Joanne Rooney

Joanne has been with Project Community for over 30 years. She holds a deep love for Project CHILDD and its huge impact on the children and their families, as well as the teen mentors who volunteer their time. Under her leadership, the program at Montefiore Children’s Hospital in the Bronx supports therapeutic expression and builds self-esteem amongst children with disabilities. At the end of each session, the children add newly created artwork to their portfolios and take a piece of artwork home to their families. She celebrates their proud smiles when the children present their art to their parent or guardian.

With each project they complete, the children learn to reduce stress, overcome challenges, build practical skills, and boost their self-esteem. Joanne says she feels great joy in seeing the children and their families enjoy their accomplishments, smiling, laughing, and feeling very proud. Parents routinely tell her how important the program is to them and their children, bringing happiness to the entire family.