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We’re Expanding Our Parent-Child Programs!

2022-11-16T13:20:46-05:00November 2nd, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , |

“Play is the work of the child.”—Maria Montessori Westchester Jewish. Community Services (WJCS) is thrilled to announce the expansion of early childhood programming to Tarrytown and Yonkers. Both initiatives are mode possible through generous support for the Westchester Community Foundation. The WJCS Tarrytown Parent Child Center will be a free early learning program for parents and their young children (newborn–4 years old). The program serves families in need, many of them Spanish speaking recent immigrants, and is focused on giving parents the confidence and competence to support their children’s early learning and literacy through joyful play, singing, reading, as ...

Domestic Violence: Myths & Realities

2022-11-02T11:22:08-04:00October 31st, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , |

Most people recognize how dangerous domestic violence is, both physically and emotionally. But there are still many common misconceptions about domestic violence. Here are 5 prevalent myths and the reality. 1. Myth: Most people report instances of domestic violence to the police. Reality: Half of abused women do not tell the police, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics. 2. Myth: Acts of domestic violence are generally physical or sexual. Reality: Any pattern of coercive behavior—whether it's physical, sexual, economic, emotional, and or psychological abuse—exerted by one family member or intimate partner over another in ...

Words Have Power: Stand Up, Speak Out, and Make Change

2022-11-15T16:31:11-05:00October 25th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , |

At our Margaret’s Place-Joe Torre Safe At Home program, WJCS created, with the help of our youth Peer Leaders, a special campaign in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to spread the messages that our words have the power to support survivors of domestic violence, ask important questions, and reach out for help. WJCS Margaret’s Place is situated in White Plains High School, Peekskill Middle School, and Cross Hill Academy in Yonkers. It encourages education and conversation about healthy relationships as well as trauma, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence (DV), and counseling for trauma and DV-exposed youth. Cross Hill Academy ...

WJCS Hosts a Holocaust Survivor Sukkot Luncheon

2022-10-24T11:21:40-04:00October 24th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

On Wednesday October 12th, WJCS hosted about 70 Holocaust Survivors at a beautiful Sukkot luncheon at Westchester Reform Temple to celebrate the festive holiday. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is known as a festival of joy, and joy is the perfect word to describe the mood and feelings experienced by our attendees. Guests were thrilled to gather in the beautiful sukkah—a temporary hut covered with branches that represents the divine protection the children of Israel received as they traveled in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt. The Survivors, who often feel socially isolated due to their advanced ...

WJCS Hosts A Second Annual Holocaust Survivor Day Luncheon

2022-11-01T14:58:30-04:00August 23rd, 2022|Categories: Featured Internal, General|

Dozens of Holocaust Survivors gathered on Wednesday, July 13th for the second annual Holocaust Survivors Day Luncheon, hosted by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). The joyous and meaningful event, held under a tent on the grounds of the Young Israel of White Plains, was a tribute to the hope, strength, and resilience of the survivors and the courage and determination with which they build constructive lives and families after experiencing the horrors of the Holocaust. Allison Danzig, Coordinator of Holocaust Services at WJCS, welcomed everyone to the event and shared ...

WJCS is hiring!

2022-07-27T13:48:12-04:00July 27th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

WJCS helps transform lives every day. Our 80+ programs provide Westchester county residents of all ages and backgrounds with mental health counseling, trauma treatment, vocational and recreational activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, care management for seniors, support for LGBTQ+ youth, and so much more. We have many positions available. If you or someone you know wants to use their knowledge and skills to make a valuable difference in people’s lives, WJCS is for you! The following are just a few of our job openings. Please review our comprehensive list of job opportunities at WJCS at: https://www.wjcs.com/careers/openings/ ...

Summer is in full swing at WJCS!

2022-07-25T17:17:01-04:00July 19th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

Our WJCS programs and staff are having a great start to the summer! Here are some highlights. Opening day of our Summer Fun in Hartley Park program in Mount Vernon was filled with smiling faces of children and parents who are eager to engage in fun, entertaining, and educational activities. Deloitte volunteers dedicated their Impact Day to making care packages filled with family summer activities for children in WJCS programs and did some spring cleaning at the WJCS ParentChild+ Summer Fun in Hartley Park program in Mount Vernon. WJCS launched a Mobile Crisis Response Team in partnership ...

988: New Suicide & Crisis Hotline

2022-07-18T14:49:34-04:00July 14th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

On July 16th, a new Suicide and Crisis Hotline is being launched. By dialing or texting 988, people who are experiencing emotional distress, substance use issues, or suicidal thoughts will be connected to an expanded network of mental health professionals. Employees and volunteers staffing the 24-hour hotline will be counselors trained in a wide range of mental health issues, including self-harm, addiction, and suicidal ideation. This New York Times article provides details about this new hotline which is aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in our country. Learn about Mental Health services provided by WJCS. ...

Bruce M. Freyer Named President of the WJCS Board of Directors

2022-07-21T17:22:21-04:00July 6th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , |

We are thrilled to announce that Bruce M. Freyer has been elected President of the WJCS Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2022. Freyer became involved with WJCS in 1997 and has held a variety of Board positions, including Chair of the Development Committee, Chair of the Jewish Programs committee, and Member of the Audit, Budget and Finance, Children and Youth Services, Government Relations, Investment, Managed Care, and Nominating Committees. “Bruce has been invaluable in furthering the mission of WJCS in countless ways,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. “He has been integral in developing strategic initiatives, a passionate and ...

World Mental Health Report

2022-08-10T15:36:34-04:00June 17th, 2022|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Internal, General|

The World Health Organization (WHO) just released its world mental health report, drawing on evidence from countries across the globe. Its findings highlight the devastating effects the pandemic has had, with skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety, conditions that even pre-pandemic were at epidemic levels. The world report aims to inspire and inform change Here are some of the key points emphasized: We need to intensify our collaborative effort to integrate mental health and primary health care. Mental health is critically important for everyone, everywhere. Mental health needs are high but responses are insufficient and inadequate. A commitment to ...

Our 2022 WJCS Staff Award Winners!

2022-06-16T12:42:34-04:00June 7th, 2022|Categories: Featured Internal, General|

Batkin Award Presented to Rosemarie Stewart, Residence Manager, Claremont House Rosemarie Stewart has been Residence Manager of Claremont House since its inception in 2010. Her dedication to the individuals living at the house, staff, and WJCS has always been apparent and appreciated, especially at the beginning of the COVID epidemic when she worked around the clock to fill in for shifts when her staff and individuals became ill. Rosemarie has respectful and caring relationships with the individuals living in the house and their families, and provides her staff with the support they need to do their challenging jobs. Rosemarie ...

Our Commitment to Equity and Anti-Racism

2022-06-16T14:16:57-04:00June 16th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

At a time of frequent and horrific news stories of racial injustices, WJCS recommits its support of the fight against systemic racism. We consider sensitivity toward diversity, equity, and inclusion essential to our work with clients and to developing a safe, protected, and accepting environment for staff a top priority. As a trauma-informed agency and at the forefront of trauma treatment, WJCS recognizes that racial discrimination is a trauma. We are dedicated to the ongoing work of creating a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our employees and clients, and will continue to work to ensure that people of ...

A Note from Our CEO Seth Diamond

2022-05-26T12:59:39-04:00May 26th, 2022|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

Sadness. Horror. In Texas. In Buffalo. In Too Many Places Horrific. This can’t be happening again. Unbelievable. But tragically all too believable. Incredible sadness for the world we are in and the one are children are aging into. Concern for everyone in our lives the moment they leave our side. I am sure we all had our own range of emotions after hearing the awful news from Texas on Tuesday. These were some of mine. Less than two weeks after a horrific shooting in Buffalo, here we are again. Children, in their last week of school, ready for the ...

September is Suicide Prevention Month

2023-09-20T14:30:27-04:00September 20th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Recent data shows that in the United States suicide rates are the highest they have been since World War II. According to the National Institute of Health, there were more than 47,000 suicides in 2019, twice the number of deaths caused by homicide. Self-violence is a problem we cannot ignore. Suicide affects people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. We all need to be prepared with information and resources to help someone who is exhibiting signs of despair, isolation, rage, pain, and suicidal thoughts. While there is no single cause for suicidal behavior, common risk factors include: Depression or ...

What We Stand For

2022-06-08T12:03:04-04:00January 3rd, 2022|Categories: Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Founded in 1943, Westchester Jewish Community Services has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit human service organizations in Westchester and the largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services in the county. Our values guide our work—the state-of-the-art programs and services we offer with compassion to more than 20,000 people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Westchester County. WJCS is driven by the spirit of “tikkun olam”–repairing the world. By providing care and support, we work to help Westchester residents of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling to heal, develop skills, build resilience, and lead ...

Navigating the Challenges of Mental Health During Covid-19

2020-10-27T20:24:22-04:00October 26th, 2020|Categories: Mental Health, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

This has been a very challenging time for many people. The coronavirus pandemic has led to feelings of loneliness, fear, grief, anxiety, and depression. As the largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services, WJCS is here to help Westchester residents who are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Since mid-March, WJCS has had over 30,000 Telehealth sessions with clients, by video chat and phone. Ann Brammer, Director of our Mt. Vernon Mental Health Clinic, has worked at WJCS for over 30 years. As she says in the video above, "I've helped many people navigate some of the biggest struggles of their lives but none as difficult as the current crisis. ...

Self-Compassion: Why We and Our Children Need It

2022-01-19T16:51:08-05:00December 1st, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

by Brenda P. Haas What if the most powerful lesson we could teach our children is to be kind to themselves? What if our children learned they can fall down, make mistakes, and are still worthy with their imperfections? So many of us and, in turn, our children struggle with being tough on ourselves, harshly judging our professional and academic achievements, physical appearance, and artistic and athletic ability. As the school year unfolds, children experience increased stress and performance pressures. Families, children, and teens feel the pull to try to “do it all” and do it well. Somehow as ...

WJCS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS

2022-03-10T18:18:27-05:00December 28th, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , |

The skyrocketing statistics for depression, anxiety, and suicide in the United States are frightening and necessitate that we do everything possible to increase knowledge and awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. WJCS is committed to this goal and conducts trainings in Mental Health First Aid to educate parents, teachers, coaches, camp staff, teens, first responders, case management workers, and others about how to recognize mental illness and get the appropriate help. Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. There are three versions of the training, all of which WJCS offers: YOUTH MENTAL ...

National Mentoring Month

2022-03-10T18:19:41-05:00December 10th, 2021|Categories: Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

National Mentoring Month by Niomi Plotkin National Mentoring Month, observed each January, recognizes the positive impact of mentoring and the power of relationships on the lives of young people. Recently, President Biden raised awareness about the importance of mentors in communities across the country. We all can look back on earlier years and remember a family member, teacher, friend, or community member who helped guide us. Research shows that continuity and consistency in relationships with caring and compassionate adults are vital to a young person’s development. Mentoring entails providing support for others as they navigate life’s challenges and work ...

Family Activities During COVID-19

2020-10-26T17:08:04-04:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|

Home with your family and looking for fun, educational, and relaxing activities? Look no further. Our amazing WJCS volunteers have shared their favorite videos and free online resources for wellness, storytelling, art and science projects, and more. Stay Zen with Yoga Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga Do Yoga with Me: https://www.doyogawithme.com Yoga for Everyone: https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/beginner-yoga  Family Friendly Yoga with Michele Frank: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohGTh7yfKYtNd9XdCwQi2Q?view_as=subscriber&fbclid=IwAR2z feVXcT0DGCraxYNQl2KF5fIaU9MBYIoJbSyGLOXqjjFtUUGMw-XuueU Food, Fitness, Health & Wellness Let’s get Cooking! ChopChop Kids Club: https://www.chopchopfamily.org/recipes/ Meditation with WJCS OnTrackNY Program Director & Team Leader, Valerie Rosen: FOCUS ON BREATH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBQ8L2PVZSg&feature=youtu.be   Midday Move with WJCS OnTrackNY Program Director & Team Leader, Valerie Rosen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RNIVPbWhb4&feature=youtu.be   Orange Theory at Home: https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us/athome/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=%20Orangetheory-2020-PPC-Non-Brand-AtHomeWorkout&utm_term=tombras&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuZL4k6WB6QIVEIvICh1arwCvEAAYASAAEgJoLfD_BwE  ...

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