JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) -- For Women’s History Month, PIX11 News highlights women making it happen in their communities. One New Jersey mom of three leads Jersey City’s Police Athletic League programs, helping hundreds of kids thrive.
In the heart of Jersey City, on Old Bergen Rd., inside the Jersey City Police Athletic League, is 40-year-old Myesha Foster six days a week. Some call her the neighborhood mom.
Foster was a well-known educator in Jersey City who saw the need for after-school programs. She is now making them happen for the children in her neighborhood.
Foster has been the CEO of the Jersey City Police Athletic League since 2021. She is the only civilian to take the position in its history. Even her husband had his doubts about the workload. She says it’s a calling to help the children in her community.
There’s a reason why.
Every day, she makes the most of limited resources. For example, a leak last year destroyed her computer lab. Now, she has just four laptops for dozens of children's after-school activities.
Foster and her husband have three children, but they now have an extended family of more than 200 Jersey City kids, ages 6 to 21.
Foster currently runs 15 youth programs, including a successful summer youth camp, after-school programs, chess classes, and mentorship programs.
Foster needs volunteers and support to keep these extracurricular activities running.
Foster said no child is turned away and is welcome.
If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at [email protected].
English (US) ·