The Caroline Sellew Foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate financial assistance to elderly women in Montclair, New Jersey, who are facing hardship. Our mission is to ensure that senior women in our community can live with dignity, security, and peace of mind.

Through community-driven generosity, respect, and care, we provide support without judgment to women in times of need, helping them maintain stability and independence.

Caroline Sellew was a lifelong resident of Montclair, New Jersey. She and her husband, Timothy, lived in the heart of Upper Montclair on Fernwood Avenue, just off Valley Road. During World War I, Timothy was drafted and sent to serve in the war. A few months later, Caroline received the devastating news that her husband had been killed in battle. She soon learned that many other women in the community were receiving the same heartbreaking news and were facing the difficult reality of moving forward without their spouses. At that time in history, it was extremely difficult for women to live independently and support themselves financially.

In January of 1915, Caroline found herself living alone in a home that was far larger than she needed. Instead of remaining alone, she made a remarkable decision that would change the lives of many women in the community. Caroline opened her home to women who had also lost their husbands during the war, inviting them to live with her rent-free. She believed that no woman should have to grieve the loss of a husband alone. Her home quickly became a place of comfort, community, and support, where women could help one another through grief while building a new sense of stability and sisterhood.

Caroline Sellew passed away peacefully in 1927, leaving behind a powerful legacy. It was her wish that the home continue to serve as a safe haven for women in need. For generations, the Caroline Sellew Memorial Home continued that mission. Widows from the Montclair community were welcomed into the home, where they found security, companionship, and a sense of belonging during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Over time, the home became a cherished part of the Montclair community. However, with the changing economy and the age of the historic property, the difficult decision was made to close the doors of the home. After 110 years of serving countless women, the Caroline Sellew Memorial Home was sold in April of 2025.

Today, the foundation provides direct financial assistance to elderly women in the Montclair community who are struggling to cover basic living expenses.

By helping women maintain independence and stability in their own homes, we continue Caroline Sellew’s vision of ensuring that women in our community feel supported, secure, and cared for.