Awareness * Acceptance * Action * Advocacy
The Application for the 2016 NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy is Available

The Academy is a unique and invaluable learning experience for teens with Tourette Syndrome from across the U.S. and beyond. Over the course of a rigorous four days, participants will stay overnight at Rutgers University, attend engaging workshops that provide a deeper understanding of their diagnoses, participate in small group discussions and be encouraged to share personal triumphs and challenges, and will be challenged through numerous educational activities to develop their sense of self-leadership, self-empowerment, and resilience. Interested applicants should request an application by contacting Academy Director, Melissa Fowler, via email at [email protected] or at 908-575-7350. Dates for the Academy are August 4-7, 2016, and applications are due March 1, 2016. Spots are filling up so don't delay!
Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
A growing number of corporations actively encourage volunteerism among their employees. NJCTS has many opportunities for corporate groups to donate their time and talents to help support our events and programs throughout the year. For more information and to organize an NJCTS corporate volunteer partnership with your company or business, contact Leanne Loewenthal at 908-575-7350 or [email protected].

Also needed:
Participate in TS genetic research

Would you like to see more people working on a cure for Tourette Syndrome? How about research on medications specifically for TS? Be an important part of TS genetics research on January 28th and 29th or February 18th and 19th! Dr. Robert King, professor of child psychiatry at the Yale University Medical School will be at the NJCTS Cell and DNA Sharing Repository at Rutgers University to interview individuals and families interested in participating in the National Institute of Mental Health NJCTS Genetics Sharing Program. For more information and to schedule an appointment, email [email protected].
Dates announced for 2016 NJ Walks for TS state-wide program

This series of Tourette Syndrome advocacy walk/runs is now in its 7th year. 

  

 
A word from NJ Walks for TS Youth Committee member

Ten year old Kyle greeted the NJ Walks for TS at Mendham crowd last year with this heart-warming speech. Show your support for kids like Kyle and join an NJ Walks for TS event this year.

"Thank you all for coming, this is a really special moment for me. I am happy to participate in this activity. NJCTS is a really helpful and supportive group. They help me in my everyday life. When they first came to my school and told my fellow peers about my TS they stopped laughing at me. They also understood what I was going through. They gave me more respect and liked me more. I'd like to give a shout out to Sarah and Mike for coming to my school, and for teaching my peers about my medical condition. It has changed my life. Without this group my life would be so difficult. Thank you everybody for coming and donating to NJCTS, this means a lot it me."
NJCTS Youth Advocate Tommy Licato helps friend Drew spread TS education

More than 160 4th graders at Stony Brook Elementary School in Branchburg, NJ, learned about Tourette Syndrome and about treating others with respect after NJCTS Youth Advocate Tommy Licato's recent presentation. The students asked thoughtful questions and welcomed their classmate, Drew, to the front of the room to talk about his experience with TS. Drew's classmates were so kind throughout the presentation. After school that day, Drew's mom told us that one of his friends said to his parents, "Did you know Drew had Tourette? I didn't! But he was in the assembly today and he was a ROCK STAR!" Way to go Drew and Tommy!
Join us for our 12th Annual Family Retreat Weekend!

Since 2004, NJCTS has welcomed families to enjoy some time away from it all at the Family Retreat Weekend at YMCA Camp Bernie in beautiful Hunterdon County. The "best weekend of the year" allows children and their families to meet others with TS, learn more about their diagnosis, and engage with peer mentors in a fun, safe environment.  Click here for more information and to register .
The Jeff Vitek Memorial Fund for Youth Development

In the fall of 2015, Susan and Patrick Vitek established the Jeff Vitek Memorial Fund for Youth Development at NJCTS in honor of the cherished son they loved and lost. "When you lose a child you want to do something meaningful and giving other kids the help that Jeff didn't have was the best thing we could think of," the Viteks recalled. "All of the things NJCTS is doing are the things that we missed, our son missed, and that we feel passionate about. We are grateful that NJCTS will help others in Jeff's name." Sue and Pat encourage others to support the NJCTS Youth Development programs. Please consider making a donation in honor or in memory of someone you love to help sustain the fund.

Moorestown Upper Elementary School supports NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy

Moorestown Upper Elementary School students and staff were invited to donate $1 for a Service and Spirit Tag on a recent Spirit Day. The school raised $800 during their Teal for Tourette Syndrome Spirit Day and have requested that the funds support the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy. The school also selected The Keeper by Tim Howard for their "Read it Forward" program and chose the design to the right as the winner of The Keeper bookmark contest. A great big thank you to all the students and staff at Moorestown Upper Elementary! 
Wishlist
NJCTS is in need of the following items to support our programs such as Family Retreat Weekend, the Leadership Academy, and school in-service presentations. Can you or your business help meet our needs?

Program needs:
Gift cards to Costco, BJs, Sam's Club, grocery stores, Staples
Office supplies

Technology needs:
Conference call phone
Smartboard
Webcam
Netbook

If you would like to make a donation, please call NJCTS at 908-575-7350 or email [email protected] to make arrangements.

Save the date for these upcoming events!


January 26: Call-in support group for parents of TS kids age 4-11, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP to attend. 

January 28: Call-in support group for parents of TS kids age 12 and up, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP to attend.