YCS

06/02/2026

Introducing the Promising Pathways to Success Podcast!

This new series explores evidence-based practices that help create safer, more compassionate environments for youth in residential care. Through authentic conversations and shared experiences, we'll explore ideas, challenges, and strategies that support meaningful change.

In our first episode, we hear from residential assistant, Cleo Chance, who brings both lived experience and professional insight to the conversation. Cleo shares her journey growing up in out-of-home care, reflects on what she needed most as a young person, and discusses how those experiences now shape her work supporting those we serve.

Click here to view: https://youtu.be/-FPzFqknudI

06/01/2026

This Pride Month, YCS celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to be themselves.

Every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are. When people are supported as their authentic selves, it strengthens families, builds healthier communities, and creates brighter futures for all.

YCS is proud to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month in support of inclusion, compassion, and belonging. 🌈

05/29/2026

The students at Sawtelle Learning Center had an absolute blast at their Prom! The wonderful staff provided the energy, care, and enthusiasm that made this day so special and such a fun and memorable experience for everyone. Special thanks to Jolina Pascal for her vision and dedication in bringing it all together.

05/29/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at YCS, mental health is at the heart of what we do every day.

From outpatient therapy to school-based support to residential care, we meet children, young adults, and families wherever they are on their journey. We believe healing happens through connection, that no one should walk through hard moments alone, and that small steps forward are still steps forward.

This month, we encourage everyone to check in with the people in your life and with yourself. Mental health is part of overall health, and asking for support is a sign of strength.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

This National Foster Care Month, we're recognizing the foster families across YCS who open their homes and hearts to children, youth, and young adults who need them most.

YCS foster parents come from all walks of life, but they share something powerful: the patience, compassion, and steady presence to help a young person feel safe, seen, and supported. Through our Specialized Foster Home program, we partner with families to care for children, youth, and young adults ages 5–21 with emotional, behavioral, intellectual, or developmental needs.

Every foster parent brings something unique, and every child benefits from being seen for their strengths, not just their challenges. If you're curious about what fostering with YCS could look like for your family, reach out today.

To learn more, visit: https://hubs.ly/Q04j5TWH0 or call 1-888-322-5437 (Northern/Central Jersey) or 1-877-482-4453 (Southern Jersey).

05/22/2026

Congratulations to all the graduates of the YCS Nurse Family Practice (NFP) program!!! The families and their nurses gathered today to commemorate their 2-year journey of care together. Every family received a certificate and a gift bag. Many thanks to all the NFP nurses and best wishes to all the families.

05/20/2026

The Bergen Pac celebrated “Women in the Arts” at their Spring Luncheon with Special Guest Presenter, singer Gloria Gaynor.

Darlene Love, Grammy Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, was honored with the Standing Ovation Award. The Spotlight Award recipient was honoree Roberta Mathes, Bergen PAC’s Artistic Director of Dance.

Bergen PAC leadership, Valerie Huttle, Bergen PAC Board Chair, Alexander Diaz, Executive Director, Becky Serico, Director of Education, and Jennifer Schuck, Assistant Director of Development, all participated in the event.

Keri Diamond, YCS Director of Development, and Andrew Beckford, YCS SRT Vice President, attended the celebration. YCS deeply values and supports the Bergen PAC and its commitment to the arts. YCS is very grateful to the Bergan PAC and its support for the Annual YCS Art Exhibit and Awards Show over the years, which has blessed the people YCS serves with the opportunity to shine and express themselves through the arts.

05/19/2026

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month 💛

Having a baby can be joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting, and lonely at times. If you’re feeling anxious, sad, stressed, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone—and support is available.

At the Dr. Helen May Strauss Clinics in East Orange and Union City, we provide mental health support for pregnant individuals, postpartum mothers, and caregivers. Our clinicians work with families through challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, life transitions, and strengthening the parent-child connection.

Services are available to Medicaid-enrolled families in Essex and Hudson counties, and no referral is needed to get started.
If you or someone you love could use support, reaching out is a strong first step.

To learn more:
📞 (973) 903-8604
📧 [email protected]

05/18/2026

On May 5th, members of the YCS team were honored to attend the 161st Annual Dinner hosted by the Camden Home for Children & Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. We are incredibly grateful for their generous support toward restoring the outdoor deck at one of our South Jersey residential homes. This project will help create a safer, more welcoming space for the youth we serve.
Thank you to everyone who continues to invest in healing, stability, and brighter futures for young people across our communities.