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Assemblywoman Huttle visits YCS School
Students return to their home school 5 months after
Hurricane Sandy, but there is still much work to be done
Before taking a tour of the damaged gym at YCS Geroge Washington School, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, from Legislative District 37, met with YCS President Richard Mingoia, several Trustees and school administrators to discuss the havoc caused by Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent closing of the school for five months. "It's tough for the children because our gym also serves as their lunchroom and activity center," says John Cerniglia, principal.
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Assemblywoman Huttle talks with Record reporter Hannan Adely in the damaged gym.
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The Todd Ouida Children's Foundation ensures the continuation of Baby Steps
Herb and Andrea Ouida, founders of the Todd Ouida Children's Fdn., have pledged their support to fund the YCS Baby Steps Program for new mothers and their babies for the next four years. This cost-free program serves at-risk mothers in infant, toddler, teen and pregnancy groups. They participate in parent-child developmental playgroups and meet individually with a psychotherapist who provides dyadic therapy. Baby Steps relies completely on private funding.
Baby Steps is a program of the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health. The Ouidas have been devoted supporters of the Institute for a decade. The Todd Ouida Foundation, which is committed to supporting children's mental health, was founded in the name of their son who perished in the World Trade Center attack on 9/11.
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Sony President gets acquainted with the children
at Holley Center Game Night
The children at the YCS Holley Center always look forward to their monthly visits from Sony volunteers. They share an evening meal and play board games or do arts and crafts together. It has become a tradition that was initiated by Sony employees in Park Ridge more than a decade ago and is still going strong. L
ast December, when YCS Trustee Beth Barone spoke to Phil Molyneux, the electronics company's President & COO, about Game Night, he added it to his agenda for his next visit to New Jersey in April.
Mr. Molyneux and several national Sony executives joined about a dozen Sony-NJ volunteers on April 17th for Game Night
"It was truly a heart-moving experience," said Mr. Molyneux. "The kids are so full of life - their energy is infectious and humbling all at the same time. I'm extremely proud of the work our Sony team members do for these kids and for the organization as a whole."
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What Our Children Want You to Know Presented by two girls at a Family FUN Day
This is a day for all parents. Showing you guys that change can really happen. That Hope is still here. Showing you all, that the love we have for you is still there in our hearts. Changes in You and I We've fought and cried And yelled and hid We had no choice But to try To make some sense Out of each other's mind You felt like giving up And felt like it was all your fault We hated you And wished some stupid things But in the long-run We've learned that no other Could ever take your place Cause the love you've given us Is just too real Love Is the word For both you and I After all these years We've finally made it Finally made it work After all these tears we've cried After all these days and years We've finally made a difference in us And learned to understand Each other's state of mind Changes in you and I Is the most beautiful Gift that has ever happened to me before Written by Nelsally Delgado & Tiarra Edwards
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Our annual newsletter has just been released
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First-time Moms-to-Be can now apply for the free services of the YCS Nurse Family Partnership Program in Morris County. A nurse will guide moms through their pregnancies and continue support until their child's second birthday.
~~~~~~~~~~ Hudson County parents of young children who are seeking guidance and support with parenting issues, can now apply to the YCS Parents as Teachers (PAT) in-home program.
For more information on either program, please call 973-854-3651
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DDD approves plan to open a new home in Middlesex County
The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) will select four individuals, 21 years of age or older, to be placed in a new home in Middlesex County that will be staffed and maintained by Our House Inc. and YCS. This joint project of the YCS Alliance is expected to open in November of 2013.
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Delta Dental supports YCS' plan
to open a pediatric Dental Clinic
Delta Dental of NJ Foundation has given YCS a grant to help fund a pediatric dental clinic in East Orange that will serve the children in the care of YCS. "Our goal is to create a 'health home' for our children with an integrated program that encompasses social, medical and dental needs," says YCS President Richard Mingoia. The proposed clinic will employ a part time dentist, two pediatricians and two nurse practitioners. It is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
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Upcoming Events
Casino Night a la Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 4th
Tenafly
Blossoms Art Exhibit & Performance
Saturday, May 25th
Englewood Fore the Kids Golf OutingMonday, June 17th Scotch Plains Quest for the CupYouth Sporting Event Paterson July 16, 17, 18 Visit our website for details
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Have you ever considered becoming a specialized
foster parent?
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Each year, YCS gives hope to more than 4,000 children, birth - 25 years of age, in its safe havens, healing homes, foster care, special education schools, autism learning centers and community-based programs. In 2010, YCS began providing in-home and residential care for children, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities and co-occurring challenging behaviors.
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