About Us
Mission
Paper Thoughts works to create a culture of communication where children learn their voice and feelings matter. By providing journals and sketchbooks to schools and other youth serving organizations we give children the tools to find their voice. We work to develop a network of caring adults that can effectively assist children in responding constructively to struggles, managing emotions that might otherwise boil over; and developing skills to express themselves; ensuring a brighter future for all.
Vision
Paper Thoughts believes in a world where every kid has the ability and tools to express themselves in a healthy way.
Values
We at Paper Thoughts believe that:
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Every child needs the opportunity to express themselves and should have the choice in how to do so.
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Emotional literacy and self expression are key to mental wellness.
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Adults must work together to create a culture where kids are free to express themselves
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Writing and art are healing
Our Story
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Do you remember how it felt to be in middle school?
Oh, yes, we’re going there.
Everything is changing, your body is changing, relationships are changing, roles in your family, how you’re educated: it’s all changing.
During all of that, you’re somehow expected to naturally know how to cope with all of it, right?
Where does all of this go, before it all boils over?
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A few years ago I was working with a student who was really struggling. We tried lots of different things, different skills to help them feel better, but none of them really “stuck.” We had stopped making progress.
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Then we started writing together. Writing became a wonderful tool for them to express themselves and release their pain. Things improved immensely, they were able to communicate with others better, focus in school, and just looked happier.
I was so proud of them, but one day my heart sank. They told me they tried not to write everyday because they were afraid of filling up their nice journal too quickly. Writing in a notebook from the dollar store, or on scraps of paper may technically work, but the cheap paper, the scattered nature all served as a reminder of their current situation, while the nice journal helped them travel into the future and ponder what they truly wanted for themselves. It allowed them to let go and dream.
So I bought some journals, nice ones, the kind a person could dream in. They were so ecstatic, I couldn’t help myself...I bought more journals… I bought… SOOO many journals and offered them to more kids, and the same thing happened.
Then the magic really hit, I started talking about it and grownups really loved the idea of helping kids journal. It was as if they could remember what it was it was like in middle school, and while no one ever handed them a journal, they had the chance to do that now for someone.
Not only did friends and coworkers bring me journals, but others were donating through facebook, and even volunteering as local collection points in their home towns, sending me cases of journals. I was able to offer these special things to more kids, and not only were more kids journaling, but more kids were reaching out for help.
So I started the Paper Thoughts Program.
The Paper Thoughts Program provides journals and sketchbooks to schools and other youth serving organizations, giving children the tools to find their voice, and manage emotions that might otherwise boil over.
Our goal started out small, hoping to collect enough journals to provide to any student at South Middle School where I worked. Now, we are branching out to other schools, mental health providers, libraries, and youth serving organizations. With your help we can do that! Check out our Get Involved page for more info!
Jen Chess, LCSW
Paper Thoughts Founder
I grew up in a family where volunteering and helping others was a big part of what we did together. In high school I volunteered with the Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society. I loved donating my time to great causes, but found that I wanted to make a bigger impact so I challenged myself by starting to run my own charity work.
I coordinated an "Inch-a-Thon" to benefit Locks of Love and was able to get 36 people to donate their hair to help children suffering from various conditions that cause hair loss. Then I coordinated a blanket drive, organizing my friends, raising money, and making blankets for kids whose parents were deployed overseas. Upon entering college at SUNY Purchase, I was elected the Community Service Chair for the National Society of Leadership and Success, and I coordinated various efforts on campus.
It was only natural for me to continue on to graduate school and pursue a career where I could make a lifestyle out of helping others. I graduated with a Master of Social Work from NYU in 2015 and began working as a therapist in a satellite clinic located in a middle school. I loved my job, but my true passion lied with the concept of supporting those deep inner emotions that often get overlooked in modern society. Instead of helping kids feel confident after losing their hair, or helping kids feel cozy when they missed someone they loved, social work exposed me to the need kids have for an emotional outlet, a place to put all the things racing around in their minds and in their hearts.
After a life changing conversation with a student, I started the Paper Thoughts Program, providing quality journals to children I was working with as a therapist, and have now branched out to support anyone in need of an outlet, who may not be able to afford a quality journal of their own.
I am excited to be running a private therapy practice called Three Circles Therapy Services, PLLC. I can continue my work of supporting others and integrate much of what we do at Paper Thoughts in my work with my clients.
Kephra Rubin
Paper Thoughts Board Member
Stay tuned for bio!