A big-time celebrity helped a local organization celebrate 45 years of transforming lives.

Singer and performer Ja Rule was the keynote speaker at The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester’s gala at the Greentree Country Club. The organization helps young adults, 16 to 25 years old, in the criminal justice system. They have a holistic approach involving clinical and behavioral health services, education, and employment services. Organizers say the main message is about resilience.  "We see the transformation, when they come in, kind of confused about what their life should be and where it should go to really find this place of self-actualization," says Reverend Darren M. Morton, from the board of Youth Shelter Program.

The organization serves around 150 young people each year.