Boys Town New Jersey

Actress Befriends Newark Girls
Published March 13, 2003

Actress Suzanne Douglas from the television show Parenthood visited the Newark, NJ Site on March 4 to share dinner and quality time with the girls in our care.

Ms. Douglas first met the girls a few months ago after arriving late to church one Sunday morning. The only available seat left was next to our group in the third row from the front. After the initial greetings, there was an instant connection. The girls immediately recognized Ms. Douglas from her TV show and other appearances in movies.

Besides admiring her beauty and sweetness, the girls were drawn to Ms. Douglas by her obvious dedication to her faith and sincere feeling towards young people. Now each Sunday, Ms. Douglas sits with the girls in "their row" and at times is mistaken for a staff member by the other parishioners.
During her recent visit to the Site, Ms. Douglas brought gifts of flowers, cheese and fruit, and a large heart shaped cake. The girls had been busy at work doing their chores, wrapping the silverware in napkins and ribbon, and setting a table fit for a queen. They all felt nervous before Ms. Douglas arrived, as they were so excited to have her come to their home for a visit.

Throughout dinner Ms. Douglas reinforced the values and practices the girls experience at Boys Town by recounting the care and concerns she has for her young daughter. After dinner, rousing games of ping-pong and a repeat performance of a recent talent show by the girls brought the evening to a close.

At the door the girls brought their Boys Town Prayer Books from their rooms for Ms. Douglas to sign and a few of them asked for her prayers. Ms. Douglas is a beautiful woman inside and out, and she has made an amazing impact on each girl that was fortunate to meet her at the Boys Town Shelter in Newark.

It truly was a night the girls will remember for some time to come.

Alex Figueroa
Site Director
Newark