A pink and black butterfly perched on a purple flower.
Young girl with curly hair exploring a garden with flowers using a magnifying glass.

Our Mission

At The Campbell House, our mission is simple but powerful:
To empower girls and young women ages 5–21 in Newark and the surrounding northern New Jersey areas, through trauma-informed mentorship, education, housing support, and access to critical resources.

We meet each young woman exactly where she is, offering compassion, consistency, and care in a world that often overlooks them.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every young woman feels safe, seen, and empowered to thrive, regardless of her past or circumstances.

Who We Serve

The Campbell House serves girls and young women ages 5–21 who are:

  • Navigating trauma, abuse, or neglect

  • Experiencing poverty or homelessness

  • Aging out of foster care or facing family displacement

  • Surviving violence, exploitation, or systemic barriers

Whether a young girl in need of after-school support or a young adult seeking transitional housing and career guidance, she has a place here.

Multiple hands forming heart shapes against a bright sky with the sun shining through.

Our Mentors

  • Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair wearing a polka dot shirt, jewelry, and a watch, sitting at a table with a striped cushion in the background.

    Takeisha Stewart

    “The truth may hurt, but it frees the soul !!”

  • A woman with short, curly dark hair, wearing a navy blazer with coral trim, is smiling in front of a rocky background with small streams of water.

    Karimah Banks

    “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves!”

  • A woman with shoulder-length curly hair smiling, wearing a black blouse and layered gold necklaces, standing indoors against a blurred background.

    Ny’yah Cornick, MSW, LCSW

    “She spoke truth, so others could find their voice.”

  • A woman with long, curly black hair wearing a teal sequined strapless dress, pearl necklace, and dangling earrings, smiling at a formal event.

    Keeya Rowan

    “Success is not final; Failure is not fatal: its the courage to continue that counts.”

  • Woman with long dreadlocks styled in a high bun, wearing a white floral dress, standing outdoors with large tropical green leaves in the background, smiling at the camera.

    Elicka Stokes

    “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Stay the course and win your race..”

  • Portrait of an African American woman in a formal uniform, smiling gently, with a background of a wooden door and yellow wall.

    Mary Berrouet

    “You carry strength in your spirit, kindness in your heart, and wisdom beyond your years. Your journey matters…”

  • A woman smiling, wearing a black lace dress, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace, with a blue curtain in the background.

    Tishonda Carson

    “Never regret your decision, you did exactly what you needed to do at that time”

  • A woman with short, curly black hair, wearing glasses, red lipstick, hoop earrings, a red blazer with a logo, and a white top, standing against a neutral background and smiling.

    LaToya Salaam

    “Leading with experience, serving with purpose and heart.”

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with braided hair wearing a pink hoodie, earrings, and a smartwatch.

    Kae Brown

    “It gets greater later…”

  • Yasmine Moody

  • Valenna Johnson Custis

    “Strong relationships create strong foundations. We’re here to make sure families never feel alone in the journey!”

  • Natasha Anthony

  • Doniera Fraiser

    “The only shot you miss is the one you don't take!”

  • Lashaun Diggs

    “The learning and development process never stops; it continues to grow the person.”

  • Raafiya Cleveland

    “Empowering Young Lives, One Connection at a Time.”

  • Tanesha Golding

    “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” - Angela Davis

  • Zakkeyyah Allen

    “May the lives I touch always remember that someone believed in them. Someone believed in me. Now it’s my turn.”

  • Become a Mentor

    Apply Today!

Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith

FOUNDER | MENTOR | ADVOCATE | VISIONARY

“Because I know her struggle, I pour into her strength.”

Kimbelyn’s journey is one of resilience and radical hope. With over 20 years of experience in youth mentorship, trauma advocacy, and community building, she founded The Campbell House as a response to the cycles of pain and poverty she witnessed, and often experienced firsthand.

Her commitment to young women in Newark has earned her national recognition, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. But more than titles, Kim is most proud of the everyday victories, the breakthroughs, graduations, and letters from girls whose lives were forever changed.

Kim's Speech

Board of Directors

  • Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith

  • Dominic Campione

  • Gage Daye, MSA

  • Damali Campbell Oparaji, MD

  • Dre’Shonda Daye, MA, CSC

  • Takeisha Stewart

  • Alicia Rogers, MSN, APN-BC, AAHIVE

  • Tishonda Carson

  • Eric Majette

  • Get Involved

    Apply Today!

Executive Team

  • Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Founder of The Campbell House focused on building mentorship, empowerment, and support systems for girls and families.

  • Shelby Blair

    CHEIF PROGRAM OFFICER (CPO)

    Nonprofit and community development professional experienced in youth engagement, grant administration, and strategic program leadership.

  • AUTUMN B PRICE

    DIGITAL DIRECTOR

    Brand Strategist and Interactive Media Designer focused on nonprofit storytelling, digital infrastructure, and community impact initiatives.

  • Latoya D. Salaam

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Business Analyst and Human Resources student passionate about empowering and uplifting women and youth through community service.

  • TISHONDA CARSON

    INTAKE COORDINATOR

    Community-focused coordinator supporting mentor and mentee intake, engagement, and organizational connection.

  • KIA SABUR

    DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES & MENTOR DEVELOPMENT

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience in youth mental health, community services, and program leadership.

  • Valenna Johnson Custis

    PARENT LIASON

    Parent advocate focused on strengthening communication, trust, and support between families and The Campbell House community.

  • DESTANI MONTFORD

    OUTREACH COORDINATOR

    Social Work student and outreach leader dedicated to supporting trauma-impacted youth and strengthening underserved communities.

“Because I know her struggle, I pour into her strength.”

A woman with long, curly black hair and makeup, wearing a blue patterned top, looking at the camera with a slight smile.
A group of girls sitting in a circle in a school cafeteria, listening to a woman who appears to be leading a discussion or presentation. The women are seated on chairs, some with backpacks and purple gift bags. The cafeteria has high windows, a drinks counter, and a microwave in the background.

My name is Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith, and The Campbell House is the fulfillment of a promise I made out of both pain and love. Growing up in Newark and becoming a teen mom, I faced challenges that could have broken me, but instead, they gave me purpose. For more than 25 years as a foster mom and youth mentor, I’ve poured my heart into making sure young women don’t have to walk the same hard road alone.

This mission is deeply personal. My grandmother, Margaret Campbell, taught me unconditional love and became the foundation of who I am. My little sister by love, Kashidah Cox, left this world too soon, but her spirit fuels everything I do. Their names and their legacies live on in The Campbell House, reminding me daily that love and safe spaces can change lives.

In 2024, I received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, but my greatest reward will always be seeing girls heal, grow, and thrive. The Campbell House is for them, and it will always be for them.

Read Kim's Story

Letters from Our Girls

  • “Ms. Kim showed up for me when no one else did. She gave me a safe place to cry, to grow, and to become who I am today.”

    Tinisha, 19

  • “Because of The Campbell House, I believe in myself again. I have goals now. I’m going to college next year.”

    Livv, 22

  • “This place saved my life. Not just with housing—but with love. I will never forget it.”

    Anonymous mentee, age 17