Three boys from the Staten Island Children’s Community Residence attended a Mets game on August 12. This a residence for eight severely disturbed males between the ages of 8 and 14. We aim to develop a community-based, family-centered system of care for seriously emotionally disturbed children, believing that services should be provided in a less restrictive, most normative setting that is clinically appropriate.
The three boys that attended the Mets game are the three oldest residents at SICCR. Two of the boys (Keyshawn and AJ) are recent admissions into the program and as a result, are still assimilating to their new situation and are in the beginning stages of forming relationships amongst their peers and with staff. What's more, neither of them had ever been to a MLB game before and were quite excited to have this opportunity.
Rayman Thomas has been with JBFCS for more than 20 years. In fact, he’s worked at the Mt. Vernon Intermediate Care Facility since it was run by the JCCA, totaling nearly 30 years of commitment to adults living with developmental disabilities. People knew they could count on Rayman, and he’s trained countless up-and-coming rookies in how to be the best at being supportive. His skill and dedication have made him a strong leader, guiding staff through different eras of Mt. Vernon ICF’s management. All of the staff and clients agree that the place won’t be the same without him.
Jose Rodriguez is another staffer who is approaching 30 years on the JBFCS clock. He has been an integral part of the Hawthorne community, working in the Senior and Junior Boys’ Units and also as a summer teacher in the UFSD Junior School.
He is a diligent and reliable milieu counselor, a position that can take its toll. Stories of Jose always talk about the respect and encouragement he gave to his boys, which led them to respect him as well. The halls of Hawthorne will seem a little quieter in the days to come.
This year’s election on both local and federal levels will have a huge impact on how we as an agency operate. If you haven’t registered to vote, you must do so by October 9.
Want to know who is on the ballot or change your party enrollment or register? You can do so here. And if you've already registered, thank you. Now get the person next to you to register as well. Every voice counts. Make yours heard.
As the end of summer approaches, I look ahead to the fall and upcoming Jewish New Year, a time of introspection and renewal. This year, the Jewish New Year coincides with National Recovery Month, and the underlining themes are intertwined. It is indeed a time to celebrate strengths and triumphs as individuals, as an agency, as a community – and a time to look within.
Students at Fordham University's DVAC (Domestic Violence Awareness Center) and LSAT (Law Students Against Trafficking) groups participated in a day of service to help victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.
They put together bags of supplies that can make a woman feel more like a woman, things that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, especially if you are the victim of abuse.
Abby Lerner, JBFCS' Volunteer Services Manager, was on hand to help coordinate assembly and delivery. Our thanks go out to those students who organized and participated in the event. And the women who received these packages are grateful as well.
Supporting Our Staff
September 9 starts National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and JBFCS is first in line to say congratulations and thank you to all our professional support staff. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without our milieu staff who work round the clock to make sure our clients are safe and looked after.
We’d like to name each and every one of our support staff, but the list would be too long. Look here next month for some inspiring stories from the staff we love to honor.
The rest, as they say is history. The two were married on July 24, 2011, and baby girl Kai was born on July 25, 2012. Congratulations! Click here to see the happy couple and newborn.
Did you meet your life partner while here? Let us know about it and we’re happy to share the details.