At just 18 years old, Jay had already faced challenges that many wouldn’t encounter in a lifetime. Life had been a series of obstacles, each one seemingly more insurmountable than the last. But Jay was determined not to let his past define his future.
When Jay arrived at Elmcrest Children’s Center, he was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Would this be just another place where he felt like a number? Or would it be somewhere he could truly start to rebuild?
It wasn’t long before Jay discovered that Elmcrest was different. Here, he found not only a safe space but also a community that believed in him. When Jay shared his dream of pursuing a career through the local BOCES vocational program, Elmcrest staff sprang into action. They not only encouraged him to apply but also ensured that tuition costs were covered.
For Jay, this was life-changing. The program allowed him to learn hands-on skills in a field he was passionate about, opening doors to a future that had once seemed out of reach.
“Elmcrest has helped me by letting me go to BOCES and providing me with free tuition for what I want to go into,” Jay shared.
This simple yet powerful statement underscores the heart of Elmcrest’s mission: empowering children and young adults to rewrite their stories, no matter where their journey began.
Today, Jay is thriving. He is on track to graduate and is already making plans for the next chapter of his life—a future filled with hope, opportunity, and promise.
To protect confidentiality, Jay’s name and identifying details have been changed. However, his story is one of many that illustrate the transformative impact of Elmcrest’s programs and services.
You can help rewrite stories like Jay’s. Kindly contact our Agency Development Officer, Helen Kelley, at 315-446-6250 ext. 258 or via email at hkelley@elmcrest.org, to learn how you can support Elmcrest in providing education, stability, and a brighter tomorrow for children in need.
