Thanks to your generosity, we raised more than $26,000 through our record-breaking WJCS 2026 Back-to-School Drive! Because of your support, hundreds of children from under-resourced communities across Westchester started the school year with the supplies and confidence they need to succeed.

This summer, our Lemonade Stand for a Cause at Hip-Kid in Chappaqua was a tremendous success, raising hundreds of dollars for the drive. A special thanks to WJCS NextGen Council member Poornima Eber and family for co-hosting the event with Chief Advancement Officer Amanda Garfinkle and her daughter.

Thank you to all of the families and organizations who helped support our local children.

More than 225 children had a blast at this year’s Summer Fun at Hartley Park program in Mount Vernon. 102 local families enjoyed toys, dance parties, trampolines, sprinklers, and making friends.

WJCS affiliate Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY) received New York State funding, allowing us to provide programming for students at Family School 32 and Hostos MicroSociety School at no cost to families. Every child receives homework help, mental health support, and enriching STEAM, ELA, and SEL activities in a safe, supportive environment.

WJCS Director of Engagement & Culture Stephan Spilkowitz represented us at City and State NY’s 2026 Top Workplace award ceremony. We were selected amongst 40 organizations in New York for investing deeply in staff growth, leadership development, and our commitment to supporting employee wellbeing.

Gayley Henry, WJCS Director of Residential Services, was recognized by IAC (Inter Agency Council) for her outstanding leadership and service. Gayley brings tremendous dedication and heart to the people we serve. She provides strong and thoughtful guidance to her team and is deeply committed to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead full, meaningful lives.

WJCS Assistant Residence Managers Gwendolyn Olivo and Ishanqua Bennett were recognized at Westchester County’s Direct Support Professionals Breakfast, hosted by Westchester County Government and YAI, for their dedication and compassion in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities lead full and meaningful lives.

Thursday, October 15
5 – 8 PM

Alice + Olivia
335 Greenwich Ave.
Greenwich, CT

SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE

Join us for a special shopping event, brought to you by WJCS NextGen Council. Shop your favorite alice + olivia styles, enjoy great company, and give back at the same time, with 10% of event proceeds supporting our mission.

Grab a friend and join us for an evening of fashion and philanthropy. Together, we can help.

Monday, October 12
Morning Shift: 10-11:30AM
Afternoon Shift: 1-2:30PM

WJCS HQ
845 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY

Registration fee: $20 per child
Adults attend for free

Your registration fee covers the cost of one hygiene kit.

FAMILY SERVICE DAY

WJCS Family Service Days help children learn the value of giving back while supporting neighbors in need. In observance of Columbus / Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite families to pack hygiene kits for adolescents receiving services in WJCS school-based mental health clinics throughout Westchester County.

At This Event, Volunteers Will:
• Pack hygiene kits for local middle and high school students
• Create an inspiration collage to welcome students to WJCS clinics
• Hear from WJCS social workers about supporting underserved youth in Westchester schools

Volunteers ages 15-18 can sign up for leadership roles, including event set-up, clean-up, and assisting younger children with activities. School credits eligible. Sign-up is required and space is limited.

Additional donations are greatly appreciated and help us serve even more students. Pizza and refreshments will be served!

WJCS has received a major five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through its Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA) program. The funding will expand opioid treatment and recovery services across Westchester, helping more individuals access life-saving care, recovery support, and a new Intensive Outpatient Program.

The Phelps Community Foundation awarded FSSY a grant to launch the Kinship Support Program Behavioral Health Bridge in partnership with WJCS and renewed its grant to WJCS to expand the Palliative Care Outreach Program.

Support from The Sexauer Foundation will launch Disconnect 2 Reconnect, strengthening connections among young children, families, and caregivers through enhanced early childhood mental health services.

New York State funding secured by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will help WJCS and FSSY expand critical behavioral health, early childhood, LGBTQ+ youth, and guardianship services.

The Carvel Foundation has renewed its support of FSSY’s Kinship Program, ensuring caregivers and children have continued access to essential resources and services.

A new five-year New York State Education Department Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention (ESD/SVP) award will help WJCS continue Margaret’s Place, providing school-based counseling, trauma support, and violence prevention services for students and families.

Renewed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support from the City of Yonkers will support a range of WJCS and FSSY programs for children, youth, and families.

New funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) will enhance WJCS Mobile Crisis services, improving emergency support.

New York State legislative funding secured through Assemblyman Nader Sayegh will help FSSY expand Reading Buddies and academic support programs.

WJCS has received a new Ignition Grant from A More Perfect Union to fund nonpartisan civic engagement activities ahead of the 2026 election.

AFTER-SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS

Looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people? WJCS affiliate Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY) is hiring After School Instructors for immediate openings in Yonkers!

If you’re energetic, reliable, and passionate about working with children, we’d love to hear from you. Help shape the next generation while building your experience and making an impact in your community. Apply today! Send your resume to Lareizaga@fssy.org.

JOB FAIR

Explore careers at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) and Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY)!

Join us to meet hiring managers and discover rewarding careers serving people of all ages
and backgrounds throughout Westchester County.