In four weeks of staffing the FEMA/NYC Restoration Center in Staten Island, we have served close to 2,500 people, offering case management and crisis counseling to the people of Staten Island. Crisis counseling is being provided to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Sandy who need to understand how to access services. We have been honored to put our training and expertise into practice.

We have become very aware of the strength that comes from our culture of professionalism, accountability, and the core value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) that guides the work for our diverse staff. The real story is in the shifting needs of those who are visiting the center. We are seeing more clients with increasingly complex needs—mental health issues compounded by medical issues and special needs, and with pre-existing trauma and other mental health conditions now heightened by trauma, anxiety, survivor guilt, and other issues brought on by the storm.

We have been tracking these issues and provide follow-up where appropriate, referring clients in need to our Morris L. Black Counseling Center. Read this story in its entirety here....

Your Funds in Action

Working with our clients to prepare for, identify, obtain, and keep employment has emerged as a central focus of many of JBFCS’ programs. In response, this past Tuesday, the agency hosted our first Mock Interview Evening. Spearheaded by our Adults Living with Mental Illness and Children & Adolescents in Residence Divisional Boards, the goal was to host realistic, professional mock interviews for adult and young adult clients from these two divisions. The event was held at JBFCS HQ.

We recruited 19 volunteers, including trustees Toni Bernstein, Janet Ginsberg, and Lori Reinsberg (chairs of the two Divisional Boards). Nine other Divisional Board members volunteered, as well as two young professionals from the JBFCS Friends program, and five people who are new volunteers to the agency.

The response from clients was huge. Continue reading....

Honoring Our Awardees

This time of year is filled with joy and celebration, family and friends gathering together. As many New Yorkers still face the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it might also be filled with trepidation and anxiety. In the coming weeks, JBFCS continues reaching out and helping people deal with the trauma and displacement caused by the storm and we will keep doing that as long as it is needed.

Finish reading over at Paul's Corner....

Everyday Hero

Donald Lewis is the Lead Handyman for the Developmental Disabilities Division of JBFCS, with his primary work site in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. Prior to Hurricane Sandy, Donald made sure the residence had enough flashlights, batteries, and sundry supplies, including huge plastic drums that he brought to Mt. Vernon and to the New Rochelle residence so that they could be filled with water in the event the sites had none.

Once the storm hit and power was lost, he was instrumental in assisting staff. There's more to the story....

Students from Concord High School, an alternative school designed for students who have not succeeded in a traditional high school setting, and Geller House, JBFCS’ short-term residential diagnostic center that provides assessment, treatment, and aftercare planning for adolescents, came together on Tuesday, December 4 to "do unto others."

Together the students made 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Project Hospitality, a nonprofit that feeds the hungry and the homeless. The students enjoyed meeting each other and working together.

“The time has come,” Pinchas Berger said, “for me to fully retire from JBFCS.” Although he mostly retired three years ago, Pinchas had still been operating as our Special Project Coordinating Consultant on a weekly basis. As of December 31, 2012, he will fully step down from that role as well. “I will always be thankful for the incredible professional and personal journey that JBFCS has afforded me over the course of the last 40+ years, particularly the opportunity to form so many wonderful friendships that have sustained me. It has truly been a great ride.” And we have enjoyed the ride right along with you, Pinchas.

Another Successful Joint Venture

Hosted by Lenny Rodriguez, Deputy Chief Program Officer, a luncheon was held at our Westchester Campus on November 9, in honor of the Scott Hazelcorn Children’s Foundation. The occasion was the Foundation’s recent gift of $50,000 toward the renovation of the Westchester Campus swimming pool.

Watch as Lenny discusses the Foundation's impact....