This spring, many events took place around the agency that celebrated and honored the great and important work that JCCA does. Here is a sampling.

Child Welfare Fund's Awards for Youth in Foster Care

Six youth from Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) were honored by The Child Welfare Fund's Awards for Youth in Foster Care at a ceremony in Manhattan on Monday, June 1. The contest is designed to recognize young people who have exhibited resilience, who have helped others, and who have achieved personal and academic success. During the last 17 years, JCCA has consistently been recognized by the Awards for Youth in Foster Care, but this year we received the most awards of any agency: six out of 15. Prize money ranged from $400-$1,000. Congratulations to Christin Absolu, Grand Prize Winner ($1,000)! Also recognized were Special First Prize Winners: Christian Arguella, Christopher Davila, Wilson Martines; and First Prize Winners: Andre Fuller, LaToya Howard.

Friends of JCCA Come Out to WALK

On Sunday, May 17, hundreds of Westchester area children, high school students, parents, and seniors gathered together for the second annual WALK for The Cottage Schools on JCCA's Westchester campus. The event took place to raise funds and offer hope to hundreds of youth at The Cottage Schools, which include Pleasantville Cottage School, Edenwald Center, and Pleasantville Diagnostic Center. These residential treatment programs provide a safe, structured environment for vulnerable youth while they work to resolve their difficulties and return to their own communities. While most of JCCA's funding for The Cottage Schools comes from public sources, there is a $1.5 million gap between what the government provides and necessary expenses.

Despite the cold and rainy weather, dedicated supporters made spirited tracks twice around the one-mile route. The WALK was generously supported by Last Licks Ice Cream and Pepsi-Co. "Everyone who braved the weather to come out and walk helped to give these kids a future filled with hope," remarked WALK co-chair Wendi Winshall. "We're enormously grateful to all the participants for getting involved to support the critical work done at The Cottage Schools," added in co-chair Rachel Rader.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Queens

On June 5th, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens to celebrate the opening of the Kew Gardens Hills Youth Center, a new program at JCCA. The Center is an afterschool program for Orthodox Jewish young men, aged 14-19, who live and attend schools and yeshivas in this neighborhood of Central Queens. Students, JCCA and The Center staff, rabbis, leaders of the community, and local officials were in attendance.

JCCA staff, youth, and community leaders celebrated the opening of JCCA's latest Queens program, the Kew Gardens Hills Youth Center.

Oh, What a Night!

58 Edenwald students celebrated the end of the school year with an unforgettable Prom Night at a local hotel ballroom. The evening was complete with amazing outfits, a rocking DJ, and the crowning of the Edenwald Prom Queen and King.

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