Welcoming Laura Newman, Development Director

When it seemed that discontinued funding would threaten WJCS' Amazing Afternoons after-school program at the Mt. Vernon Edward Williams Elementary School, an incredible cadre of volunteers and donors from Westchester Reform Temple and the Scarsdale community stepped up to support services while alternative grants were sought. Challenged not to disappoint the youngsters --and the devoted volunteers-- Jan Fisher, Director of Government & Foundation Support, worked tirelessly with Megan Flynn, Asst. Exec. Dir. of Children & Youth Services, and Program Director Mary Figueroa to identify and apply for funds.  In October, we were overjoyed to be awarded a grant from the NYS Office of Children & Family Services Advantage After-School Program of nearly $172,000 annually for 5 years.  WJCS is the only Westchester agency to receive this state support. Thanks to the "bridge" funding, the unwavering dedication of the volunteers and the persistence of the professional staff, children in Mt. Vernon will continue to have safe, enriching and supportive after-school programming for years

Clients and staff at our Hartsdale Family Mental Health Center on Central Avenue have been delighted to find a much more welcoming and comfortable physical atmosphere.  With a major grant from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation and additional support from private donors, we have been able to accomplish much needed renovations to the building's internal and external infrastructure. New windows, climate control systems, roofing and parking lot improvements coupled with interiors of wood flooring, soothing paint colors and fresh seating have tremendously enhanced the space. The site will have a formal dedication shortly.  We appreciate the generosity of our supporters and look forward to showing off the results. 
Stay tuned for date and time!   

Fulfilling its mission to act against violence toward women, The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $9000 grant to WJCS' Treatment Center for Trauma and Abuse (TCTA). This support enables TCTA to provide direct services to domestic violence victims and their families. At left, Avon reps Thomas Heaney and Sharon Hood present the check to TCTA Director Liane Nelson, PhD.  This is the third time WJCS has received Avon's vital support.

Disturbing events have focused increased attention on the prevalent issue of bullying, forcing parents, educators and youngsters to find meaningful and constructive ways to counteract the distressing trend. A comprehensive brochure of WJCS programs that address bullying and interpersonal violence prevention has been published to help professionals and families access in-school, community and group workshops, consultations and support services. WJCS has considerable expertise in treatment, prevention and intervention and we are a vital resource for schools and community groups grappling with this destructive problem.  For more information, contact Megan Flynn, PhD, at 914-761-0600 ext. 137.  

 

 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!

Honoring
CAROL CORBIN

 and

at the Moderne Barn, Armonk

--"Because of my experiences at C2C, I am inspired to maintain a positive outlook and keep moving forward during these times of change and economic uncertainty."

**The Fall series of workshops, support groups and healing services is in process through the WJCS Jewish Spiritual Healing Center. Programs run October through January with varying dates and times.  Access the brochure here. 

**Our annual Have a Heart for the Holidays gift drive is already underway with the anticipation of providing gifts for another 1000 WJCS consumers this December.  Meryl Lewis and Board member Joy Avidan are on the case!  Contact Meryl at 761-0600 ext. 222 or download a form here.  


Click the links to view the full WJCS Calendar for October, November, and December.     

After 19 years as Director of Community Relations, I will be retiring toward the end of this year. Promoting the mission of WJCS has been a privilege for me and I have learned so much from the dedicated professionals and grateful clients who are at the heart of this outstanding agency.  When I came to WJCS in 1993, there was no electronic or social media and we got plenty of snail mail.  It is incredible to have seen the changes that e-mail marketing, Facebook and smart phones have made in this arena.  Janet Younkin, who has worked with me for the past 10 years, will be handling all external communications going forward and there is no doubt she will most capably continue to keep you informed of the important and meaningful developments at WJCS.
My thanks to all of our readers who -- regardless of the media or the method -- have been a receptive and involved audience, giving attention and support to these communications and to WJCS.                                                                                                 Dale Wang