About Us

Board members, staff and volunteers bring their unique qualities, cultural lifestyles, formal education and business acumen to the systahood of S4S.

· Brigitte Johnson, Co-Founder/Board President

· Taraja A. Barnett, Board Treasurer/Data Analyst

· Zelda Everson, Co-Founder/Executive Director

· Adrienne McCall, Co-Founder/Director of Community Services

· Hawaiian Epps, Director of Outreach Services/Program Manager

· M. Sakinah Reed, Director of Curriculum/Program Manager

· Judeline Docima, Program Coordinator/Mentor

· Zadiah Ballard, Program Coordinator/Mentor

· Anessah Cabiness, Program Coordinator/Mentor

ESTABLISHED: April 17, 1994, as a community based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation founded in the state of New Jersey.

GOAL: To develop and enhance the self-esteem of young women in urban areas between ages of 11-21 years old.

MISSION: To empower youth to take control of their destiny and rise above negativity.

MOTTO: Love Your Systa Like A Sister. S4S is a family operation started by a close knit group of friends. Participants are encouraged to deal with each other as family. Accordingly, program participants are referred to as lil systas and their mentors are big systas.

PHILOSPHY: Supporting Young Sisters Toward Achieving Success. S4S has remained true to its philosophy and acronym for nearly 20 years. We believe that providing a strong support system promotes educational and social skills and significantly increases the chance of a successful transition into adulthood.

Past & Present Collaborators

· Newark Drop Out and Truancy Prevention Initiative

· Newark Extended School Day Program

· The Leaguers (Youth Partnership)

· Partnership for Children of Essex

· Urban Youth Development Corp

· Glenwood Academy Alternative School

· Orange Alternative High School

· NJ Nets and Newark Housing Authority

· Essex County Youth Detention Center

· East Orange High School (1995-1999)

· East Orange Campus 9 (Freshmen only)

· Patrick F. Healy Middle School

· Sojourner Truth Middle School

· Dress for Success, Inc.

· East Orange Weed & Seed

Awards & Recognitions

· 2009 Community Scholarship Award: East Orange Kinsmen

· 2006 Best Practices Award: Community Development Block Grant/City of East Orange

· 2005 Community Leadership Award: Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. (H.A.N.D.S.)

· 2004 Innovative Approach Award: Community Development Block Grant/ City of East Orange

· 1998 Exemplary Volunteerism Award:-

· Essex County Juvenile Detention Center