Hazel Cares was founded to honor the enduring spirit of Hazel and Rev. Jesse Johnson—

a legacy of faithfulness, compassion, and quiet strength and most of all their love for children. As foster parents to over 20 children, they gave love, guidance, and stability to those who needed it most. Their devotion was recognized by the City of New York, which honored them as Foster Parents of the Year. Their dedication shines through our mission

​

Rev. Jesse Johnson served as a Baptist pastor for over 50 years. His ministry was one of quiet faith, deep humility, and unwavering service to others. Together, Hazel and Jesse built a home where every child felt seen, safe, and cherished—a home that became the heart of Hazel Cares.

​

Our CEO and Clinical Supervisor, Janice Jefferson, is Jesse and Hazel’s daughter. She leads with both clinical rigor and emotional truth, ensuring that every detail reflects the values her parents lived by. Hazel Cares is not just a business—it’s a continuation of their love, their advocacy, and their belief in dignity for every child. Hazel Cares continues to embody the compassion and advocacy that defined their lives, ensuring every child feels safe, and cherished.

​

Today, Hazel Cares specializes in supporting medically fragile children and their families. We understand the weight of managing complex medical needs—ventilators, feeding tubes, seizure protocols, medication regimens—and we walk alongside families with clarity, compassion, and clinical excellence. Our care is not just technical—it’s deeply human.

At Hazel Cares, we believe that every child deserves to be safe, understood, and surrounded by love. And every family deserves a partner who listens, advocates, and shows up with both skill and heart.

​

​

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

—1 Corinthians 13:13 (New International Version)

​