At a time when government aid is shrinking and global needs are surging, New Jersey is home to an organization that proves compassion knows no borders. Healing the Children New Jersey (HTCNJ), a nonprofit based in the Garden State, is stepping up in ways that few others can—delivering free medical care to children in need both locally and across the globe.
For over four decades, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has quietly built a legacy of healing through a dynamic, three-pronged mission: providing local support for New Jersey kids, welcoming international children to the U.S. for treatment, and sending volunteer medical teams overseas to deliver life-changing care. As public support systems grow increasingly strained, Healing the Children NJ is showing what it means to be a humane state, one child at a time.
🌎 Explore more compassionate stories from the Garden State at The Humane State
A Mission Rooted in New Jersey—but Felt Worldwide
Healing the Children NJ began its work in the 1980s with a simple but powerful goal: make healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable children—regardless of borders, income, or circumstance. Today, their mission is more urgent than ever.
Locally, HTCNJ partners with food banks, schools, pediatricians, and community organizations to help children in New Jersey who face both economic hardship and complex medical conditions. Whether it’s providing basic hygiene supplies like toothbrushes or sourcing custom medical equipment for children with disabilities, the organization ensures that no child’s health is overlooked due to financial barriers.
“We’re often helping kids who’ve been told ‘no’ too many times,” says Tricia McNamara, HTCNJ’s executive director. “For us, being the one to finally say ‘yes’—that’s everything.”
Bringing the World to New Jersey—for Healing
HTCNJ’s International Inbound Program is perhaps its most unique effort. The organization identifies children from under-resourced countries who require specialized medical treatment unavailable in their home nations. These young patients are flown to the U.S., placed with loving host families, and cared for while receiving world-class medical attention from volunteer doctors and hospitals in New Jersey.
These host families are more than just caretakers—they are lifelines. They provide emotional support, cultural connection, and a home-away-from-home during some of the most challenging moments of a child’s life.
Despite language barriers and cultural differences, the human bond is immediate. “The trust and gratitude are there from day one,” McNamara says.
Going Global with Life-Changing Medical Missions
The third arm of HTCNJ’s mission sends teams of doctors, nurses, and support staff abroad on pro-bono medical missions. Recent trips have brought life-altering care to children in countries such as Peru, Kenya, and most recently, the Dominican Republic.
These missions don’t just provide surgery—they offer dignity, hope, and the kind of joy that can’t be measured in dollars. On their latest trip, volunteer nurses passed out toys and coloring books to comfort the children as surgeries were performed just feet away. The emotional impact was just as meaningful as the medical success.
“The reward is indescribable,” says Dr. Mike Tavill, a Shrewsbury-based otolaryngologist who has volunteered on several trips. “Seeing a child breathe better, hear better, and smile for the first time in days—it’s unforgettable.”
Rising Needs, Shrinking Support
With ongoing cuts to international aid and public health funding, organizations like Healing the Children NJ are filling a widening gap in the global healthcare system. Dr. Tavill puts it plainly: “It’s more important now than it’s ever been. The responsibility is falling increasingly on the private sector—and we can’t afford to do nothing.”
HTCNJ’s work is entirely fueled by private donations, corporate partnerships, and volunteerism. This model gives them flexibility and independence, but also means that funding is a constant need. Every dollar donated helps transport children, provide critical supplies, and support life-changing surgeries both at home and abroad.
A Call to Action for a More Humane Future
Healing the Children NJ is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a beacon of humanity in a world where healthcare inequality still leaves millions behind. Through grassroots partnerships and the dedication of medical professionals, HTCNJ is rewriting what’s possible for children born into adversity.
For New Jersey residents, supporting this organization means investing in a better, more compassionate future—not just for our state, but for the world.
📍 Learn more about life-changing efforts happening across the Garden State by visiting The Humane State
🧡 To donate or get involved, visit: htcnj.org
Healing the Children NJ reminds us that in New Jersey, kindness travels—across counties, across cultures, and across oceans.
