|
Successful Gala is Indescribable!
|
 | |
Honorees Kleinhandler & Hershaft with COO Kimberg (l) and
CEO Trager (r)
|
Raising nearly $500,000 and drawing 270 friends and supporters, our 2012 Gala event was unsurpassed. Touching tributes from people who had benefited from WJCS services were followed by the presentations to our outstanding honorees Laura Kleinhandler & Victor Hershaft. View photos from the Gala.
In conjunction with this event, we invited readers to describe the essence of WJCS in their own words. The winning slogan "WJCS - A Welcoming World of Help, Hope and Healing," was created by COMPEER volunteer Jesse Krawitz, who received a gift certificate for Dinner for Two at the Moderne Barn. Jesse provides supportive companionship for a buddy recovering from mental illness. He articulated beautifully what so many others expressed. Click here to read all the submissions sent by friends, Board and staff members. Many thanks to Event Chairs Rob & Amy Stavis and Roy & Jane Stillman; Evening Chairs Lynn & Bill Jacobs and Shirley & Hymie Shwiel; Journal Chairs Bob & Reggi Mensch and Linda & Seth Plattus; and to our many supportive Board members. Appreciation to WJCS Development Director Barbara Gordon, Community Relations Director Dale Wang, Event Assistant Rachel Scherer, Secretary Charlotte Cobbs, to Jessica Shayn Photography and the many WJCS staff who worked so diligently to make the evening and journal successful. |
----------------------------------------
 SAVE THIS DATE!Tuesday, June 5 - 6:30 pm
WJCS Annual Meeting &
Awards Celebration
"A Slice of WJCS"
A festive pizza party at Westchester Reform Temple, Scarsdale, will be the setting for our
Annual Staff Awards, recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Parent Child Home Program and comments by
Rabbi Michael Paley, UJA-Federation of NY
|
|
CEO Alan Trager Honored with NASW Distinguished Service Award
|
 "Work hard, raise the bar and have fun!" That mantra captured the essence of CEO Alan Trager, as he was honored for outstanding service and his contributions of over 40 years to the social work field by the Westchester chapter of the Nat'l Assn. of Social Workers at their Annual Dinner. Attended by more than 50 WJCS staff, Board, colleagues, Trager family members and friends, the evening featured a poignant presentation by Assistant Exec. Director Pat Lemp, who has worked with Alan for 30 years, and a humorous and inspirational acceptance by Mr. Trager. WJCS is so proud to have our executive recognized in this significant way for his leadership in Westchester and in the field of social work. |
|
Kudos for Center Lane Director
| |
 We are so proud of
James Stewart, who will be honored on May 16 at the 2012 Annual Leadership Awards Dinner of the Hudson Valley Chapter of GLSEN (Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network) for his work in support of LGBTQ youth. For info about the event at the DoubleTree Hilton in Tarrytown, visitwww.glsen.org/hudsonvalley. |
|
Longevity and Commitment Characterize STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
| |
How many companies can boast that more than 100 staff members have remained with the organization for 5 years or more? WJCS recently recognized those reaching "m ilestone" anniversaries in 2011 and acknowledged that nearly 70 of those had been at WJCS for 10 years or more. Leading the longevity list was CEO Alan Trager with 35 years, followed by Colleen Porrazzo, Executive Staff Assistant (l) and Mary Wortmann, of the Finance Department (r) with 30 years of service.
At our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 26, special appreciation was given to:  Stephanie Roth (l), the initiator and volunteer Director of Pass It on Kid's Kloset, which collects and distributes
g ently used clothing and items to youngsters in need; and to Board members Joy Avidan and Linda Plattus (r) for their efforts in various gift and clothing drives that benefit WJCS clients.
On May 29, WJCS will salute Justin Bischoff, Music Director at St. James the Less Church in Scarsdale, who has organized concerts for 5 years that generate funds for scholarships to send children of WJCS' Amazing Afternoons Program in Mt. Vernon to summer camps.
More than 280 volunteers enrich WJCS programming with their varied talents and skills. Would you like to join us? Contact
Meryl Lewis at 761-0600 ext. 222 to explore volunteer opportunities.
|
Share YOUR Skills:
Women Seeking Mentors.........
|
Women-Helping-Women (WHW) is seeking women who are working in various careers to volunteer to "mentor" an unemployed woman who may be stuck or frustrated by her job search, may have a resume that is not attracting interest or who is having trouble developing contacts or networking.  Just a one-time, half-hour meeting, in person or by phone, could be so helpful to someone seeking employment. To lend a "fresh ear" and give suggestions, contact Lenore Rosenbaum, WHW Director, at 761-0600 x308.
|
|
 |
|
Spotlight: WJCS Services for Children
|
|
|
Preventing Bullying:
WE DO THAT...
| BULLYING, whether in schools or over the internet, has gotten significant attention
r ecently, especially in
light of a new documentary on the subject. For many years, WJCS has been addressing the issue with children and teens through various school and community programs. Parent workshops have also been presented in synagogue and community settings through the Partners in Caring and Community Forums.
Among the programs addressing this concern are the Margaret's Place sites, funded by The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation in 4 schools, that deal with abuse and violence in the home, school and community; ten locations utilizing the Hardy Girls, Healthy Women curriculum that discourages bullying by promoting constructive options and enhancing self-esteem; and Center Lane, which counteracts harassment against LGBTQ youth with positive social experiences and presentations in schools. At Amazing Afternoons (pictured) the Junior League of Pelham sponsored anti-bullying-themed activities to teach children positive ways to counter aggressive behaviors. And under a new contract with Westchester County's Dept. of Social Services, Center Lane will be training foster/adoptive parents to be aware of issues around bullying and cyber-bullying. Click here to read a recent article by our Margaret's Place counselors. For information or to plan a workshop or program in your area, contact
|
|
AUTISM SUPPORTS:
YOU CAN TURN TO US
|
 Reports that the incidence of autism in children has risen 1 to in 88 have sent more parents seeking advice and assistance in locating resources. Several WJCS programs help families coping with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - from assessment and early intervention for infants through Achieving Milestones to social skills groups for children and adults in the Autism Family Center. A comprehensive Autism Services Guide to WJCS' programs, therapeutic services and supports is available, as well as periodic newsletters and updates on camp and recreational options. For more information contact Bonnie Graham at 761-0600 ext. 228. |
|
Putting your Child on the Right Track Emotionally: We can help!
| |
|
Early Literacy Program
Celebrates 40 Years |
 Teaching parents to be their child's first and best teacher for 40 years, the Parent Child Home Program (PCHP) is celebrating its anniversary with a series of activities this Spring. Operating in White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Mamaroneck, Mt. Vernon and Greenburgh, the program has expanded beyond its initial home visiting to include a drop-in Parent Child Center in New Rochelle, a community awareness initiative in Mt. Vernon and training for childcare providers through the Child Care Home Program (CCHP) thanks to the support of individuals, foundations and corporations. Having received national recognition, Program Director Patrice Cuddy was invited to present on the CCHP to the PCHP National Board with the view toward offering this model nationwide to reach a wider range of children in need. She will also present at the PCHP National Conference in May. Read an opinion piece by Patrice about the importance of early learning published recently in The Journal News. The annual PCHP Reunion, recognizing young adults who "graduated" from the program as toddlers and are now completing high school, college or graduate school, is scheduled for June 7th. Learn more. |
|
Want to get periodic updates about WJCS events and activities? Like us on Facebook! Sign up now & become our Friend!
--------------------------------------
Just click on the icon and search for information or SHOP at hundreds of stores that donate a percentage of sales to support WJCS services. Put the icon on your desktop and make a difference whenever you make a purchase or search on-line!
-------------------------------------------- |
|
Parents often don't know where to turn when their child exhibits social or emotional difficulties. With funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health,