Mission Statement
The Whittaker Foundation is dedicated to creating healthier, stronger communities by addressing environmental health, empowering youth, and expanding workforce opportunities. We provide lead safety and mold prevention education, job training in high demand industries, and mentorship programs that inspire inner city youth to run toward brighter futures. Through partnerships with schools, employers, and community leaders in New Jersey and New York, we work to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has access to a safe home, meaningful work, and the chance to thrive.
Our Core Values
Health & Safety
We believe every family deserves to live in a safe and healthy home. By tackling hazards like lead paint and mold, we protect children, strengthen communities, and create environments where people can thrive.
Empowerment
We are committed to giving youth and adults the tools they need to succeed. From mentorship programs to workforce training, we open doors to opportunity and inspire individuals to take charge of their futures.
Equity
We serve communities that are too often overlooked. By ensuring access to education, training, and health resources, we help level the playing field so that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Partnership
We know that lasting change happens when we work together. That’s why we build strong relationships with schools, employers, contractors, and community leaders to expand our reach and impact.
Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. With transparency, honesty, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure that every program reflects the trust placed in us.
Why Our Work Matters
In New Jersey and New York, countless families live in homes where lead paint and mold quietly threaten their health. Children exposed to lead are at risk of developmental delays, and mold can trigger chronic respiratory problems. These dangers are often found in low-income communities where families already face barriers to safe housing and healthcare. By addressing environmental health head-on, The Whittaker Foundation works to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and give children the chance to grow up healthy and strong.
At the same time, too many individuals—especially those returning from incarceration or struggling to find employment—lack access to the training needed to build stable careers. Workforce opportunities in fields like construction, environmental services, and safety compliance exist, but without certifications and hands-on training, many are shut out. Our foundation bridges this gap by providing OSHA, lead, mold, forklift, and environmental technician training, creating pathways to employment and economic independence.
We also know that young people in our inner cities need more than academics—they need role models, healthy outlets, and opportunities to thrive. Through initiatives like Run for Second Chances, we combine mentorship with athletics, inspiring youth to set goals, build discipline, and discover their own strength. By investing in these programs, we are not just addressing immediate challenges—we are building a future where every young person, every worker, and every family has the tools to succeed.
