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In the Forefront
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 | | Patrice Cuddy, PCHP Director |
WJCS experts are often highlighted in the press or sought as presenters at conferences to share their professional insights into contemporary issues. From cyber-bullying to healthy aging, child-rearing to care-giving, staff are keenly attuned to the challenges of family, personal and working lives and ways to cope with daily stresses. Some recent articles include:
by Brenda Haas, Coordinator, GPS (Guiding Parents through Services) - page 12;
Finding Camps for Kids on the Autism Spectrum, a letter to the editor by Autism Family Center Coordinator, Bonnie Graham; and
Accessing Help for Seniors, a letter to the editor by Judy Fink, Director of Geriatric Services.
In addition, presentations were made by:
Sharon Charles, Margaret's Place counselor, who moderated a panel on bullying at the Pelham Picture House showing of Bully; Reps from Center Lane and Margaret's Place also delivered workshops to Westchester's Dept. of Social Services on "Be Who You Are: Nurturing Your Teen through the Tough Teen Years," about bullying, youth gender identity and LBGTQ development.
Patrice Cuddy, PCHP Director, on the innovative Child Care Home Program at the National Parent Child Home Program (PCHP) Conference and for the National PCHP Board (see article below);
Brenda Haas, Coordinator, GPS, who discussed social networking and limit-setting for teens and 'tweens at a community conversation sponsored by UJA-Federation's Northern Westchester division.
WJCS social workers, psychologists and program representatives are available to speak to or consult with community, corporate and professional groups. Contact John Alterman for details.
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Back to School Effort Gearing Up
|  No sooner does summer heat up than Meryl Lewis begins the Back to School Clothes for Kids effort to assure that needy youngsters have appropriate supplies and clothing to start the school year. Corporate sponsors, organizations and individuals are encouraged to outfit a child for the season, shop with a teen, purchase a gift card or send a donation that will help provide essentials for a youngster in a WJCS program. Click here for a form or contact Meryl Lewis to participate.
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Recognition for
Amazing Fundraisers and Volunteers
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 The Amazing Afternoons Fundraising Group was nominated for a prestigious Classy Award for its extensive, successful efforts to enrich and sustain the after-school activities of WJCS' Amazing Afternoons program at the Edward Williams School in Mt. Vernon. Following discontinuation of government funding for the program, volunteers from Westchester Reform Temple and the Scarsdale community launched a campaign which raised over $200,000 to save the program for the 2011-2012 school year. Committed and connected to the program in significant and meaningful ways for nearly 9 years, adults and teens in the Scarsdale and Mt. Vernon communities have developed bonds that enhance the lives of children and families in both areas.
Amazing Afternoons continues to seek funds to support programming for the upcoming school year. To donate, click here (indicate Amazing Afternoons in Program Fund).
The Classy awards celebrate the greatest charitable achievements by nonprofit organizations, socially conscious businesses, and individuals worldwide. Read the nomination.
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|  JUST IN! Teen Volunteer Jaclyn Carlin has been selected for the prestigious Milly Kibrick Youth Recognition Award presented by the Westchester County Youth Board. Now a Scarsdale High School senior, Jaclyn not only taught dance for 5 years at Amazing Afternoons but established the "Free the Children Club" which raises awareness and funds for impoverished children in Kenya and Haiti. Creating the club with the Mt. Vernon children, Jackie empowered the youngsters to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than they. She is an AMAZING young woman and WJCS was proud to have recommended her. Read more about Jaclyn's achievements.
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WJCS Stories to Warm Your Heart
| In our everyday work, we sometimes forget to acknowledge how special WJCS can be. Over the past few months, a few "ah-ha" moments reminded us of our unique ability to connect and heal by utilizing the strength of our various programs and the breadth of our services.
Kid's Kloset (KK), designed to provide clothing and necessities for needy families, has become a valuable resource for our WJCS community as well as the community at-large. Recently celebrating the milestone of having clothed 1,0  00 children in the past year, KK Director Stephanie Roth connected with County Exec Rob Astorino (r) at Camp Morty, run by Westchester County in North Salem, where she delivered 50 bags of camp clothing for young campers, most of whom come from foster homes and homeless shelters. When children from Amazing Afternoons in Mt. Vernon chose to do  a fundraising Fashion and Talent Show, KK offered dresses, slacks and sportswear for the occasion. The "models" were then able to walk off the runway in their outfits after the benefit generated more than $800 from admiring parents and friends. Teen volunteers from WJCS' Center Lane, young people from the POINT program and special ed students from Mamaroneck High School's Transition Academy have also lent their time to sorting donated items at Kid's Kloset.  The Transition Academy provides supported work experiences to assist students in developing job-related competencies. At KK, students practice vocational and social skills while making a contribution to their community. Student Erika Chavez (right) says,"I like helping people out who need it. I have fun bonding with the other volunteers!"  recently recognized Maestro Justin Bischoff (right), who successfully orchestrated 5 benefit concerts to sponsor camp scholarships for scores of low-income Mt. Vernon children. One parent spoke of the impact that the summer experiences have had on her two sons. Both teenagers now, the boys had received scholarships for summers at Wagon Road Camp that became life-changing experiences thanks to Mr. Bischoff's efforts and connections developed through WJCS Volunteer Coordinator Meryl Lewis, Amazing Afternoons Director Mary Figueroa and the camp director, Vince Canziani, LMSW. Now the teens have been hired as counselors at the Chappaqua camp - learning valuable job-related skills and sharing their own talents with youngsters in need.
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WELCOMING MARY GRACE GIULIANO: A.E.D. FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENCES
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 Overseeing 13 group residences, the POINT Program and a supportive apartment, our new Asst. Executive Director for Community Residential Care (CRC), Mary Grace Giuliano, MSW, has a lot on her plate. Given her experience and background, however, she is well up to the task! Having worked in both the non-profit and private sectors, Mary Grace has significant expertise in quality assurance, compliance, operations, human resources and staff development -- all of which are directly relevant to the smooth running of a division with 300 staff, multiple sites and varying constituencies. Now as a member of the WJCS Executive Staff team, Giuliano brings fresh insight into issues that are at the forefront of service delivery in the care of people with developmental disabilities. |
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Autism Family Center Connects Grandparents
|  The Autism Family Center is a comprehensive resource for families with children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). On August 6, the popular Grandparents Support Group resumes, enabling family members to connect with others to share the triumphs and challenges of a grandchild with ASD. Participants develop a mutual support network and identify strategies to enhance family life. The program is free and open to people who live or work in Westchester. Other Center programs throughout the year include parent and sibling support groups, parent management training, girls nights for pre-teens and teens and a supper club for young adults. For more information or to register, contact Program Coordinator Bonnie Graham, LMSW, at 914-761-0600 ext. 228.
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Slices of Pizza and Staff Awards
Spice Up WJCS Annual Meeting
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Board, staff and community friends noshed on pizza and celebrated the achievements of staff members and the 40th Anniversary of the Parent Child Home Program (PCHP) at the June 5th Annual Meeting. Honored at the event were: Janet Alpert, Director of Residential Support Services (CRC), recipient of the Batkin Award for Excellence in Work with People with Developmental Disabilities;  Marcia Johnson, Home Health Aide of the Year; Kari Phillips (right) Assistant Director of Out- patient Services for People with Develop-mental Disabilities, honored as Employee of the Year; and Lenore Rosenbaum, Director of the Self-Help Clearinghouse, recipient of the Rohmer Award for High Professional Accomplishment. Click here to read more about our honorees. WJCS Board member and former PCHP participant, Julian Gomez introduced the current PCHP director, Patrice Cuddy, and founding director Carol Hallinger, who acknowledged the program's milestone anniversary and the staff and home visitors who make its work possible. Mr. Gomez, an attorney, sits on the national Board of the PCHP and credits the program with giving him the early tools that encouraged his academic and professional success. The evening concluded with upbeat, humorous and inspirational remarks from Rabbi Michael Paley, UJA-Federation's Scholar in Residence, who praised staff for their positive impact on the lives of others. |
National Recognition to Parent Child Home Program "Spin-Off"
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 The Child Care Home Program (CCHP) of WJCS, an adaptation of the individualized Parent Child Home Program (PCHP), has received national attention by CLASP, a well-respected national not-for-profit, which uses research and analysis to develop and advocate for federal, state and local policies to strengthen low-income families and create pathways to education and work. Expanding the concept that encourages parents to become their toddler's first and best teachers, CCHP trains family, friend and neighbor (FFN) child care providers to utilize educational materials, songs and toys to enhance school readiness. WJCS' program is featured on pages 35-39 of Home Away From Home: A Toolkit for Planning Home Visiting Partnerships with Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers. The newly released CLASP resource is designed to help states exploring partnerships between home visiting and FFN caregivers. Cudos to Patrice Cuddy and her staff for initiating and implementing this significant program.
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make the effort count for something larger than oneself. WJCS Board member Aaron Kwittken will 
On June 18, the program was honored by the Westchester County Board of Legislators at its annual Celebration of LGBTQ Pride. 
