Our Story
"A loved child becomes a loving adult"
- Monika Emad
In loving memory of my brother, Peter
Peter was only here for 17 years, but he left a mark that people still feel. He had a rare gift: he made everyone feel seen, safe, and genuinely loved. HUG exists to carry that spirit forward, so more young people experience the support, belief,
and opportunity Peter gave so naturally.
How It Started
HUG began in 2008 in New Jersey with a simple mission: bring love, support, and opportunity to kids and teens who needed it most.
Our first partners were two local residential homes for adolescents - Saint Peter’s Orphanage in Denville and the Plaid House in Morristown. Many of the teens there had talent and potential, but limited access to experiences that could expand their world and their confidence.
With the help of donors and volunteers, we created those moments—field trips, mentorship, and personal development experiences that helped them imagine a future bigger than their circumstances.
Saint Peter's Orphanage
How It's Grown
STAR Romania Youth Leaders Summit, 2025
As we watched what happens when someone feels guided, encouraged, and believed in, we realized the mission was bigger than a single location.
Over the years, HUG has expanded - supporting youth and adults through mentorship, education, and immersive experiences that help people find their voice, build self-worth, and step into leadership rooted in love and purpose.
What began as a promise to honor one life has become a movement to uplift many.
And we’re just getting started.
Global Generational Impact
We’re making a difference
Every self-leading teen creates ripple effectis in their communities
“I discovered who I truly am. I started expressing myself more and I gained confidence that I never thought I had within me.”
“For the first time, I saw myself not just as someone who leads others, but as someone who can bring ideas to life.”
Any Gift Can Create a Shift
Give teens the tools to lead themselves and direct the course of their lives.
$30
Covers a student’s leadership workbook giving them tools they can take home and apply for life.
$50
Provides meals and snacks for one student at a full-day leadership summit, keeping them energized and engaged.
$100
Covers the day cost for one student to attend a leadership summit including all materials, meals, and activities.
Your Gift Fuels The Future
Give teens the tools to lead themselves and direct the course of their lives.
$500
Funds a kids full self-leadership transformation
$10,000
Funds a school being exposed to this knowledge
$50,000
Funds an entire deeply transformational event for 100 kids
$100,000
Funds 200 teens deep transformation
Explore our programs and partnerships with aligned organizations
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WHEN YOU GIVE A HUG, YOU GET A HUG!
A HUG IS A GATEWAY TO HUMAN UNITY
Human Unity Gateway Foundation
160 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ, 07042 USA
+1 (917) 414-2424
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