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CJCJ is very fortunate to work with extraordinary organizations that are committed to providing comfort and compassion to society’s most vulnerable members. Here is just one nonprofit that is helping CJCJ make a difference in our community.

The Family Giving Tree provides practical holiday gifts to over 80,000 of California’s most vulnerable children, inspiring values of kindness, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Every year it teams up with CJCJ’s Cameo House and the Children’s Waiting Rooms to bring a little bit of holiday magic to the children in our care.

Cameo House is a residence located in the heart of the Mission that provides a transitional home for up to 11 formerly incarcerated homeless mothers and their young children. Staff provide a nurturing and safe environment for the families to recover, transform, and succeed within the community.

The Children’s Waiting Rooms provide a safe and fun haven for children with parents who have business with the courts. Located in both the civil and criminal courthouses, the waiting rooms are outfitted with educational games and activities and staffed by trained caregivers and volunteers. Additionally, staff provide child and family contact visits for fathers detained in county jail #4.

Cameo House children decorate for the holidays

Photo by CJCJ 2013

This month staff and families have been hard at work decorating Cameo House and the Children’s Waiting Rooms for the holiday season, in a way that reflects the values and cultures of all our residents and visitors. At Cameo House, the children made decorative ornaments for the tree and were treated to some cookies and hot chocolate last Thursday. Meanwhile at the Children’s Waiting Rooms, staff help children decorate their own stockings to take home with them once their parents return from court.

Both programs are receiving generous gifts from the Family Giving Tree volunteers to provide the children a positive and uplifting holiday season. The Family Giving Tree’s Holiday Wish Drive targets children from the poorest families in our community to help reduce the effects of poverty. It’s easy to help by becoming a Family Giving Tree elf! You can help by volunteering your time, making a monetary donation, or giving a gift online. Follow CJCJ’s elf activities on Twitter @CJCJmedia #BeMyElf!

CJCJ would like to thank the Family Giving Tree for its tireless efforts to bring joy to our most vulnerable populations and for their support of our programs.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!