Our History
OUR STORY
rooted in community
Our story began in 2009, when a small group of longtime community advocates recognized that many individuals and families were struggling to access the help already available to them. While numerous organizations provided valuable services, there remained a need for more personal guidance, direct outreach, and hands-on support for those facing language barriers, financial hardship, or unfamiliar systems.
The founding members—each with decades of experience volunteering, organizing community initiatives, and serving alongside established other nonprofit organizations throughout Plainfield—shared a common vision: to create an organization that could respond quickly to changing community needs and provide practical, compassionate assistance where it was needed most.
For nearly six months, the founders met in their homes to develop that vision into a reality. Together, they discussed the challenges facing local families and designed an organization built on flexibility, collaboration, and service.
One of the first challenges was finding a place to serve the community. At first, we were grateful that other nonprofits like "First Unitarian Society of Plainfield" were generous to have us conduct our ESL classes there. Then sometime later, an opportunity came when PNC Bank generously offered the use of an unused building in Plainfield. Thanks to the support of then-Branch Manager Ivan Burgos and his team, we began operating from the facility, providing a welcoming space where community members could seek assistance, attend educational programs, and connect with local resources.
Originally established as Angels in Action Foundation, the organization focused on addressing immediate community needs through education and outreach. Early programs, in addition to our outreach services, included computer literacy, financial education, flea markets helping to promote local business owners, community workshops, and practical life-skills training designed to help individuals and families become more confident and self-sufficient. Recognizing that many institutions no longer provide instruction in everyday financial skills, the organization also offered workshops on budgeting, banking, and financial responsibility to help young adults and families build a stronger foundation for their future.
The founding members—each with decades of experience volunteering, organizing community initiatives, and serving alongside established other nonprofit organizations throughout Plainfield—shared a common vision: to create an organization that could respond quickly to changing community needs and provide practical, compassionate assistance where it was needed most.
For nearly six months, the founders met in their homes to develop that vision into a reality. Together, they discussed the challenges facing local families and designed an organization built on flexibility, collaboration, and service.
One of the first challenges was finding a place to serve the community. At first, we were grateful that other nonprofits like "First Unitarian Society of Plainfield" were generous to have us conduct our ESL classes there. Then sometime later, an opportunity came when PNC Bank generously offered the use of an unused building in Plainfield. Thanks to the support of then-Branch Manager Ivan Burgos and his team, we began operating from the facility, providing a welcoming space where community members could seek assistance, attend educational programs, and connect with local resources.
Originally established as Angels in Action Foundation, the organization focused on addressing immediate community needs through education and outreach. Early programs, in addition to our outreach services, included computer literacy, financial education, flea markets helping to promote local business owners, community workshops, and practical life-skills training designed to help individuals and families become more confident and self-sufficient. Recognizing that many institutions no longer provide instruction in everyday financial skills, the organization also offered workshops on budgeting, banking, and financial responsibility to help young adults and families build a stronger foundation for their future.
Fun fact: This is one of a very few pre-Civil War dwellings remaining in downtown Plainfield; it was reportedly built by the Sutphen family and was for many years the residence of Dr. John C. Sutphen, a physician who became the fourth mayor of Plainfield in 1875-76.
Sutphen, a physician who became the fourth mayor of Plainfield in 1875-76.
In 2011, the organization received its official 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation and adopted its current name, Angels For Action, Inc. Since then, Angels For Action has continued to grow while remaining true to its founding purpose. Guided almost entirely by volunteers and supported by local donors, businesses, and community partners, the organization has expanded its services to include educational programs, advocacy, outreach, community resource navigation, food and clothing assistance, holiday initiatives, and support for immigrant and underserved families throughout New Jersey.
Although our programs have evolved over the years to meet changing community needs, our philosophy has remained the same: meaningful service begins with listening. Every person's situation is different, and effective support requires compassion, flexibility, and a willingness to meet people where they are.
Today, Angels For Action continues to build on the vision —creating pathways to opportunity, strengthening communities, and empowering individuals and families to build brighter futures through education, advocacy, and service.
Although our programs have evolved over the years to meet changing community needs, our philosophy has remained the same: meaningful service begins with listening. Every person's situation is different, and effective support requires compassion, flexibility, and a willingness to meet people where they are.
Today, Angels For Action continues to build on the vision —creating pathways to opportunity, strengthening communities, and empowering individuals and families to build brighter futures through education, advocacy, and service.
MILESTONE
Community ID Cards
One of Angels For Action's most significant community initiatives was helping introduce the first Community ID Card Program in Plainfield in the year 2013.
In the early 2010s, only a handful of New Jersey communities were exploring local identification programs. Recognizing that many residents—including immigrants, seniors, youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others without traditional identification—faced barriers when accessing everyday services, Angels For Action took the lead in bringing this concept to Plainfield.
Working alongside community partners and with guidance from LALDEF, we developed and launched a volunteer-operated Community ID Card program designed to provide residents with a trusted form of secondary identification. The program was entirely self-funded, operated by volunteers, and all application fees were used solely to cover the cost of producing and maintaining the cards. The program has never generated a profit.
Our original vision was for the program to become a lasting community resource supported by the City. As the program evolved, Angels For Action continued to operate its Community ID Card program with the City's approval. While the City's municipal identification initiative developed alongside ours, our Community ID Cards remained recognized by local agencies, including the Plainfield Police Department and Union County law enforcement, as a valid form of secondary identification. This allowed us to continue serving residents who felt more comfortable obtaining assistance through a trusted community organization, while also working cooperatively with municipal partners to expand access to identification services.
Today, Angels For Action continues to work alongside local organizations, hospitals, healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, and social service agencies that regularly refer individuals in need of identification. Likewise, referrals continue in both directions, reflecting a shared commitment to helping residents access essential services.
While the card does not provide legal residency or employment authorization, it serves an important purpose by helping individuals verify their identity, access community resources, identify emergency contacts, and receive assistance during emergencies. It also supports first responders and service providers by improving communication and helping connect vulnerable residents with the care and services they need.
More than an identification card, the program represents our belief that every person deserves to feel recognized, included, and connected to their community. It remains an example of how grassroots collaboration can lead to lasting improvements that benefit everyone.
The greatest success of this initiative was never the card itself—it was helping create a more inclusive and connected community where every resident could more easily access the services they needed.
In the early 2010s, only a handful of New Jersey communities were exploring local identification programs. Recognizing that many residents—including immigrants, seniors, youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others without traditional identification—faced barriers when accessing everyday services, Angels For Action took the lead in bringing this concept to Plainfield.
Working alongside community partners and with guidance from LALDEF, we developed and launched a volunteer-operated Community ID Card program designed to provide residents with a trusted form of secondary identification. The program was entirely self-funded, operated by volunteers, and all application fees were used solely to cover the cost of producing and maintaining the cards. The program has never generated a profit.
Our original vision was for the program to become a lasting community resource supported by the City. As the program evolved, Angels For Action continued to operate its Community ID Card program with the City's approval. While the City's municipal identification initiative developed alongside ours, our Community ID Cards remained recognized by local agencies, including the Plainfield Police Department and Union County law enforcement, as a valid form of secondary identification. This allowed us to continue serving residents who felt more comfortable obtaining assistance through a trusted community organization, while also working cooperatively with municipal partners to expand access to identification services.
Today, Angels For Action continues to work alongside local organizations, hospitals, healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, and social service agencies that regularly refer individuals in need of identification. Likewise, referrals continue in both directions, reflecting a shared commitment to helping residents access essential services.
While the card does not provide legal residency or employment authorization, it serves an important purpose by helping individuals verify their identity, access community resources, identify emergency contacts, and receive assistance during emergencies. It also supports first responders and service providers by improving communication and helping connect vulnerable residents with the care and services they need.
More than an identification card, the program represents our belief that every person deserves to feel recognized, included, and connected to their community. It remains an example of how grassroots collaboration can lead to lasting improvements that benefit everyone.
The greatest success of this initiative was never the card itself—it was helping create a more inclusive and connected community where every resident could more easily access the services they needed.
2026 Updates
The Community ID Card program continued serving residents for many years until the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our focus to emergency food assistance and other critical community needs. Reduced volunteer capacity and later the unexpected loss of our longtime facility required us to temporarily pause the program while we rebuilt our operations. Although Community ID Cards are not currently being issued, we remain committed to bringing this valuable service back as our organization becomes fully reestablished.
MILESTONE
Covid relief initiatives
2020-2021
When the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges, Angels For Action quickly adapted to meet the changing needs of our community.
Like many organizations, we had to pause our in-person programs, including ESL classes, women's groups, youth art classes, immigration workshops, and community information fairs. As families faced job loss, financial hardship, and increased food insecurity, we shifted our focus toward emergency relief.
Although operating a food pantry was not originally part of our primary programs, we recognized the urgent need and redirected our volunteers, resources, and space to support families during this difficult time. Through the coordination efforts of Plainfield Township and United Way, we connected with Humanity First USA, which became our primary partner for food relief efforts. Together, we expanded food distributions and provided essential supplies to residents throughout the community.
From 2020–2021, Angels For Action distributed food, clothing, baby supplies, and other necessities to individuals and families in need. While most distributions took place at our location, volunteers also delivered supplies to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others unable to travel.
Our efforts were strengthened through collaboration with the Healthy Plainfield Coalition, local health organizations, and community partners who helped connect residents with additional resources, including health services and vaccination efforts.
Even during this challenging period, we found ways to continue supporting families, including adapting our annual holiday toy drive to safely serve children and bring moments of joy during an uncertain time.
The COVID-19 response showed the strength of community collaboration. Through the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners—especially Humanity First USA—we were able to provide critical support when our community needed it most. This experience reinforced our belief that lasting impact happens when organizations come together to serve a shared purpose. Click below to view our impact reports and full list of wonderful partners during this time.
When the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges, Angels For Action quickly adapted to meet the changing needs of our community.
Like many organizations, we had to pause our in-person programs, including ESL classes, women's groups, youth art classes, immigration workshops, and community information fairs. As families faced job loss, financial hardship, and increased food insecurity, we shifted our focus toward emergency relief.
Although operating a food pantry was not originally part of our primary programs, we recognized the urgent need and redirected our volunteers, resources, and space to support families during this difficult time. Through the coordination efforts of Plainfield Township and United Way, we connected with Humanity First USA, which became our primary partner for food relief efforts. Together, we expanded food distributions and provided essential supplies to residents throughout the community.
From 2020–2021, Angels For Action distributed food, clothing, baby supplies, and other necessities to individuals and families in need. While most distributions took place at our location, volunteers also delivered supplies to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others unable to travel.
Our efforts were strengthened through collaboration with the Healthy Plainfield Coalition, local health organizations, and community partners who helped connect residents with additional resources, including health services and vaccination efforts.
Even during this challenging period, we found ways to continue supporting families, including adapting our annual holiday toy drive to safely serve children and bring moments of joy during an uncertain time.
The COVID-19 response showed the strength of community collaboration. Through the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners—especially Humanity First USA—we were able to provide critical support when our community needed it most. This experience reinforced our belief that lasting impact happens when organizations come together to serve a shared purpose. Click below to view our impact reports and full list of wonderful partners during this time.
impacted individuals
volunteered hours
Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
2022-2024
As the community began recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Angels For Action looked forward to reopening programs and expanding services once again. Volunteers returned to the office, we began reorganizing our space, and new educational and community health events were already being planned.
In September 2022, our longtime home unexpectedly became the site of a serious accident when a vehicle crashed into the building after hours. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the impact caused significant structural damage and forced the building to close while extensive repairs were completed.
During this period, we are especially grateful to PNC Bank, whose generosity over the previous 14 years made our work possible and who invested in repairing the building following the accident. While waiting for the repairs to be completed, we continued serving the community by adapting wherever we could. The Plainfield Public Library welcomed our ESL classes, health events, and annual holiday toy drive, allowing many of our programs to continue despite the disruption.
As repairs concluded, new Plainfield building requirements ultimately made it impractical for PNC to continue operating the facility. After nearly 14 years in the same location, we were faced with the difficult task of packing our office, moving years of supplies and records into storage, and finding a new home for our organization.
Thanks to the generosity of community supporters, our programs continued without interruption. Local partners, including Mi Ranchito Restaurant, the Plainfield Public Library, and Plainfield Public Schools, opened their doors so we could continue offering ESL classes while we searched for a permanent location.
Today, Angels For Action operates from The Incubator on Park Avenue, where we continue providing education, outreach, advocacy, and community support. While our smaller space has reduced the number of programs we can offer simultaneously, it has not diminished our commitment to serving those who need us most.
In September 2022, our longtime home unexpectedly became the site of a serious accident when a vehicle crashed into the building after hours. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the impact caused significant structural damage and forced the building to close while extensive repairs were completed.
During this period, we are especially grateful to PNC Bank, whose generosity over the previous 14 years made our work possible and who invested in repairing the building following the accident. While waiting for the repairs to be completed, we continued serving the community by adapting wherever we could. The Plainfield Public Library welcomed our ESL classes, health events, and annual holiday toy drive, allowing many of our programs to continue despite the disruption.
As repairs concluded, new Plainfield building requirements ultimately made it impractical for PNC to continue operating the facility. After nearly 14 years in the same location, we were faced with the difficult task of packing our office, moving years of supplies and records into storage, and finding a new home for our organization.
Thanks to the generosity of community supporters, our programs continued without interruption. Local partners, including Mi Ranchito Restaurant, the Plainfield Public Library, and Plainfield Public Schools, opened their doors so we could continue offering ESL classes while we searched for a permanent location.
Today, Angels For Action operates from The Incubator on Park Avenue, where we continue providing education, outreach, advocacy, and community support. While our smaller space has reduced the number of programs we can offer simultaneously, it has not diminished our commitment to serving those who need us most.
As we continue rebuilding, our next goal is to secure a larger permanent space that will allow us to expand our educational programs, outreach services, and community initiatives once again.
Our story has never been defined by a building—it has been defined by the people who have stood beside us. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters whose generosity has carried us through every chapter. Because of you, we continue moving forward with hope, ready to serve the community for many years to come.
Our story has never been defined by a building—it has been defined by the people who have stood beside us. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters whose generosity has carried us through every chapter. Because of you, we continue moving forward with hope, ready to serve the community for many years to come.
Founding Members
Angels For Action was founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated community advocates who shared a vision of providing more accessible, hands-on support for vulnerable individuals and families.
Carmen Salavarrieta
Jody Wood
Maria Carrasquillo
Norman Ortega
Alejo Alonso
