About Us
Making the World a Better Place For All of Us
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Our Story
B.L.E.S.C is a 501 C3 non-profit organization, that focuses on connecting the community to law enforcement. We understand the strains often associated with dealing with community and law enforcement relations. As community members who work in law enforcement we aim to bridge that gap where needed.
What We Do
MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
SENIOR SAFETY WORKSHOP
GANG AWARENESS SEMINARS
ANTI-BULLYING SEMINARS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SEMINARS
REAL OR FAKE WEAPONS AWARENESS
SELF ESTEEM BUILDING SKILLS
SAFETY AWARENESS SEMINARS
WEATHERIZATION REFERRAL (TO PACO)
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SEMINARS
LIFE SKILLS BUILDING
BLESCFIT TRAINING PROGRAM
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
With Your Help, We Can Make Our Community A Better Place.
Your donation will help to continue our programs and initiatives that aim to improve the lives of our community. Donate now, and be part of something great!
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Our Mission & Approach
Our mission is to bring a sense of community back. We can not restore the old values because we, as humans, are ever evolving. The old values and morals instilled in most of us are the foundation for which we will build a greater community. B.L.E.S.C. is a multicultural, multi-faceted group of dedicated men and women of law enforcement, first responders, etc., who don’t stop working for the communities we serve once we take off our uniforms. We serve a greater purpose: to facilitate the power of knowledge, understanding, morality, responsibility, and prosperity. We are B.L.E.S.C and will not give up on our communities or each other. UNITY IS STRENGTH.
Our Board Members
Anthony C. Smith
PRESIDENT
John K. Boamah
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Rashaun Spence
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Yolanda Bobo
SECRETARY
Maurice Rose
TREASURER
A Letter from the President
Anthony C. Smith is the youngest of three children, born and raised in Jersey City. Anthony attended the Jersey City Public Schools and is a graduate of Henry Snyder High School. And as he is affectionately known has been a Corrections Police Officer for the Hudson County Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Center in Kearny for the past twenty years. In July 2021, he officially became the Community Relations Officer he works and serves the community in various capacities.
In the course of his career, Officer Smith has assisted and furthered his law enforcement career by gaining skills and certification in G.R.E.A.T (Gang, Resistance, Education, and Training), Ethical Standards of Conduct, Crisis Prevention, Intervention, Community Outreach, Defensive Tactics, State and Federal Laws, and Inmate Rights, just to name a few. Anthony has worked in the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2012, Anthony was part of the Beyond Scarred Straight Lock Up program to aid in the prevention of youth incarceration. In 2016 he received a Proclamation from the Jersey City City Council led by Councilman Jermain Robinson. In 2017 he was recognized by Mayor Steven M. Fulop. He has been recognized by Queen Esther Chapter # 2, HOPES Community Action Partnership, and Teen Magazine. Last but not least of his many recognitions and accomplishments, Anthony is also a certified MOT (Method of Instruction) Instructor, where he can teach police and correction police recruits in all police academies in the State of New Jersey.
In 2007 Anthony along with a few of his fellow colleagues at the Hudson County Correction & Rehabilitation Center founded Blacks In Law Enforcement Servicing The Community, better known as B.L.E.S.C. Anthony is the CEO and lead founder of this organization. When B.L.E.S.C was formed, it was founded on the principle of unfair treatment received by the Black Corrections Police Officers in Hudson County and beyond. BLESC quickly learned that their help was needed just as much in the community as it was needed in the jail. B.L.E.S.C’s membership is made up on Hudson County Corrections Police, Jersey City Police, Hudson County Sheriff’s Officers, Fire Fighters, EMTs, Probation Officers, 911 dispatchers, and minimal civilians.
Today B.L.E.S.C., has grown in membership to over 60 members. B.L.E.S.C. is bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community and dedicates its time to mentoring
students at various elementary, middle, and high schools, mentoring students from Truancy Court, providing workshops to the seniors’ citizens (how to stay safe, telephone scams, cyberbullying, etc.) church groups, community groups, and block associations. B.L.E.S.C. has been mentoring the students at PS # 15 since 2017.
Anthony is married and the proud father of four (4) beautiful children who keep him busy.
Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith
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