Banding Together to Address Aging Out of Foster Care, Homelessness and Negative Mental Health

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Sleep Out: Montclair 2022 Community Edition

The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. is creatively reacting to the new normal by joining together with Covenant House New Jersey for the third year in a row. For a second year this discussion on Homelessness, Aging Out of Foster Care and Mental Health issues was produced by Gregory Burrus Productions with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc.  The Sleep Out Montclair 2022 Community Edition will be held this year on March 4th, 2022.  This ongoing commitment by the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. is sorely needed because Covenant House has been finding homeless youth sleeping under bridges, abandoned buildings, or riding the trains. And as you can imagine in our new normal, the Pandemic has only made the situation worse.

Voices of Youth Count

This need for support and resolution of this issue was emphasized in this nationwide report, the Voices of Youth Count (VoYC) initiative:

“Voices of Youth Count is an innovative, national policy research initiative designed to link evidence and action by capturing the experiences of runaway, unaccompanied homeless and unstably housed youth, more clearly defining the size of the population and scope of the issue, and driving compelling knowledge into the hands of the broad national community dedicated to ending youth homelessness.”

This groundbreaking report on youth homelessness in the United States by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago was conducted over the course of a full year rather than a single night, making it the most comprehensive research to date on youth homelessness in the U.S. Here’s some of the facts:

• More than 3.5 million young adults ages 18 to 25 experience a form of homelessness in the course of a year — that’s 1 of every 10 young adults.

• At least 700,000 adolescent minors ages 13 to 17 experience a form of homelessness in the course of a year — that’s 1 of every 30 adolescent minors.

• In total, at least 4.2 million young people experience a form of homelessness in a given year, from couch surfing to living on the streets.

• Youth homelessness affects urban and rural youth at similar levels.

You can read more about this situation here: https://voicesofyouthcount.org.

New Jersey Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless Report

Thinking of your own children, friends and neighbors, these are some very scary numbers because they reflect some very real people. Looking at the New Jersey 2020 Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless along with the 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report revealed this information: 

• There are 9,663 homeless men, women, and children across the state of New Jersey.

• There were 1,743 persons, in 1,601 households, who were identified as chronically homeless.

• There were 1,786 persons who were unsheltered.

Discussion on Homelessness, Aging Out of Foster Care and Mental Health 

Making it real and bringing it all the way home is the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. (JLMN), The Mental Health Association in New Jersey and Covenant House New Jersey. Together they have come together in this very important talk to bring additional awareness to Youth Homelessness, Aging Out of Foster Care and associated Mental Health Issues right here in New Jersey. Click to listen: 

As you can hear, the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. have shown they are committed again to helping address this situation by participating in this year’s Sleep Out fundraiser. For the 2nd year in a row, the COVID-19 pandemic has required us all to get creative and alter our plans to meet this very necessary fundraising campaign.  

SLEEP OUT — JOIN THE MOVEMENT March 4th 

We hope you listen to the video, understand the need and Sleep Outside for one night so New Jersey youth facing homelessness don’t have to. Please listen to the discussion, understand the need and, if you can, join us. Learn more here and here: https://bit.ly/SleepOutwithHC 

About the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. (JLMN) 

According to the JLMN website:

“The JLMN is a supportive, amazing organization of women whose mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through trained volunteers […] We are actively involved in supporting Foster Care initiatives and Human Trafficking legislation because we understand that our future depends on the flourishing of our communities’ children. “

JLMN is creating better communities for a better future.

“The JLMN strives to promote the safety and well-being of the children in the Montclair-Newark area.”

Learn more about the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. and their current programs here: www.jlmn.org. 

About Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) 

According to the Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) website:

“Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) provides sanctuary and support for youth ages 18-21 facing homelessness or human trafficking. We have seven locations across the state: Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City, Camden, and Asbury Park, and specialized care in Montclair and Elizabeth. Across New Jersey, we are the New Jersey Human Traffic Provider of services to all Human Trafficking survivors and victims.  At CHNJ’s Montclair-based program, Nancy’s House, young people with special mental health needs who are facing homelessness can get the attention they require.  We serve about 4,585 youth annually, and all our services are free.”

For more information about the Sleep Out, visit https://bit.ly/SleepOutwithHC.

About the Writer Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a Passionate Community Advocate, Reporter, and Writer about local events In and Around Northern NJ, showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest. 

My mission is to help community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying life every day.

Keeping Jazz Alive - Richard Pierson Life Story Band at DLV Lounge in Montclair, NJ

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, January 24, 2022

“Let's support and embrace it and the sounds that come from this corner of OUR UNIVERSE.”   
— Richard Pierson

In this corner of the universe is an establishment where the musicians and the owner have teamed up to fight the good fight of keeping jazz alive in Montclair, New Jersey. It's a team effort where the owner George, the drummer Richard Pierson and his very supportive group of fellow musicians are fighting the good fight every week by producing awesome, engaging jazz performances at this very local neighborhood spot called DLV Lounge.

DLV Lounge 

DLV Lounge, 300 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ. Contact: 973-783-6988 after 6 pm.

According to their Facebook page:

“Established in 1972, the DLV Lounge in Montclair, NJ is a warm, friendly, family-owned neighborhood bar & lounge, with great live entertainment Thursday through Saturday. ‘DLV’ stands for Dutch/Louise/Valerie. Owned and operated by George.”

Intimate, Warm, and Friendly 

As soon as you step inside the doorway of this intimate cozy bar, you will most likely be greeted by the DLV owner George and a few regular patrons. As you settle into your seat, you will then discover an unpretentious place where the drinks are affordable and it has a friendly laid back environment and a relaxed atmosphere where almost everyone knows everybody.  

When I was there, I actually met folks at the bar who stated they were just out for the night and were looking for something to do. As they were passing by they saw the sign in the window that said “Jazz” and they said “Oh Yeah!”  Well, it’s all about the Jazz, and in doing some research I found this revealing 2015 quote by Richard Pierson in an article written by percussionist Bruce Tyler in the Montclair Dispatch titled “Montclair’s Hidden Gem is the DLV Lounge”:

“The DLV is a cultural icon or fast becoming one,” said Pierson. “We have people from all walks of life coming here. I feel like I am in Harlem when I’m here. It’s the best feeling in the world to have people come and know what they are listening to. It’s beautiful!”

Richard Pierson and friends at the DLV Lounge — July 23, 2015

Fast forward to today and you can see Richard is still committed to the cause of keeping Jazz alive at DLV.  Hence, we can say thanks to Richard and a lot of local performing musicians. DLV is definitely a cultural icon in the neighborhood.  

Richard Pierson Life Story House Band

When interviewing Richard, you can hear the energy and love for his Life Story program. He describes the program as:

“Music that brings renowned guest artists from all over to the town of Montclair. Jazz On the Avenue is to become an influential cultural phenomenon in the community. Live Music Experience, Great Drinks, Warm Vibe, complimentary Snacks & CD's, while it lasts = Fun Times @ The DLV Lounge! “

JAZZ ON THE AVENUE with Richard Pierson Life Story Band, featuring the Fabulous Vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson and the Super Dapper, Super Cool Rich Acciavatti.  

The Band

Richard Pierson — Bandleader, Drummer

Richard Pierson is a seasoned, professional drummer who has performed all over the US and has created music with many well-known, heavy hitter musicians young and old. Accomplishments include arranging and producing recording projects, and he is in the process of finishing a current CD. 

I asked Richard how it all works on any given night with the Richard Pierson Life Story Band and the invited musicians. He explained that he has extensive connections from his on-the-road days which helps a lot in securing performers. Add to that, many musicians touch bass with him all the time. However, he makes sure everyone gets a chance to play. He tends to focus on a monthly theme. Last month was saxophone and this month is focused on guitar players. 

Jacqueline Harmon Johnson — Vocalist

Jacqueline Harmon Johnson is originally from Newark and now resides in East Orange, NJ. She started singing while attending college. A tireless advocate for jazz, Jacqueline’s desire to sing jazz and blues is deeply rooted in her belief that exposure to jazz will help educate the younger generation. She has performed in numerous venues around the tri-state area, so you should check her out to experience a bluesy, soulful, sultry, and engaging performance. I should also state that she is the force behind Fly Balloon Designs and has mastered the technique of using balloons to make venues look fabulous by creating balloon designs for any situation or environment. 

Rich Acciavatti — Bass

Rich Acciavatti is a versatile NY Metro bassist, vocalist, and composer/arranger who has been playing over 50 years and worked with many artists over the years including Edgar Winter, Gap Mangione, Julie London, Candido, Steve Kuhn, Al Pierson (Guy Lombardo Orchestra), Jimmy Randolph, Bill Connors, and The Marvelettes. Rich has recorded numerous jingle dates, film scores, and “library” music for Don Sebesky, Teo Macero, and Tony Bongiovi. Aside from his love for playing jazz, Rich also is enthusiastic about world music and American music from the mid-19th century to the present. Come see Rich, he is one of the coolest bass players around.

Invited Musicians 

All this means that you, the audience, will enjoy performances from the professional Jacqueline Harmon Johnson or a young up-and-coming vocalist like Avery Joi. Folks will enjoy seasoned bassist Rich Acciavatti along with the invited heavy hitters such as Dave Braham, Nat Janoff, Bill Saxon, Gene Ghee, Houston Person, King James Gibbs III, Charlie Sigler, Radam Schwartz, James Stewart and many others in between. 

Richard knows them all, going way back. All to say, what could be better than a cool cozy environment for listening to some truly special jazz all surrounded by some very nice folks. 

So What’s Next? You Can Support The Cause

In Segment 3 of Keeping Jazz Alive, we highlighted a venue, a bandleader, and a group of supportive musicians that have been helping out on the scene for a very long time. We hope you enjoyed it, and here's the plan and we hope you can help:

Performances 

Richard said there might be a Montclair Internet Radio Broadcast in the future. He will be seeking support from the Jazz Foundation of America.

Events. Come on out and join in.

Weekly Thursday Nights Sessions. Follow Richard to keep up to date: https://www.facebook.com/richarx.pierson  

Donate  

When you show up, find the tip bucket. If you don't see one, ask for it.

Final Thoughts

Finally, I urge you to explore the venue listed above, click the links, and don't hesitate to call and support live music.  And please make some time in your schedule to visit DLV this year. Say hi to everybody, and don't forget to let me know how your visit went. Tag me or message me directly via text or FB msg and, of course, enjoy the live jazz entertainment. 

About the Writer — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus books bands and produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various community and private activities.

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.  

Learn more at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.com and gregoryburrusproductions.com.

Get Featured

So these are some pretty cool places, with awesome support groups and, more importantly, supportive venue owners, hoping and helping to keep the Jazz Alive for a long, long time. If you want your favorite Jazz venue listed, let me know at gregoryburrusproductions.com/contact and I'll get you in on the next scheduled post.

Artists Creatively Using Art and Stories to Shine a Light On Domestic Violence (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Trinity Presbyterian Church of Montclair recently presented a virtual art exhibit called “Behind Closed Doors Part 2: Reflections of Domestic Violence.” This project was curated by Deacon Cathleen McCoy Bristol and a huge thanks goes out to her for bringing everyone together. Raising awareness on domestic violence is always a touchy subject even amongst friends and family, so shining a light on a subject that occurs behind closed doors is very much needed in today’s society. 

By shining a light on the subject of domestic violence, the goal is to help those in these situations, and others, recognize the signs of abuse, how to respond respectfully, and identify a few resources to use. An individual's safety should be everyone’s number one priority and this project is about moving folks to action and then moving the survivors on a path from crisis to safety, to stability and then into self-sufficiency.  

What I loved about this “Behind Closed Doors” exhibit on Domestic Violence is that these artists expressed great creativity in the various ways they use their art as tools to mentally and physically help those who may currently be under the oppression of an abuser. 

The exhibiting artists include: Trinity Member Simone Bailey Campbell, Anne Dushanko Dobek, Nette Forne Thomas, Mansa K. Mussa, and Ron EA Powell.  Finally, an insightful Clinical presentation was also given by Kathlyn Battle, MSW, LCSW.

Everyone deserves healthy relationships and each artist displayed their art and related their story and described their art and how it related to the various stages of Domestic Violence. We opened with the project supporters and sponsors committed to helping solve the problems of domestic violence. 

Rev. Dr. Anita Wright, Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church provided the Welcome Message.

Pastor Wright can be reached at Trinity Presbyterian Church or at pastor-trinitymtc@Comcast.net.   

Family Support Organization of Essex County provided the Greeting. Their mission is to provide peer support, education and advocacy for parents at all stages so that children and families can thrive. www.fsoec.org.

The artists came together one morning under the direction of the event curator Cathleen McCoy Bristol, an artist herself, and volunteered their time for this very important subject. 

Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Curator, introduces Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors artists

The Artists, Their Art, Their Story

As you will see when they relate the story of their art, you will also see that they are very committed to helping those in need. 

Simone Bailey Campbell, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors 

sim@screamingblustudio.com, www.simonebaileycampbell.com

Anne Dushanko Dobek, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors 

adobek@aol.com, www.dushankodobek.com

Nette Forne, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors

arthomasn@verizon.net, www.nettefornethomas.com

Mansa K. Mussa, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors

photomansa@gmail.com, 973-669-4729, www.mansamussa.com

Ron E.A. Powell, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors

https://www.instagram.com/reap13art/

Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Artist. Domestic Violence Behind Closed Doors 

cathy.mccoy.bristol@gmail.com, https://cathymccoybristol.webstarts.com/

Kathlyn Battle, MSW, LCSW

Katbattle@comcast.net

View and share with all  

Since  you never know what goes on Behind Closed Doors, please share this all inclusive, important and powerful artist exhibition. This video contains all the stories of “Behind Closed Doors: Domestic Violence Project Part 2”:

A Big Thank you to Curator Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Trinity Presbyterian Church Montclair, Deacon Deidra McLaughlin and the Sponsor, The Family Support Organization of Essex County, NJ.  

Please recognize the symbol for help. 

This is a very serious subject and I am very sad this occurs, however I was glad that Gregory Burrus Productions Videography was instrumental in helping get the word out through Art and Story. Remember to help those who need your help.

About the Writer, Gregory Burrus 

Gregory Burrus is a Passionate Community Advocate, Live Music Producer, Reporter, and Writer about local events and happenings In and Around Essex County, NJ. Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest.

My mission is to help people, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day to day process of life. Learn more at http://gregoryburrusproductions.com 

RECAP: Juneteenth Celebrations Plus More Produced and Curated by Gregory Burrus Productions

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021

In producing and promoting live music for Saturday, June 19th this year, there were street closings, art gallery receptions and, of course, the newly mandated holiday for Juneteenth. For many parts of this weekend, it turned into a Holiday Celebration. 

Juneteenth is Now a Federal Holiday

This past week, establishing a new federal holiday — effective immediately — caused some scrambling at courts, government agencies and businesses. As it was literally signed into law days before June 19th, 2021 to be a Federal Holiday, many did not know what it meant or that it was a holiday (see “Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, as Biden signs bill”). 

US President Joe Biden laughs with Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress as he signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 17, 2021 [Carlos Barria/Reuters]

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Now, it's a federal holiday (read more here: “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth”, New York Times). The move comes after growing support nationwide for observing the day of celebration and reflection. 

Local Celebrations of Live Music and More

For many of us, we celebrated by reflecting on the greatness of the day and celebrating, but not forgetting some of the recent injustices that still occur today. And for most people, they reflected back on years of struggle, from Angela Davis, Huey Newton and the Black Panthers. The creativity of all types of celebrations helps bring awareness to all that has and is happening. Here’s a look around my town.

Recap: Photography and Art

East Orange: Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot

The Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot held in East Orange, New Jersey!! Happy Juneteenth!! Photographer: @theseredmoments; Production: @talent.sunsetmodels

West Orange Arts Council — BLM Exhibit 

BLM Exhibit curated by Maria Estrella and Carol Jenkins.

Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, have a personal connection to a new exhibit in West Orange. For Estrela, she said:

"I purposely utilize my skills to help Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) artists, who are underrepresented in the arts scene […] I feel it's important to raise awareness of the issues faced in their own communities including racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice."

Read more of what they said and all about the exhibit, here:  “For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning”

RECAP: Live Music Bands Around the Towns 

Live Music Summary 

Here’s a quick recap of the June 19th live music weekend festivities.

Victor Jones Trio

We started off in Spiotta Park with world renown drummer Victor Jones with the Victor Jones Trio featuring Robera Piket & Shin Sakeino. The event was produced in association with the South Orange Village Center Alliance. The trio was just amazing to listen to and — an added bonus — it became a mini drummer reunion as drummers rule when Tim Horner, Tommy Campbell, Dorian McGee and many other Victor Jones friends from long ago came out to catch up and enjoy the music.  

Destiny Autumn — Music History

Another highlight was Destiny Autumn Tucker who came out and sang beautifully a song with Victor Jones. Then, Destiny Autumn educated us for the Juneteenth Celebration. She walked us through the history of Black Music and demonstrated various methods of communicating and clapping with us. We all enjoyed it tremendously.

Drum Circle

Drum Circle by Alison V. Brown and Friends for Juneteenth Celebration in Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ .

Aliison Brown orchestrated one awesome and very well attended Drum Circle with Yahya Kamate and Richard Reiter. As one drum master stated, “This was great, we didn't have to pull people out to play, folks just kept coming and participating."  Yes! The roar of the drums was intoxicating. We have to do it again.  

Cafe Word Bookstore 

Cafe Word Bookstore reported a wonderful celebration with Nia and Steve and Dance Master Susan Pope.

Harmonic Convergence Band

Shout out the Harmonic Convergence band. We tried to go on with another Summer Saturday live music event featuring Harmonic Convergence at the Grid Iron Waffle Stage, but the rain won out. This event will be rescheduled.

Lynette Sheard Entertainment

Lynette Sheard Trio with Brandon McCune and Marshall McDonald. BLM Art Exhibition in Juneteenth Celebration at the West Orange Arts Council located in West Orange, NJ.

Food, Brews & Jazz with Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet 

Food Brews and Jazz with Chef Jesse Jones and Jacque Harmon Quartet, with Rich Acciavatti, Gary Mancinelli, Richard Pierson, Ben Frank and vocalist Jacque Harmon Johnson in a Juneteenth Celebration at the Montclair Brewery in Montclair, NJ.

Food for the Soul, Tasteful Brews & Swinging Jazz at the Montclair Brewery with Chef Jesse Live - POW!!  What better way to celebrate Junteenth than enjoying Chef Jesse's modern approach to southern cuisine and his delicious delectable cooking. While sampling these soulful delights, folks explored some fabulous Brews of the Black Owned Montclair Brewery and of course listened to the original American music art form - jazz from the great American SongBook performed by the Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet. Food, Brews and Jazz. A great way to spend an evening.

ZooS Band

ZooS Band with BJ Hermann, Pegaso Cris, Peter McClard at the Eastman Street Summertime Street Closing in Cranford, NJ. Produced by the Downtown Cranford Organization.

South Orange Juneteenth Celebration

We outlasted the rain with poetry, spoken word and, of course, live music — all Emceed by South Orange Trustee Bobby Brown. It was very nice to see our younger folks keeping the cause and flame alive for true freedom.

Tonia Ray All Stars

Tonia Ray All Stars with Nicole Inocent, Norman Stevenson, Kenny Robinson performed at the Juneteenth Celebration on Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ.  Listen to a taste: 

MPACK Band 

MPACK Band with Clarence Conover, Patricia Walton, Glenn Merrit, Brett Calder, Kev Nazt Moore and Larry Greenberg performed at the South Orange Juneteenth Celebration at Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ.

It was  great to see, hear and enjoy the night's live music performances under the musical direction of Clarence Conover.  It was just fabulous as folks were dancing, jumping, singing and the camaraderie amongst everyone was just fantastic.  

The Fireworks in Flood’s Hill

The fireworks were a very, very cool unexpected touch, and they played out over the music, which was truly spectacular. It actually moved some folks in very touching ways. 

About the Artists

You can learn more about the artists who performed here: Celebrate Juneteenth with Us and Live Music Events In and Around South Orange, NJ .

Since my mission is supporting and exposing the talents of these artists, we hope you take the time to check them out and support them when you can. 

The events were produced in conjunction with:

• South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange NJ.

• Gregory Burrus Productions

• Township of South Orange Village, South Orange NJ.

• West Orange Arts Council, West Orange NJ

• Montclair Brewery, Montclair NJ

• Downtown Cranford, Cranford NJ

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus Productions was extremely happy to capture the day and also provide live music at various towns and venues around North Jersey. 

Gregory Burrus is a Photojournalist, Live Music Ambassador, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. He is a supporter of local businesses and community events, with a passion for live music. Gregory reviews and writes about local live music programs while booking, promoting and curating many regional live music events around the greater New York/New Jersey area. Having fun, living life, while helping others. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

Extremely Successful Fundraiser Hosted by the Junior League of Montclair-Newark During Pandemic​

​​By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, March 5, 2021

Creativity as Described by Psychology Today

“Creativity encompasses the ability to discover new and original ideas, connections, and solutions to problems. It’s a part of our drive as humans—fostering resilience, sparking joy, and providing opportunities for self-actualization.  An act of creativity can be grand and inspiring, such as crafting a beautiful painting or designing an innovative company. But an idea need not be artistic or world-changing to count as creative. Life requires daily acts of ingenuity and novel workarounds; in this sense, almost everyone possesses some amount of creativity.”

I love this description by Psychology Today because whether you are a musician, an artist, homeless, a working adult or a young mom, you never know where or when homelessness may hit.  Some of us are fortunate and it never hits. For others it came at the most unexpected place or time.  The Coronavirus pandemic that has been with us for almost a year now came out of nowhere and boom, it hit each and everyone one of us across all industries and lifestyles.  

Coronavirus Is Fostering Creativity

Covenant House NJ

Services out there like Covenant House NJ provide shelter, food, immediate crisis care, and an array of other services to homeless and runaway youth.  I had written earlier about the annual Sleep Out Fundraiser— Junior League of Montclair-Newark Host Homeless 2021 Sleep Out: Montclair Community Edition where I described the effort to keep what is usually a physical Sleep-OUT event going.  This event is important because Covenant House NJ teams up with many groups to help raise funds and hence depends on some very creative people to keep the mission alive.  

However, like life, the Coronavirus does not equally affect all of us the same, of course.  It hits ​some groups harder like ​the Gig workers, the single moms living paycheck to paycheck, the many who lost their jobs and found themselves on the street and, of course, the already homeless.  Many folks threw up their hands, stayed home, hid out and said, “I'll just wait out the Pandemic.” Others figured out what to do in the new normal.

Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc.

One very enterprising, very focused creative group is the Jersey League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. led by their President Heather E LeClair. Well, I am extremely happy to provide an update on the activities and results of this extremely powerful effort that has led to a very successful fundraising effort. Fundraising outreach efforts included getting the word out, and the JLMN was very proactive in using their social channels, along with news sites, press release announcements and, of course, audio and visual mediums.  

Mental Health Association in New Jersey

The JLMN performed many activities, and one effort was the when Lynette Sheard, Director of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, interviewed President Heather LeClair on the Sleep Out event, and we shared the results all around our towns for wider exposure. The fundraiser was successful, but the message of helping the homeless does not stop, and the message delivered still applies and lives on.  Listen to the energy, creativity and zeal behind the President of the Junior League and her passion in making this event a huge success to help those less fortunate.

Connecting the Dots Between Homelessness and the Young People in Our Communities​

In 31 cities across six countries, Covenant House builds bridges to hope for young people facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking, meeting their immediate needs for food, clothing, protection, and medical care, and supporting them to advance their goals of education and employment.

Mental Health Association in NJ Discusses Mental Health Amidst a Pandemic for the Homeless and those in Foster Care

Can You Imagine How It Feels Mentally As A Homeless Youth? SleepOut Montclair from Gregory Burrus on Vimeo.

Homeless youth and adolescents are at increased risk of a number of mood, behavioral, and mental health disorders. A study published in August 2019 by the Homelessness Policy Research Institute at the University of Southern California (USC) indicates that homeless youth and adolescents are at increased risk of developing several types of psychiatric disorders and/or risky behaviors. There is no expert consensus on whether the presence of mental health disorders is the result or cause of homelessness.

Why and What Is A Virtual Sleep Out?

What is a Sleep Out? Sleep Outs are events that help Covenant House raise awareness about the problem of youth homelessness while raising critical funds needed to continue caring for the more than 3,000 homeless kids that come to Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) each year in crisis.

Why Today's Situation Affects Our Youth's Mental Health​​

Evidence suggests that youth experiencing homelessness exhibit disproportionately high rates of mental health conditions as compared to their housed peers, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, suicidal contemplation, substance use, dissociative behavior, and conduct disorder (National Health Care).

What Is Covenant House NJ Nancy’s Place?

Located in Montclair, Nancy's Place provides single bedrooms for 8 young people, 24-hour support and supervision and individualized mental health treatment. Youth create a wellness plan addressing their physical, emotional, educational, employment, and spiritual goals.

What Does “Aging Out of Foster Care” Mean?

When a child in foster care turns 18, or when they graduate from high school, whichever comes first, they are usually deemed to have aged out of foster care. This means that they are no longer in the foster care system and are now solely responsible for their well-being.

How Does Someone in Need Learn about Covenant House Services?

Outreach programs consist of ads, social media and good old fashioned footwork to find and help the homeless youth sleeping under bridges, in parks, and more.

​You can listen to the entire interview ​by clicking this link.

Well, Success is Measured in The Results​ 

​As stated, Covenant House NJ requires physical and financial resources to help the homeless, those in foster care, and rely on individuals and groups to help them keep the mission of service alive and moving forward. ​Heather enlisted all of her resources, met with Covenant House NJ , talked with friends and family, and the Junior League of Montclair-Newark made it happen by raising over $100,000.

​Congratulations to The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. and all the members' truly outstanding job done.  ​

About the Writer, Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a Passionate Community Advocate, Reporter, and Writer about local events In and Around South Orange, NJ.​ ​Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest, my mission is to help my customers which are community groups, liv​​e music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day to day process of life.​ Learn more at http://gregoryburrusproductions.com​.

Junior League Montclair-Newark Host Homeless 2021 Sleep Out: Montclair Community Edition

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2021

When it comes to creativity and committing to the cause, some groups like The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc.​​ are adapting to the times and are back again for a second year to join the Covenant House Sleep Out: Montclair Community Edition on February 26, 2021. Over the years, Covenant House has found homeless sleeping under bridges, abandoned buildings, or riding the trains. Some try to stay with people they have met, often at a cost that no one should pay. As a society we have lost kids to human trafficking, substance abuse, gangs, jail, and even death. 

Covenant House, New Jersey’s mission is to provide comprehensive residential care and related services to help New Jersey’s youth who have suffered from abuse, neglect, abandonment, homelessness and human trafficking. And now the world is moving through the COVID-19 pandemic along with experiencing a national recession, which clearly means these economic conditions will further drive increases in homelessness.  Since 2016, Homelessness has been increasing and the “Homelessness in 2021: Five Factors to Watch” report predicts that homelessness is on the rise among two distinct age groups, the very old and the relatively young. With 4.2 million kids facing homelessness in America every night and here in New Jersey there are about 3,000 kids that do not have a home, this situation still needs to be addressed.

Enter the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc.​​ (JLMN) who have shown they are committed again to helping address this situation by participating in this year’s Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc​​ (JLMN) Sleep Out fundraiser. And of course the COVID-19 pandemic has required us all to get creative and alter our plans to meet this very necessary fundraising campaign.  

Normally held outdoors in a town parking lot, in the cold with other sleepers, this year's 2021 Sleep Out event is being adapted to our times. To ensure everyone's safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been decided to host this Sleep Out as a virtual event. For you to participate, a link will be sent out for you to join us live for an engaging program via your computer or smartphone. Then you will sleep inside your home, backyard, or porch! Folks can still fundraise, join a team and donate and still show their commitment to the cause. 

Clearly, the need to fund targeted strategies that reduce homelessness are still needed, and this annual fundraiser this year has the ambitious goal of surpassing last year's amount and is reaching $100,000 in 2021. To not have it would be devastating, especially since the proceeds of the last Junior League of Montclair-Newark fundraiser enabled Covenant House, NJ’s homeless youths to start building a life for themselves that is safe, healthy and good.

We hope you understand the need and can join us. Learn more. https://covenanthousenj.org/how-you-can-help/events/sleep-out/sleep-out-montclair. 

About The Junior League of Montclair Newark – The JLMN is a supportive, amazing organization of women whose mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through trained volunteers. We are actively involved in supporting Foster Care initiatives and Human Trafficking legislation because we understand that our future depends on the flourishing of our communities’ children.  JLMN is creating better communities for a better future. The JLMN strives to promote the safety and well-being of the children in the Montclair-Newark area. Lean more at The Junior League of Montclair Newark and you can click here for their current programs: https://www.jlmn.org/.

About Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) – Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) provides sanctuary and support for youth ages 18-21 facing homelessness or human trafficking. We have seven locations across the state: Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City, Camden, and Asbury Park, and specialized care in Montclair and Elizabeth. Across New Jersey, we are the New Jersey Human Traffic Provider of services to all Human Trafficking survivors and victims. At CHNJ’s Montclair-based program, Nancy’s House, young people with special mental health needs who are facing homelessness can get the attention they require.  We serve about 4,585 youth annually, and all our services are free. https://bit.ly/SleepOutwithHC

 About the writer Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a Passionate Community Advocate, Reporter, and Writer about local events In and Around South Orange, NJ. Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest, my mission is to help my customers which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day to day process of life.