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Meet Our WJCS 2024 Gala Honorees!

2024-02-22T10:01:32-05:00February 22nd, 2024|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

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 ...

Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life

2024-02-22T09:57:25-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

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 ...

Tips for Family Caregivers

2024-10-16T12:25:14-04:00February 16th, 2024|Categories: General|Tags: , , , , |

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Here are some tips for caregivers from WJCS: Create a network of support for you and your loved one, including medical professionals, family, friends, neighbors, and mental health and recreational services. Put your oxygen mask on first! If you aren’t caring for yourself you cannot care for a loved one. Exercise, eat right, see friends and family, ask yourself what brings you peace and comfort. Caregiving is a balance of attending to your loved one and finding activity and joy outside of the caregiving. Get respite from the caregiving when you can even if ...

Building Trust in Community

2024-02-22T09:54:26-05:00February 7th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

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 ...

Antisemitic Graffiti in Westchester: A Message from our CEO

2024-02-01T11:53:27-05:00January 31st, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , |

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 ...

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

2024-02-01T11:53:55-05:00January 30th, 2024|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , |

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. ...

Response to the Hamas Terrorist Attacks: A Message from WJCS CEO Seth Diamond

2023-12-20T13:05:03-05:00December 19th, 2023|Categories: General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

I know we all have been devastated by the reports of the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel. As President Biden said, “there are moments in this life when pure, unadulterated evil is unleashed on this world.” That is what we witnessed over the weekend, pure evil. Words cannot adequately express our anger at the murderous acts and torture , our sorrow for the victims, and our worry about the fate of those taken hostage. Coming after the close of a joyous Jewish holiday, the scenes are particularly painful. Many who only a few days earlier ...

WJCS Named a Community Champion

2023-11-28T14:31:04-05:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

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

2023-11-20T10:53:16-05:00November 16th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

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" ...

Now What? 6 Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

2023-11-15T13:09:18-05:00November 5th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Has your loved one been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia? If so, all of a sudden, you probably have a lot on your plate…. Maybe you have been putting off making financial and legal plans for the future. Perhaps you are rethinking your living situation. Here are first steps you may want to take after a diagnosis: Contact an elder care attorney to discuss your financial planning and need for a power of attorney, will, and advanced directives. Connect your loved one to proper medical care, including a gerontologist and a neurological team. Evaluate your home environment to ensure ...

How WJCS Nurse Practitioners Make an Impact

2023-11-15T12:25:26-05:00October 30th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

This week, November 12-18, is National Nurse Practitioners Week. Thank you to the incredible contributions of our exceptional nurse practitioners at WJCS. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication to improving the mental health of the clients we serve is truly commendable. Your commitment and skill is appreciated. We are grateful to have such a talented and caring team. At WJCS, our team of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) support both the mental and physical health of our clients. LPNs in each of our clinics meet with all new admissions for Health Monitoring Visits. During these visits LPNs check vital signs, ...

WJCS Domestic Violence Resources

2025-02-03T17:36:46-05:00October 18th, 2023|Categories: Gala, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

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 Trauma and 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 been at the ...

Crime Victims Advocacy and Support Services Program (CVASSP)

2023-10-19T13:37:25-04:00October 17th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

Being a victim of a crime is a traumatic experience. WJCS has launched a Crime Victims Advocacy and Support Services Program (CVASSP). By supporting victims through advocacy, ensuring they have safe housing, helping them access public benefits, and providing mental health counseling, WJCS helps victims recover from the experience. “Being a victim of a crime can be a life-altering event, shattering one's sense of security and safety. WJCS is here to help victims with the recovery process, to connect them to services, and to walk with them on the path to recovery,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. A crime ...

A Joyous Sukkot Celebration for Westchester Holocaust Survivors

2023-10-19T13:37:54-04:00October 16th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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 ...

Meaningful Friendships that Promote Mental Wellness

2023-10-19T13:41:06-04:00October 14th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , |

This year the WJCS Compeer program, a supportive friendship program in which each volunteer is matched with an individual recovering from mental illness, celebrates its 50th anniversary. By facilitating friendships, Compeer helps mental health clients feel less isolated and more integrated into their communities. Compeer started as a small program in upstate New York and has grown into an international organization with over 40 chapters. Compeer volunteers commit to spending time with a mental health client for a year or more. Research has shown that most Compeer clients see improvements in multiple areas of their lives as a result ...

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 ...

Caring For Caregivers

2023-11-02T11:54:07-04:00September 5th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

Donna*, an only child in her late fifties, suspected that her mother’s Alzheimer’s was progressing. Her mom, a widow living alone in Bronxville, seemed increasingly confused when they spoke on the phone, plus Donna, who lived and worked in Las Vegas, was starting to receive phone calls from concerned neighbors. She decided to come east for a brief visit to get a handle on the situation. Once Donna saw her mom’s declining state, she felt increasingly anxious about leaving her. She decided to quit her job and move permanently back to New York to be her mother’s caregiver and advocate. ...

Domestic Violence: Myths vs. Realities

2023-10-19T13:36:28-04:00September 4th, 2023|Categories: Mental Health, Feature, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While most of us recognize how devastatingly dangerous domestic violence is, both physically and emotionally, few of us are as knowledgeable as we should be about this vitally important social problem. Here are some common misconceptions about domestic violence...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, ...

Boosting Your Child’s Emotional and Social Skills

2023-08-31T13:51:26-04:00August 31st, 2023|Categories: General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

New parents often bemoan that their newborns didn’t arrive in this world with a manual. They, rightfully, sense that the early years of a child’s life are an essential foundation for later success—in school, career, and in life. WJCS has numerous early childhood programs. We are committed to providing parents and young children with the tools they need to develop a healthy bond, early literacy and language skills, and social-emotional capabilities, including empathy, problem-solving, persistence, collaboration, confidence, communication, curiosity, creativity, cooperation, and self-control. Cultivating a child’s social and emotional skills takes thoughtfulness and patience on the part of parents. ...

WJCS Hosts 3rd Annual Holocaust Survivor Day Luncheon

2023-09-12T15:27:50-04:00July 13th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Photo at left, from left: Gillian Rittmaster, Assistant Executive Director of WJCS Jewish Programs, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, and Allison Danzig, Coordinator of WJCS Holocaust Support Services. Photo at right: Holocaust survivors and their relatives and caregivers joined hands in celebrating being together. WJCS celebrated the 3rd Annual Holocaust Survivor Day by hosting a festive luncheon on Wednesday July 12th at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. Eighty people, which included 50 survivors and their support network of family and caregivers, attended the gathering. New York State Shelley B. Mayor choked up with emotion as she spoke to ...

WJCS Awarded Westchester Community Foundation Grant for Gender Affirmation Programming

2023-10-31T11:05:37-04:00June 29th, 2023|Categories: Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: , , , , , , |

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is pleased to announce that its Center Lane for LGBTQIA+ youth program has been awarded a two-year grant of $50,000 by the HVCS Legacy Fund in Westchester Community Foundation. These funds will enable the continued development of WJCS Center Lane’s Gender Euphoria programming, a series of community-building events and activities focused on helping our transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth affirm their identities while also having fun. Intended to reflect the joy, happiness, and enhanced quality of life a person experiences upon embracing their true gender identity, Center Lane’s Gender Euphoria aims to provide “gender ...

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