About Us
At CARC (Community Affairs & Resources Center), we are deeply dedicated to transforming lives and entire communities through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts that drive impactful change. We empower individuals by providing essential resources, comprehensive education, and unwavering support to help tackle the various challenges they face on a daily basis. We firmly believe in a world where every individual has equitable access to opportunities that foster personal growth and long-term self-sufficiency.
Our Mission
Community Affairs and Resource Center (CARC) empowers communities we serve by providing services that build self-sufficiency and enhance quality of life.
Our Vision
Community Affairs and Resource Center (CARC) is a culturally diverse provider of social services. We accomplish our mission through a holistic approach that inspires change within communities, elevates individuals and bridges the equity gap to accessing quality services and programs.
Our Story
1980
Hispanic Affairs and Resource Center was incorporated by a group of Puerto Rican friends to assist the community with social services needs.
Late 1980s
New location at 913 Sewall Ave. in Asbury Park and started offering programs to the youth while getting involved with different churches in the area.
2010
2012
By the recommendations of Monmouth University our name changed to Community Affairs and Resource Center to reflect the diverse community we were serving.
2012- 2018
New grants and programs such as the Job Readiness Program, the Hispanic Women’s Center and the Just 4 Seniors.
2018
2019
New office space in Ocean County, Lakewood NJ.
2019-2020
Implementation of our Energy Assistance Program in 4 counties, the weatherization and our Free Farmer’s Market.
2021
CARC purchases a new building in Freehold Borough, 85 South Street.
Late 2023
Located in Main Street, Asbury Park where we started teaching the community English and how to navigate barriers they encountered in society.
1995
New management and Executive Director with it CARC started to flourish and grow into more programs and services.
Late 2012
Superstorm Sandy hit the Jersey shore, devastating our community but we never closed our doors. CARC dispersed around 1.4 million and received the Lead Prevention Grant and funds from Monmouth County for SSH, a rental assistance program.
Our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program was recognized as one of the Culturally Specific Providers for the State of New Jersey. The Commissioner of DCP&P visited us where she learned the needs and challenges our community were facing.
During the Covid-19 pandemic we served the community with basic needs, food, employment and rental assistance while prioritizing the elderly who were at higher risk of developing complications.
2020
Implementation of the Comprehensive Eviction Defense and Diversion program (CEDD)
2023
New office space in West Long Branch for our Lead Prevention and Weatherization programs.