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 to national and world level talent in our children in Passaic. Jessica graduated from Passaic High School and was an active member in the Modern Dance Club, Lat
in American Student Organization (LASO), NJROTC, and in other extra-curricular activities throughout her years as a student in the City of Passaic. 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 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 lacking of coordinated effort and creating possibilities and opportunities. 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 development 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.
