On the Right Track: Striving for Greatness
Anthony R., 19, is a charming, motivated, ambitious young college student. But his earlier years were challenging. He came to JCCA’s Pleasantville Short Term Assessment and Rapid Treatment program when he was 15. Although very bright, he had problems at home and...
DJ’s Story
Being born with cerebral palsy (and wheelchair bound) does not stop Dejulaira (“DJ”) Lopez. Now 20 years old, she has endured many hardships but has also overcome many obstacles. When she was two, DJ was separated from her parents and family, except for one brother....
Nick’s Story
Nick was a troubled kid, getting bad grades and hanging out with the wrong crowd. His traditionally conservative father wanted him to become a barber just like him. He gradually became very active and involved with the Bukharian Teen Lounge, which had a transformative...
The Bialsky Family — MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE CHILD AT A TIME
For 13 years, Jay and Terri Bialsky have been deeply devoted to the children JCCA serves. They and their two daughters, Gabrielle and Dannielle, have been active volunteers on the Pleasantville Campus—helping at the fundraising event “A Tree Grows in Pleasantville,”...
Judge Ronald E. Richter, former Commissioner of New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, Named New CEO of JCCA
March 9, 2015 -- The Honorable Ronald E. Richter, former Commissioner of New York City's Administration for Children’s Services, has been chosen by the Board of Trustees of JCCA as the new Chief Executive Officer. Founded in 1822, JCCA is one of the oldest and largest...
Akeena’s Story
Akeena, 19, was abandoned in the hospital by her mother days after she was born. The task of raising her was left to her grandmother, Mable, a resilient and steadfast woman who is now retired after working much of her life as a nurse’s aide. The two came to JCCA’s...
Holocaust Survivor Speaks to Brooklyn Democracy Academy Students Forging a Remarkable Bond
When 91 year old Auschwitz survivor Mrs. Bronia Brandman spoke to 200 students at Brooklyn Democracy Academy (BDA) about the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance, there was a hush in the auditorium. Mrs. Brandman rejected the podium and stood in...
Aidbel Morano
Aidbel Morano came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico when she was 18. Her life hasn’t been easy raising her four children, one with Downs Syndrome. Difficult family problems and the loss of her job put her and her 10-year-old son, Jalen, into a homeless shelter. The...
Volunteering Helps Youth at JCCA’s Pleasantville Cottage School Feel “Like a Great Person Inside and Out”
An important part of JCCA’s approach to helping troubled teens is to encourage them to volunteer and help others. The abused and neglected youth on our Pleasantville Campus take part in a youth development program that counsels them and helps them learn important life...
Jewish Child Care Association’s Gala Celebration of Hope Raised $920,000 to Benefit Children of All Backgrounds
More than 325 people attended the Celebration of Hope: A Cocktail Reception to Benefit Children and Families at the elegant Pierre Hotel last night to honor longtime JCCA Trustee Michael Katz. The event raised $920,000 to support vulnerable and at-risk youth whom JCCA...