9 Kearny Nonprofits and Community Groups to Know

Kearny has a long tradition of clubs, service groups and volunteers who keep the town running, some of them for close to a century. Our team rounded up nine Kearny nonprofits and community groups in Hudson County, NJ that support adults with disabilities, outfit kids for school, teach English, celebrate the town’s Scottish and Peruvian roots and keep sports like red clay tennis and youth soccer going strong. Each one welcomes volunteers, donations or new members.

1. Pathways to Independence

Pathways to Independence, Inc. at 60 Kingsland Avenue is celebrating 47 years of supporting adults with disabilities across New Jersey, with a focus on Hudson, Bergen and Essex counties. Its programs offer pre-vocational and vocational training, job skills in its workshops and employment supports, so participants can earn an income and live as independently as possible. Community fundraisers like its Giant 50/50 Raffle help pay for the work. Learn more or arrange a visit on the Pathways to Independence website.

2. KNJ PS Uniform Exchange (KPSUE)

KPSUE is a grassroots 501(c)(3) that makes sure kids in Kearny’s public and charter schools have the uniforms and supplies they need. In 2025 alone it gave away more than 500 backpacks and provided uniforms to more than 700 children. Its Ready Bags program helps children facing a crisis such as a new foster placement or homelessness, and its annual Bingo Night is a key fundraiser. The group runs entirely on volunteers, so sign up or donate on the KPSUE website.

3. Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington

Serving Kearny since 1927 under the motto “Joy in Service, Pride in Achievement,” the Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington is a 501(c)(3) that raises money for scholarships and local causes such as the Kearny Public Library, Pathways to Independence and the St. Stephen’s Food Pantry. Members also pitch in at the Kearny Community Garden and the annual Town Clean Up, and host a spelling bee plus turkey and toy drives. Membership is open to women 18 and up. Find meeting details on the Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington website.

4. Literacy New Jersey, West Hudson County

Literacy New Jersey, which is celebrating 45 years of adult literacy work in the state, runs its West Hudson County program from 759 Kearny Avenue. Adults can work with a tutor on English skills, prepare for the GED, build computer skills, study for the U.S. citizenship test and interview, and get help with resumes and job searches. Get details on the Literacy New Jersey West Hudson County page.

5. Peruvian Civic Association of New Jersey

Incorporated in 2005, the Peruvian Civic Association of New Jersey is a Kearny-based nonprofit that celebrates Peruvian and Latino culture across West Hudson. Each July it hosts flag raisings and the annual Peruvian Civic and Cultural Parade, which steps off at Harrison Town Hall and ends at Kearny Town Hall with floats and folkloric dance troupes. Learn about its events and how to get involved on the Peruvian Civic Association website.

6. Scots American Club

Kearny’s Scottish heritage lives on at the Scots American Club, a members’ club at 40 Patterson Street since 1931. It is a gathering spot for football (soccer) fans, with a bar open Thursday through Sunday, events and a hall available for rentals. Members can sign up or update their records through the club’s membership form. See hours and details on the Scots American Club website.

7. Kearny-Belleville Elks Lodge No. 1050

The Kearny-Belleville Elks Lodge No. 1050 meets on the first and third Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at 601 Elm Street, and its lounge is open Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. The lodge calls itself “Proud to be an All-American Lodge” and is also home to an Antlers program that meets on the second Monday of each month. Find contact and donation details on the Kearny-Belleville Elks Lodge page.

8. APC Tennis Club (Arlington Players Club)

Founded in 1909 as a theater club, Arlington Players Club grew into one of the oldest active red clay tennis clubs in the U.S. Today the private club at 12 Washington Place has seven red clay courts, hosts the USTA-sanctioned New Jersey National Red Clay Championship and runs a summer junior program for players ages 4 to 20. Membership and lesson details are on the APC Tennis Club website.

9. Kearny Thistle United

Kearny Thistle United is a youth soccer club built around “friendship through soccer” and pride in the Kearny community. Little ones can start with Thistle Roots sessions, older players can try out for club teams or play USL Youth in the summer, and Paisley Athletic is the club’s program for girls and women. Check tryouts and sessions on the Kearny Thistle United website.

More Ways to Explore Kearny and Hudson County

Planning a day in town? Start with our guide to things to do in Kearny and mark your calendar for the Kearny tree lighting festival. Next door, try our picks for Harrison restaurants. Want to help elsewhere in the county? See our lists of Jersey City nonprofits and Hoboken nonprofits.

Support Kearny Close to Home

These groups run on volunteers, members and neighbors who show up. Know a Kearny organization or business that deserves a shout? Nominate it in the Best of Hudson County 2026 awards, and subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly local picks.

Featured image: Shop Hudson County, with logos from each organization’s website.