Between 1920 and 1970, millions of New Jersey women have worked as volunteers in charitable organizations, both religious and secular. The Daughters of Miriam Home for the Aged was founded in 1921 in a converted house in Paterson to give care and shelter to the aged and orphaned children. Initially run by volunteers, the Home developed into a Center for the Aged operated by nurses and professional caseworkers. Women were the primary force behind local charities, uniting themselves into the community chests and councils which became what is today the United Way.