Newark Female Charitable Society, 1903
Source: Newark Female Charitable Society,
The History of the Newark Female Charitable Society, 1803-1903 (Newark, 1903)

THE HISTORY OF ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE NEWARK FEMALE CHARITABLE SOCIETY’S WORK, AS TOLD BY ITS OWN RECORDS ...In 1836, Newark became a city. In place of shady lanes were paved street, Churches multiplied, and these began to care for their own needy. With immigration came poverty and a multitude of struggling poor. Orphan asylums and Homes for the aged and afflicted were built, and all demanded a share in the beneficence of the rich; yet the Female Charitable Society kept on the even tenor of its way. A religious or charitable occasion was sure to be well attended, for in those days there were not the same time the relief for the suffering poor in their homes, with personal Christ-like ministering, continued.

In the early 20^th century, women’s charitable organizations in many cities provided guidance and instruction to poor and immigrant women in child care and home management. Mothers’ meetings sponsored by such organizations were occasions for instruction in parenting skills, child care, sewing, and nutrition.

The Newark Female Charitable Society had a long history of charitable work in Newark. It was founded in 1803 as the "Female Society for the Relief of Poor and Distressed Persons in the Village of Newark" and was perhaps the earliest female charitable society in New Jersey. Over 100 years later it was sponsoring mothers’ meetings, lessons in the most efficient way to do laundry, a cooking school, a noon-day meal program, relief to needy women and families throughout the city, and a "fresh air fund" to provide countryside visits for the aged, infirm, and needy. Organizations such as this, as well as settlement houses, were the predecessors of modern social service agencies.

The "Female Society for the Relief of Poor and Distressed Persons in the
Village of Newark" was organized and run by Rachel Bradford Boudinot (1764-1805) in her home at 74 Park Place. Perhaps the earliest charitable organization in the state, it was later renamed the Newark Female Charitable Society and continued to serve Newark residents.