JJC Delivers Handmade Gifts to Womanspace, Inc.

TRENTON - New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) Executive Director Howard L. Beyer and Juvenile Medium Security Facility (JMSF) Superintendent Sheila Thomas today presented Peggy Weimer, Womanspace Residential Manager, with handmade wooded furniture for the clients of Womanspace, Inc.

In October, the two agencies entered into a partnership that allows JJC residents to make useful items in their wood shop to be distributed to clients in the WRAP (Womanspace Residential Awareness Program). The first delivery of handmade items will be given to the women residing in the shelter and their children during the holiday season.

"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 added 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."

"Womanspace is very appreciative of the work the young men at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility are doing for our clients," said Peggy Weimer, Residential Manager. "We are not only impressed with the young men and the work that they want to do, but also with their genuine interest in assisting our clients."

The JJC delivered end tables, wall mounted coat racks, bird houses, children's play tables, blanket chests, toy boxes, book cases and rocking horses among other items.

The JJC operates six secure facilities, including JMSF, in addition to 21 residential and day programs. JMSF has the capacity to serve 118 male residents who have been placed in the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission by the New Jersey Family Court System . The age of the residents range from 14 to 20 with the majority of residents being 16 and 17 years old. JMSF provides rehabilitation services for those juveniles who are unable to reside in a less secure setting. JMSF provides a full educational curriculum including vocational studies under the supervision of skilled instructors. Through these unique programs, students obtain skills that help them succeed in the job market upon their return to their community.

Womanspace, Inc. is a nonprofit agency providing an array of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mercer County, NJ area. Womanspace has both residential and non-residential services and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Womanspace receives funding from the state of New Jersey, Mercer County, United Way of Greater Mercer County, private donations and grants. Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Womanspace has assisted over 22,000 women and 3,600 children who have experienced the tragedy of domestic violence. The agency has trained and educated over 90,000 professionals and community members on the issue of domestic violence and has responded to approximately 107,000 hotline telephone calls.

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