Jay began helping children in need through Neon Street, an organization that provides transitional living for homeless young-adults. He helped tutor and mentor the youth so they could obtain their GEDs. He also ran the youth board at the Jane Addams Hull House, helping continue the emphasis on the education and growth of youth created by Addams.

As a past board member of Perspectives Charter Schools Jay helped bring change to the education of Chicago’s poorest youth. Perpesctives, a system of 5 open enrollment schools serving underserved neighborhoods in Chicago has a 99% college acceptance rate. As a member of this organization Jay helped sponsor a trip for a whole class to travel to Jamaica to learn about slavery and to trace its roots back to Jamaica. 

Jay has volunteered at Community Support Services, helping to improve the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He was awarded the Ekroth award by Community Support Services for his involvement within the organization.

Jay is a current board member at Chicago House and charity that serves parents and children that are HIV/AIDS positive, need housing assistance, and/or need job placement or job skills. As a board member Jay makes sure the families and the children get what they need to grow and prosper.

Jay is also actively engaged in discussions to bring Hollywood producer Peter Samuelson's foster care charity, First Star, to Chicago. First star provides a safe place for foster care youth to learn, gain college credit, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. The charity partners up with universities to provide this stable environment every summer.