Neighbors Helping Neighbors for over 100 years
Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity (SSA) is a food security organization. We are the faces behind the Red Door Food Pantry at the Ridgewood Train Station. Since 1913, we’ve been a beacon of hope and help to our neighbors facing hardship, providing a community safety net.
Mission Statement
SSA provides food assistance to local individuals and families during times of hardship to ensure that our neighbors don’t go hungry.
Values & Partnerships
We are an organization that values empathy, compassion, and transparency. Above all, we treat everyone with dignity and respect. We actively build coalitions among a broad spectrum of individuals, community, and corporate-based organizations to fulfill our mission.
Since 1913
History of Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity
In 1909, The Relief Society of Ridgewood and Vicinity was organized by a group of church representatives from Ridgewood and neighboring communities. Their intention was to consolidate their efforts in “support of the public good.” In 1913, the name was changed to Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity, Inc. Since then SSA has served thousands of families and individuals in the area and has continued to meet the needs of a growing client population. In 1988, SSA moved to its current location in the former baggage quarters of the Ridgewood Railroad Station.
Serving over 500 individuals
SSA provides food security and other critical assistance to over 500 individuals in our local community. SSA serves Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Waldwick, & Wyckoff.
45% of those assisted are children
Our neighbors in need include single and two-parent families, the elderly, and the disabled. Their challenges include unemployment, underemployment, and life-changing illness or death. 45% of those we assist are children.
SSA Support Includes
Red Door food pantry, our voucher program, and supplemental services such as childcare stipends, rent & utility assistance, camp scholarships, Thanksgiving meals, and holiday gifts for children.
