1963
Eunice Flanders Cary
Opened the First Emergency Shelter for Foster Children in Essex
County
Beginning in 1963, and for more
than 20 years later, a new of life of love and guidance began for
more than 100 African American male youngsters when Mrs. Cary
opened the first Emergency Shelter for Foster Children in Essex
County. As adults, many have found rewarding positions as
fireman, bank manager, bus driver, businessmen and minister.
"My boys" as she often refers to them, visit her
frequently to show their love for their "Mom" who
showered them with loving care and a full measure of discipline.
They often recall how they had to assemble at the dinner table
neatly dressed in shirts and pants. It was a requirement for them
to become Boy Scouts and attend Sunday School, values which they
cherish and wish that all parents would impart on their children.
At the ripe age of 98, (2016) Mrs. Cary smiles easily and exudes
quiet dignity and strength. As a testimony to her commitment to
youth, the Historical Society of East Orange, Inc. renamed a
section of South Maple Avenue for her in commemoration of her
home on South Maple Avenue where she cared for the young boys.
Together with her foster children, Eunice Flanders raised three
children, Bernice Sanders, who resides with her mother and gives
her tender loving care and Jean Hipkins and George Cary, both of
whom are deceased.
Mrs. Cary has been a member of Messiah Baptist Church in East
Orange since 1945 and is lovingly referred to as the "Mother
of the Church." On May 10th, in recognition of National
Foster Parent Month, Mrs. Cary received a proclamation from the
City of East Orange, a floral tribute from the Community
Collaborative of East Orange and a citation from City Council.
In addition to her role as a foster parent, Mrs. Cary was an
active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, East Orange;
a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Section of
the Oranges; a member of Ruth Court is, Past Most Ancient Matron
Heroines of Jericho and Rose of Sharon Court #4, Order of
Cyrenes, PHA and she has worked with the United Way and the
Bureau of Toys Services.
Before her retirement, Mrs. Cary was an avid gardener and took
great pride in growing a variety of roses in her spacious back
yard. Her home is filled with a variety of flowers and plants
that friends have given her as remembrances of her days in the
garden.