ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Certified Angels, providing a safe space through the Arts where our youth feel embraced and comforted for who they are while discovering their inner talents. We encourage creativity, self - awareness and physical activity while supporting them in their journey to become the best version of themselves.
OUR VISION
We envision a place where our members discover their inner talents and develop new passions through the Arts. A place that encourages each of our members to become more aware of who they are and recognize their full potential, while working hard and believing in themselves. Certified Angels will provide them with a safe haven, an opportunity to express themselves, and a platform to tell their stories through Art.
OUR COMMUNITY
& THE NEED
The City of Passaic, often recognized as one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, is home to approximately 68,903 residents as of July 1, 2023. This makes it the 16th most populous municipality in New Jersey.
Passaic boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with 73.0% of its population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% as Black or African American, and 28.0% as White (including Hispanic individuals). Notably, 14.6% identify as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino. A significant portion of the community—74.8%—speaks a language other than English at home.
The median household income in Passaic has increased to $56,780 in 2023, yet economic hardship remains, with 23.05% of residents living below the poverty line.
Educational attainment continues to be an area of concern. Only 53% of students at Passaic High School graduate within four years, and 31.4% of the city's population is under the age of 18.
That’s where we come in. Certified Angels is committed to providing a high-quality arts afterschool program to the children in our community.
Afterschool care isn’t just supervision—it’s opportunity. Between the hours of 3 and 6 PM, when juvenile crime typically triples, students without structured activities are more likely to engage in risky behaviors or become victims of violence (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2002).
Afterschool programs have been shown to:
-Improve academic performance: - Students who regularly attend afterschool programs see gains in reading and math scores (Afterschool Alliance, 2020).
-Boost school attendance: Participation in quality programs is linked to better school-day attendance and reduced dropout rates (U.S. Department of Education, 2021).
-Enhance behavior and emotional well-being:Programs foster resilience, reduce behavioral problems, and build important social-emotional skills (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2016).
- Reduce risky behavior:Youth in afterschool programs are less likely to use drugs, engage in criminal behavior, or become teen parents (Child Trends, 2020).
In addition to academic benefits, arts-based programs offer unique advantages: improved creativity, communication, and confidence. Students involved in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and participate in math and science fairs (National Endowment for the Arts, 2012).
By offering a safe, structured, and inspiring environment, Certified Angels not only keeps kids out of harm’s way but also nurtures their potential. Our goal is to help them grow into confident, capable, and creative individuals ready to thrive in any path they choose.
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Join our cause and "Help Us Spread Their Wings"
HISTORY
The idea for “Certified Angels” first came about in October of 2013, after its founder, Jessica Delacruz, decided to follow her dream and pursue her inner most desire to make a difference. Simply stated the vision is to develop and promote talent in our children in Passaic. Jessica graduated from Passaic High School and was an active member in the Modern Dance Club, Latin American Student Organization (LASO), NJROTC, and in other extra-curricular activities throughout her years as a student in the City of Passaic. Ms. Delacruz always believed that there was more to life than just working a “9-5” job. She was determined to fulfill her calling, make a difference, and leave behind a legacy. Growing up in Passaic in a single parent household, enabled her to develop the image that she wanted for her community. She has been active in various agencies that have implemented after-school programs in our area. Furthermore, it has been her aspiration and passion to start her own Arts Program in the City of Passaic. She believes that an abundance of talent is going undetected as a result of lack of coordinated effort and opportunities. For this reason, Certified Angels was born.
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The name, “Certified Angels,” originated with the birth of Ms. Delacruz’ s first child. Her daughter, Jaslene, was born twelve weeks premature and faced three near-death battles within her first four months of life. Jessica spent each-and-every day beside her daughter’s incubator. As a result of her consistent nurturing, love, and dedication, Jessica was able to help spread her daughter’s wings. After Jaslene’s release from the hospital, Ms. Delacruz ensured that she was provided with the best medical specialists and early intervention services. Presently, the little girl that Doctors’ said would most likely experience learning disabilities and developmental delays is an honor-roll student exceeding doctors’ expectations. Certified Angels aims to help our youth overcome their own battles. As a result of our consistent nurturing, love, dedication, and guidance, Certified Angels will be successful in “helping our youth spread their wings.”
Certified Angels’ youth will be capable of facing the world without fear, reaching their highest potential, and believing that anything and everything is possible. More importantly, they will understand that despite any adversities they face, whether coming from a single-family home, living in a low-income community, or not having the funds necessary to be exposed to extra-curricular activities, they can still achieve greatness. Certified Angels will help them overcome those obstacles by providing them with a safe haven, an opportunity to express themselves, and a platform to tell their stories through Art.
Our organization’s mission is to Make A Difference by offering our youth the ability to find comfort in who they are, discover their talents, and learn how to share them with the world. Most importantly, it is our aspiration to provide each-and-every one of them with a space where they feel loved and supported to become the best version of themselves.