TRT-Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Cresskill, NJ.
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Reclaim Your Youth and Vitality with TRT in Cresskill, NJ
It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
The Juventee Difference
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Cresskill, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
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What is Testosterone?
What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Did You Know?
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
- Body Hair
- Facial Hair
- Muscle Strength
- Increased Libido
- Deeper Voice
- Muscle Density
- Sperm
What is TRT in Cresskill, NJ?
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Common Signs of Low Testosterone
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you usually a productive powerhouse but now feel like you lack drive and motivation?
- Have you had a normal sex life in the past but now find that you're losing the ability to be intimate?
- Are you usually calm and collected, but your partner is complaining about your irritability?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Decreased Energy
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Cresskill, NJ could be the solution.
Lowered Libido
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
Hair Loss
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Inability to Achieve and Maintain Erections
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
Depression
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Lack of Sleep
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Weight Gain
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
Gynecomastia
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Be the Best Version of Yourself with TRT in Cresskill, NJ
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
Latest News in Cresskill, NJ
Boys Basketball: West Caldwell Tech, Cresskill advance - NJS1G1 Tournament quarterfinals (PHOTOS)
cepsteinhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/boys-basketball-west-caldwell-tech-advances-njs1g1-tournament-quarterfinals.html
Aziz Sutton-Shorter scored 17 points to lead fourth-seeded West Caldwell Tech past fifth-seeded Hasbrouck Heights 69-54 in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament in West Caldwell.Despite falling behind 16-11 after the first quarter, West Caldwell Tech (19-9) turned things around in the second and sported a five-point lead at halftime. West Caldwell Tech went on to outscore Hasbrouck Heights 42-31 in the second half.Zayd Isa added 15 points while Jesus Koudou had 14 to propel the Eagles to their fou...
Aziz Sutton-Shorter scored 17 points to lead fourth-seeded West Caldwell Tech past fifth-seeded Hasbrouck Heights 69-54 in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament in West Caldwell.
Despite falling behind 16-11 after the first quarter, West Caldwell Tech (19-9) turned things around in the second and sported a five-point lead at halftime. West Caldwell Tech went on to outscore Hasbrouck Heights 42-31 in the second half.
Zayd Isa added 15 points while Jesus Koudou had 14 to propel the Eagles to their fourth straight win and five of their last six.
Anthony Peterson led Hasbrouck Heights (18-9) with a game-high 19 points while Jack Baker netted 15.
West Caldwell Tech will face top-seeded Cresskill in the semifinals on Friday.
Cresskill 53, Kittatinny 28
Cody Song scored 16 points for top-seeded Cresskill as it rolled past ninth-seeded Kittatinny 53-28 in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament in Cresskill.
Cresskill (17-9) fell behind 10-8 at the end of the first quarter before taking control the rest of the way outscoring Kittatinny 45-18. Omer Tal added 11 points for Cresskill while Talen Zitomer had 10.
Cresskill will face fourth-seeded West Caldwell Tech in the semifinals on Friday.
Kittatinny fell to 10-13.
Paterson Charter 67, Kinnelon 43
Giovanny Figueroa finished with 14 points and five assists to help lift third-seeded Paterson Charter over sixth-seeded Kinnelon 67-43 in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament in Paterson.
Paterson Charter (16-6) took a 17-13 lead in the first quarter before pushing it to a 16-point advantage at halftime. Paterson Charter went on to pull away in the second half outscoring Kinnelon 34-27.
Kemar Degroat also had a double-double for Paterson Charter with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Deangelo Hibbert had 13 and eight. Ka’Juan Gee netted 13 points.
Paterson Charter will face second-seeded Park Ridge in the semifinals on Friday.
Kinnelon fell to 15-10.
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Craig Epstein may be reached at @CraigEpstein18.
Ida: CBS2 visits district in New Jersey, where some schools haven't been open in 2 years due to pandemic and storm
Vanessa Murdockhttps://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/ida-cbs2-visits-district-in-new-jersey-where-some-schools-havent-been-open-in-2-years-due-to-pandemic-and-storm/
CRESSKILL, N.J. -- One year ago, the remnants of Hurricane Ida destroyed the middle and highs schools in Cresskill. Students have not been back since.That, however, will change next Tuesday, the first day of the new school year.On Monday, CBS2's Vanessa Mu...
CRESSKILL, N.J. -- One year ago, the remnants of Hurricane Ida destroyed the middle and highs schools in Cresskill. Students have not been back since.
That, however, will change next Tuesday, the first day of the new school year.
On Monday, CBS2's Vanessa Murdock went to one of the schools, where rebuilding continues.
FLASHBACK: Referendum to spend over $20 million on repairs for Cresskill Schools expected to pass
Waist-deep water filled the auditorium and not a classroom was left unscathed. Ida left the building standing, but decimated the school, said Michael Burke, the superintendent of Cresskill Schools.
"This was the center location of why we could not open for a long time," Burke said.
In the boiler room, floodwater filled all four boilers half way up. Replacements now sit on much higher ground.
"These are the boilers. They're now placed up on these cement pylons," Burke said.
Outside, mighty walls wait to protect the school if water rises again. And the sound of the power washer grabs your attention. Inside, it's the drone of fans.
When asked what still has to be done before reopening, Burke said, "We're still finalizing the air. The air condition has to be connected."
In addition, microscopes need to be dusted, clocks set, and hallways cleared. Right now, workers fill them feverishly trying to get ready for the big day. Much of the school still needs a full cleaning, but many classrooms are ready and waiting for students to fill the pristine seats. Teachers, who will return later this week, need to set up their classrooms.
"I gotta go through all those boxes over there. I'm very excited to go through all of my stuff," art teacher Leigh Ann Dauble said.
Dauble, who got permission to come in early, saw her refurbished classroom for the first time.
"It's beautiful," she said. "I'm kind of excited to start fresh."
And she's excited to see her students face to face.
"The students have not been in this building on a consistent basis since March of 2020," Burke said.
First the pandemic, then Ida.
"We were remote for several months. We ended up going to St. Therese, the church in town, on a rotating basis," Burke said.
Then, the district utilized a building in Northvale, but for a reduced school day.
FLASHBACK: 1,000 Cresskill students still learning remotely months after Ida destroyed school
On Sept. 6, everyone will be back, all day. The school's doors will open to a lot of pomp and circumstance, including a ribbon cutting and a performance by the marching band. Students that spoke to CBS2 said they're excited, if not a little apprehensive.
"It doesn't seem realistic, because we haven't been [here] for like two years," sophomore Leo Kim said.
"I feel good. I never stepped foot in the building before because I joined when it flooded," sophomore Etamar Weinstein said.
Weinstein hopes the work gets done in time.
"The air conditionings been broken for a while, so I hoped that's finished," Weinstein said.
Good thing for him the AC is a top priority. Work on the auditorium will wait.
"It's not essential that we have it for the kids to come back. We need the classroom spaces," Burke said.
To get students back where they belong and back to normal.
Vanessa Murdock joined the CBS 2 Weather Team in October 2011 as the weekend morning meteorologist and weekday reporter.
Class Act with Chris Wragge
Chris Wraggehttps://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/class-act-with-chris-wragge-celebrating-the-wins-at-cresskill-middle-and-high-school-cresskill-new-jersey/
NEW YORK -- Today's Class Act with Chris Wragge is celebrating the students at Cresskill Middle and High School in Cresskill, New Jersey.Just as the school was about to reopen after COVID, it was badly flooded by Tropic...
NEW YORK -- Today's Class Act with Chris Wragge is celebrating the students at Cresskill Middle and High School in Cresskill, New Jersey.
Just as the school was about to reopen after COVID, it was badly flooded by Tropical Storm Ida.
Now after two and a half years, students are back in a new and improved building.
Check out the highlights from our morning below.
7:32 AM / May 19, 2023
Nothing beats being back in person
Whether dancing for a fundraiser or performing on stage, the faculty and students tell us they're thrilled to be together again.
By CBS New York Team
9:02 AM / May 19, 2023
What a small world
While Chris Wragge was working on this story, he got a call from an old friend whose daughter is a senior at the school.
By Chris Wragge
7:21 AM / May 19, 2023
Seniors grateful to be back for final year
Despite the difficulties they faced over the past few years, seniors say they're excited to be back with their classmates and teammates before wrapping up high school and heading on to college.
By CBS New York Team
6:27 AM / May 19, 2023
Dancing their way back to normal
The kids were remote for two and a half years, but now they're thriving. The basketball team won a sectional title, and students are back together again learning, laughing -- and dancing.
By Chris Wragge
6:37 AM / May 19, 2023
Behind-the-scenes bright and early
By CBS New York Team
6:11 AM / May 19, 2023
"Celebrate the wins"
Principal John Massaro tells Wragge about what it was like to see the school under water just days before it was set to welcome students back, and what it meant to have the community come together to rebuild.
CLICK HERE for his full interview.
By Chris Wragge
6:13 AM / May 19, 2023
Up early in Cresskill, N.J.
By CBS New York Team
6:12 AM / May 19, 2023
Sign up for school visit
Does your high school have a special program, activity or event that you want us to know about? Let us know about it by filling out the form below.
CLICK HERE for more information.
By CBS New York Team
Boys basketball: Cresskill outlasts Paterson Charter to secure North 1, Group 1 title
bticehttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/boys-basketball-cresskill-outlasts-paterson-charter-to-secure-north-1-group-1-title.html
When both teams came out onto the floor, It was clear that a dogfight was about to ensue. The roar of the crowd, especially the student section, echoed throughout the gym, and the back and forth cheers for both teams made it the perfect atmosphere for a title game. Top-seeded Cresskill knew the task ahead of them, a matchup against third-seeded Paterson Charter, wouldn’t be easy, but being at home certainly provided a much needed boost.“Credit to goes to my guys, they were resilient, tough and bought in,” said Cressk...
When both teams came out onto the floor, It was clear that a dogfight was about to ensue. The roar of the crowd, especially the student section, echoed throughout the gym, and the back and forth cheers for both teams made it the perfect atmosphere for a title game. Top-seeded Cresskill knew the task ahead of them, a matchup against third-seeded Paterson Charter, wouldn’t be easy, but being at home certainly provided a much needed boost.
“Credit to goes to my guys, they were resilient, tough and bought in,” said Cresskill coach Dan Egorow, “But this crowd, I don’t know If we do it without them here.”
Going into the game, the Cougars knew they would be challenged defensively thanks to the speedy guards of Paterson Charter, but the they came out prepared and hungry, eventually leading to a 48-44 win over Paterson Charter, giving Cresskill (19-9) its 14th sectional title and first since 2018.
“It starts with the defensive end,” said Egorow. “We played a little bit of zone because they are a little bit quicker than us, but they bought in, we did the right thing and we had assignments that we went over yesterday.”
“44 points to that team, I mean, its a hell of a job” added Egorow.
The momentum at the start of the game belonged to Paterson Charter, as their star guard and leading scorer, Ka’Juan Gee, got the game started with a three and a pull-up jumper, kicking off a 9-0 run to start the game.
The Cougars started the game out playing zone defense, but Paterson Charter (17-7) sped the game up to their pace, getting open looks and forcing Cresskill to stay in constant movement.
However, one of the biggest switches in the game was the decision to go back to man-to-man. Cresskill used their size inside to not only shut down the penetration from Paterson Charter’s guards, but also out-hustle and out-rebound the Lions the rest of the game.
After trailing 11-7 at the end of the first quarter, Cresskill stormed back in the second, taking its first lead of the game with 2:50 left in the half after a three-pointer from Marko Radovich. The Cougars went into the half leading by one, 20-19.
With the first half so tightly contested, the second half brought more of the same. Paterson Charter came out of the half firing, taking back the lead with a score of 26-25 after a Ka’Juan Gee three-pointer, firing up the team. The Lions began to battle back on the boards as well, holding a 29-27 lead at the end of the third quarter,
With one of its best players, Talen Zitomer having four fouls with a minute left in the third quarter, someone had to step up to begin the fourth, and it was Marko Radovich. Radovich hit a huge three-pointer to start of the quarter, and then another with 6:36 left in the game, giving the Cougars a 33-29 lead.
“Getting Marko going and Talon going, and even Jack [Hayward], who was phenomenal off the bench, it was huge,” said Egorow. “It really sparked us because you see one go in and a second and third one and I think it just lifted us up.”
Paterson Charter kept it close thanks to Giovanny Figueroa, who posted seven of his nine points in the las five minutes of the game, including a clutch three-pointer with 40 seconds left in the game to make the score 45-42.
However, Cresskill would force a jump-ball on the ensuing play, taking over possession and sealing the game with an and-one from Jack Hayward.
Cresskill’s Marko Radovich finished with a game-high 14 points to go along with three rebounds. Jack Hayward posted 11 points off the bench with Talen Zitomer adding nine points and five rebounds. Ryan Berkowitz came up big on the boards, tallying seven points and 10 rebounds.
Ka’Juan Gee, Paterson Charter’s leading scorer, led the way with 11 points with Deangelo Hibbert adding 10 and Giovanny Figueroa posting nine.
The win also dethrones the two-time defending North 1, Group 2 champions in Paterson Charter, putting the Cougars at the top of the mountain now.
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Cresskill High School Students Help The Homeless
NewJerseyStage.comhttps://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2022/11/14/cresskill-high-school-students-help-the-homeless/
(CRESSKILL, NJ) -- Cresskill teenagers - Namhoon Lee, Jaeho Cho, Alex, and Daniel Dangelico, were inspired to create an organization that would give back to the community. "After two years of remote learning and social distancing, we wanted to bond to help those less fortunate," said former President and co-founder Namhoon Lee. These Cresskill H.S. seniors founded the organization titled, Beyond a Goal (B.A.G.); the mission is to help provide imme...
(CRESSKILL, NJ) -- Cresskill teenagers - Namhoon Lee, Jaeho Cho, Alex, and Daniel Dangelico, were inspired to create an organization that would give back to the community. "After two years of remote learning and social distancing, we wanted to bond to help those less fortunate," said former President and co-founder Namhoon Lee. These Cresskill H.S. seniors founded the organization titled, Beyond a Goal (B.A.G.); the mission is to help provide immediate attention to this ongoing crisis by fundraising in the community to provide backpacks filled with hygiene kits, extra shirts, water, protein bars, and masks to be distributed to the homeless throughout the NJ/NY area".
The Dangelico twins, co-founders, explained; "The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already dire homeless crisis in the Northern New Jersey and Manhattan area that many city officials were trying to combat. As the pandemic increased the importance of maintaining hygiene, the homeless were left to fend for themselves as resources such as shelters and public restrooms shut down."
When Cresskill middle/high school students were about to return to in-person learning in September 2022, Hurricane Ida flooded the high school and destroyed the building leaving them without a place to attend class. Thanks to the community's generosity, residents voted to increase taxes to pay for the restoration, while local churches and community centers offered their premises until the refurbishment was completed. Paying it Forward became even more critical to the B.A.G. team. This year, the leadership positions have been passed on to Cresskill High School's current Seniors - Jihwan Choi and Amber Dangelico - which now includes 39 active members.
B.A.G. organizes local fundraisers in the Cresskill and Dumont areas. Members go door-to-door, explaining B.A.G.'s mission and soliciting interest for donations, which are used to fund the materials in the backpacks. However, this is not the organization's only outlet for contributions; they also have a B.A.G. gofundmepage. Thus far, B.A.G. has raised almost $9000 and distributed about 250 bags.
Most recently, B.A.G. members visited the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, which helps approximately 1,000 homeless women, men, and children on the streets of their city. The group has donated 100 bags to the shelter and plans to return in November to distribute more.
The members always look forward to creating a more personal relationship with the homeless. After embarking on a mission trip to New York City in October, the teenagers recounted the inspiration and optimism from engaging with six people they met along the way. Vice-President Amber Dangelico tells a memorable encounter with Hector, a talented artist filled with gratitude: "Today, I prayed to God. I prayed to God and asked him to send me an angel. Not only did I get one angel, I got two, four, and six. SEVEN angels, as he counted each of us that came from Cresskill. God has answered my prayers. You kids are the change this world needs. It is so easy to do bad and so difficult to do good. There are so many bad people out there, and I want you to know that I appreciate all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.' Amber added, 'His face gleamed with excitement, and his vulnerability and wholesome words touched all of our hearts as we walked away with tears in our eyes.'"
B.A.G. will continue to work towards helping to better the lives of the homeless. President Jihwan Choi explains that what they get back in return is the appreciation for their interactions, inspiration, and lessons that the homeless offer them: "'We've had precious opportunities to speak to the homeless and listen to their stories. We were very moved by their heartfelt words and can assure you that B.A.G.'s efforts will progress over the years, hoping to subdue the hardships of the homeless.'"
Furthermore, the team encourages society to help others in any way possible; it does not always have to be monetarily related. The little things go a long way, whether it is smiling at someone or simply voicing appreciation for them.
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