Sounds nice--the notion of coming home--but for thousands of veterans, the experience is anxiety provoking and rougher than others might imagine. JBFCS understands that and has the professional expertise in training professionals who are reaching out and helping our veterans get the most they can out of coming Home Again.
Learn more about this program here.
A New Alliance
This summer JBFCS joined the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC). When we moved our Center for Child Development and Learning to 139th St. in Harlem, we committed ourselves to becoming part of the neighborhood, part of their landscape. By joining GHCC, we furthered that goal. We participated in GHCC’s Economic Development Day held at Columbia University. Here, Dr. James Mcknight, Psychiatrist for JBFCS spoke about the trauma of 9/11 and helping children through it. We also sponsored a table at the simultaneous Job Fair, which got people interested in our open positions and volunteer opportunities. Then came Children’s Day during Harlem Week. We again sponsored a table at which we met with many neighborhood families and handed out information on getting your child ready for the new school year as well as what to do
if you think your child isn’t meeting developmental goals . Coming up is an open house at CCDL during Marathon Week as well as meetings with various community leaders.
Kudos to Deborah Langosch and the Brooklyn Grandparents Coalition
On September 14, 2011, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz honored the Brooklyn Grandparents’ Coalition (BGC), which is led by our own Deborah Langosch, Ph.D., LCSW. BGC is used as a model for other agencies and coalitions throughout the City. During this Grandparents’ Day Celebration, the City celebrated the special relationship that exists between grandparents and their grandchildren, especially those who have assumed full-time care for these children. As Dr. Langosch pointed out in her thank-you remarks, kin caregivers make enormous sacrifices but know that their relatives charges fare better when they’re placed with family who loves them. BGC, which has existed for nearly 20 years, supports kin caregivers. Dr. Langosch was also honored on this day by the New York City Department of Aging. Needless to say, we are extremely proud of Dr. Langosch and the Brooklyn Grandparents’ Coalition. The work they do in helping relative caregivers get the services they need to provide the best possible care goes beyond measure.
NY State Names October Behavior Health Recognition Month
On Sunday October 9, a celebration is being held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It’s all about bringing together the fields of mental health, addictions, and veterans services to spread awareness of the issues, to recognize individuals and friends and family of individuals that are struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders every day, and to honor the professionals that dedicate their life’s work to helping these individuals. JBFCS is sponsoring a table, so be sure to stop by and learn about all we do to help people in New York.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981, which was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. As we approach October this year, we extend our hand to those living with us in shelters, those who had the courage to leave an abusive situation, and those who are working with our Family Services and Preventive Counselors to find ways to talk so that violence does not become the answer. We can no longer turn our heads away from violence and pretend that it doesn’t happen. Look for posts on our blog and Facebook page that will encourage and support those seeking help.
School's In Session
3 very happy backpack recipients thought them quite fancy and were thrilled with the supplies!
Children at our Ittleson Center, Geller House, Genesis, Horizons, Transition Center, and Bryce DV shelters are starting out well supplied thanks to the UJA-Fed Families Division. More than 250 backpacks filled with lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils, and other essential school supplies were delivered by Schleppers Moving Co. on Tuesday, September 20. The packs were embellished with each child's name, making them something to be truly treasured. For children whose lives have been traumatized, even this small gesture seems enormous. We're proud to thank UJA on behalf of our children.