As we head into fall, we’d like to look back at some of WJCS’s many achievements during the summer. Despite the stresses from the pandemic, we’re proud of our clients’ resilience and the dedication of our staff, as they have continued to deliver programs and services for thousands of Westchester residents who have a critical need for our help. Here are just a few of our many accomplishments this summer.
Thirty-five girls from Yonkers enjoyed fun, social, and enriching activities, including a visit from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at our Wiener Academy for Young Girls Summer Camp.
WJCS Center Lane hosted two successful summer Pride Camps, including one for youth, ages 8 to 13, who are taking part in our newly-launched Rainbow Squad. Center Lane held two vaccine clinics in an LGBTQ+ affirming space at WJCS headquarters, and celebrated PRIDE month with rainbow banners and flags flying from headquarters throughout June.
Our backyard at WJCS headquarters has become our new outdoor playground!
We had a fun dance party for members of our POINT community, well-attended gatherings for members of Shelanu and Center Lane, and even an outdoor movie night.
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We are proud to have expanded the WJCS Digital Equity program, which provided free Chrome books and tech assistance to youth who were learning remotely during the school year, to now include adults. We are offering providing free digital devices, Wifi access, and skills training to adults in under-resourced communities. |
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Our Jewish Programs Division organized a spectacular luncheon to mark the occasion of the first ever Holocaust Survivor Day. More than 60 Holocaust Survivors attended the event, which was both a celebration of survival and a time of memorial. Rabbi Michael Goldman recited Kaddish for those millions of people who perished in the Holocaust. Westchester County Executive Latimer extended his best wishes to all who attended. |
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The WJCS Covid Relief Hub, created in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, has offered dozens of free career guidance workshops and short-term individual career and mental health counseling sessions to assist those suffering from the far-reaching effects of the pandemic.
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We are thrilled to have launched our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in Mt Vernon and Peekskill and be able to provide enhanced substance use services, peer and community support, and closer integrated physical health services to people in those communities. |
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Our WJCS volunteer corps continues to grow! We now have 300 active volunteers, each of whom is making a positive impact on the Westchester community.
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WJCS staff continue to assume influential leadership roles in the professional community. Dr. William (Drew) Mullane, Director of Innovation, Integration and Community Philanthropy, testified in Albany at a state legislative meeting about the need to integrate New York State’s mental health and substance use agencies. He also spoke on WVOX radio about our WJCS College Emotional Wellness Initiative which provides counseling to college students in Westchester at no cost. |
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