JBFCS is once again among the sponsors of this intriguing, heartwarming, and heartbreaking film festival. More than 11 feature-length and short films from 12 different countries will be featured. ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities.

Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. Films are shown throughout the five boroughs from February 9 to 14. JBFCS is an active sponsor of Princess, which premieres at the JCC in Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC, 646-505-4444) on February 13 at 8:45 p.m. Paul Levine will be making introductory remarks.

View film trailer here.

Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Campus Walkathon

Hawthorne Cedar Knolls is our 100-acre campus in Hawthorne, New York, serving more than 250 young people living with us, receiving supports and treatment, and going to school with the Union Free School District on our grounds. We’re in a community—just down the road from private houses and a village.

Our relationship with the Hawthorne community is of critical importance to us, and to that end this year staff, students, residents, and Board members collectively raised over $3,000 to benefit the Hawthorne Volunteer Fire Department. The money demonstrates HCK’s appreciation for the hardworking fire fighters that keep the campus and the town safe. Here’s looking forward to next year’s efforts!

Green Pastures

Pam Lotenberg (pictured, right, with Susan Wiviott) is leaving JBFCS to pursue her own private practice. She has been with the agency for more than 20 years, starting as student, then a social worker, moving up to a supervisor, and finally Director of the Bay Ridge Counseling Center.

Paul Levine stated it best:
“We feel like you have grown up professionally with us, and certainly our clinical services have grown and flourished under your direction. You have distinguished yourself through your innovative ability to supervise and mentor a large group of social work staff.”

Pam will be missed, but we wish her much luck on her continued professional journey.

For the fourth year, JBFCS’ Big Brothers & Big Sisters went to the Big Apple Circus. There were more than 10 matches of our volunteers and children, ranging from those who are newly matched to those whose relationships have existed for years. We knew that a good time was had by all, young and old, when we heard exclamations of: “It was amazing!, I want to be an acrobat, and We LOVED it coming from our crowd. Next month: bowling. Strike!

If you are interested in becoming a Big or would like to know more about the program please view our FAQs or contact our Community Outreach Coordinator for more details.

New Shoes at Geller House

Once she figures out where to park, Jill Benson plans to let the staff teach her what it is they do—and do so well. Jill is taking over as Director of Geller House and the Staten Island Children’s Community Residence.

After 36 years of service, former director Beryl Kende retired, opening the door for Jill to enter. Jill has been with JBFCS for 11 years, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Staten Island’s counseling center.

Read this story in its entirety here.