In 1968 Robins’ Nest opened its doors as the first group home in the State of New Jersey to address the needs of abused and neglected adolescent girls. In the begin­ning the number of young girls receiving services was small but the impact on their lives was significant. In the words of one of the girls who called Robins’ Nest home, “Because of your influence and the Robins’ Nest ideals, I was able to navigate out of a sad and painful child­hood into hopes and dreams. Thank you for the inspiration and thank you for being there for me and many others when we had no one else. The greatest gift Robins’ Nest gave me was the opportunity to meet the right people at the right time.”

Over the years, Robins’ Nest has grown to include over 30 programs that strengthen and sup­port children and families through­out southern New Jersey.

The inspired women, who formed Robins’ Nest, could never have imagined what Robins’ Nest would become.

Children and family

  • Care for me. Help me. I need to be nurtured loved and cared for. Please, just hug me. Show me that you are here for me. I need to feel protected. 
  • Everyone should have someone to love. Why not me? Aren’t I a young person who knows no less than my role model can show? Why should I be alone? How can I grow without someone by my side to show me the differences between what is wrong and what is right?
  • Nothing can last forever, I’m told, but who cares when you have a family to hold? All the times I traveled through out many homes and not one felt like my own. 
  • When will I have people who will love and care for me? Somewhere, where I can receive the attention I crave from anyone and everyone, I would feel great.
  • When will people under­stand? All us youth want is love and attention. A home to go to; a bed to sleep on; That is something to definitely rely on, but a family to make our hearts flutter is all we ask for.
  • We need you. We crave you. We want to feel love from you. And the longer you stay the more you are appreciated. You are a family in need for a child like me.
  • Don’t feel trapped. Please don’t send me back. Don’t hurt me, I don’t deserve it. Don’t you see without a fam­ily I’ve been through enough? I’m feeling all alone; no shoul­der to lean on except my own.
  • Some people are cruel this we all know, but to find a family who can learn to care for you is all you can pray for.
  • Who else is best to provide a family but you wonderful people in this world? Having a family is making a commit­ment. To hold and to cherish til death, do you part.
  • No child wants to be alone. Family is what I’m searching for and I hope they are out there searching for me.

Poem Written by: Robins’ Nest Group Home Resident