Valerie Crute
– Board Member –
Valerie P. Crute is a nonprofit founder, veterans advocate, counselor, chaplain, and community leader whose work is rooted in servant leadership and a deep commitment to helping others. Since 2016, she has served as President and Founder of Sanford Place Block Association & Friends, Inc., where she works on behalf of neighborhood residents to improve quality of life, strengthen community pride, and support neighborhood beautification.
Ms. Crute currently serves as the State Senior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and as the local Chapter 3 Chapter Service Officer (CSO) at the East Orange VA. In these roles, she assists veterans, widows, and orphans in receiving the benefits and support they deserve. She also serves on the board of St. James Health, a community health care system serving the city of Newark.
Before joining DAV as a CSO in 2020, Valerie completed her master’s-level internship with New Directions Behavioral Health Center, where she served as a CADC intern counselor. In 2012, she completed her bachelor’s-level internship at IYO International Youth Organization and also worked as a counselor and mentoring supervisor with Freedom Ministries. She retired from the United States Postal Service in 2005.
Valerie graduated from Somerset Christian College with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling in 2012. She furthered her studies at Pillar College in 2020, earning a Master of Arts, cum laude, in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, and later earned a Doctor of Theology from The New Jersey Institute of Theology in 2022.
As a widow, mother, grandmother, mentor, and comforting presence to children of prisoners and disadvantaged children, Valerie’s life and service are guided by her faith. The role she values most is being a child of God, reflected in her belief: “Without God, I could do nothing.” Her lifestyle is marked by dedication, compassion, and an unyielding desire to assist others.
She is a founder, member, and ally of several nonprofit, civic, and cultural organizations, including Sanford Place Block Association & Friends, Inc.; Newark Police Chaplaincy; Newark
Interfaith Alliance; Heart of Vailsburg Block Club; Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association; LISC Vailsburg Collective; and Disabled American Veterans. Valerie’s motto is simple and truly exemplifies her work: “I love to help.”
Valerie P. Crute, CSO Nonprofit Founder & President | Counselor | Chaplain | Commander | Service Officer
Our Mission
At Saint James Health, a federally qualified health center, we are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive range of high-quality primary care services in a comfortable environment, ensuring access for all, regardless of financial circumstances.
Specializing in chronic diseases and family care, we prioritize evidence-based practices and continuous improvement to achieve excellence in healthcare delivery.
Grounded in compassion and respect, we provide holistic and empathetic care, addressing the needs of the families and community of Newark.
Vision
Saint James Health is the trusted health care provider for the Greater Newark community, providing reliable access to high quality, affordable, community-based care for you and your family. We provide care in a compassionate environment where staff and patients partner to improve community health.
High-quality and accessible primary care for patients across the lifespan.
Foster open doors and safe spaces where the community feels comfortable and cared for.
Sustainability as an organization, able to continue to deliver care to the community for years to come.
Commitment to diverse and culturally aligned services that address and are responsive to the changing needs of families in Newark.
Innovating with new technology, models of care and strategic partnerships to expand access to health and health-related services for the community.
Being a strong partner to organizations throughout and beyond Newark.
