JJC Residents Participate in "Women's Build Program"
Building Homes with Habitat for Humanity

TRENTON - Six female juvenile residents of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's Valentine and DOVES (Developing Opportunities and Values through Education and Substance Abuse Treatment) Residential Community Homes are assisting Habitat for Humanity through its Women's Build Program to construct and renovation houses in East Trenton.

Residents are currently renovating a building on Hart Street that will be become a home for a community member who otherwise would not be able to afford to purchase a home. The young ladies have received instruction in painting, drilling, laying tile, and installing siding, among other techniques.

"The JJC has implemented a 'Good Neighbor Initiative' that allows our juvenile residents to give back to society and help them understand that they are part of a larger community," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director. "While this project has particular meaning during the holiday season, the JJC looks forward to continuing this relationship year round in order to brighten the lives of people, particularly children in our community."

"Habitat welcomes the volunteer contributions of these juvenile residents whose work will help our partner families build decent, affordable housing that will be beneficial to the entire East Trenton community," according to Peter Madison, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Trenton Area. "It is particularly important for young people to realize that there are people who are concerned about others and want to help them help themselves."

"Our young ladies' involvement in the Habitat for Humanity project contributes to their positive life experiences and gives them the opportunity to gain valuable employment skills that will be long lasting," said Superintendent Tamiko Smith, Valentine Residential Community Home.

"What started as an educational class in measurement has mushroomed into a hands-on vocational project that the young ladies not only enjoy, but also help them achieve a sense of accomplishment," said Superintendent Clara Hart, DOVES Residential Community Home."

The JJC operates 16 residential community centers throughout the state which typically deal with lower level offenders or those juveniles preparing to return to their communities at the completion of their sentences. Juveniles are supervised by trained staff at all times. Juveniles who commit more violent crimes are sentenced to JJC secure institutions and are not eligible to participate in this program. The Valentine and DOVES Residential Community Homes are located in Bordentown. Each serves 12 female juvenile residents.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Habitat has built more than 150,000 houses around the world, providing more than 750,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.

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