Our mission is to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to children in foster care across New Jersey. We support youth during times of uncertainty by providing essential items, emotional encouragement, and community-driven resources. Through collaboration with volunteers, donors, and partners, we strive to remind every child that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Our organization is proud to be a part of this important work, and we invite you to join us in creating a brighter future for foster children and families in New Jersey. We rely on contributions from individuals, partnerships, and dedicated volunteers to support our mission and programs. All contributions are tax-deductible, and our nonprofit tax identification number is #84-2551194.

Our Story
Phyllis DiNardi was inspired to start We Are Loved after years of advocating for and fostering 49 children in the foster care system. She saw how foster children desperately needed empathy, support, and empowerment in a safe, loving community, while learning essential life skills. We Are Loved provides resources, training, and support to encourage healthy and happy development of foster care families in New Jersey. Phyllis’s tireless efforts have brought hope to a community that is under-resourced and often overlooked.

Life Skills Program
The LUV (Learning Unique Values) Program is designed for foster youth looking to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and grow personally and academically. Our workshops and resources help youth unlock their potential and gain the tools for a successful future. Through monthly support meetings featuring educational activities, guest speakers, and social connections, we create a nurturing environment where foster families can thrive together. From cooking and self-care to career coaching and financial literacy, our program offers a wide range of classes that foster holistic development and well-being for these deserving youth.

Comfort Bags
We're proud to partner with Police Departments across New Jersey to assist officers in engaging with youth after being taken away from their homes during critical situations. Our Comfort Bags are thoughtfully curated to help alleviate stress, keep children occupied, and provide essential items when they need them most. Each bag is tailored to specific age groups, ensuring that the contents are both appropriate and comforting, whether the recipient is an infant, a young child, or a teenager.

Birthday Boxes
At We Are Loved, we're passionate about spreading love and joy to children, especially those in foster care who may not have the same opportunities as others. With children in foster care moving an average of 7 times, it's easy for birthdays to get lost in transition. But with our heartwarming Birthday Box initiative, we're able to help ensure that no birthday gets overlooked, and that a little extra magic is sprinkled into their special day. Each beautifully decorated box is filled with all the essentials for a fun and memorable celebration - cake mix, frosting, birthday plates, napkins, candles, and even a gift card - ensuring that these deserving children's birthdays are filled with moments of happiness and that they feel cherished and celebrated.

Holiday Boxes
Our Holiday Boxes program brings warmth and joy to children in foster care during the holiday season. Each box is thoughtfully filled with essentials like pajamas, slipper socks, a cozy blanket, hot chocolate mix, and a gift card for teens. Personalized for each child, the boxes help create special memories and a sense of belonging during a time that can be challenging, showing children that traditions can be celebrated with love and care.

Love Bags
The Love Bags program provides comfort and support to foster youth during times of transition. Each bag is carefully curated with essential hygiene items, cozy pajamas, and small, thoughtful goodies to help children feel cared for and supported as they adjust to a new foster home.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Accepts Donations of Goods Clothing / Supplies / Furniture Community Community Service Volunteer Opportunities Employment / Training Life Skills Training Family & Support Services Adoption / Foster Care Family Support Youth Groups Seasonal Programs Holidays
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Advocacy
Treatment Services	In-Community Services Individual Support Services (ISS) Mentoring
Payment Types	Free Low Cost / Donation
Areas Served	Monmouth County

Last Updated: 03/27/26