OUR IMPACT

CAF keeps the whole child at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that scholar needs are met outside the classroom, so that they may excel inside the classroom.  By supporting Cresthaven Academy’s rigorous and engaging curriculum, CAF helps ensure that Cresthaven scholars have access to the high-quality education they deserve, establishing the academic foundation that will springboard them into future success.  We believe that our work impacts our scholars today, so that they may impact our community, culture, and the world tomorrow.  

Cresthaven Afterschool is CAF's signature program providing affordable, in-house enrichment programming that aligns with the "Whole Child" approach.  Afterschool activities include Music, Art, and STEM instruction, as well as Martial Arts, Soccer, Yoga, and Swimming Lessons.  Individualized tutoring and academic supports are available based on scholars' unique needs, and all scholars receive Homework Help and a healthy snack daily during Cresthaven Afterschool.  

Research demonstrates that enrichment activities lead to increased student success, social-emotional development, and improved academic outcomes. CAF is committed to providing equitable access to programs that Cresthaven families would not be financially feasible otherwise. CAF believes that investing in meaningful enrichment opportunities will catalyze future college completion and social mobility students from communities like Plainfield do not typically achieve.  

Cresthaven Afterschool also allows parents and caregivers to seek and retain full-time work, knowing that their children are safely engaged in affordable, quality programming that enriches learning and social-emotional development.

CAF provides critical aid to Cresthaven families who are struggling financially through the Cresthaven Emergency Fund. This aid includes food, basic care and hygiene supplies, as well as targeted financial resources for housing, healthcare, and essential home furnishings to families with demonstrated need. The "whole child" philosophy is the heart of the Emergency Fund, fueling CAF’s commitment to easing the burdens faced by too many families. This kind of direct support leads to more stable home environments, where scholar’s needs are met, making it possible to focus on learning and having fun at school. Because of the Cresthaven Emergency Fund, scholars and families know that CAF is here to support them, especially in moments of economic crisis or real hardship.

CAF believes that a joyful and well-balanced workplace for staff translates to a joyful and rigorous learning environment that is essential to scholars’ academic success.  Cresthaven Works exists to provide support and resources that are otherwise unavailable through public funding to CACS and its faculty and staff. 

 Through Cresthaven Works, CAF paid for facilities and staff salaries during the CACS planning year, when the school was preparing to open but had not yet received funding from the New Jersey Department of Education.  CAF also purchased and renovated Cresthaven’s current K-4 campus.  With a lease that is below market rate and capped rent payments, Cresthaven Works allows CACS to spend less on rent and more on direct support for Cresthaven scholars, without worrying about future rent increases.  Rent payments that exceed mortgage payments are used by CAF to directly support Cresthaven scholars and families.  When the current K-4 facilities are paid off, CAF will look toward the future purchase of additional new facilities as Cresthaven Academy continues to grow. 

 In addition to supporting acquisition of facilities, Cresthaven Works includes amenities like CAF-sponsored coffee, tea, and light refreshments in CACS Staff Workrooms, as well as dinner, snacks, and other meals for staff during special events, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Summer Institute, and late night or weekend working sessions. CAF also helps fund professional development opportunities, holiday and end of year staff celebrations, and is also available on a case by case basis to support staff members who find themselves facing temporary crisis or hardship.

Year after year, parent satisfaction survey results indicate that Cresthaven families are highly satisfied with CAF programming and support.  However, the need for quality, accessible enrichment programming in underserved communities doesn’t end when the school year ends.  

 CAF recognizes the opportunity to expand the impact of CAF’s work through additional off-site activities, as well as weekend and summer programming for Cresthaven scholars. Unlike families in neighboring towns, Cresthaven families often cannot afford extracurricular opportunities such as sports or summer programs. Traditional summer camp is one of the most expensive investments that families make at the cost of thousands of dollars per child. Cresthaven Beyond is a new CAF initiative that aims to provide opportunities for academic and extracurricular activities outside of Cresthaven, during the weekends and summer months when children from lower economic standing are too often left without safe, affordable options.

CAF partners with local organizations in and around the Plainfield community to provide numerous wrap-around services for Cresthaven Academy scholars and families. These varied programs are designed to support the Whole Family by lightening the load wherever possible so that – in turn, families can support their scholars in pursuit of academic success.