Strengthening Families. Empowering Communities. Preventing Harm Before It Happens.
At Wynona’s House, protecting children means responding effectively when abuse occurs. It also means working with families and communities to prevent harm before it happens. It means building strong families, informed caregivers, and supportive communities where children can grow up safe and resilient.
Wynona’s House serves as the central hub coordinating Essex County’s Child Advocacy Center response to abuse. Our Prevention Services extend that work into the community by helping families access support and resources before a crisis occurs.
Through education, partnerships, and family-strengthening programs, Wynona’s House works with families across Essex County to reduce risk factors, increase protective factors, and help children thrive.
Our Approach to
Prevention
Wynona’s House Prevention Services focus on strengthening the environments that help children grow up safe and supported.
Strengthening Families
Families are the first line of protection for children. We provide caregivers with education, resources, and support that promote healthy parenting and family stability.
Empowering Children and Youth
Children deserve the confidence and knowledge to understand boundaries, communicate their needs, and seek help when something feels wrong.
Building Community Partnerships
Prevention works best when communities collaborate. Wynona’s House partners with schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access to prevention education and resources.
Prevention Programs
Strengthening Families. Empowering Children.
Self-Esteem Building Workshops
A Wynona’s House signature prevention initiative that supports children and caregivers through community-based workshops and learning opportunities.
Programs help families build the foundation children need to grow with confidence, safety, and resilience.
Workshops explore topics including:
- Building self-esteem and confidence in children
- Healthy communication and relationships
- Personal safety and boundaries
- Strengthening parent-child connections
- Supporting children’s emotional well-being
Programs are offered in schools, libraries, and community centers throughout Essex County.
Family Financial Strengthening Initiative
Financial stress can create challenges for families and increase risks for children. The initiative helps families build financial stability and long-term security.
The initiative connects caregivers with resources including:
- Financial literacy workshops
- Budgeting and financial planning education
- Connections to community financial empowerment partners
- Access to supportive resources and services
By strengthening financial stability, families are better equipped to provide safe and supportive environments for children.
Want to schedule workshops for your school, business, or organization?
Contact us at prevention@wynonashouse.org
Family Resource Center
The Wynona’s House Family Resource Center serves as a welcoming hub where families can access practical support, educational workshops, and essential resources.
Through partnerships with community organizations and volunteers, the center provides:
- Family workshops and educational programming
- Parenting resources and guidance
- Access to donated goods for children and families in need
- Connections to community services and supports
Each year, thousands of dollars in donated items are redistributed to families, helping meet immediate needs while reinforcing a network of care and support.
Know & Tell Workshops
Recognizing the Signs. Protecting Children. Speaking Up.
Know & Tell workshops help adults understand how to recognize, respond to, and report suspected child abuse or neglect.
These interactive trainings are designed for parents, caregivers, educators, youth-serving professionals, and community members who want to play an active role in protecting children.
Participants learn about:
- Warning signs of child abuse and neglect
- Grooming behaviors and how to recognize them
- New Jersey’s mandatory reporting requirements
- How to make a report to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline
- Practical steps adults can take to help keep children safe
Workshops are offered in partnership with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving programs throughout Essex County.
Want to learn more and get involved?
Contact us at prevention@wynonashouse.org
Community Partnerships
Preventing child abuse requires a community-wide commitment. Wynona’s House works with partners across Essex County to expand prevention education and strengthen the environments surrounding children.
Partnerships include:
- Schools and school districts
- Libraries and community centers
- Healthcare providers
- Faith-based and community organizations
- Family support agencies
Together, these partnerships help ensure that families have access to the knowledge, resources, and support systems that strengthen communities and protect children.
Community Coalitions for Child Abuse Prevention
Through our Community Coalitions Initiative, Wynona’s House supports the development of strong, community-based coalitions across Essex County, helping local partners collaborate on strategies that strengthen families and promote child well-being.
Initiative members include educators, healthcare providers, community organizations, faith leaders, and local residents who share a commitment to protecting children.
These coalitions create opportunities for:
- Shared learning and collaboration
- Community education and prevention initiatives
- Identifying gaps in resources and support
- Coordinated efforts to strengthen protective environments for children
By working together, communities can play a powerful role in preventing harm before it occurs.
Interested in partnering with us?
Contact our Director of Prevention Services, Chris Ann Bautista at cbautista@wynonashouse.org
It Takes a Village
Local Family Support Resources
Families sometimes face challenges that create stress at home. The organizations below provide trusted support for families across Newark and Essex County. You can also reach out to our Prevention Services Family Advocates at prevention@wynonashouse.org, and we will be happy to help.
Prevention by Design
Supported by
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
Wynona’s House extends sincere gratitude to The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for providing the founding support for Prevention by Design, an initiative to build a coordinated approach to community-based child abuse prevention.
With this early investment, Wynona’s House has expanded prevention programming, strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations, and developed initiatives that help families access resources and support before harm occurs.
We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s leadership and commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families in our region.
Food Assistance
Community FoodBank of New Jersey https://cfbnj.org
Fulfill Mobile Pantry Locations https://fulfillnj.org
NJ SNAP Food Assistance https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
Housing and Utility Assistance
Newark Housing Authority https://www.newarkha.org
NJ Department of Community Affairs Rental Assistance https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/
NJ Utility Assistance Programs https://nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/
Mental Health Support
CarePlus New Jersey https://careplusnj.org
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care https://ubhc.rutgers.edu
PerformCare NJ Children's System of Care https://www.performcarenj.org
Domestic Violence Support
Safe House – Center for Domestic Violence Services https://www.safehousenj.org
New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-572-SAFE https://www.njcedv.org
Crisis Support
NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline 1-866-202-HELP https://njmentalhealthcares.org
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 https://988lifeline.org
Preventing child abuse is a shared responsibility. There are many ways to support Wynona’s House Prevention Services.
Bring prevention programs to your community
Partner with Wynona’s House to host workshops in your school or organization.
Volunteer with the Family Resource Center
Help support families by assisting with resource distribution and programs.
Support prevention initiatives
Donations and sponsorships help expand prevention education and family support services.
Contact Wynona’s House to learn more about Prevention Services and partnership opportunities:
Director of Prevention Services, Chris Ann Bautista at cbautista@wynonashouse.org
