The Virtuous House | Foster Youth & Aging Adult Support
The Virtuous House community care and outreach.
501(c)(3) nonprofit serving PA and NJ

Building bridges for foster youth and aging adults.

The Virtuous House provides wraparound support, dignity, and community for foster youth ages 14-24 and seniors in long-term care.

14-24 Foster youth supported through transition-age services
2 Core programs centered on dignity and belonging
NJ + PA Program footprint across New Jersey and Pennsylvania
501(c)(3) Tax-deductible giving and grant partnership eligible
Mission and vision

Care for people too often made invisible.

The Virtuous House is a faith-rooted nonprofit organization serving two populations who share a common thread: they are too often unseen by the systems designed to care for them.

Founded by a lifelong advocate with graduate-level training in Sociology, Child Advocacy and Policy, and Psychology, the organization is built on evidence-based practice, community partnership, and the conviction that every life has purpose and value.

Why this work exists

To create practical pathways of dignity, belonging, and stability for foster youth entering adulthood and aging adults living in long-term care.

Programs

Two programs, one standard of care.

Each program meets a different need, but both are grounded in presence, advocacy, and practical support.

The Virtuous Closet

Curated clothing, employment resource referrals, and community connections for foster youth ages 14 through 24.

  • Launch region: Morris County, New Jersey
  • Expansion planned for Sussex County, Passaic County, and Pennsylvania
  • Professional and everyday clothing support
Support this program

Our Aging Parents

Regular visitation, milestone celebrations, and family liaison support for seniors in long-term care facilities.

  • Service area: northern New Jersey long-term care facilities
  • Outcome goal: reduced isolation and improved wellbeing
  • Expansion planned as the volunteer network grows
Volunteer with seniors
Organizational leadership

Founder-led, mission-grounded care.

The Virtuous House is guided by Charlene Allen, whose advocacy, graduate training, and professional leadership experience shape the organization's programs.

Charlene Allen, Founder and Executive Director of The Virtuous House.
Founder & Executive Director

Charlene Allen

Executive Director & Founder

Charlene founded The Virtuous House following a distinguished career in corporate technology and more than a decade of community advocacy. Her graduate research into systemic disparities in foster care outcomes and her faith-driven commitment to serve others led directly to the organization's creation.

With advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis and decades of experience spanning corporate leadership, education, and nonprofit management, Charlene brings a rigorous and compassionate lens to program delivery, grant relationships, and organizational operations.

BA, Sociology MA, Child Advocacy & Policy Graduate Certificate, Psychology 35-year IT career with UPS 11+ years with Apple Inc. ABA training, Capella University
"For I know the plans I have for you..." Jeremiah 29:11
Grant partners and funders

Funding goes directly into community impact.

The Virtuous House welcomes aligned foundations, government agencies, and corporate giving programs.

How grant funding is used

Lean overhead, direct program support.

The Virtuous House operates with lean overhead and high community impact. Grant funding directly supports program delivery, volunteer training, supply procurement, and regional expansion.

Program Supplies

Clothing procurement and curation for The Virtuous Closet; materials and activities for Our Aging Parents visits.

Volunteer Training

Background checks, orientation, and ongoing training for senior visitor volunteers.

Outreach & Awareness

Community outreach, partnership development, and awareness campaigns in target counties.

Administrative Operations

Organizational infrastructure, compliance, insurance, and program coordination.

Regional Expansion

Launch of program services in Sussex County, Passaic County, and Pennsylvania.

Volunteer

There is a place for you at The Virtuous House.

Support senior visitation, The Virtuous Closet, outreach, events, or partner coordination.

Senior Visitor

Make regular visits to seniors in long-term care facilities across northern New Jersey.

Closet Support

Help sort, organize, and distribute clothing for foster youth at The Virtuous Closet.

Outreach and Events

Support awareness, donor events, and relationship-building that expands regional reach.

Contact

Start a partnership conversation.

Funding conversations, volunteer interest, in-kind gifts, and program partnership questions all begin through one inquiry path.

Share a few details on the inquiry page and The Virtuous House can route the request to the right next step.

Contact Us