Bridges to Health provides services to youth with special needs in foster care so they can remain in the community. Jessica Fama relates the following story about Anthony, a young client who was able to take the trip of a lifetime through the unwavering efforts of...
Hi my name is Charlie. I was hurt badly by someone I trusted and loved. My father sexually abused me, hit me a lot and talked badly to me. Finally when I was 8 years old, I got the courage to tell my Nana and my mom what my father had done. But I was also scared about...
Youth Connections, an organization that empowers teens through essay writing to express their feelings and grow, is honoring two of our clients for their exceptional essays. Here are excerpts from the two award winners: Danaysia: Determination with NO Motivation These...
For Foster Care Month 2016, we interviewed JCCA’s Maria Taveras, Coordinator of our Foster Family Resources program. Maria has worked at JCCA for more than nine years. What kind of person makes a good foster parent? In my experience, anyone with an open heart,...
Emelinda Eusebio glows with pride when she confirms that 2 ½-year-old Christian’s adoption was finalized last month and he is now an officially well-loved member of her family. Christian came into her home when he was six months old through JCCA’s Specialized Family...
On BTL’s fourth annual Career Day, we had 36 youth participants and five presenters. To start the day off, Teen ACTION came early to help with the setup of the event, prepare a breakfast buffet and handle attendance. They helped transform the Lounge for the event....
Daniel Cohn, 24, cheerfully points out, “I have a great voice for a career in radio,” and has hopes of becoming a commentator on a classic rock station someday. In just a few years, this lively young man has come a long way from the former shy, withdrawn Long Island...
Today, Hasan “Haas” Williams is a dynamic 24-year-old leader who empowers young men and women in foster and residential care to advocate for themselves and become independent, productive adults. But he didn’t start out that way. He had to overcome tremendous...
Natalie spent three years as an active participant in the Bukharian Teen Lounge, JCCA’s after-school program that helps immigrant teens integrate into the American community while maintaining their rich cultural heritage and traditions. “I honestly don’t know where I...
Two years ago, for his mitzvah project, Brett Rosenberg decided to become a Junior Tutor at The Cottage Schools, JCCA’s residential programs in Pleasantville, NY. His mother, Ali Rosenberg, was delighted, and, in the spirit of “giving back,” she became a mentor and...