JJC donates hand-made preemie hats and booties
- Delivery to Capital Health Systems Mercer Campus' Neonatal Unit -

TRENTON - On Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) and JJC staff members will deliver 25 sets of preemie hats and booties to the Neonatal Unit at Capital Health Systems/Mercer Campus on Bellview Avenue. The residents of the JJC's Juvenile Female Secure Care (JFSC) Facility crocheted the hats and booties.

One component of the JFSC education program is a crafts component. Fifty percent of the residents in the facility are involved in these classes. Crocheting is one of the skills taught which helps to develop patience, creativity and fine motor skills. One of the class' projects is to make preemie hats and booties to be donated to the Neonatal Unit.

These young women have made mistakes in the past. This program allows them to give back to their community and feel good about themselves," said Executive Director Howard L. Beyer. "The residents know that they are making a difference. They are happy to know they are bringing something so personal to these babies. Each hat and each set of booties is unique, just like the girl who made them and the baby who will wear them.

This is part of an ongoing partnership between the JJC and the Capital Health Systems. This is the second delivery that the JJC has made to Capital Health Systems. The first delivery took place January 27, 2003 and consisted of another set of 25 hats and booties.

Photographers are encouraged to attend. Please ask for Don MacNeill at front desk.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com