Dear Friends, Allies, Funders, and Community Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well.
As another school year approaches, Justice for Families is preparing for one of our favorite community traditions—our Annual Back-to-School Kickoff, taking place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at our Community Learning Hub located at 2090 Honeywell Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460.
For many families, the beginning of the school year brings excitement, but it can also bring financial stress. Too many parents are forced to choose between paying household bills and purchasing the school supplies their children need to succeed. We believe no child should begin the school year feeling unprepared.
We are reaching out to ask for your support.
Your contribution will help provide backpacks, school supplies, educational materials, and other essential resources for children and families in our community. Beyond this special event, your generosity also helps Justice for Families continue providing year-round support through family leadership, youth development, community engagement, and resource navigation for families facing some of life's greatest challenges.
Whether you choose to make a monetary donation, purchase supplies, sponsor a child, or order items directly through Amazon, every gift makes a meaningful difference.
To make a donation, simply click HERE.
If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or make an in-kind donation, please contact me directly.
Jeannette Bocanegra
Join Us in Supporting New York's Children, Families, and Community Schools
Dear Community Leaders, Organizations, Educators, Parents, Youth, and Allies,
Every child deserves to learn in a school where they feel safe, valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Across New York State, too many students continue to experience exclusionary discipline practices—such as suspensions—that remove them from classrooms instead of addressing the underlying challenges they face. These practices disproportionately impact Black, Latino, Indigenous, students with disabilities, and other historically marginalized young people, contributing to lost learning opportunities and long-term harm.
The Solutions Not Suspensions (SNS) Campaign is a statewide coalition committed to transforming school climate by investing in prevention, healing, and student success. We believe schools should respond to challenges with support rather than punishment, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive.We are calling on organizations and individuals across New York to stand with us in support of policies and investments that:
- Increase funding for community schools and student support services.
- Expand access to mental health professionals, counselors, social workers, and restorative practices.
- Reduce the overreliance on suspensions and exclusionary discipline.
- Invest in culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches that strengthen relationships and improve school climate.
- Elevate the voices of students, families, educators, and communities in shaping school policies.
- Ensure every child has access to an equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
By signing on, you affirm your commitment to creating schools where every child belongs, every family is valued, and every community has the resources needed to help young people succeed.
We invite your organization—or you as an individual—to add your name in support of this important effort.
Thank you for standing with New York's children, families, and communities.
Peace,
Jeannette
Congratulations to one of our Justice for Families Board Members and a researcher on the groundbreaking Families Unlocking Futures report, Mr. Ernest Johnson of Ibutu Village, New Orleans, on receiving the Urban League Community Champion Award.
This recognition is truly well deserved. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to building stronger communities, uplifting families, and creating opportunities for children to thrive. We are proud to celebrate your leadership and this incredible honor.
Congratulations!