Our Vision
The Foundation was established upon the premise that filmmaking is a therapeutic outlet that engages the imagination, empowering and nourishing creativity toward personal growth and the development of critical life skills.
Our Mission
The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRH Foundation) uses the art of filmmaking to foster personal growth and creativity among youth ages 10-20. Founded in 2017, JRH Foundation’s arts education and career training programs provide a safe and nurturing environment that cultivates a love of the arts while laying the foundation for the exploration of career opportunities that support equal access to higher education and skilled employment for all.
JRH Foundation programs provide an alternative to sports programming for youth who wish to purse a creative outlet.
Our History
The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRH Foundation) was founded in 2017 after a local native of Trenton NJ, Joseph A. Halsey, completed the filming of an award-winning short documentary titled What If I Were Mayor. After sitting down with local Trenton area youth to discuss how they would fix the problems their city was facing, the idea of teaching kids film while inspiring change was born.
Inspired by the legacy of James R Halsey, who taught by example and who believed in working with young people struggling to fit in, the foundation emphasizes the unique skills and abilities of each individual student. As a little league coach, Mr. Halsey believed in creating a team with those who did not fit in, teaching them that they had the strengths and abilities to accomplish anything they wanted.