JBC Hope for Humanity originated in remembrance of Ms. Juanita B. Cooper.

Ms. Juanita B. Cooper dedicated 40 years of her professional life to the ministry of social work.

Her career of service began at the Girls Center in Newark, New Jersey as a counselor to foster and homeless troubled teen girls.

She went on to spend 20 years at the Work-Oriented Rehabilitation Institute (WORI) and approximately 4 years at the first Occupational Center of New Jersey, where she was the Director of many federally funded rehabilitation programs in New Jersey.

Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless individuals and families who were affected by psychiatric and behavioral disorders, homelessness, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.  

Ms. Cooper was known and loved throughout her community as a surrogate mother, a champion of social justice, and an advocate for education.

She earned multiple degrees, including a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psychology.