Residents of the JJC's Manor Woods RCH assist Greyhound Reunion Picnic

ESTELLE MANOR - Residents of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's (JJC) Manor Woods Residential Community Home will assist the National Greyhound Adoption Foundation at their 7th annual reunion picnic on Sunday, June 13th at the Atlantic County Park in Estelle Manor. Residents will begin setting up for the event at 9:00 a.m., remain throughout the day and help cleanup when the picnic ends at 3:00 p.m.

This annual reunion picnic brings together families that have adopted greyhounds. In addition to lending support services to the event, residents get a first hand view of how these majestic dogs are often mistreated by previous owners, and how important it is to find each a good home. The residents have the opportunity to interact with the dogs and their new families and to witness what wonderful pets these dogs make. Adoption information will also be available at the picnic.

"The Juvenile Justice Commission is pleased to assist with this worthwhile community event as part of our 'Good Neighbor Initiative'", said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, Juvenile Justice Commission. "Community service projects such as this one, not only allow these juveniles to give back to their community, but help them to develop important skills. Communication and team work are just two tools that increase the likelihood that these youth will lead productive lives when they return home instead of returning to the correctional system."

"The members of the Greyhound Society asked the residents of Manor Woods RCH to help out again this year because they said the boy's were such a welcome addition to the picnic last year", said Guy White, Superintendent, Manor Woods Residential Community Home. "Our residents look forward to this worthwhile event and return with a sense of accomplishment and pride, as well as a sense of respect and affection for these docile and lovable animals."

The Manor Woods residents will help set up tables, unload merchandise, rope off exhibit areas and assist throughout the day with programs distribution and ticket collection. Residents will also help cleanup when the event is over.

The Manor Woods Residential Community Home is located in Mays Landing and can accommodate approximately 24 younger male residents between the ages of 13-16. Residents have been placed with the Juvenile Justice Commission by the family court system. 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.

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