutor’s Office staff, seven child protection workers, and 18 Wynona’s House staff, including family advocates, coordinators, prevention services, security, and the administrative team. Together, this collaboration ensures that children receive justice, healing, and protection while families are supported through every step of the process.
In the lower house, both Assemblywomen Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight issued a joint statement:
“We want our parents and children to know that help is available and right here in the heart of Newark. When multiple stressors build up in families, children have a greater likelihood of experiencing maltreatment. As legislators and moms, we have a duty to ensure every child is protected from serious physical injury and harm.”
Crocker said Wynona’s House staff and clients are grateful for the support from its state and local officials, who stepped up in a time of uncertainty for many nonprofit organizations as they navigate uncharted territories and face funding issues at the federal level.
For more information about Wynona’s House, visit wynonashouse.org.
