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CLAREMONT HOUSE OPENS IN MOUNT VERNON | |
 NEWEST GROUP RESIDENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
After nearly 6 years of planning and construction, WJCS officially opened Claremont House on September 22nd to the joy of residents, family members and staff. Much appreciation goes to Steve Yellen and staff, whose persistence and skill made this project a reality. Accommodating 6 men wtih developmental disabilities, the beautifully renovated home, established with funding from HUD and the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, is situated in a convenient
community neighborhood from which the residents are able to go to work, day programs and recreational activities. WJCS operates group homes throughout Westchester for people with developmental disabilities. For information about residential care, contact Steve at 914-761-0600 ext. 108. |
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PARTNER ABUSE PROGRAM HIGHTLIGHTED IN STATEWIDE MENTAL HEALTH PLAN |
 WJCS' Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), part of the WJCS Treatment Center for Trauma & Abuse (TCTA), has been chosen to be featured as one of 25 statewide programs in the 2010-2014 NYS Office of Mental Health Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. Programs were selected based on a variety of criteria that represent New York's diversity. TCTA was invited to be included because " the services and supports offered [by your organization] were among those cited as important in helping people work toward recovery and strengthen resiliency." An article, written by Sylvana Trabout, Coordinator of PAIP, included in the pubication, is especially significant because it speaks to the long-standing debate about whether victims of domestic violence need/should receive mental health services. In her writing, Sylvana skillfully legitimizes the need. To read the article, click here. |
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SUMMER CAMPS ENRICH EXPERIENCES of MOUNT VERNON CHILDREN | |
Summer wasn't as long and hot for some lucky youngsters from WJCS Mount Vernon-based programs who enjoyed the outdoors at day, sleep-away and sports camps, thanks to scholarships provided by generous donors. Nearly 90 children served by Amazing Afternoons, Off the Street and the WJCS Clinic attended camps with oversight by Mary Figueroa, Amazing Afternoons Program Coordinator. Approximately 60 youngsters
attended Wagon Road Day Camp in Chappaqua, thanks to a private donor and funds raised at a joint concert sponsored by Westchester Reform Temple and St. James the Less Church in Scarsdale.
 | | Justin Bischoff, concert organizer, with camper |
Other scholarships funded weeks at the MVP Basketball Camp at White Plains Middle School and basketball clinics at Purchase College conducted by Backyard Sports. Several fortunate campers received Focus on a Future scholarships to attend sleep-away camps in upstate New York and the Berkshires. "The parents are extremely grateful for the wonderful experiences their children have had and the kids enjoyed the time of their lives," comments Mary. Contact Bernie Kimberg to learn more about camp scholarships.
Get tickets NOW to the November 20th HELPING OTHERS THROUGH MUSIC concert featuring the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of NYC and mezzo soprano Ariana Chris! |
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VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE |
At the WJCS Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, volunteer Ann Ghavamian has begun a  running club to encourage program participants to make healthy choices that include a more active life style. Featured in the Journal News, club members (pictured right), outfitted in "Running My Life" tee-shirts, eagerly hit the track twice weekly thanks to Ms. Ghavamian's encouragement and generosity. Teen volunteer, Carly Carlin, a Scarsdale High School Senior, recently was honored by the Westchester County Youth Bureau with the 2010 Milly Kibrick Youth Service Award for her work as a mentor and ballet teacher to youngsters in the WJCS Amazing Afternoons program in Mt. Vernon. For five years she has inspired girls in Mt. Vernon to learn discipline, concentration and the importance of physical fitness through dance. Congratulations to Carly for her outstanding achievements.  | | Corporate honorees from Mastercard & WestMed |
Corporate and individual volunteers and donors who participated in the Back to School Clothes for Kids Drive were celebrated at a Thank You Luncheon in October. Volunteer Coordinator Meryl Lewis is now gearing up for Have a Heart for the Holidays, which provides new gift items to hundreds of needy children and families involved in WJCS programs. For information about donations, contact Meryl at 914-761-0600 ext. 222. Hearty congratulations to Honorary Board Member Cecile Singer who will be inducted into the Westchester County Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame on December 3 at the Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown in recognition of her work for WJCS and for the Women's Enterprise Development Center. On our Board of Directors since 1989, Cecile, a former state legislator, has been involved with Yonkers and women's economic issues for many years. |
 New Offerings This Fall | |
With support from Family Support Services of the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, WJCS has launched
CORDD (Crisis Oriented Response Team for Developmental Disabilities) to help families struggling through a crisis with an autistic or developmentally disabled child, teen or adult. Short-term home, office and community-based services help address the acute needs of people in non-life-threatening crisis situations. Contact Pat Grossman at 949-7699 ext. 355 about pre-registration and insurance details.
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Breast Cancer Navigator
Established with UJA-Federation funds to connect women diagnosed with breast cancer with a "big sister" for support and links within the Jewish community. For information, reach Jessica Cigale
to help families struggling through a crisis with an autistic or developmentally disabled child, teen or adult. |
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Two's Company Warehouse Sale will benefit WJCS Programs |
WJCS has been selected to be the beneficiary of proceeds from a FANTASTIC warehouse sale of fashion accessories, home decor and gifts - some at up to 90% off retail prices -to be held December 3-5 in Elmsford. Two's Company will donate 50% from all sales to WJCS for program support. Help make the sale a success for WJCS and Two's Company. Click here for details. |
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NOVEMBER
WORKSHOPS ABOUND! | |
November 11: KURZ CONFERENCE - Psychotropic Medication for Children: Benefits, Risks & Controversies -8:30AM -NOON
at Manhattanville College
Keynote speaker Peter S. Jensen, MD of the Mayo Clinic. Registration required.
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November 16:
PRIDEWORKS - a full-day educational conference focused on issues relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender youth and their allies. Keynote speaker is singer/songwriter Chely Wright. At the Westchester County Center- 8:15 AM -3 PM. Click here to register.
In response to recent publicity regarding harrassment of gay youth, Center Lane Program Coordinator James Stewart was featured in LoHud.Com of the Journal News. Read James' remarks
----------------------------------------- The WJCS Autism Family Center will be offering several workshops for parents throughout the Fall. Transition from high school to college and non-college options, coping with holidays and dealing with homework concerns are among the November topics. Read more.
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Women-Helping-Women Free Job Search Workshops, funded by the Leir Charitable Foundations, will be held in Tarrytown on November 4: Getting Yourself Organized & Staying Organized; and November 9: Landing Your Next Job via Networking. To register, contact Lenore Rosenbaum at 914-761-0600 ext. 308 or [email protected].
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