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.
This article highlights the career journey of Jenn Freed, Campus Director at George Junior Republic. From starting as a Clinical Manager in 2007 to earning her M.S.W. and advancing into leadership, Jenn’s story reflects dedication to youth care, therapeutic services, and the GJR mission. Learn how her early internships at GJR shaped her passion for helping young people and prepared her to oversee Special Needs programs SN12, SN15, and SN16 today.
At George Junior Republic, the Transportation Team practices CARE by meeting youth where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and situationally. From first impressions to daily support, drivers embody CARE principles in every interaction.
Building Stronger Connections: Patterson Finds Creativity in Clay At George Junior Republic, the CARE model doesn’t just guide how we work with youth; it also shapes how we support and
In a multi-site study, CARE implementation yielded monthly reductions of 3–8% in behavioral incidents, while child-staff relationships and perceptions of safety improved significantly. Recognized as a ‘Promising Research Evidence-Based Model’ at the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, CARE stands as a shining example of research-driven change in residential care.
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