What We Do

For decades, New Jersey has struggled to efficiently serve families and communities in need. Our fragmented and reactive efforts have led to excessive incarceration, institutional segregation, punitive separation of children from family and community and many other issues. Our fragile social contract is stretched thin.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those social insecurities were thrown into full-blown turmoil. It has never been more clear: We cannot return to the broken past. We can do better – and New Jersey’s families deserve better.

The Family Success Institute (FSI) is sparking a transformational shift in public policy, funding and programs that affect families. We’re not going to fix the existing systems – we’re building new and better approaches the families of New Jersey can trust and rely on.

We’re doing this by pursuing fundamental change from the ground up through our Learning Community and from the top-down with two key pieces of legislation and continued engagement on policy with elected representatives and officials. We originated the concept of “Family Success,” and partner with communities throughout New Jersey to tailor that framework to meet their unique needs.

FSI is working to build a brighter future NOW: We are confronting the limited opportunities, unwarranted prejudice and adverse life conditions that lead to distress in communities across the state. New Jersey has the resources but must summon the will to make wellbeing a right for every child and family, not just a privilege enjoyed by some.

To join this movement, contact us.