The JCCA's residential foster care program in Pleasantville gathered Wednesday to celebrate Pride Month.

Young people were given supplies to first decorate their cottages as well as cars, which were driven through campus for the parade. 

“Our goal here on campus is to provide a safe space for all of our youth, no matter what their identity is, and to celebrate them and also those who are our allies and who support them,” says Leah Hallow, a supervising psychologist.

A study in 2019 found 30% of youth in foster care are identified as LGBTQ+ and 5% as transgender. 

The JCCA provides the highest quality child welfare and mental health services to more than 17,000 children and their families every year.