This holiday season, GJR’s Bigs & Littles Mentorship Program created a powerful reminder of what truly matters. Youth and mentors wrapped empty boxes to symbolize the intangible gifts—family, health, safety, hope, and belonging—that can’t be bought but mean the most. A heartwarming CARE moment focused on gratitude, connection, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Black Friday reminds us that while many families are shopping for holiday gifts, others will wake up on Christmas morning with none. At George Junior Republic, we use the CARE model to create meaningful moments of connection, ensuring every youth feels valued during a season that can be difficult. This post reflects on the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving beyond the deals.
GJR’s annual Thanksgiving feast brings campus together for a warm, family-style celebration. For youth who may not go home or have never experienced Thanksgiving, this tradition offers comfort, connection, and a powerful reminder that they’re valued and cared for.
Discover how the GJR Program Center creates meaningful, relationship-building experiences for youth through recreation, celebrations, and supportive services. From a movie theater and pool tables to video games, a barber shop, and our campus commissary, the Program Center offers a safe, engaging environment rooted in CARE principles.
The Wellness Center at GJR provides coordinated, trauma-informed health services to support the whole well-being of youth on campus. With on-site medical care, nutrition support, therapy, and psychiatric services, our dedicated nurses and staff—led by Director of Health Services, Laura Stull—ensure compassionate, consistent care every day.
Each Monday, therapy dogs from Slippery Rock University visit campus to bring comfort and companionship to youth who are away from home. These visits provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a sense of connection that aligns perfectly with the CARE philosophy.
A moment of tension at the Pew Counseling Center turned into a powerful example of teamwork and relationship-based care when staff used CARE principles to de-escalate a situation peacefully and safely.
The Bigs and Littles program at George Junior Republic fosters mentorship, friendship, and personal growth. Through shared activities and guidance, youth build confidence, develop life skills, and experience the power of CARE—Connecting, Advocating, Restoring, and Empowering.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, George Junior Republic received 42 new HP EliteBooks to help youth build essential digital literacy skills. Through the PA SkillUp/Metrix Learning platform, students are learning Microsoft Office, practicing accountability, and preparing for a tech-driven future.
George Junior Republic’s Visitation Center offers a safe, family-friendly environment where youth and their loved ones can reconnect through meaningful activities. Guided by the CARE Model, our visitation program strengthens family bonds, supports reunification, and fosters healthy social and emotional development.
© 2025 George Junior Republic | All rights reserved
Privacy Statement