I joined the Perfect Ten program because a friend recommended it to me, saying it would help improve my English and teach me how to socialize. When I joined, I found this to be true. The team is incredibly patient with us, understanding that English is our second language, and they make sure to include us in everything.

I’m very grateful for this program because it has helped me grow and overcome my shyness. I feel comfortable here and truly enjoy the activities we’ve done. For example, visiting Art Omi was a wonderful experience, as was the aerial yoga. I also appreciated the trip to the bank, where I learned about bank accounts, the differences between various cards, and how interest works.

This program has helped me in so many ways—whether it’s completing school assignments or giving me a chance to unwind and take my mind off the stress of daily tasks. I’m really thankful to be part of Perfect Ten.

One Girl’s Story

In 2022, a local student was expelled after defending herself from a persistent bully. The school did this without knowing her side of the story. 

Without any plan from the school district, her family tried to home-school her. She developed terrible anxiety, and her education suffered.

Bernadette Martin, head of Perfect Ten’s After School Tutoring Program (RESET), became aware of the young girl and her family's struggles and reached out. She suggested their daughter join our RESET program, where she could learn in a supportive, structured environment and exercise her social skills.

The student excelled academically the following year and a half, and her social and emotional health grew. 

Now, it was time to get her back into school. The school district, unsure how to handle this situation adequately, turned to PTen for help. We worked with the school to develop a transition plan, organizing meetings with the school superintendent, social workers, and counselors to tailor a supportive reentry program. It wasn’t easy for the girl, but PTen helped her walk through the school door.

And now? The student has successfully reentered school and is attending all honors classes. Her academic performance continues to excel, while her improved social skills have allowed her to interact more confidently with peers and teachers.

Please donate so we can have many more stories like this. THANK YOU!

Changing Lives

Meet Devin—a remarkable young woman whose journey with Perfect Ten spans seven years.

Devin began attending the clubhouse in 7th grade and, though now an alumna, remains actively involved in our programs. She has excelled in workshops, particularly jewelry-making, which led her to work with Shana Lee Jewelry in Hudson. There, Devin designed, crafted, and priced her own pieces, earning praise for her methodical and artistic approach. Her work was even showcased in an exhibit at Rutgers College.

As a leader, Devin inspires others at PTen. She graduated as an honor student, contributes to community events, and has taken on roles as a Sprouts instructor and RESET tutor. She also works as a substitute at Coarc’s Head Start program, with plans to go full-time and potentially attend college.

Devin’s journey hasn’t been without challenges—she doesn’t have contact with her mother and has leaned on PTen for guidance. When she considered a gap year before college, PTen staff supported her with planning, applications, and school visits. She calls PTen her “guiding light.”

There are many “Devins” out there who rely on PTen during these crucial years. With your donation, we can continue changing lives. Every contribution makes a difference.

With your donation of any amount, we can continue our vital daily programming. THANK YOU!