NJ Youth Corps volunteer at Let's Celebrate

NJ Youth Corps have been volunteering with non-profit group  "Let's Celebrate" over the past six months, helping to service clients in the food pantry and soup kitchen. Our students have gained a great appreciation for working with those in need. It is a part of their 150 hour community service commitment to the Youth Corps program. A few of our Youth Corps students commented on their experience thus far working at "Let's Celebrate".

Joel: I just like helping people. You have to talk to everybody, even if they don't speak English. So you are always learning a lot. Plus you are helping out your community. 

Ebony: We get to interact with different people every week. You learn to be patient and have courtesy. 

We are grateful to have a work-site such as "Let's Celebrate" for our students to gain important and relevant skills that will certainly help them on their next job in the future. 

“Moving from hunger to wholeness”

Let’s Celebrate moves people from hunger to wholeness through nutrition, financial, supportive and affordable housing services. For more info please visit their website: http://www.letscelebrateinc.org/

Jersey Explorer hosts National African-American Read-In

February 21st, marked the date of a very important event at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum - The National African-American Read-In. We had an outstanding performance from Christine Dixon, who starred as "Harriet Tubman Herself", which truly captivated our audience. Ms Dixon reenacted the life and times of the Underground Railroad's most recognizable conductor, Harriet Tubman in an emotional one woman show. 

We also had visits from some wonderful African-American writers such as Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Ms. Wyet h has written a number of award w inning books for children and young adults, including:  “A Piece of Heaven”, “Once on T his River” and the Children’s Book Council Notable Book – “Something Beautiful.”  Other authors included, Cynthia ‘Lady Rose’ Roberson, also known as “The Singing Librarian” and writer of "RITTA" book series. This singer/songwriter is also a native of Newark, NJ and an Educational Media Specialist for Newark Public Schools. Last but not least we also had Teresha Rue -Hughes,  the author of t he beautifully illustrated “Sungi Bear” series.

The event ended slightly early due to an incoming snowstorm, but we had a amazing time learning from our special guests. Below we have links to all of the participating author’s books as well as pictures from the event. We still have free African-American literature we are giving away at the museum, so please stop by on a Saturday when time permits. Thanks to all who were involved. 

Christine Dixon

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harriet-Tubman-Herself/118434971530060

 Cynthia ‘Lady Rose’ Roberson

http://www.rittabook.com/index.php

Sharon Dennis Wyeth

http://www.sharondenniswyeth.com/

Teresha Rue-Hughes

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000933473/Where-is-Sungi-Bear.aspx

Jersey Explorer Children's Museum Christmas Extravaganza

It was the JECM version of a star studded spectacular - featuring Queen Elsa from the movie Frozen and Santa Clause himself all the way from the North Pole. The official December 13th, Christmas Extravaganza! Local social clubs such as the motorcycle riders of BlocBurnaz and the wonderful women of Benevolent Beautiez were on hand to raffle off gifts. The East Orange Fire Department was also in attendance to show their support. There were free books courtesy of our partners at Bridge Of Books. In addition, we had an abundance of donations from the United Way and other charities.  

Of course the community of East Orange and surrounding areas of Essex County were present for this cheerful event.We had a packed house! Our visitors had a warm safe haven and full access to the JECM exhibits. Our dependable trustee board at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum always go above and beyond their means to make sure we are presented in a positive light. Yes it was a Saturday to remember, as the museum was filled with colorful painted snow penguins, bright blinking Christmas lights, holiday music tunes and a digital snowfall on the ceiling of the main hall. We appreciate all the attendees and volunteers who helped make our Christmas Extravaganza a magical unforgettable experience. 

Looking forward to next year! Check out the pictures below.

 

NJ Youth Corps & New Jersey Institute of Technology "Please Judge Me" Screening

On December 4th 2014, NJ Youth Corps Crew Leader, Doug Bailey attended the Capstone Showcase at NJIT in Newark, NJ. NJ Youth Corps formed a partnership with the Capstone Program which allowed them to work with emerging NJIT graduates on a number of versatile projects. The Capstone students Sam, Alyssa and Ramesh created a short film project titled "Please Judge Me", which focused on stereotypes and how misjudging people can create barriers that inhibit us all in progressing forward. The film itself focused on a teacher who incorrectly labeled a student based on her style of clothing and not her intelligence. He learned a valuable lesson in the end!

The short film was displayed on a 50 inch flatscreen for students and judges alike to view. The Capstone students created a document to show the different stages of pre planning and development that was worked on to complete the project in full. It was certainly an engrossing experience for our Youth Corps students, as they were engaged from the acting, all the way to learning about the post editing procedures. We look forward to our continued alliance with NJIT and the Capstone  Program.