On Mon., June 20, the Chester Lions traveled to Covenant House in Newark, to serve dinner and visit with residents, staff and volunteers of the organization.

Since 1989, Covenant House New Jersey has been providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care and an array of other important services to homeless, runaway and trafficked youth between the ages of 18-21. Today there are 21 Covenant House locations in the USA, Canada and Latin America. Together they serve more than 56,000 homeless young people each year.

The Chester Lions Club has been supporting Covenant House of NJ for nearly three decades, and last month 13 Lions members arrived in Newark with more than 15 trays of dinner, desserts and beverages. After serving dinner and spending some time with the young people, the Chester Lions had the privilege of speaking with one of the residents who shared her personal story. Members were also treated to a tour of the facilities.

The club’s message was clear, inscribed on two sheet cakes: “Celebrating Covenant House, the Chester Lions Believe In You.”

Their stories are difficult, and yet overwhelmingly inspiring.

Covenant House of NJ has held a special place in the hearts of the Chester Lions Club for many years. In fact, the club donated $50,000 in 1989 towards the establishment of the Newark facility, and continues to make donations annually.

For more information on how to help this amazing organization, or know of a young person who could benefit from their help, go to https://nj.covenanthouse.org.