News - Youth Enrichment Services (YES)

YES Early Learning Centers in New Brunswick got into the Christmas Spirit!

It was a typical, bustling morning at the Catholic Charities YES Early Learning Center in New Brunswick on November 16th. Staff members were welcoming the preschoolers and their families as they arrived to school and settled into their educational day. As the children finished entering the Center and families went off to start their day, the doorbell rang at the main entrance. One of the Learning Center’s Family Workers greeted a man at the door. He stated that he wanted to make a donation to the Center to benefit the students and their families. Speechless by this unexpected act of generosity, the Family Worker looked down to the man’s hands to find three envelopes totaling $900.00 in cash. The man would not share his name and did not want recognition! Astonished by the man’s kindness, the Family Worker thanked him as he walked away. The money donated will go directly to the families in the form of gift cards to purchase holiday meal items and needed groceries. As we enter the season for giving, this generous man reminds us that “Giving is not just about making a donation; it’s about making a difference.” Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen Child Care typically serves over 1400 children, preschool to school age throughout several counties in New Jersey. Over 145 preschoolers attend the YES Early Learning Center located in New Brunswick on a daily basis. To learn more about Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen and Child Care please visit our website: www.ccdom.org/child-care

Students from the World Language Honor Societies from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung recently hosted a diaper drive to benefit Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s New Brunswick childcare programs and Unity Square Neighborhood.   Senior students from the Mount Language Honor Societies used their talents to create a video (https://vimeo.com/473424318 ) to promote the diaper drive.  The drive was extended due to the large response from Mt Saint Mary Academy families.  

Cadets from Civil Air patrol Squadron led by 1Lt Carol-Faaland-Kronmaier, CAP Deputy Commander for Cadets, and Major Lorrainne Denby team up with Dr. Sarah Shell to provide masks for healthcare workers and hospitals and now to local non-profit organizations.

Rutgers Public Safety Officers were recognized by Catholic Charities’ YES Program as part of a learning unit about Community Service Providers. Officer Correa and SCO Joshua visited the Catholic Charities’ YES @ St Ladislaus Preschool Program, stopping into every classroom to read books to the children and to distribute coloring books about Handling Emergencies and When to Call 911.

We are so thankful to all who helped make sure the families who attend our YES Child Care Centers had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

At its township committee meeting on October 22, 2019, Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore issued a proclamation acknowledging October 24, 2019, as Lights On Afterschool Day. DelCore encouraged continued innovative afterschool programming and activities that ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.

Catholic Charities child care centers in New Brunswick and Phillipsburg will be celebrating this week April 8-12th! Special activities include making instruments, cooking with professional chefs, dressing as their favorite superhero, creating 3-D art sculptures and coming to school in their pajamas to be read to by parents! The National Association of Young Children

Catholic Charities’ YES Early Learning Center (YES ELC) preschool in New Brunswick honored its pre-school graduates at a Moving Up ceremony in June. The now Kindergarten students proudly paraded around the gym displaying their certificates. A total of 335 participants including children and their families were present to celebrate the graduates.

The YES Early Learning Center celebrated the Week of the Young Child at the 2018 Fun Fair at AC Redshaw Elementary School in New Brunswick!