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Safe Spaces of Sussex

Many LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination daily, whether it be from a business, a healthcare provider, an employer...The list goes on. Here we will update a list of businesses, places of worship, healthcare offices and other relevant services and locations in and around Sussex County that are LGBTQ+ affirming spaces. If you know a business that should be added to this list, please contact us.

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Note that this is a list of suggestions we have received, and being left off this list does not mean a business isn't safe, only that we haven't been asked to include them.

Activities and Retail​

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  • Lafayette Mercantile – Lafayette
    A charming local shop offering a curated selection of home goods, gifts, and artisan products that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of small makers.

  • Brick + Mortar – Lafayette
    A stylish boutique featuring unique clothing, accessories, and home décor with a focus on thoughtfully sourced and distinctive items.

  • For Harriet and Agnes – Sussex Boro
    A boutique known for its curated selection of fashion, gifts, and home décor inspired by classic style and small-business craftsmanship.

  • Highland Flowers and Gifts – Vernon
    A local floral and gift shop creating custom arrangements, seasonal décor, and thoughtful gifts for celebrations, events, and everyday occasions.

  • Stitch Adventure – Andover Township
    A creative studio and shop focused on sewing, crafting, and handmade goods, offering supplies, workshops, and inspiration for makers of all levels.

  • Painted Grape – Vernon
    An art and wine studio where guests can enjoy guided painting experiences in a fun, relaxed environment perfect for social gatherings and creative expression.

  • WaggMore – Sparta
    A locally loved pet boutique offering quality pet foods, toys, treats, and accessories for dogs and cats, along with knowledgeable service for pet owners.

  • Back on the Rack Consignment – Wantage
    A consignment boutique featuring gently used clothing, accessories, and unique finds that give fashion a second life while supporting sustainable shopping.

  • Thistle and Clover – Newton
    A specialty shop offering tattoos, curated gifts, home décor, and seasonal items with a warm, welcoming small-town shopping experience.

  • Thrive Embodied Arts – Newton
    A wellness and movement studio offering yoga, dance, and holistic practices that encourage creativity, self-expression, and community connection.

  • Simple Bare Necessities – Sparta
    A sustainable lifestyle shop focused on eco-friendly products, refillable goods, and everyday essentials designed to reduce waste and promote mindful living.

  • Windy Brow Farms – Fredon / Green area
    A family farm and market known for fresh produce, baked goods, seasonal events, and locally sourced products that celebrate Sussex County agriculture.

  • Mountain Dispensary – Vernon
    A licensed cannabis dispensary offering a range of regulated cannabis products in a professional retail environment focused on education and customer experience.

 

Services​

 

  • Salon Di Panache – Sparta
    A full-service salon offering professional hair, beauty, and styling services in a welcoming environment focused on helping clients look and feel their best.

  • Garden of Life – Hardyston
    A wellness-focused shop offering massages, natural health products, supplements, and holistic goods that support healthy living and balanced lifestyles.

  • Magnolia's Beauty Boutique – Vernon
    A beauty boutique providing personalized services, skincare products, and beauty treatments designed to help clients feel confident and refreshed.

  • Empowered Life Coaching
    A coaching practice dedicated to helping individuals build confidence, set meaningful goals, and create positive personal and professional growth.

  • Mystic Moon Hair Studio – Hardyston
    A modern hair studio specializing in creative styling, color services, and personalized beauty care in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

  • Advanced Veterinary Care – Franklin
    A veterinary practice providing comprehensive medical care, preventative services, and compassionate treatment for pets and their families.

  • The Pet Spa & Resort – Hardyston
    A pet care facility offering grooming, boarding, daycare, and spa services designed to keep pets comfortable, healthy, and well cared for.

Cafes and Restaurants​

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  • The Daily Bean – Vernon
    A popular local café known for its specialty coffee, fresh breakfast and lunch options, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favorite gathering spot for the Vernon community.

  • The Farm at Glenwood Mountain – Vernon
    A scenic farm venue offering seasonal events, farm experiences, and locally inspired food and products that celebrate the agricultural traditions of Sussex County.

  • Cloveberry – Sparta
    A modern café and eatery known for fresh, creative breakfast and lunch dishes, artisanal beverages, and a bright, community-centered dining space.

  • Cow Patty's – Wantage
    A longtime Sussex County favorite serving hearty comfort food, classic breakfasts, and casual dining in a friendly, family-owned setting.

  • The Irish Cottage Inn – Franklin
    A beloved Irish pub and restaurant offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere that brings the community together.

  • Blue Spice Kitchen – Hardyston
    A contemporary restaurant known for flavorful global cuisine, creative dishes, and a welcoming dining experience in the Hardyston community.

  • The Farmer's Daughter – Newton
    A charming café and bakery offering homemade baked goods, fresh meals, and locally inspired dishes in a warm, small-town setting.

  • O'Reilly's Pub & Grill – Newton
    A lively neighborhood pub serving classic comfort food, drinks, and entertainment in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub – Sparta
    A well-known local restaurant and brewery offering craft beer, American favorites, and lakeside dining that has become a destination in Sussex County.

  • Lafayette House – Lafayette
    A historic Sussex County restaurant known for its inviting dining rooms, classic cuisine, and hosting memorable community gatherings and events.

  • The Laughing Goat – Lafayette
    A cozy café and bakery offering artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and locally sourced foods in the heart of Lafayette’s historic village.

  • Candy Apple Shoppe – Vernon
    A nostalgic candy and gift shop offering sweet treats, specialty confections, and unique gifts in a fun and welcoming setting.

Social Services

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  • EDGE New Jersey – Denville
    A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth through mentorship, education, and programs that promote leadership, inclusion, and community engagement.

  • PFLAG Sussex County – Sparta
    A local chapter of the national PFLAG network that provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies.

  • NORWESCAP – Newton
    A regional nonprofit focused on strengthening communities through programs addressing housing, education, financial stability, and family support.

  • DASI – Newton
    A nonprofit providing crisis support, advocacy, and prevention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Sussex County.

  • Pass It Along – Lafayette
    A youth leadership organization that empowers young people through service, mentorship, and programs that encourage community involvement and personal growth.

  • Project Self-Sufficiency – Newton
    A nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families through education, career training, childcare, and supportive services.

  • Center for Prevention and Counseling – Sussex Boro
    A community organization offering prevention, counseling, and recovery services that promote mental health, wellness, and substance misuse prevention.

  • Benny's Bodega – Augusta         Set up like a store, this nonprofit offers hard working people who are struggling, a place to “shop” for basic needs items free of charge. Our target population is the A.L.I.C.E (Asset limited, income constrained, employed) population, the people working hard but not making enough to get by, while simultaneously making to much to receive any government assistance.

  • Family Promise of Sussex County – Newton
    A nonprofit working to prevent and end family homelessness by providing shelter, support services, and pathways to stable housing.

  • Synergy Counseling Services – Vernon
    A counseling practice offering therapy and mental health support for individuals, couples, and families in a compassionate and supportive environment.

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Houses of Worship

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  • Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sussex County – Newton
    An inclusive spiritual community that promotes compassion, justice, and respect for all people through worship, service, and community engagement.

  • First United Methodist Church – Newton
    A historic Newton congregation dedicated to faith, service, and outreach programs that support individuals and families throughout the Sussex County community.

  • Unity of Sussex County – Lafayette
    A welcoming spiritual community focused on positive living, personal growth, and creating an environment of acceptance and support for all.

  • Sparta United Methodist Church – Sparta
    A community-centered church committed to worship, service, and outreach efforts that support the well-being of local residents and families.

  • Holy Counselor Lutheran Church – Vernon
    A Lutheran congregation focused on faith, fellowship, and community service while supporting initiatives that strengthen the local community.

  • Sophia Inclusive Catholic Community – Newton
    An independent Catholic community dedicated to inclusive worship and spiritual life, welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities.

  • Waterloo United Methodist Church – Byram
    A local church committed to faith, service, and outreach initiatives that support community connection and compassionate care.

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