The Campbell House

Where Hope, Care, Opportunity & Success Lives

Empowering girls and young women ages 5–21 to rise above trauma, poverty, and neglect. One story at a time.

I am not my Sister’s keeper, I am my Sister.

The Campbell House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Newark, NJ. We are dedicated to transforming the lives of girls and young women ages 5–21 who are navigating the impacts of trauma, poverty, and neglect. Through mentorship, transitional housing, and holistic support, we provide the space, structure, and guidance needed to thrive.

“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.

A promotional poster for a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony featuring three people against a backdrop of the White House and American flag. The text includes the date, December 8, 2024, and location, Newark, NJ, with an honoree named Kimberly Campbell-Smith. The poster also has a presidential seal and congratulatory message.

Congratulations to our founder, Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith!

On December 8, 2024, our founder, Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith, was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and transformative community work.

Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, honored December 8, 2024

“I am a living testimony that broken crayons still color.”
— Kimbelyn Campbell-Smith

🎓 Kimbelyn S. Campbell Scholarship

Empowering Newark Girls to Build Bold Futures

The Campbell House is proud to present the 1st Annual Kimbelyn S. Campbell Scholarship, a $1,000 award for a high school senior girl in Newark pursuing her passion through trade or vocational school.

If you’re a hardworking, community-minded young woman ready to take the next step in your journey, we want to support you.

Deadline to Apply: April 30th, 2026

Young woman in graduation cap and gown outdoors with crossed arms, smiling softly amid a bright, blurred nature background.

The Heart of the House

  • A woman smiling and holding a graduation cap with a tassel, wearing a white gown and glasses, standing against a blue background.
  • A woman wearing a yellow graduation gown and cap holding a yellow diploma cover, smiling, against a blue cloudy background.
  • Award plaque featuring a portrait of Micheal Galreca, text reading "2025 Champion of Change,” with the logo of The Campbell House non-profit organization at the bottom.
  • Recognition award certificate featuring a portrait of Dr. Da’Cheray Thomas-Ruth, with text stating 2025 Champion of Change and The Campbell House logo.
  • A certificate or award featuring a portrait of Alia Clark, with text recognizing her as the 2025 Champion of Change by The Campbell House, a non-profit organization. The design includes purple and gold accents, with a gold and purple logo at the bottom.
  • Celebratory graphic featuring a headshot of Tracey R. O'Reggio Clark, smiling, with the text "2025 Champion of Change" and the logo of The Campbell House.
Our Stories

  • “Ms. Kim never gave up on me. When I didn’t believe in myself, she reminded me I had purpose. The Campbell House is more than a program—it’s a family.”

    Tinisha, 19

  • “I don’t know where I’d be without The Campbell House. It gave me hope, healing, and a path forward.”

    Livv, 22

Upcoming Events

Close-up of golden glitter particles creating a sparkling, glowing effect against a dark background.
Elegant banquet hall with round table set for a formal event, purple lighting, floral centerpiece, place settings with napkins, plates, and glasses.

November 2nd, 2025

Champion of Change Gala
Union, NJ

Join us for the Champions of Change Gala—an evening honoring bold leaders who light the path forward with vision, courage, and impact.

Upcoming events.

TBD