CJR

The 17th annual CJR Invitational golf benefit will be held on Monday, June 18, at the Torrington Country Club. Robert G. Phelan of Canton, Chairman and CEO of the Torrington-based Litchfield Insurance Group, is Chairman of the event, and Gregory S. Oneglia of Litchfield, Vice Chairman of the Torrington-based O&G Industries, is Founding Chairman. The following individuals are Vice Chairmen of this year's benefit:

- John Boyd of Litchfield, Community Involvement

- Bill Dranginis of Litchfield, Golf

- Susan A. Levine of Litchfield, Publicity and Media Production

- Jennifer Parsons of Litchfield and Tina Posila of Wolcott, Prizes

- Susan Sweetman of Litchfield, Volunteers

Celebrity participants for the day include NBC-30 news anchors Gerry Brooks and Brad Drazen, meteorologist Bob Maxon, and chief political correspondent Tom Monahan.

Top sponsors include the New Britain-based American Savings Foundation, which is the Premier Sponsor for the event. Litchfield Insurance Group and Union Savings Bank are Emerald Sponsors. Sanditz Travel Management is sponsoring the Grand Prize, which includes round-trip airfare for two to the Caribbean and a three-night, all-inclusive stay at Hotel Rui Palace Las Americas in Cancun.

Hole-in-One prizes include a BMW automobile, courtesy of Watertown BMW and a Volvo automobile, courtesy of Mitchell Auto Group, with dealerships in the Farmington Valley and Litchfield Hills.

Proceeds from the event will ultimately benefit the more than 1,200 boys and girls who are served by the Junior Republic each year in ten locations throughout Connecticut, including Danbury, East Hartford (2), Litchfield, Meriden, New Britain, Torrington, Waterbury (2) and Winchester. Last year's CJR Invitational netted $75,000, with cumulative funds generated by the event surpassing $1 million in net proceeds.

"This benefit is an important source of funds for CJR and has been sustained through the leadership of a loyal and devoted team of volunteers," said CJR Executive Director, Daniel Rezende. He noted that the loyal support CJR receives from businesses, individuals and foundations has resulted in 16 consecutive and very memorable events since the first CJR golf benefit was held in 1996. "These funds are critical to our ability to provide quality services, and to improve programs and facilities," he said.

According to Mr. Rezende, CJR is now serving more children and families from northwest Connecticut and Litchfield County than ever before. "Our Torrington office alone serves more than 200 boys and girls annually," he said, citing the growing number of boys served by CJR's Litchfield residential and education programs." Mr. Rezende indicated that well over 100 at-risk and special needs students are served annually on CJR's Litchfield campus.

Founding Chairman Gregory Oneglia, who established the CJR Invitational in 1996, expressed confidence that the 2012 event will do well despite the economy. "Our participants know that their involvement helps the Junior Republic provide services for some of Connecticut's most disadvantaged boys, girls and families and that their continued support is very important," he stated. CJR Invitational Chairman Bob Phelan expressed gratitude to the event's loyal volunteers and sponsors. "They are the reason for our success," he said.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve more than 1,200 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut at CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center, which is located on its Litchfield campus. Transition and related services are also provided.

CJR also provides residential care for boys at its group homes in East Hartford and Winchester and short-term, residential crisis intervention for girls at its Center for Assessment, Respite and Enrichment (CARE) in Waterbury. A broad spectrum of prevention, early intervention, family support, and intensive home-based services, and aftercare, are provided for boys and girls through CJR's offices in Danbury, East Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, Torrington and Waterbury (two sites).

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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65TH ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR TO FEATURE LITCHFIELD HOMES

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE CONNECTICUT JUNIOR REPUBLIC

The 65th Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, rain or shine. Conducted by the Litchfield Aid of CJR, an auxiliary volunteer organization established for the sole purpose of supporting the Connecticut Junior Republic, this year's tour will feature five homes of historic and architectural significance. The self-guided tour also includes additional points of interest and begins on the Town's historic Green, which is located in the Borough of Litchfield. Famous for its grand and elegant homes, Litchfield's historic district has been described as "the finest surviving example of a typical late 18th Century New England town," and offers visitors many opportunities for walking, fine dining and shopping in a quintessential New England town.

A Preview Tour will be offered the evening of Friday, July 13, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM, followed by a cocktail reception from 7:00 - 9:30 PM at a private property in Litchfield.

Ticket information for the Preview Tour and Party may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic (860) 567-9423. Advance tickets for the Saturday tour may be obtained for $30.00 by contacting the Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your credit card information, check or money order, made payable to: Litchfield Aid of CJR.

Those using credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) for payment should provide account name, number, security code and expiration date. Discover Card and American Express are NOT accepted. Advance orders are non-refundable and must be received no later than Friday, June 29. Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the Tour at the ticket tent on the Green. Special rates are available for tour groups that reserve a minimum of 20 tickets in advance.

Tickets for the Saturday Tour will be sold on the day of the event for $35.00 each for adults and children on the Litchfield Green. (No charge for infants.)

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, recognized as the first law school in America, will also be included in the admission price of the Tour. The History Museum will feature a new exhibition, The Hour of Conflict. Opening April 14, the The Hour of Conflict will examine the ways in which the American Civil War impacted the residents of Litchfield, Connecticut in the 1860s. The museum will also feature a juried art show sponsored by the Litchfield Visual Arts.

General information about the 65th Annual Open House Tour may be obtained by contacting the Connecticut Junior Republic at (860) 567-9423, between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, or by visiting the Litchfield House Tour website: www.litchfieldct.com/cjr/tour.html.

The Litchfield Aid of CJR, which conducts the Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield, was founded in 1911 and celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The Aid was established by 12 Litchfield women for the sole purpose of supporting the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic and has been holding various events to raise funds for the benefit of CJR since that time. The Aid held its first Open House Day Tour of Litchfield homes in 1934. One of the earliest-known house tours in the United States, the benefit was so successful that it quickly became the organization's emblem event. The Tour has continued since that time although it was not held every year during the 1930's and 1940's. Each year's tour is held on the second Saturday in July and features five homes of architectural and/or historic interest in the Litchfield area. The homes vary from year to year and the same house is never featured more than once every five years. In 1994, a Preview Tour and Party were added, and have been held annually since that time on the Friday preceding the Open House Day Tour.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center which is located on its Litchfield campus. Transition and related services are also provided.

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LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT CJR

Effective March 31, John F. Boyd of Litchfield has retired as Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic. Mr. Boyd's retirement celebration dinner was held at Fairview Farm Golf Course on Thursday, March 29, with 160 guests in attendance. Speakers at the event included State Senator Andrew W. Roraback and State Representative Michelle Cook.

Pictured from left to right at John Boyd's retirement celebration are: Anne J. Fitzgerald of Watertown, President, CJR Board of Directors; Daniel W. Rezende, MSW, LCSW of West Hartford, Executive Director, Connecticut Junior Republic; John F. Boyd, honoree; State Senator Andrew W. Roraback of Goshen, CJR Advisory Council; and State Representative Michelle Cook of Torrington.

Senator Roraback presented Mr. Boyd with a Citation from the Northwest Connecticut Delegation of the General Assembly and Representative Cook presented a Proclamation from Governor Dannel P. Malloy, recognizing Mr. Boyd for his 36 years of service as Director of Programs at CJR (1976 to 1995) and for his past 17 years of service in the position of Executive Director (1995 - 2012).

State Representative Michelle Cook and State Senator Andrew W. Roraback present a Proclamation from Governor Dannel P. Malloy and a Citation from the Northwest Connecticut Delegation of the General Assembly to John F. Boyd (center) who officially retired as Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic on March 31, 2012.

During this time, CJR grew from a program serving approximately 200 teenaged boys in two locations to an organization serving more than 1,200 boys, girls and families in 10 locations throughout Connecticut.

Featured speakers at Mr. Boyd's retirement event also included CJR President Anne J. Fitzgerald of Watertown, Past President F. Robert Petricone, of Litchfield, CJR Vice President Patrick J. Boland of Litchfield, and Tony DelMastro, Chief Executive Officer, The Children's Home of Hamden and Past-President of the Children's League of Connecticut (CLOC). Daniel W. Rezende, who has succeeded Mr. Boyd as CJR Executive Director, also spoke at the event and the Rev. Robert F. Tucker, Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield, provided the invocation.

Mr. Boyd's retirement had been initially announced in June of 2011, by CJR Board President Anne J. Fitzgerald, and confirmed in January when the selection of Daniel W. Rezende, as CJR's new Executive Director was announced.

"The Connecticut Junior Republic has been most fortunate to have someone of John Boyd's caliber at the helm of the organization for the past 17 years," stated Mrs. Fitzgerald. "John's vision, experience and knowledge of current trends in the field, have been invaluable to long range planning and charting courses of action in challenging times," she continued. Mrs. Fitzgerald commended Mr. Boyd for transforming the Junior Republic into a position of leadership within the field of service-providing agencies for children and families.

Mr. Boyd expressed optimism about the Junior Republic's future. "CJR is well-prepared and positioned to continue expanding and strengthening its programs," he said. "We have developed an outstanding team of highly skilled and committed managers and staff to build on CJR's work with children and families," he noted.

"Dan Rezende is recognized as a major force behind the Junior Republic's successful growth and program diversification by CJR's Board of Directors, members of our staff, the community and by representatives from the many agencies we work with," stated Mrs. Fitzgerald. "We believe that he is ideally suited to lead CJR in a time of unprecedented challenge and opportunity," she continued.

Mr. Rezende earned his bachelor's degree in Applied Social Relations from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), he resides in West Hartford with his wife, Wendy, and their daughter.

John Boyd, who will continue to be involved with CJR as a member of the Board of Directors and of the CJR Invitational Golf Planning Committee, is enthusiastic about the Board of Directors' selection of Mr. Rezende as his successor.

"Dan Rezende is highly respected for his ability to bring professionals and the community together to make services work for children, youth and families," he observed. "His dedication, passion and commitment to the mission of the Connecticut Junior Republic are always present," he continued, "and his strength-based approach to working with youth and families and developing talent within the organization will be extremely important as CJR evolves and develops to meet the needs of those it serves," he stated. "I look forward to working with Dan and congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment," said Mr. Boyd.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center which is located on its Litchfield campus. Transition and related services are also provided.

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Connecticut Junior Republic Therapist Recognized

John F. Boyd, Executive Director, recently announced that Alexandra Favale, a member of the Connecticut Junior Republic's Waterbury Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Program in Waterbury, has been recognized by the MST Services' "Whatever It Takes" Program. According to J.E. Boggs, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Operating Officer of MST Services, this recognition is given to individuals within the MST community who have demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service, and go above and beyond in working with the youth and families they serve.

A resident of Waterbury, Mrs. Favale has been a member of the Connecticut Junior Republic's Waterbury MST Program since 2004, and serves youth and families in the Greater Waterbury region. CJR operates additional MST Teams in Danbury and Torrington, serving boys, girls, and families in northern Fairfield and Litchfield counties, respectively. All MST programs conducted by the Connecticut Junior Republic are funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the State of Connecticut's Judicial Branch.

According to Connecticut Junior Republic Director of Programs, Daniel Rezende, this award is given to MST therapists who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their work and to the children and families they serve. Mrs. Favale works on one of two Waterbury MST Teams overseen by Melanie DeMare, LMFT, supervising social worker.

Multi-Systemic Therapy is based on the belief that parental figures are critical to successful outcomes in treating troubled boys and girls. MST delivers treatment in a youth's natural environment (home, school, and community), and is designed to reduce criminal and antisocial behaviors while empowering the family to develop and use proactive parenting skills. All family members living in the home and anyone within the youth's sphere of influence are encouraged to participate.

CJR's MST therapists are skilled social and family workers who have completed extensive training. For a treatment period of three to five months, MST therapists are available to referred families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therapists visit the family home three to five times a week and have ongoing communications with the youth's school. They assist the family in obtaining services in the community and building a social support system. As the family develops links to the school, community resources and social supports, and is able to resolve conflicts independently, MST therapists become less involved. Youth are referred to the Connecticut Junior Republic's MST Teams in the Waterbury, Danbury and Northwestern Connecticut regions by the Courts.

MST Services helps organizations structure a system that ensures that MST will be faithfully carried out since studies have show that straying from the program model translates into poorer results. MST Services oversees more that 500 MST Teams in 34 states in America and in a total of 13 countries. More than 23,000 youth and families are helped by MST annually.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center which is located on its Litchfield campus. Transition and related services are also provided.

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CONNECTICUT JUNIOR REPUBLIC (CJR)

IS REACCREDITED BY COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION (COA)

The Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), according to an announcement made by Anne J. Fitzgerald, President of the Board of Directors. COA is an international, independent, not-for-profit, child and family-service and behavioral healthcare accrediting organization.

"COA accreditation attests that an organization meets the highest national best-practice standards and is providing superior quality programs to the community it serves," said Mrs. Fitzgerald. "From the standpoint of the CJR Board of Directors, this third party, objective endorsement is a testament to CJR's excellent work with at-risk, special needs and troubled boys and girls and their families, and affirms the organization's rigorous adherence to the highest standards of care," she stated.

In 1980, the Connecticut Junior Republic was the first organization in the State of Connecticut to achieve COA accreditation and has been accredited since that time, with re-accreditation required every four years. Prior to 1980, CJR was accredited by the Child Welfare League of America.

Richard Klarberg, President and CEO Council on Accreditation stated, "For more than 35 years, the Connecticut Junior Republic has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the on-going commitment of its board and staff to provide the highest quality services to the vulnerable individuals it serves. We are proud of our long standing relationship with the Connecticut Junior Republic Association and look forward to working together for many years to come."

According to Mr. Klarberg, COA reaccredidation involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization's administrative operation and its service delivering practices. COA assesses the organization against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence-based and outcomes-oriented. In addition, they confirm that services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

CJR Executive Director, John F. Boyd, indicated that the COA re-accreditation process involved an extensive process of self and external examination, as well as a site visit that included CJR's residential and community-based programs in 10 locations throughout Connecticut.

"This is a significant achievement for our organization, particularly given CJR's expansion of programs statewide," noted Mr. Boyd. "COA accreditation is an objective and reliable verification that an organization meets the highest national standards and is effective and professionally sound. In addition," he continued, "it provides assurance to all of our stakeholders that the agency is delivering needed services in the community, conducting its operations successfully, and managing its funds effectively." Mr. Boyd extended particular appreciation to CJR Director of Programs, Daniel Rezende, and Director of Performance and Quality Improvement, Julianne Torrence, who led the accreditation process within the organization.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center which is located on its Litchfield campus. Transition and related services are also provided.

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JUNIOR REPUBLIC RECEIVES $35,000 GRANT FROM ALCOA FOUNDATION

John F. Boyd, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR), announced today that the organization has received a capacity building grant of $35,000 from the Alcoa Foundation, one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S. The grant will be used to develop and to implement a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum for the at-risk and special needs boys served by CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center in Litchfield over a two year period.

Photo credit: Francine Spencer/Connecticut Junior Republic

Yvette Saxer-Perez, manager, human resources, Alcoa Howmet (center), Gina Lestage, human resources specialist, Alcoa Howmet pictured at the Connecticut Junior Republic's Cable Academic and Vocational Educational Center with James Obst, director of education and student services.

The grant project will enable CJR to engage a consultant who has expertise in developing STEM curriculums and to hire an educator to serve as an on-site coordinator. The consultant will provide oversight, guidance and support in the development of the STEM curriculum. The on-site coordinator will serve as the liaison between the consultant and CJR teachers and administrators and will coordinate the practical and ongoing development and integration of the curriculum into CJR's special, vocational and alternative education programs.

According to CJR Director of Education and Student Services, James Obst, the development and integration of the STEM curriculum will also include the creation of assessment tools that are aligned with the Connecticut Frameworks, a revised Common Core of Learning endorsed by the Department of Education, as well as with the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).

Mr. Obst indicated that the STEM consultant will also facilitate four training workshops for CJR teachers and staff, to ensure that technology is integrated into CJR's academic, vocational, enhancement and independent living lessons plans. He noted that the funds provided through the Alcoa Foundation grant will also ensure that CJR students have the opportunity to learn more about ethical issues relating to technology, as well as the responsibilities, privileges and opportunities associated with its use.

"The opportunity to collaborate with an expert in the field is a vital benefit of this project," stated Mr. Obst.

He noted that the implementation of a STEM curriculum is a major part of the goal statement that was created at the time CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center was accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in August of 2010.

"This collaboration will empower our faculty to provide our students with the most effective and productive learning environment, and will also ensure that we are using best practices and in the forefront of national trends to provide at-risk and special needs young people with a competitive education," he continued. "The development of a STEM curriculum will support workforce development programs for students while they are enrolled in our education programs and will help them meet their post-secondary education and employment goals," he explained.

"As the world evolves, so do the skills needed to participate in the economy of tomorrow. To prepare our next-generation workforce for these rapid changes, our schools must engage students in meaningful curriculum that is delivered by well-trained instructors," said Yvette Saxer-Perez, manager, human resources, Alcoa Howmet in Winsted. "This grant will help brighten the future prospects of a sometimes forgotten group of students and strengthen our community's ability to compete in the global marketplace with an expanded pool of technology-savvy workers."

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately US$436 million. Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than US$530 million since 1952. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly US$20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow's leaders through education and learning. The work of Alcoa Foundation is further enhanced by Alcoa's thousands of employee volunteers, who in 2010 gave more than 720,000 service hours. Through the company's signature Month of Service (October) program, Alcoa employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference in our communities. In 2011, a record 54 percent of Alcoans took part in more than 1,200 Month of Service events across 24 countries, reaching more than 890,000 community members, planting 34,000 trees, assisting 360 schools, and supporting 1,800 nonprofit organizations. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, please access www.alcoa.com/foundation.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve approximately 1,200 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location at CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

CJR also provides residential care for boys at its group homes in East Hartford and Winchester and short-term, residential crisis intervention for girls at its Center for Assessment, Respite and Enrichment (CARE), which is located in Waterbury. A broad spectrum of prevention, early intervention, family support, and intensive home-based services, and aftercare, are provided for boys and girls through CJR's offices in Danbury, East Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, Torrington and Waterbury (two sites).

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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CONNECTICUT JUNIOR REPUBLIC RECEIVES $1 MILLION LEGACY

The Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) recently received a $1 million bequest from the Estate of Frederick Sturges, III. A resident of Old Lyme and a longtime friend of the Junior Republic, Mr. Sturges passed away in May of 2009. The first installment of the bequest was made in 2010, and a recently-received disbursement from his estate completes the legacy.

According to CJR Executive Director, John F. Boyd, Mr. Sturges' bequest is one of the three largest gifts ever received by the Junior Republic. As a bequest, this gift is designated by the CJR Board of Directors for the purpose of endowing the organization's programs and services.

"Fred Sturges was a loyal and generous friend to the Connecticut Junior Republic for more than 25 years," said Mr. Boyd. "He made many important gifts to our organization during his lifetime and his annual support helped sustain our organization for many years. This magnificent bequest speaks to the level of interest he had in helping at-risk and troubled children," he noted. "A gift of this size makes a considerable difference to our programs and services and significantly increases the funds in our endowment," stated Mr. Boyd.

He indicated that Mr. Sturges' bequest to the Junior Republic is an example of transformational support from the community. "We are very fortunate to have friends and supporters throughout Connecticut," said Mr. Boyd, also noting that CJR was established through the bequest of Litchfield resident, Mary T. Buel. Miss Buel left her farmhouse, land and $5,000 to create a place to help wayward and troubled children when she passed away in 1900.

Over the years, CJR has received numerous bequests from others who wished to see the organization flourish and continue its work with children, youth and families. As the organization has grown, so has its endowment. "Bequests have played an important part in the development of CJR," stated Mr. Boyd.

The single-largest gift that the Connecticut Junior Republic has received to-date was a bequest of $1.6 million received in 2007 from an anonymous donor. Prior to that time, the largest gift CJR had received was

a legacy of $908,000 through the will of Peter R. Cable.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve approximately 1,200 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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CONNECTICUT JUNIOR REPUBLIC PROVIDES SHELTER AND FOOD FOR

CL& P WORK CREWS ON LITCHFIELD CAMPUS

At the request of Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) agreed to provide shelter and meals for up to 100 utility workers on its Litchfield campus. The utility workers began arriving at the Junior Republic and used CJR facilities through the duration of restoration efforts following the October 29th snowstorm.

According to CJR Executive Director, John F. Boyd, the Junior Republic received an inquiry from CL&P

on Wednesday, November 2, regarding the possible use of the Junior Republic's facilities to house and feed utility workers. The CL&P crew members are currently working around the clock to repair downed power lines and to restore electricity to the approximately 300,000 Connecticut households currently without power.

"Given the critical and extraordinary circumstances associated with this request and the relatively short duration that CL&P will need to use our campus, we wanted to be as helpful as possible," stated

Mr. Boyd. "We felt that cooperating with CL&P in this way was the right thing to do for the community," he continued.

Mr. Boyd noted that the size of CJR's Litchfield campus makes it possible for the organization to house the utility workers apart from its day education and residential programs. "There will be minimal, if any, impact on our programs or the boys we serve here in Litchfield," he said.

CJR Facility Manager, Edward Fischer is coordinating CL&P's use of the Junior Republic's campus. "The staff and residents are very enthusiastic and supportive of any way that the Junior Republic can help the process of restoring electricity to Connecticut communities," he said.

CL&P crews will be eating breakfast in CJR's D'Assern Dining Room early each morning and having dinner there very late every night they are on campus. The Junior Republic will also be providing box lunches for the workers.

CJR's Head Chef, Michael Stango, is looking forward to helping CJR support the CL&P work crews.

"When I was in the United States Navy, I cooked for 140 men in three shifts on a submarine, The U.S.S. San Juan," he said. "I am planning on having a lot of homemade comfort food for the work crews," he reported, "and I have already had several CJR boys volunteer to help us to prepare and serve meals," he continued.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve more than 1,000 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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Litchfield Aid Holds Annual Meeting and Celebrates 100 Years of Service

to Junior Republic by Making Major Gift

The Litchfield Aid of CJR held its annual meeting at the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) on October 5. President Bibby Veerman presented checks totaling more than $56,000 to CJR Executive Director John F. Boyd, representing proceeds from the Aid's 64th Annual Open House Day Tour, as well as funds from the Aid's endowment and contributions from members.

Approximately $52,000 of this contribution will be used to make important improvements to CJR's programs and facilities. Projects to be funded in 2011-12 through the Aid's generous gift include a youth employment program, a mandatory driver's education drug and alcohol program and holiday gifts for students enrolled in CJR's Litchfield residential program; summer camperships for boys residing at CJR's Winchester Group Home and dress clothing for job interviews for students living at the Junior Republic's East Hartford Group Home; furnishings, computers, recreational and cultural field trips and holiday gifts for boys and girls at CJR's new Family Support Centers in Meriden and New Britain; and a culinary arts program and holiday gifts for boys and girls associated with CJR's Danbury Program. The Aid's contribution will also support a culinary arts program on CJR's Litchfield campus for boys and girls associated with its Torrington Program, and a gender-specific program to help girls from CJR's Torrington Program develop a positive self image. Through the Aid's support CJR will also be able to purchase new lobby furniture for its Waterbury Program and a new stove for its girls' residential program, as well as holiday gifts and food baskets for needy families served by its Waterbury programs.

An additional gift of approximately $4,120 was donated for CJR's Alumni Scholarship Fund, which helps former students obtain a college or technical school education after graduating from high school. $200 was also contributed to purchase books for the library in CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center.

Officers for 2011-2012 were announced: Barbara "Bibby" Veerman, President; Kim D'Andrea, First Vice President; Ruthann Olsson, Second Vice President; Julith Sink, Recording Secretary; Martha Green, Corresponding Secretary; Patricia Lee, Treasurer; and Carol Bramley, Assistant Treasurer. Marie Wallace and Barbara White are Members-at-Large. Ruthann Olsson resides in Norfolk; all of the Litchfield Aid's other officers reside in Litchfield.

Saturday, July 14 was announced as the date for the 2012 Open House Day Tour of Litchfield, with the Preview Tour and Party scheduled for Friday, July 13.

Mr. Boyd extended gratitude to Mrs. Veerman and the members of the Aid for their efforts on behalf of the Junior Republic. "The Litchfield Aid and its members continue to be the most stalwart friends to our organization," stated Mr. Boyd. "This year marks 100 years of service to CJR and the boys and girls we serve," he said, referring to the exceptional way the Aid and its members have supported CJR, both financially and as advocates in the community, since 1911.

"The Litchfield Aid's many important contributions over the past 100 years have been invaluable to the Junior Republic, and we are very grateful for this special commitment to CJR and the boys and girls we serve," he noted. Mr. Boyd indicated that funds donated by the Litchfield Aid make a vital difference to CJR's work with young people from communities throughout Connecticut and that the Aid's activities inspire the involvement of others in the community.

"The role that Aid members fulfill as goodwill ambassadors in the community has never been more important to CJR than it is today," stated CJR President Anne J. Fitzgerald. According to Mrs. Fitzgerald, many of the Junior Republic's most committed friends and supporters have been introduced to the organization through their participation in the Litchfield Annual House Tour. Mr. Boyd and Mrs. Fitzgerald expressed particular gratitude to Mrs. Veerman for her leadership over the past year as President of the Aid.

A voluntary organization comprised of approximately 150 active members, the Litchfield Aid was established in 1911, just seven years after the founding of the Connecticut Junior Republic, for the sole purpose of supporting CJR programs and facilities. Since that time, the Aid has raised millions of dollars to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic and the children and families served by the organization.

Every year, members of the Aid approach homeowners in the area to participate in the Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield. Five houses are selected based on historic, architectural, or other notable characteristics, including location. A Preview Party is held at a sixth site, creating a festive beginning for House Tour weekend.

A digital photo of Litchfield Aid President, Bibby Veerman (left), presenting the Litchfield Aid's 2011 contribution to CJR Executive Director John Boyd and CJR President Anne Fitzgerald (right) is attached.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve more than 1,000 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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GOLF EVENT RAISES $75,000 TO BENEFIT JUNIOR REPUBLIC

In the photograph, taken at the event, officials from Union Savings Bank present a check for $10,000 to support the CJR Invitational as the Diamond Sponsor. Pictured from left are Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Birkins; Union Saving Bank Senior Vice President and Manager of Residential Mortgage and Consumer Lending, Brian Skarda; CJR Invitational Chairman, Robert Phelan; Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Corporate Development Officer, Joseph Greco; CJR Invitational Founding Chairman, Gregory Oneglia and CJR Executive Director, John Boyd. Mr. Greco, Mr. Oneglia and Mr. Phelan are all members of the Connecticut Junior Republic's Board of Directors. Mr. Oneglia also serves on the Board of Directors of Union Savings Bank. Photo Credit: David Burgos, Connecticut Junior Republic.

Robert G. Phelan, Chairman and CEO of the Litchfield Insurance Group, and Chairman of the CJR Invitational golf benefit, recently announced that the 2011 event, held in June at the Torrington Country Club, raised $75,000 in net proceeds.

With this year's funds, the CJR Invitational has raised more than $1 million in cumulative net proceeds to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR). Mr. Phelan attributed the success of the CJR golf benefit to the loyal support of participants, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers, who plan and conduct the event.

A member of the Connecticut Junior Republic's Board of Directors, Mr. Phelan has served as chairman of the event since 2006. Gregory S. Oneglia, Vice Chairman of O & G Industries and a former President of the Junior Republic's Board of Directors, is the Founding Chairman of the CJR Invitational, which he established in 1996.

In addition to Mr. Phelan and Mr. Oneglia, the following Vice Chairs played an integral role in the success of the 2011 event:

Bill Dranginis of Litchfield, Golf

Susan A. Levine of Litchfield, Publicity and Media Production

Jennifer Parsons of Litchfield and Tina Posila of Wolcott, Prizes

Susan Sweetman of Litchfield, Volunteers

Event proceeds will be used to support program and facilities improvements that benefit the more than 1,000 boys, girls and families served by the Connecticut Junior Republic annually through residential and community-based services in ten locations throughout the state.

"Volunteer leadership is critical to all events, and we are very fortunate to have an enthusiastic and committed group involved in the planning and implementation of the CJR Invitational golf benefit," stated CJR Executive Director John Boyd.

Mr. Boyd expressed gratitude to the event's sponsors for their loyal and generous participation. The New Britain-based American Savings Foundation was the Premier Sponsor of the event and Union Savings Bank was the Diamond Sponsor. Litchfield Insurance Group and O & G Industries were Emerald Sponsors. American Airlines and Sanditz Travel Management sponsored the Grand Prize, which included round-trip airfare for two to the Caribbean and a three-night, all-inclusive stay at Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. An additional special prize, consisting of a three night stay for two at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort on the Island of St. Maarten, was donated by Aird & Wojcik Travel Marketing and Sanditz Travel.

Watertown BMW offered a BMW automobile as Hole in One prize on the 17th Hole and the Mitchell Auto Group, with dealerships in the Farmington Valley and Litchfield Hills, offered a Land Rover automobile as the Hole in One prize on the 11th Hole.

Mr. Boyd also thanked NBC-30 news anchors Gerry Brooks and Brad Drazen, meteorologist

Bob Maxon, and Senior Political Analyst Tom Monahan, for their loyal participation as event celebrities.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve more than 1,000 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut at CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center in Litchfield. Transition and related services are also provided through the Junior Republic's education programs.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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JUNIOR REPUBLIC RECEIVES GRANTS FOR WORK-BASED LEARNING SUMMER PROGRAM

The Connecticut Junior Republic's Waterbury Program is providing a six-week work-based learning summer program for 40 at-risk and disadvantaged boys and girls, through grants of $26,550 from the American Savings Foundation and $7,000 from the Frederick Marzahl Memorial Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. The program includes vocational training in culinary arts, video production and publications, horticulture and landscaping, and entrepreneurial skills development. Participating boys and girls attend the program Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and work in one of the four study areas. The Marzahl Memorial Fund grant will specifically fund the horticulture and landscaping component of the work-based learning summer program.

All students begin the program with a standardized application and interview process for various positions to learn skills in resume development, interviewing and employment readiness. Each of the four study areas will utilize an entrepreneurship model to develop specific "products" associated with culinary arts, video production and publications, and horticulture and landscaping. The entrepreneurial development class will work with the other program components to market these products. Assigned teams will work together on projects and develop specific skill sets relevant to the four job areas, and students are paid stipends for their participation in the program.

Youngsters in the culinary class are catering lunches for CJR programs, other non-profit organizations and local schools. They also catered a luncheon for approximately 200 guests at the Connecticut Junior Republic as a part of the 2011 Open House Day Tour of Litchfield held on July 9. The horticulture and landscaping class has created a flower and vegetable garden on the grounds of the Junior Republic's Waterbury facility at 80 Prospect Street, and produce will be donated to local soup kitchens and non-profit organizations. The class is also working in the community on beautification projects. The video class is producing two public service announcements that will focus on reducing teen violence and on increasing self-esteem. These will be aired on Channel 16. The class will also create a poster and a DVD that students can share with family, friends and their schools.

The American Savings Foundation also awarded CJR an additional 2011 grant of $4,393 to provide a summer work experience for an American Savings Foundation Scholarship recipient. This grant enabled CJR to hire Sheena Boyle as a summer program assistant. An English Education major who recently received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Connecticut, Ms. Boyle is currently a graduate student at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education and resides in Waterbury.

Ms. Boyle's responsibilities will involve working with students as a part of CJR's work-based learning summer program, and assisting teen participants in creating a magazine exploring careers. "This position will offer me an opportunity to work with children in an environment outside of school and to gain insight and perspective on how this kind of program can help children be successful," she stated. "The internship will also allow me to do something I love - to teach writing," she continued.

John F. Boyd, executive director of the Connecticut Junior Republic, expressed gratitude to the American Savings Foundation and the Frederick Marzahl Memorial Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, for these generous grants and for their past support of the CJR Waterbury Program.

"The Junior Republic is honored by the support of American Savings Foundation and the Frederick W. Marzahl Memorial Fund," he stated. "These grants support our efforts to help high-risk adolescents who are associated with CJR's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program maintain the gains they have made during the school year through enrollment in a highly-structured, strength-based summer program," he continued. "This program helps students develop practical skills that will assist them in the classroom, in their homes and eventually, in the workplace," he noted.

The work-based learning program began on July 5 and will culminate in an event the first week of August, which showcases student work, including a catered luncheon that is prepared by students and incorporates produce from CJR's Waterbury garden. Friends and family of CJR students will be invited to the program.

The American Savings Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment which provides grants to local nonprofit organizations, and college scholarships to area students. Since its inception in 1995 the Foundation has contributed over $30 million in total grants and scholarships in its 64-town service area.

The Frederick W. Marzahl Memorial Fund was established in 1974 to support and promote quality education, human services and health care programming for underserved populations in the Woodbury area.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve more than 1,000 boys and girls annually in ten locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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Annual Open House Day considered a success

Litchfield.bz (07-11-11)

Jim Stedronsky, a member of the Sanctum, a private men's club on South Street in Litchfield, explains the building's exterior architectural features during Open House Day on Saturday. BZ photo

The Litchfield Aid of the Connecticut Junior Republic's 64th annual Open House Day was a rousing success on Saturday as it drew hundreds of visitors to the center of town and raised a good chunk of change for the Connecticut Junior Republic.

On the tour were four houses and one building in the center of town and one house on Chestnut Hill Road. The building on South Street was the 19th century law office of Phineas Minor. It is now the home of the Sanctum, a private men's club.

Members of the Sanctum were on hand to guide tours of the building. At the five houses, members of the Litchfield Aid of the Connecticut Junior Republic and volunteers served as hosts and hostesses.

Bibby Veerman, president of the Litchfield Aid, estimated the open house tour and the glamorous preview party held on Friday night would bring in about $35,000 for the Connecticut Junior Republic.

The Connecticut Junior Republic uses the proceeds from the tour to fund programs.

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FOUNDATION GRANT PROVIDES CULINARY EXPERIENCE FOR CJR KIDS

A generous grant of $7,500 from the Union Savings Bank Foundation has made it possible for the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) to provide a Work-Based Learning Culinary Program for approximately 40 boys and girls from northwest Connecticut.

Participating youngsters from CJR's Torrington office are transported three times a week to the Junior Republic's Litchfield campus for culinary classes taught by a professional chef in the commercial kitchen in CJR's D'Assern Dining Center. Those enjoying the program include court-referred boys and girls from CJR's Youth Equipped for Success! (YES!) and Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) programs, as well as at-risk boys and girls referred by parents and the Torrington Public Schools who participate in the Success Always Follows Education (SAFE) Program that CJR conducts in Torrington. To ensure appropriate educational instruction, the classes are divided by age. Older boys and girls in their mid-teens from CJR's YES! and MST Programs attend sessions on Thursdays and younger boys and girls, ages 11 and 12, who are enrolled in CJR's SAFE Program, attend on Wednesdays and Fridays. All classes are taught in the late afternoon following school and students earn a stipend for their participation. Youngsters are selected for the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program based on level of interest and positive behavior.

Students participating in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program learn constructive and practical skills that they can use at home, or to obtain future part-time or full-time employment. They also develop a knowledge base and interests that they can enjoy and build upon over a lifetime. In addition, participation in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program helps students improve their performance in the classroom, as vocational education reinforces the importance of academic subjects such as reading and math. While preparing food from a recipe, students quickly discover the importance of reading skills. Math skills are necessary to accurately measure ingredients and to reduce and enlarge recipes.

"The Connecticut Junior Republic, as well as its students and their families, are very grateful to the Union Savings Bank Foundation for providing the funds necessary to conduct this program," stated Daniel Rezende, CJR Director of Programs. "Our Torrington location is now serving more than 200 boys and girls from communities throughout Litchfield County," he continued "and this grant is making it possible for us to share the outstanding resources we have on our Litchfield Campus with a significant number of the boys and girls we help through our Torrington office," he noted. "We could not have provided this kind of experience without the support of the Union Saving Bank Foundation," he stated.

The students participating in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program are enthusiastic about the program and will prepare a meal for their families and special friends on Wednesday, June 8. The dinner will be held in CJR's D' Assern Dining Room from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and boys and girls who have been associated with the program will receive certificates and special awards at this time.

"I have really liked everything we have done," reported Steven, age 17, a student associated with CJR's Torrington YES! Program. He has participated in two of the eight week sessions and indicated that working with chefs on CJR's Litchfield campus has opened his eyes to the possibilities of a career in food service.

Mya Coates, a 12 year-old student enrolled in CJR's Torrington SAFE Program was equally positive about the culinary program. "I learned a lot," she reported. "I loved that we actually got to make things on our own. I was happy to finally have the experience of cooking and it was really good food," she continued.

SAFE student Shelby Cote, also age 12, was surprised by how much she enjoyed the culinary class sessions. "I actually loved going to culinary every week because it is fun and it gives me something to do that I really enjoy," she stated.

David Swearingen, age 11, also from CJR's Torrington SAFE Program agreed. "I learned a lot in culinary, especially about cooking new and different food, and I had a really great time up there!" he said.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve approximately 1,000 boys and girls annually in nine locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus. Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

The attached images show students participating in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program on CJR's Litchfield campus and may be used for publication. Please credit photos: Courtesy of Connecticut Junior Republic.

CJR also provides residential care for boys at its group homes in East Hartford and Winchester and short-term, residential crisis intervention for girls at its Center for Assessment, Respite and Enrichment (CARE) in Waterbury. A broad spectrum of prevention, early intervention, family support, and intensive home-based services, and aftercare, are provided for boys and girls through CJR's offices in Danbury, Meriden, New Britain, Torrington and Waterbury (two sites).

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.

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Connecticut Junior Republic Celebrates Opening of

New Residential Program in Litchfield

photos courtesy of Francine Spencer/Connecticut Junior Republic

William Carbone, Executive Director, Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Judicial Branch

Litchfield - An opening celebration for the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR's) new Litchfield residential program was held on Monday, December 13, at 1:00 PM, in the organization's newly renovated Roberts Cottage. The event included nearly 100 members of the CJR Staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Litchfield Aid of CJR, and officials from the Judicial Branch and its Court Support Services Division (CSSD). Speakers included CJR Executive Director, John F. Boyd; William Carbone, Executive Director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch; Daniel Rezende, CJR Director of Programs; State Senator Andrew Roraback and State Representative Michelle Cook. Also present were the young men served by the new residential program, which will help approximately 24 youths annually.

State Representative Michelle Cook speaking at the opening celebration

The new eight-bed residential program for court-referred boys began accepting young men last month. "The Connecticut Junior Republic has planned for this program since the contract was awarded in July of 2009," stated Mr. Boyd, "and we were delighted when the funds to proceed became available earlier this year," he continued. "This program is evidence-based and the first residential program in the United States to utilize Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) in its treatment model," he noted.

Mr. Boyd indicated that CJR's new residential program will provide a full complement of treatment, education, recreation, and aftercare services and that all phases of care will be evidenced based and family focused. The Judicial Branch will conduct comprehensive evaluations and risk assessments on all youth prior to placement. Only adolescents who have been deemed appropriate for CJR's open setting on the Litchfield campus will be placed in the new program.

In his remarks, Mr. Carbone spoke highly of the outcomes CJR has achieved in the other evidence-based programs it provides for the Judicial Branch, and emphasized the importance of achieving measurable results in obtaining funding to help at-risk youth.

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JUNIOR REPUBLIC OPENS FAMILY SUPPORT CENTERS IN MERIDEN AND NEW BRITAIN

John F. Boyd, Executive Director, recently announced that the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) has opened two new Family Support Centers in Meriden and New Britain. The new Family Support Centers serve boys and girls, 11 to 16 years of age, who are referred by the Courts as Families With Service Needs (FWSN) children. FWSN referrals are initiated by parents, schools and community providers to the court.

CJR's Family Support Centers are voluntary and provide prevention and early intervention services. There is no residential component associated with either location. Core services include screening and assessment to determine family dynamics and strengths, educational advocacy, family mediation, resiliency skills building, and individual, group and family-based programs. Youth also benefit from recreational activities, tutoring and educational support, and counseling.

In-home services are available as needed. Referrals to respite programs, including the Junior Republic's Center for Assessment, Respite and Enrichment (CARE) for girls in Waterbury, and to services offered by the Courts and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), are also provided.

"The primary purpose of this program is to help children and families in the community who need guidance and assistance," stated Mr. Boyd. "We want to ensure that families have the resources and support they need to keep kids safe," he continued.

The Junior Republic's 3,000 square-foot Family Support Center in Meriden is located at 3 Colony Street and employs five staff, including one part-time and four full-time positions. It is anticipated that 75 children and families will be served annually in this location.

The 3,400 square-foot New Britain Family Support Center is located at 29 Russell Street and employs six staff members, including four full-time and two part-time positions. Approximately 87 young people and families will be served annually at CJR's New Britain-based Family Support Center. Both Family Support Centers are funded by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division (CSSD) and are multi-service, "one stop" programs designed to help boys and girls and their families stay out of the juvenile court system.

The Family Support Centers are open, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with planned weekend recreation and educational trips. All services are scheduled, structured and managed by CJR professional staff. The staff is available to youth and families on an on-call basis, seven days a week. Participating young people are either brought to the facility by a parent, picked up by a CJR mini-van or arrive by city bus.

"The Connecticut Junior Republic is committed to helping young people solve problems in their homes, schools and communities," explained CJR Director of Programs Daniel Rezende, MSW, LCSW. He noted that the population served by the Family Support Centers in Meriden and New Britain includes boys and girls who have been referred because they are at-risk of running away, truancy, breaking school rules, and acting out. The new Family Support Centers provide services for children and families who reside in the greater Meriden and New Britain areas.

Mr. Rezende noted that length of service ranges from minimal assessment and service recommendations to four to six months of care, based on the successful completion of individual goals. He estimated that a maximum of 30 youth and families will be receiving services at any one time. On any given day, it is anticipated that there will be no more than 20 boys and girls at either Family Support Center or on scheduled supervised trips and off-site activities.

"The Junior Republic's Board of Directors is fully committed to the expansion of services in the community," stated CJR Board President Anne J. Fitzgerald. "We are very proud of the outcomes of our first Family Support Center in Waterbury, which has operated successfully for the past three years," she continued. "Our new Family Support Centers in Meriden and New Britain will enable the Junior Republic to provide early intervention services for additional Connecticut boys and girls and their families and complement the other programs we are providing for youngsters in seven other locations throughout the state," she said.

Outcomes of CJR's Family Support Center in Waterbury and others operated throughout the State include decreased court involvement, improved educational and family functioning, increased resiliency and improved community connections.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, the organization's combined programs serve approximately 1,000 boys and girls annually in nine locations throughout Connecticut.

The Junior Republic conducts a residential program for court-referred young men on its Litchfield campus.

Special, vocational and alternative education programs are provided for boys from communities throughout Connecticut in this location through CJR's Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center. Transition and related services are also provided.

CJR also provides residential care for boys at its group homes in East Hartford and Winchester and short-term, residential crisis intervention for girls at its Center for Assessment, Respite and Enrichment (CARE) in Waterbury. A broad spectrum of prevention, early intervention, family support, and intensive home-based services, and aftercare, are provided for boys and girls through CJR's offices in Danbury, Meriden, New Britain, Torrington and Waterbury (two sites).

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through services funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut's public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, Ext. 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org

CONTACT:

Hedy L. Barton

Director of Development

hbarton@cjryouth.org

www.ctjuniorrepublic.org

office: 860-567-9423, ext. 252

fax: 860-567-8127

P.O. Box 161, Goshen Road

Litchfield, CT 06759

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CT Junior Republic (CJR) Executive Director, John Boyd introduces Dan Rezende, the newly appointed Director of Programs at CJR.

June 17, 2010

Dan Rezende, the newly appointed Director of Programs at the CT Junior Republic (CJR) describes the new residential program.

June 17, 2010

New jobs will created as the CT Junior Republic (CJR) expands services in both residential and day programs.

June 17, 2010

Dan Rezende, Director of Programs at the CT Junior Republic (CJR) describes the youth population to be served by the new residential program and the increased support for families.

June 17, 2010

Dan Rezende, Director of Programs at the CT Junior Republic (CJR) provides a video tour of the newly renovated residential facilities.

June 17, 2010

Litchfield Open House Tour 2010

Carol Bramley provides a sneak preview of this year's Litchfield House Tour on Saturday, July 10th from 10am-5pm sponsored by the Litchfield Aid of CJR.

June 17, 2010

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