General Archives - Page 3 of 8 - Westchester Jewish Community Services

We’re So Grateful on this Giving Tuesday
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We’re So Grateful on this Giving Tuesday

Miriam Arond2024-12-16T15:14:52-05:00December 3rd, 2024|Categories: Featured Internal, General|Tags: grateful tuesday, giving tuesday, support wjcs, caring, connection, donate now, Year End Appeal, Community|

You are going to be receiving lots of emails, phone calls, and social media requests today asking you to donate to causes. At WJCS, we renamed today—what is known as "Giving Tuesday"—Grateful Tuesday. We are devoting today to thanking you, our donors, our community of supporters, who help keep WJCS strong. You ensure that we can help our Westchester neighbors when they need us most. You can make a difference and you do! When you donate to WJCS, you are making an impact.  Because of you, thousands of our Westchester neighbors, of all ages and backgrounds, are provided with ...

WJCS 2024 Annual Have a Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive Luncheon
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WJCS 2024 Annual Have a Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive Luncheon

Miriam Arond2024-11-12T12:50:34-05:00November 12th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: have a heart for the holidays gift drive, have a heart, toy drive, annual luncheon, suzanne yearley, Sarah Kayle, Linda Plattus, Nina Ross, Michele Brettschneider|

From left: Nina Ross, Michele Brettschneider, Linda Plattus, and Sarah Kayle Scarsdale resident and Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) Board member Linda Plattus hosted her Annual Luncheon, along with Board members Michele Brettschneider, Sarah Kayle, Nina Ross, and Suzanne Yearley, for the WJCS Have a Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive on November 6. Luncheon guest brought toys, games, and gift cards that will be distributed to WJCS clients who live in under-resourced communities. For many of these families in need, these toys will be the only gift they are able to give their children this season. “It is ...

Time to Take a Breath
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Time to Take a Breath

Miriam Arond2024-11-04T12:54:45-05:00November 26th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: breathing technique, breathing exercises, calm, brenda haas, mindful, Breath, meditation, breathwork|

By Brenda Haas, LMSW, Ed.M., Director of WJCS Guiding Parents Through Services Program and Partners in Schools Consultant at Leffell School The fall season is in full swing. Kids’ schedules are packed, parents are trying to balance work and family, and the holidays are almost here. Having a full life is a blessing, but it can also be stressful to manage it all. Stop. Pause for 60 seconds. And breathe. Calming our bodies and minds through simple breathing techniques is a proven ways to reduce anxiety and modulate mood. Consciously switching our attention from everything whirling around in ...

Halina Rosenkranz to be Inducted into Westchester’s Senior Hall of Fame
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Halina Rosenkranz to be Inducted into Westchester’s Senior Hall of Fame

Miriam Arond2024-10-23T14:47:51-04:00October 23rd, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: westchester senior hall of fame, halina rosenkranz, Holocaust survivors, Jewish Programs|

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Halina Rosenkranz, Group Facilitator and Case Manager for the WJCS Holocaust Survivor Program, will be inducted into Westchester County’s Senior Hall of Fame. Halina has been a passionately dedicated and caring advocate and supporter of some of the most vulnerable people in Westchester County: aging Holocaust survivors. Her compassion for survivors, who have lived through unimaginable loss and devastation, has made her an invaluable source of comfort and emotional and practical support to them as well as to their children, the Second Generation, who bear the scars of their parents’ ...

WJCS Hosts Sukkot Holiday Luncheon for Holocaust Survivors
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WJCS Hosts Sukkot Holiday Luncheon for Holocaust Survivors

Miriam Arond2024-10-23T13:48:59-04:00October 23rd, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: shelley b. mayer, sukkot, sukkot luncheon, UJA federation of NY, Westchester Reform Temple, Claims Conference, Holocaust survivors, Jewish Programs|

Holocaust survivors and their relatives and caregivers celebrated the joyous holiday of Sukkot together at a festive luncheon on Tuesday October 22nd at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. “Having just gone through the high holidays and that extended period of teshuva (repentance) and introspection that comes with it, we now celebrate,” said Allison Danzig, Coordinator of WJCS Holocaust Support Services, as she welcomed more than 70 guests to the event. “This is a time for showing appreciation to others and for all the good around us. It is a time of Thanksgiving and harvest, and a time to begin ...

What’s New at WJCS! Fall 2024
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What’s New at WJCS! Fall 2024

Miriam Arond2024-09-18T10:46:07-04:00September 17th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: fall news, newsletter, westchester community, WJCS|

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WJCS Initiates Zero Suicide Model with NYS Office of Mental Health
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WJCS Initiates Zero Suicide Model with NYS Office of Mental Health

Miriam Arond2024-09-09T15:22:37-04:00September 6th, 2024|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: suicide prevention, suicide prevention awareness month, zero suicide, 988, trauma resources, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, Depression|

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a yearly reminder of the staggering rates of suicide and the importance of identifying and helping people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States with over 49,000 people having died by suicide in the U.S. in 2022 and 13.2 million seriously contemplating suicide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), the largest provider of licensed community-based mental health services in Westchester County, is closely collaborating with the NYS Office of Mental Health ...

Volunteer Spotlight: Murray Forseter
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Volunteer Spotlight: Murray Forseter

Miriam Arond2024-11-01T16:17:33-04:00August 23rd, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: murray forseter, meal delivery, get involved, volunteer, Westchester|

1,600 home-delivered meals to seniors! That is the astounding number of meals WJCS Murray Forseter estimates he has delivered to senior residents in Yonkers, Scarsdale, Mount Vernon, White Plains, and Hartsdale since he began volunteering in the WJCS senior food program 15 years ago. Murray began volunteering at WJCS after retiring from a successful career in publishing in 2009. Now, 75, he made his last food delivery on June 26th and marked the milestone by publishing a post, entitled “Delivering Food to the Greatest Generation,” on his blog called No Socks Needed Anymore. In his post, Murray shares stories ...

Your VOTE is Your VOICE
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Your VOTE is Your VOICE

Miriam Arond2024-09-17T12:27:58-04:00September 17th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: voting, election day, voting resources, find my poll, national voter registration day|

During the next two months, we can expect to hear talk about the upcoming General Election (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) 24/7—in the media and, probably, in your conversations with friends and family. The most important thing to keep in mind is that every person’s vote counts. Your vote matters! The following are key dates to keep in mind to ensure that you can express your voice with your vote: September 17, 2024 National Voter Registration Day October 21, 2024: Last Day for Change of address October 65, 2024: Last day for voter registration October 26, 2024: Last day for ...

WJCS Awarded United Way Grant to Support Women and Children in Yonkers
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WJCS Awarded United Way Grant to Support Women and Children in Yonkers

Miriam Arond2024-08-20T12:49:17-04:00August 20th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: united way of westchester and putnam, pepsi, strength of a woman, grant, academic and career support, envision, early step forward, infant-toddler, crime victims, yonkers, child development, Mary J. Blige, early childhood|

We are proud to announce that WJCS has been awarded a Pepsi X Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund Grant by United Way of Westchester and Putnam. The grant will support WJCS programs that provide services to women, young women, and children who are underprivileged, marginalized, and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations in Yonkers. The grant will help support WJCS programs available to the community at the Mary J. Blige Center in Yonkers. These programs include: which includes adult basic education and preparation for the TASC high school equivalency exam and career readiness workshops. ...

Congratulations to WJCS Staff Recognition Award Recipients!
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Congratulations to WJCS Staff Recognition Award Recipients!

Miriam Arond2024-07-22T13:26:47-04:00July 22nd, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: wjcs staff recognition, staff awards|

We're thrilled to announce the most recent recipients of WJCS Staff Recognition Awards. Johnathan Wilson, Maintenance Supervisor Jonathan is recognized for being an outstanding member of this agency. He is extremely reliable and productive, meeting the needs of multiple houses in a timely manner. Jonathan has gone above and beyond to ensure the rooms were ready for the new individuals at Gramatan House, showcasing his hard work ethic, positive attitude, and professionalism. Jessica Sansone, Project Coordinator (MHFA/Training) Jessica is being recognized for her wonderful impact since joining the agency under the MHFA/Training Program in March 2023. She ...

We’re Hiring!
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We’re Hiring!

Miriam Arond2024-11-25T10:05:59-05:00November 3rd, 2024|Categories: General|Tags: we are hiring, westchester jobs, careers, job opportunities, join our team|

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? WJCS has been a cornerstone of support in Westchester for over 81 years, providing a wide range of services to help residents lead their best lives. Our success is driven by our dedicated and skilled staff, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our mission. At WJCS, we believe in transforming lives—both our clients' and our staff's. We offer a variety of job opportunities, including positions for Social Workers, Direct Support Professionals, and more. When you join our team, you'll benefit from: Continuing education opportunities Excellent ...

Exciting News from our WJCS Vocational Programs
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Exciting News from our WJCS Vocational Programs

Miriam Arond2024-06-27T16:31:05-04:00June 27th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: vocational programs, supper club, taft center, skill-building, job preparation, Shelanu, intellectual disabilites, IDD, White Plains, developmental disabilities, Autism|

We are thrilled to share exciting news from WJCS’s vocational training program, which promotes skill-building for young adults with autism in preparation for the workplace. Two participants, Lindsay and Andrew, have achieved a significant milestone by moving forward to new opportunities. Their success showcases how our unique approach to job preparation can transform lives. Congratulations to Lindsay and Andrew! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish next. WJCS’s Vocational Program offers classes for residents in documentation preparation, scanning, and file organization management. These classes are held at our Taft Center in White Plains and are ...

Helping our Westchester Neighbors in Tough Times

Miriam Arond2024-06-20T15:26:08-04:00May 31st, 2024|Categories: General|Tags: health and healing support services, family caregivers, pathways to care, Grief, support groups, Bereavement|

Thanks to your support, the WJCS Jewish Programs and Health & Healing Support Services continue to fan out across the county to comfort adults, youth, and seniors as we all try to make sense of what is going on in the world. Kudos to WJCS for offering a Bereavement Support Group to the community. Dealing with grief is a need which is often not addressed. Thank you for taking the lead in supporting individuals during this painful stage in their lives and facilitating the development of their resilience as they face this challenge. ~Participant in a WJCS Bereavement ...

Bringing Joy, Connection, and Confidence to Adults with Disabilities
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Bringing Joy, Connection, and Confidence to Adults with Disabilities

Miriam Arond2024-05-20T16:07:10-04:00May 20th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: Shelanu, Chai House, spring 2024 newsletter, developmental disabilites, intellectual disabilites, IDD, POINT, Disabilities, Autism|

Just because someone has a disability, it doesn’t mean they don’t have hopes, dreams, things they love to do, good days, bad days… Because of YOU, our adults from all backgrounds with disabilities are living the best life possible and our amazing staff support them every step of the way. Pizza-making tips from an expert chef, a visit to Bryant Park in Manhattan, celebrating Purim, vocational counseling, a fun Supermarket Sweep activity to enhance grocery shopping and budgeting skills, a hibachi dinner, outings to ball games, and much, much more. When you give to WJCS, you help individuals with ...

Fostering a Strong Foundation for Early Childhood Development and Literacy.
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Fostering a Strong Foundation for Early Childhood Development and Literacy.

Miriam Arond2024-05-20T16:13:06-04:00May 30th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: family services, youth development, peer support, parentchild, early literacy, Parent-Child, early childhood|

The impact of WJCS Parent-Child programs has been life changing. I  became connected when I was a first-time mom and needed to give my children a chance to socialize with other children and equip me to foster a love of learning. We learned about the WJCS Summer Hartley Park program, then found out about the WJCS Parent Child Center, and then the WJCS ParentChild+ Home Visiting program. The Parent-Child programs helped guide us with the fundamentals of social emotional readiness for preschool and how to interact with other children and grownups. It empowered me as a mom, to support ...

Building Resilience, Health, and Well-Being
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Building Resilience, Health, and Well-Being

Miriam Arond2024-05-20T15:59:08-04:00May 15th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: tiffany, spring 2024 newsletter, therapy, Mental Health|

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s because of kind, caring people like you that WJCS can provide vital, evidence-based services to people in Westchester who are struggling with mental health challenges and trauma. Meet Tiffany, one of many people who faced what seemed like overwhelming obstacles until she came to WJCS: I experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In high school I dropped out. I was pregnant and thought that was going to be my life, working as a cashier, trying to take care of my baby. I was so depressed when my first ...

Recovery is Possible with WJCS
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Recovery is Possible with WJCS

Miriam Arond2024-09-11T13:49:12-04:00March 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 regarding ...

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 ...

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 ...

Holocaust Remembrance Day: A Note From Our CEO
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Holocaust Remembrance Day: A Note From Our CEO

Miriam Arond2026-04-14T10:34:02-04:00April 14th, 2026|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: share shabbat, antisemitism, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust survivors, Holocaust, Jewish Programs, Westchester|

Today is Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day when we pause to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and to honor the Survivors who carried unimaginable loss and trauma forward into their lives, their families, and their communities. At WJCS, remembrance is not abstract. It lives in the people we serve and in the relationships our staff build every day. Through our Jewish Programs and across the agency, you help Survivors stay safe and supported by connecting them to meals, home care, benefits, transportation, and social connection, and by offering the steady presence of someone ...

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 ...