Make a difference for children and families in need by supporting Miriam's Heart—together, we can create safe, loving homes where every child can thrive.

Children and teens thrive most when they are safe.

By giving toward this campaign, you are helping to provide children and families touched by adopted and foster care a predictable and nurturing environment where they can learn and heal from trauma.

In 2017, Miriam's Heart opened its headquarters in central New Jersey, offering a haven to adoptive and foster families and a community of support. We moved to our current location in 2020, doubling our space and completing the second phase of our strategic plan. The opportunity to expand our services into the entire building will complete the third and final phase, allowing us to offer programs such as cooking and gardening for teens in a fully functioning community center specifically for families blended by adoption and foster care.

About

Established in 2009, Miriam's Heart is a New Jersey non-profit dedicated to supporting adopted and foster children and their families. Each year, we give aid to approximately 600 kids and 250 families. In 2015, we set a long-term goal to secure a permanent headquarters. Now, we have the opportunity to purchase our current building under favorable conditions.

Our goal is to continue our mission in a dedicated space where we can support more children and families so that we do not have to turn anyone away. We plan to make necessary repairs and improvements to the building while maintaining operations.

Your generosity will help us continue our mission in wisdom and faith, providing a safe haven for those we serve.*

What is the goal?

📌 Step I: Purchase the Building ($60,000)

Miriam’s Heart will purchase its existing facility, with $60,000 covering the down payment, closing costs, and required fees. Ownership provides the foundation needed to move forward with accessibility upgrades, program renovations, and long-term sustainability investments.

Phase 1: Accessibility & Immediate Compliance (Priority Phase)

Budget: $280,000

Goal: Ensure full ADA accessibility to the first floor so Miriam’s Heart can safely and inclusively serve children, families, staff, and volunteers immediately.

Scope includes:

ADA exterior ramp with landing and code-compliant handrails (approx. 50 feet)
Accessible building entrance modifications (doors, thresholds, hardware)
First-floor ADA-compliant bathroom renovation
- Accessible toilet, sink, grab bars, turning radius
- Plumbing, electrical, finishes
Interior accessibility upgrades
- Door widening where required
- Lever handles and accessible hardware
Permits, inspections, and contingency
Architectural and permitting support (leveraging pro bono services already secured)

Why this phase matters:
This phase removes physical barriers, ensures compliance, and allows all programs to operate inclusively while laying the groundwork for future improvements.

Purchase the building, obtain plans and permits and inspections.

We have already obtained an architecture firm that has provided a bulk of their services pro bono, only charging for out-of-pocket expenses relating to plans and permits.

🚩Phase II: Programmatic & Interior Renovations

Estimated Budget: $320,000

Goal: Modernize and optimize interior spaces to better support trauma-informed programming, staff operations, and family services.

Scope includes:

Renovation of first- and second-floor program spaces
- Group rooms, offices, training spaces
Kitchen and common area improvements
Flooring, lighting, paint, and acoustic upgrades
Storage and functional built-ins
Safety improvements (egress, railings, stair updates)
Mechanical and electrical updates not tied to full system replacement
Furnishings and fixtures aligned with therapeutic environments

💖 Phase III: Green Infrastructure & Systems Replacement

Estimated Budget: $450,000

Goal: Reduce long-term operating costs, improve building efficiency, and align with Miriam’s Heart’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Scope includes:

Solar panel installation
- Roof-mounted system sized to offset operational energy use
HVAC system replacement
- High-efficiency, all-electric or hybrid systems
- Improved air quality and climate control
Building envelope improvements (as needed)
- Insulation, sealing, energy efficiency upgrades
Electrical upgrades to support solar and new systems
Monitoring systems for energy usage and savings

Why this phase matters:
This phase lowers long-term expenses, stabilizes operating budgets, and positions Miriam’s Heart as a forward-thinking, sustainable community resource.

💎 What if you raise more than your goal?

Funds raised above the goal will help complete any required repairs or upcoming phases, as well as all building improvements, purchase the building outright, cover closing costs and architectural plans, and provide an emergency fund for unexpected building repairs and operational costs. This level of funding helps Miriam's Heart to focus fully on children and families without worrying about building maintenance or costs.

📍View the project fact sheet by clicking here.

What does Symbibazo mean?

The word Symbibazō carries deep meaning for our children and families. Literally translated from ancient Greek, “to knit together: in affection, to teach, gather, consider, unite.” The Symbibazo Center would be a place specifically designed to specifically meet the needs of children and families! It will serve as a community and event center for adoptive and foster families by increasing our ability to help double the amount of kids and parents.

*Funds raised toward this campaign will be set aside to purchase a permanent location for Miriam's Heart andare being held in a separate account for this purpose.

Building Purchase Campaign - Plans & Inspection

Create a safe space for kids and families by providing a permanent home for Miriam's Heart

Team Members