Featured Homepage Archives - Westchester Jewish Community Services

WJCS 2024 Gala: A Resounding Success!
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WJCS 2024 Gala: A Resounding Success!

Miriam Arond2024-04-18T15:46:28-04:00April 17th, 2024|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: brae burn, meira fleisch, stephanie marquesano, annual gala, fundraiser, Gala, Nonprofit, Westchester|

(From left) Seth Diamond, CEO; Meira Fleisch, Honoree; Stephanie Marquesano, Honoree; Lauren Candela-Katz, Chief Advancement Officer; Shannon Van Loon, Chief Program Officer Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) held a hugely successful Gala at Brae Burn Country Club on Tuesday April 16th with hundreds of Westchester community and business leaders, government officials, and Westchester residents, all passionate advocates for helping those in need in Westchester County. The event honorees were Meira Fleisch of Larchmont, a child and family advocate and longtime WJCS Board member who was an Early Learning Specialist in the WJCS ParentChild+ program for many years, and Stephanie ...

Post-October 7th: Supporting the Jewish Community
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Post-October 7th: Supporting the Jewish Community

Miriam Arond2024-04-08T17:24:40-04:00April 8th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: october 7, synagogue, jcc, jewish community, response to hamas attacks, Jewish Programs, Trauma, Support, Bereavement, Westchester|

The October 7th massacre committed by Hamas terrorists in Israel has stung all those in the Jewish community as well as many people who are just plainly appalled at the barbaric savagery and kidnapping that took place. The Jewish Programs division at WJCS has been actively supporting youth, adults, and the elderly during this frightening and devastating period in numerous ways. Our focus has been on addressing mental health and building resilience, which includes offering education about trauma and building coping skills. WJCS partners with over 25 synagogues, Jewish nursery and day schools, JCCs, and assisted living facilities. We have ...

Recovery is Possible with WJCS
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Recovery is Possible with WJCS

Miriam Arond2024-03-14T14:07:26-04:00March 14th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: drug addiction, co-occurring disorders, substance use treatment, outpatient treatment, treatment program, drug abuse, addiction, Recovery, Mental Health, Substance Use|

The number of people suffering from both mental health and substance use disorders is skyrocketing, with approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States experiencing these co-occurring conditions, according to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Unfortunately, the result of experiencing both disorders can be tragic. Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), the largest provider of licensed outpatient mental health services in Westchester, is now providing comprehensive integrative, evidence-based treatment for county residents experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. “People suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance use problems often experience severe and chronic challenges ...

EARTH MONTH NEWS: WJCS Furthers its Commitment to Sustainability
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EARTH MONTH NEWS: WJCS Furthers its Commitment to Sustainability

Miriam Arond2024-04-03T10:50:54-04:00April 2nd, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: hybrid energy, earth month, sustainability, green business, solar panels, green hybrid energy solutions, con edison, green business partner, Westchester|

Solar Panels Installed at WJCS Headquarters in North White Plains A new state-of-the-art solar system seamlessly positioned on the roof of WJCS. April is Earth Month! WJCS is proud to announce the installation of solar panels atop its headquarters in North White Plains. The initiative underscores WJCS's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to fostering a healthier, more resilient community. The solar panel is the latest step taken by WJCS, a member of the Green Business Partnership, to reduce its carbon footprint. The state of the solar panels will generate clean, sustainable electricity, significantly decreasing reliance on traditional energy ...

Uplifting the Jewish Community and Helping them Stay Connected
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Uplifting the Jewish Community and Helping them Stay Connected

Miriam Arond2024-02-08T12:38:35-05:00March 7th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: jewish community, Westchester Reform Temple, Holocaust survivors, Jewish Programs, Jewish|

Along with the rest of life’s typical challenges, the Jewish community in Westchester faces an alarming rise in antisemitism. With your dedication and generosity of our donors, we provide support in a number of ways and believe that together we can strengthen the resilience and connection of our Jewish community. "It is me who thanks you for giving me back my dignity and common sense, as well as my sanity in this very scary world." ~Jackie Whatever your affiliation or identification to being Jewish, WJCS is here for you. We do our best to connect you to a broad ...

Helping Seniors Age in Place with Dignity & Providing Caregiver Support
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Helping Seniors Age in Place with Dignity & Providing Caregiver Support

Miriam Arond2024-02-07T16:50:09-05:00February 28th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: respite for caregivers, home support, caregivers, aging with dignity, yonkers nnorc, aging safely, senior care, Caregiver Support, Seniors|

Twenty percent of the population in Westchester is over age 60. Of those age 65 and older, 39% live alone. Growing older is not just physically challenging; it’s also emotionally challenging. Many seniors face health and mobility limitations. Those who enjoyed and are no longer working often lack a sense of purpose and vitality. Innovative program, services, and fitness, recreational, and educational activities help seniors maintain a sense of identity, self-esteem, and self-worth. Emotional and practical support, both individual and in groups, helps caregivers who are often overwhelmed with stress and added responsibilities, navigate their challenges and feel less ...

February is Black History Month: A note from our CEO Seth Diamond
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February is Black History Month: A note from our CEO Seth Diamond

Miriam Arond2024-02-01T15:42:06-05:00February 1st, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: february, black history month, american history|

February is Black History Month, a time when we honor the triumphs and tragedies throughout our history of Black Americans, some famous and some whose names are not known to us. Black history is not separate from American history but an essential part of it. You cannot learn American history without learning Black history. As Maya Angelou once said “Won't it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” Building on that theme, at WJCS, we are one agency. We may do ...

Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life
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Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life

Miriam Arond2024-02-22T09:57:25-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: special needs, intelletual and developmental disabilities, nonprofit westchester, IDD, intellectual disabilities, community residences, developmental disabilities, Disabilities, Autism, Westchester|

People with disabilities tend to experience loneliness and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without disabilities. They are also at a higher risk for experiencing trauma. Loneliness is a particularly significant driver of poor well-being among people with a disability. Interventions to reduce loneliness make a huge impact. The adults we serve are eager to lead rich, full lives—but they need support. They need help with life skills, like time management and helping with household chores to the best of their ability. They need vocational counseling and opportunities for recreation, socialization, and community involvement. And, some individuals need significant daily care. "All of us ...

International Holocaust Remembrance Day
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Miriam Arond2024-02-01T11:53:55-05:00January 30th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: share shabbat, antisemitism, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust survivors, Holocaust, Jewish Programs, Westchester|

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is always an emotional observance of the devastating genocide committed during World War II. This year's commemoration, taking place from the evening of January 26th through January 27th, is especially difficult, given the horrifying increase of antisemitism—in our own backyard in Westchester and New York City, in the U.S. in general, and worldwide. We feel very privileged at WJCS to be able to support Holocaust survivors in Westchester. Their strength and resilience and love of life continually inspire us. We are proud to provide support groups and holiday celebrations for our aging population of Holocaust survivors. ...

Antisemitic Graffiti in Westchester: A Message from our CEO
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Antisemitic Graffiti in Westchester: A Message from our CEO

Miriam Arond2024-02-01T11:53:27-05:00January 31st, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: Tu Bishvat, antisemitism, scarsdale, New Rochelle, Jewish, Westchester|

By now I am sure many of you have heard of the terrible act of antisemitism early Thursday morning January 25th at the Golden Horeshoe, a shopping center on the border of New Rochelle and Scarsdale. The perpetrators of this abhorrent act wrote antisemitic graffiti, on stores at the shopping center but not just on any stores. They deliberately chose those shops which had proudly announced that they stand with Israel. I know you join me in condemning this act of vandalism in the strongest possible terms. This latest antisemitic act comes, as we have discussed, amidst the ...

Mental Health & Substance Use: Overcoming the Challenges
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Mental Health & Substance Use: Overcoming the Challenges

Miriam Arond2024-02-07T16:44:16-05:00February 13th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: co-occurring disorder, therapy, Trauma, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use|

The number of people suffering from mental health and substance use problems are skyrocketing. More than 20% of Americans, including youth, teens, and adults of different socioeconomic groups, are living with a mental illness. Only about half of adults receive treatment. More than 20 million Americans 12 years and older are affected by substance use disorder. These conditions don’t discriminate. They affect people in all socioeconomic groups. "I came to WJCS for therapy at a time of serious distress in my 20’s. I couldn’t afford much, and was able to pay just a very modest amount thanks to financial ...

Building Trust in Community
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Building Trust in Community

Miriam Arond2024-02-22T09:54:26-05:00February 7th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: nonprofit westchester, charity, newsletter, aging, philanthropy, education, Community, Disability, Trauma, Mental Health, Westchester|

To quote Mr. Rogers, “All of us, at some time or other need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world.” WJCS helps people in our community of all ages and backgrounds who face difficult challenges in life and need additional support to build a strong foundation of well-being to strengthen their ability to weather life’s storms. Whether people are experiencing mental health, trauma, disability, aging, educational, or often systemic challenges, we all know that accessing support can be very difficult. Being a champion of WJCS means you ...

WJCS Susan Lewen Staff Excellence Fund Award Recipients
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WJCS Susan Lewen Staff Excellence Fund Award Recipients

Miriam Arond2024-02-01T11:55:26-05:00January 11th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: susan lewen, susan lewen staff excellence fund, ann brammer, mount vernon clinic, erica rice, nicholas primavera, krystle colon, staff appreciation, award winners|

We are excited to announce the first recipients of awards from The Susan Lewen Staff Excellence Fund! This fund was established in 2023 to honor the profound contributions and spirit of excellence of Susan Lewen who served as WJCS’ Chief Development Officer from 2013-2023. This fund is intended to enable activities, programs, and services to acknowledge staff who follow in Susan Lewen’s footsteps in being exceptional at their job and in their commitment to the mission of WJCS. Four WJCS staff members are selected annually as recipients of this award based on three criteria; exceptional skills & productivity, team ...

Meet Our WJCS 2024 Gala Honorees!
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Meet Our WJCS 2024 Gala Honorees!

Miriam Arond2024-02-22T10:01:32-05:00February 22nd, 2024|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: nonprofit westchester, charity, wjcs 2024 gala, meira fleisch, stephanie marquesano, the harris project, wjcs events, gala honorees, philanthropy, fundraiser, Gala, Westchester|

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is proud to be hosting its annual Gala on April 16, 2024, at 6pm at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, NY. The Gala will be honoring Meira Fleisch, a Board member and longtime Early Learning Specialist at WJCS, and Stephanie Marquesano, Founder and President of the harris project. "We are thrilled to honor Meira Fleisch and Stephanie Marquesano, two remarkable individuals who have consistently used their outstanding skills and deep compassion to improve the lives and future of children, youth, and families,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. "Each of these people are ...

Breaking Through the Barrier: Youth Mental Health
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Breaking Through the Barrier: Youth Mental Health

Miriam Arond2023-12-20T12:58:40-05:00December 17th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: subtance abuse, mood changes, YMHFA, YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH, Mental Health, Behavioral Health|

by Brenda Haas, LMSW, Ed.M Why is children’s mental health shrouded with stigma and shame? If a child has diabetes we take them to get their insulin, and if they have asthma, we get them an inhaler. Childhood mental illness is real and very common. The National Institute for Mental Health reports that one out of five children in the U.S. suffers from a mental health disorder. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in youth ages 15-24. In fact, half of all psychiatric illnesses occur before the age of 14, and 75 percent by the age ...

Aging in Place with Dignity
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Aging in Place with Dignity

Miriam Arond2024-02-06T09:53:55-05:00December 18th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: aging in place, home care, senior care management, medicare, aging, alzheimer's, dementia, older adults, senior care, Seniors|

By Judy Fink, LCSW and Heidi Weiss, LMSW, MHA The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is composed of people 85 years of age. This is especially true in Westchester, where 20% of our population is over the age of 65. Most seniors prefer to age safely and well in their homes and communities. Yet needs vary depending upon each individual’s situation, family, friends, and the community in which he or she resides. A thorough assessment of each senior’s situation is required to find the best solution to meet his or her needs At Westchester Jewish Community Services ...

Resources to Address Antisemitism
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Resources to Address Antisemitism

Miriam Arond2024-02-06T15:39:15-05:00January 13th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: antisemitism, antisemitism resources, jewish community, crisis in israel|

Rising antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world has shaken the Jewish community. The FBI reported in October 2023 that antisemitism accounted for over half of all reported religion-based hate crimes. Jews right here in Westchester are grappling with fear, anxiety, and grief as they witness ugly antisemitic slogans written in graffiti on store windows. People are feeling unsafe in places of worship and some hide their Jewish identities to avoid ostracization and hate in schools, on the streets, and online. Parents struggle with how to explain antisemitism to their young children and college students are facing Jew ...

WJCS Named a Community Champion
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WJCS Named a Community Champion

Miriam Arond2023-11-28T14:31:04-05:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: community champion, aging, Westchester Public/Private Partnership Membership Fund for Aging Services, corporate partner, nys office for the aging, yonkers nnorc, alzheimer's, senior care, Nonprofit, Westchester|

WJCS helps seniors throughout Westchester County to help them stay engaged in their communities and age in place safely with dignity. We are thrilled that WJCS has been recognized as a Community Champion by the Westchester Public/Private Partnership Membership Fund for Aging Services. Among the many programs and services offered by our Senior Care program, supervised by Judy Fink, LCSW, are: Care and Case Management which involves our staff assisting clients, families, and caregivers by providing them with the information and assistance they need, whether it is via phone calls, emails, or home visits. “We ensure that seniors obtain ...

You Can Help Us Comfort the Westchester Community
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You Can Help Us Comfort the Westchester Community

Miriam Arond2023-11-20T10:53:16-05:00November 16th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: healing, impact, neighbors, comfort, israel, hope, Make a Difference, Community, Donate, Support, Westchester|

The attacks in Israel on October 7th and the ensuing war have sparked shock, horror, and fear. Our community continues to experience stress and we are continuing to provide services for those who are suffering. Together we can ease the pain and create a healing space for our community. WJCS clinicians have led dozens of support groups for individuals struggling with emotional difficulties due to these horrible events and the rise in antisemitism worldwide. We've provided individual and group counseling to terrified teens, adults, and the elderly, including Holocaust survivors who are seeing their worst fears of "Never Again" ...

Response to Trauma in the Face of Attacks Against Israel
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Response to Trauma in the Face of Attacks Against Israel

Miriam Arond2023-10-20T15:49:19-04:00October 20th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: trauma response, sadness, hamas, israel, strength, Grief, Community, Trauma, Anxiety|

Trauma has been described as an overwhelming physiological response in which an individual experiences a loss of control, vulnerability, and immobilization. This week, 75 WJCS employees and board members came together online to share and process their sadness, grief, and anxiety about Hamas attacks against Israel, including the kidnapping of over 200 people. In gathering together as a community and in hope, members of our WJCS staff focused on what experts say about responses to trauma and opened up about their own reactions to recent horrific news reports. We are sharing these insights in the hope that they may help ...

WJCS Domestic Violence Resources
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WJCS Domestic Violence Resources

Miriam Arond2023-10-19T13:33:15-04:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: support services, hartsdale, mount vernon, peekskill, joe torre safe at home foundation, violence prevention, domestic violence awareness month, advocacy, crime victims, yonkers, Domestic Violence, Trauma, Westchester|

October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know who lives in Westchester is a victim or survivor of domestic violence, please consider contacting WJCS. Our WJCS Trager Lemp Center for Treating Trauma & Promoting Resilience provides comprehensive outpatient, evidence-based treatment programs to help adult and child survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault and harassment, and domestic violence. We also have programs for youth who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence as well as programs to help high school students cultivate the skills to build healthy relationships. Founded in 1982, our WJCS trauma center has ...

A Joyous Sukkot Celebration for Westchester Holocaust Survivors
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A Joyous Sukkot Celebration for Westchester Holocaust Survivors

Miriam Arond2023-10-19T13:37:54-04:00October 16th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: sukkot, sukkot luncheon, UJA federation of NY, Westchester Reform Temple, Claims Conference, Holocaust survivors, Jewish Programs, Westchester|

On Wednesday October 5th, WJCS hosted a Sukkot celebration luncheon for Holocaust survivors at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. More than 90 people attended the joyous festivities, including relatives and caregivers of the survivors. “Sukkot is one of the most joyful festivals on the Jewish calendar," said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. "We are so fortunate to have a large number of Holocaust survivors living in Westchester. Celebrating the holiday with individuals who suffered so much in the past is moving and meaningful. The survivors are aging and facing many challenges but they possess a spirit of gratitude and an appreciation of ...

WJCS Celebrates Our Peer Specialists
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WJCS Celebrates Our Peer Specialists

Miriam Arond2023-10-19T13:47:21-04:00October 13th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: peer specialists, peer support, global peer support celebration day, peer support celebration day, Recovery, Mental Health, Substance Use|

October 19th is Global Peer Support Celebration Day. At WJCS, our Peer Specialists play an important role in aiding the recovery of individuals from mental illness and/or substance use. Peer Specialists walk hand in hand with our clients from the perspective of a “shared experience.” The Peer Specialist is in a unique position to truly understand what it is like for someone who struggles with challenges related to mental illness and/or substance use. Our WJCS Peer Specialists assist individuals by using the skills they have learned, the connections they have made, and the resources they know from first-hand experience. ...

Lauren Candela-Katz is appointed Chief Advancement Officer at WJCS
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Lauren Candela-Katz is appointed Chief Advancement Officer at WJCS

Miriam Arond2023-10-19T13:38:33-04:00October 15th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: social work, philanthropy, chief advancement officer, Lauren Candela-Katz, grants, marketing, development, human services, volunteer, Nonprofit, Westchester|

Westchester County Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Candela-Katz as Chief Advancement Officer, effective October 9th. Candela-Katz has dedicated her career to supporting organizations that are deeply invested in improving the lives of those experiencing life’s most difficult challenges. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer at Lifting Up Westchester, an organization that serves the homeless in Westchester County. Previously, she was the Chief Development Officer of Abbott House which serves those with intellectual and developmental needs. Candela-Katz began her career at the Jewish Federation of Stamford and spent a decade ...