Bukharian Teens Join Israeli Day Parade

On a beautiful sunny day, youth from Jewish Child Care Association’s Bukharian Teen Lounge marched with the Bukharian Jewish Congress delegation in the Israeli Day Parade in Manhattan, joining thousands of people celebrating 60 years of Israel’s independence. According to Assistant Coordinator, Ira Dounn, “It was a great feeling to join with so many others in solidarity to show our love and support for the state of Israel.” JCCA’s Teen Lounge participants are high school-aged Bukharian Jewish immigrants who emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Queens. The youth meet after school to socialize, become involved with Jewish tradition and activities, and participate in life skills workshops, work internship programs, and field trips.

A Lively Evening at 7th Annual Edenwald Prom

A group of elegantly dressed, excited teens from JCCA’s Edenwald Center celebrated the end of school in late May with a prom at the Mt. Kisco Holiday Inn. Wearing gowns and evening clothes donated by local stores in the area, the youth arrived at the hotel’s ballroom in style. As they danced the night away, the evening was capped with the crowning of the lucky Prom King and Queen. A great time was had by one and all! Edenwald Center is a residential treatment center on JCCA’s Westchester campus, caring for 100 young people. Cottage living focuses on teaching residents life skills while preparing them to return to the community.

From left: Getting ready in the Jill Goodman Cosmetology Center; The men of Edenwald Center pose in front of their cottages in all their finery; Stylish gowns and beaming smiles were a must on prom night. Photos courtesy of Kevin Spath.

Compass Teens on Stage

On Sunday, June 9, teens from JCCA’s Compass Project teamed up with award-winning Theater for Action, a therapeutic, interactive theater program, for a wonderful stage performance. Youth from the Compass Project, a program for high school and Jewish college students with learning disabilities and who are on the Autistic Spectrum, participated in weekly rehearsals incorporating game playing, storytelling, movement, visual art, creative writing, and drama. The goal of Theater for Action is to enhance critically needed social and communication skills and develop self-reliance. During rehearsals, participants wrote about their personal history, spoke of their dreams and hopes for an independent and productive life, and made many friends. The show, held at the Hillwood Art Museum on Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus, culminated in an original song, “Moving a Rock,” composed by the youth. Audience members, made up of friends and family, were moved and inspired by the performance.

Appreciating Foster Parents' Hard Work

On Thursday, June 12, JCCA celebrated the amazing contributions of our foster parents with an appreciation cruise on the Spirit of New York. It was a beautiful, warm evening as the ship set sail from Chelsea Piers and cruised around Manhattan with more than 300 people on board. Awards and certificates were given in recognition of the very hard work our foster parents do with their families every day. Dancing, dinner, and raffle prizes rounded out the evening. One foster parent explained, “This cruise is extra special to us. It really makes us feel appreciated and we know that we have support from JCCA. The good conversation and being able to share stories makes the night fun for us all.”

Inside the boat (left) and on deck (right), JCCA foster parents and Foster Home Services staff gathered to share a gorgeous summer evening of music and dancing.

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