JA Vice President Angelica Manzanares said, “ “This week's community coffee is celebrating JA week. We are a nonprofit organization that focuses on doing civic work in our community, especially around children and families in need. Our chapter consists of a group of ladies who serve our community. The great thing about JA is that our members range widely in age from as young as 21 and up so it's a good mix of different people from different parts of our community. This way none of the kids in our community are missed since each one of us covers a certain demographic. This is my going on my fourth year being a part of Junior Auxiliary, and honestly, it is one of my favorite groups that I belong to. I'm a huge believer that if everybody does their part, the world will be a lot better place. And thankfully I have met such a great group of women that feel the same way and are able to serve here in Hope. I have made many close friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise because of this organization. If you're interested in joining Junior Auxiliary, please reach out to any of our JA members, we'd love to have you.”
A few projects JA provides to the community include; Glass Slipper, Operation Christmas Cheer, Sweet Reads and many others.
Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Christy Burns, who is also a long-time member of JA said, "I just love being a part of a sisterhood that is truly there for our community. It takes a village, and that's what we strive to provide for the children and people in our city."
The JA Facebook page lists their motto “Care today-Character tomorrow” and emphasizes their mission "to enhance the lives of children and youth in our community today, because healthy, safe children become productive, caring adults of tomorrow." The ladies further expounded on these core values today, informing guests of upcoming activities and opportunities for local children, while also carrying out their roles as hosts, ensuring all participants had food and conversation throughout the event.
