Presence of Joy
Presence of Joy is an educational program for Los Angeles high school students designed to raise awareness about domestic violence, shelter life, and teen dating violence. Students also participate in select activities during Domestic Violence Awareness month in October that bring joy to children living in domestic violence shelters.
2023-2024 Presence of Joy Cohort
Alexis Joseph
Alicia Helmstetter
Angeline Herrera
Arisa Thomas
Bella Neumann
Caiden Chen
Cedar Moore
Chidinma Biosah
Cole Grossman
Dani Mellon
Daniela Safaei
Denice Morales
Evelyn Rojas
Gia Liana Maldonado
Harper Brooks
Isabel Lopez
Joselette Cruz Santiago
Josh Birnbach
Julia Russakoff
Julianna Feldman
Kailani Melvin
Kimberly Cruz Martinez
Lily Neumann
Lucas Alvarez
Madeline Milken
Madison Melendez
Marcus Neely
Maya Greenspan
Miley Fuentes
Neda Sharifi
Paige Alyssa Gray
Ryan Doh
Sofia Juarez
Tatiana Cruz
Wendy Vera
Connect
We believe the best way for students to understand the impact of breaking the cycle of Domestic Violence is to volunteer at shelters and to experience what it is like to package the presents that we provide to children living in transitional shelters.
Educate
We understand that a critical part of breaking the cycle of Domestic Violence is educating the youth. We offer two seminars. One on Domestic Violence and the other on Teen Dating Violence.
At the end of each year students receive a certificate of completion for the Presence of Joy Program!
Philanthropy
We believe philanthropy begins as a young teen. Through “office hours” with our Development Director, we provide opportunities for the Presence of Joy teens to learn up close and personal about raising awareness, developing relationships with potential donors, and fundraising.
All local Los Angeles High School students are eligible to participate.
- While we encourage teens to participate in as many activities as they would like, below are the minimum expectations for participation in the program:
- Attend the mandatory orientation in September
- Attend at least 2 in-person seminars during the school year
- Many of our teens enjoy volunteering in our office and making present boxes for sheltered children
- Many of our teens enjoy volunteering at local shelters and connect with sheltered children through activities
After filling out an application, you will be notified in mid-August if you have been selected to participate.
Each school year, PRESENT NOW selects 40 students to participate in the program.
