Foundation History

Children's Resource Center (CRC) was founded in 1999 and awarded IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit status in 2001. CRC's primary mission is to provide for the betterment of children, youth and their families by offering alternative outdoor learning experiences. CRC dedicates its resources and engeries to work with exsisting and emerging schools, community-based groups and non-profit organizations to provide quality facilities, programs and services.

Ironwood Outdoor Center (IOC) is the initial project for CRC; named after the abundance of ironwood trees which grow on the property. IOC is an ecologically diverse 84 acre woodland and wetland preserve located on the banks of the Rancocas Creek In Lumberton, NJ. CRC purchased the property from the YMCA (orignally known as the YMCA Camp Worth) in 2000 with the assistance of a NJDEP Green Acres grant, thus saving the site from future developement

Located on the Ironwood property is a 6000 square foot swimming pool and kiddy pool, sensory garden, hiking nature trails, high & low ropes challenge courses, natural grassland meadow, camping, and public access to the south branch Rancocas Creek for canoeing and kayaking. A respectable 241 species of flora and fauna make Ironwood their home.

Ironwood Outdoor Center, Our Mission:
The purpose of Ironwood is two-fold: to offer swimming recreation at a reasonable rate to the community, and by partnering with industry professionals, providing outdoor learning opportunities that are not available through community programs. IOC will give children, families and groups the opportunity to connect with nature, gain knowledge, and challenge themselves, building self-confidence and cultivating positive values. It is our belief that children who at a young age have a positive experience with nature are more likely to become stewards of the environment later in life.

Board of Directors
Ernest Previte, Chairman of the Board
Robert T. Healey
Rev. Joseph Messina
Robert T. Healey Jr.
Harry Bell

Officers
Christine Healey deVaull, Executive Director CRC
Ironwood Swim Club, Ironwood Outdoor Center
Jean Briles, Operations Manager
jean@healeyphilanthropic.org

Ironwood Outdoor Center, Adventure Education Jamielynn Storch, Adventure Education Coordinator jstorch@ironwoodoutdoorcenter.org