Meet Our Staff
Annie is the Executive Director for the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children where she’s currently leading the creation and implementation of ARFC’s most recent strategic plan. She has been a member of the ARFC team since 2003 and specializes in program and staff development. Annie received her B.F.A. from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. She is a member of the Community Health Advisory Council at the United Way; an Emerging Leaders fellow at the Institute for Ethical Leadership; a fellow of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative at the Center for Creative Leadership; and received the Judith O’Connor Scholarship at the BoardSource Leadership Forum. Her notable experiences at ARFC consist of presenting program best practices at local, national, and international conferences, including at the World Forum on Early Care and Education. She is also an article author for the National Afterschool Association’s quarterly publication.
Location: Academy Street Firehouse
Samarie Rivera, Chief Housing Officer for the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, leads the Housing Program, Social Services, and NJ HIV Housing Collaborative, focusing on emergency housing for those affected by HIV and homelessness. With over 25 years of experience, her journey began as a teenage volunteer educating peers about HIV prevention. For the past two decade, she has concentrated on developing housing programs, creating safe spaces for clients and their families to prioritize health and well-being.
Location: Academy Street Firehouse
Jeanine Jones, affectionately known as Ms. Jai (Jay), is a dedicated professional committed to supporting individuals and families through a client-centered approach that ensures each person feels heard, respected, and empowered.
Since joining the agency in 2005, Jeanine has served in multiple roles including Substance Abuse Counselor Aide, Case Manager, and Residential Coordinator. She currently serves as Program Manager of the Project NEST Program, a position she has held since the COVID-19 pandemic began, leading with compassion and dedication to community well-being.
Currently interning with Bridges Outreach in Newark, NJ, Jeanine is gaining hands-on experience in case management, resource coordination, and client advocacy. She is motivated to advance her education, aspiring to earn a bachelor's degree in Public Health when her schedule allows.
Known for her reliability, empathy, and strong work ethic, Jeanine strives to create positive change and help clients and staff overcome barriers to stability and success.
Location: Project Nest East Orange
Yira Cueves
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
ycuevas@stclaresservices.org
Yira is the Director of Human Resources at the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children. She pursued a B.A. in Psychology from Kean College of New Jersey and completed a Human Resources Management Certificate Program at George Mason University. Yira joined the ARFC family in 1995 as an administrative assistant, where she became an advocate for the organization and its clients. She has 10 years of experience in the field of HR management and organizational development. Yira is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is also an Advisory Board Member for Growth and Development Services. Yira embraces diversity and empowering staff to fully engage in the mission of the organization.
Location: Newark Office
Henry has 45 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate acquisition and development. He has a wealth of experience in land development and site location for the food industry, neighborhood shopping centers, and various government agencies. Henry pursued a B.A. in Philosophy at the College of St. Hyacinth College and studied Theology and German Language Studies at Turbingen University in Germany. He also studied for his Catholic Priesthood at St. Anthony on the Hudson in New York. He is a Co-Founder and Commercial Broker for Fairmont & Realty as well as one of the chief organizers that founded the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children (ARFC). Henry has been the Chairman of ARFC’s Board of Trustees for over 10 years.
Location: Academy Street Firehouse
