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.
This blog post highlights how CARE principles are transforming Secure Detention into a space where young people feel safe, respected, and supported. Through personal stories, including a youth who experienced his first-ever birthday celebration, the article shows how trust, compassion, and connection can foster healing and growth. It also emphasizes the importance of supporting families alongside the youth, working to change the perception of Secure Detention into one of care and opportunity.
This reflection highlights the impact of implementing CARE within juvenile justice facilities. The author, new to CARE, shares how small, intentional actions—such as easing anxiety, offering connection, and responding with understanding—can make a significant difference for youth who have often faced harsh treatment in other placements. Unlike facilities focused only on rules and regulations, George Junior actively applies CARE principles, fostering unique, individualized approaches for each child. While still early in their journey, the author believes CARE has limitless potential to transform experiences for justice-involved youth and looks forward to creating meaningful CARE moments of their own.
Jolie forms an immediate bond with a person served due to their shared Puerto Rican heritage. Initially, this connection creates comfort, but as the “honeymoon phase” fades, the youth begins acting out. A late-night incident reveals that the staff member’s voice and accent remind him of his mother, triggering difficult emotions. Realizing this, the staff member adjusts their approach, learning that while they can’t change their accent, they can change their tone to better support and communicate with him.
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