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TeaneckComesTogether.org

Who are we?

Teaneck Comes Together, Inc. (TCT) is a non-profit 501(c)3 community organization that provides safe, positive and fun activities/programs for the teens of Teaneck. We bring the various segments of Teaneck
together to provide the types of events that Teaneck teens will enjoy and that will also help to better prepare them
for today’s life challenges.

 

Our History

TCT was created in the summer of 2006 by a group of concerned parents and
community members in the aftermath of the tragic shooting death of a 15 year old Teaneck youth (Ricky Lee Smith, Jr.). Ricky's death shook the residents of Teaneck to their core and had many vowing to advocate for positive alternatives for Teaneck’s youths. An emergency meeting was held at the Richard Rhodda Center resulting in the formation of a grass-roots committee to plan and implement an event for youths and their families. Teaneck Comes Together became the name of the committee and its first event was the Teen Explosion and Parent Expo. After the success of this event, it was determined that continued efforts were needed in order to effectively impact the teens in the community. We've been providing high quality programs ever since.

 

Partnerships

TCT has successfully created over 100 partnerships with various segments of the Teaneck community (i.e., township, police department, school district, local businesses, houses of worship, community organizations and
township citizens). It is due to these partnerships that we are able to achieve our goals.

Teen Leadership

Since its beginning, teens have been instrumental in the planning and implementation of all of TCT's programs. This has led
to the huge success. To date, TCT has provided over 125 safe, drug/alcohol-free events. 

Parent Engagement
TCT recognizes the importance of involving parents and has provided numerous programs targeting the parents/guardians of Teaneck’s teens. Our Parents Night Out events are well attended, fun and full of much needed information.

 

Events

TCT events have included: 

  • Youth Leadership Retreats
  • Annual Culture Bowl – celebrating Teaneck’s diversity
  • Annual Town-wide Football Tailgate Event
  • Parties with a Purpose (educational forums before a DJ party on topics such as Substance Abuse Prevention, Money Matters /Financial Literacy, Teen Speak Outs, Positive Decision Making, Healthy Dating Relationships, Interfaith Youth Chats).
  • College Tours, Broadway shows, Museum trips
  • Teen Comedy Clubs/Open Mic Nights 
  • Fundraisers – Making A Difference to Youth (MADY) Awards; “Real Men Cook” event

 

Youth Internship Program

Established in 2007, this program develops young leaders who care about
the Teaneck community. Interns complete a 15 hour training program that covers youth advocacy, event planning, community relations, marketing, and social media. Equipped with the necessary skills, the interns are then charged
with planning, implementing and evaluating TCT’s youth programs for the upcoming year, providing a minimum of
50 hours of community service. TCT last trained its 9th class of interns. TCT’s interns have a 100% high school graduation rate, with interns now having attended and graduated from colleges such as Yale University, Stanford
University, Wharton School of Business, Howard University, Rutgers University and others.

Teaneck Stays Together (TST)

TST is our alumni division. Former participants/interns are involved in giving back to the Teaneck community while also networking with each other and local partners. TST Networking Mixers are incredible opportunities for young professionals.

 

 

How to get involved

  • Sign the guest book so that we may keep in contact with you.
  • Partner with us. Let us know your area of expertise/interest.
  • Send a donation to: TCT, 981 Sheffield Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666

 

Executive Leadership

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer: Javalda Powell

Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer: Renee Forte-Clarke
Internship Coordinator: Schantelle Henry

TST Coordinators: Jason Juxon-Smith and Khalil Wilkes

 

Board of Trustees (2023)

Shae Lewis (President)

Darlene Shaw (Treasurer)

Willie Thornton (Secretary)

James Brown

Warren Fields

Andrea Holmes-Thompkins

Valerie Johnson

Jason Juxon-Smith

Yvonne Mitchell

Margot Todman-Mack

Khalil Wilkes

Emeritus: Pamela Johnson