Westchester Jewish Community Services, Inc.
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February 26, 2011
I have been participating as a table leader in this Seder for 18 years. It is a beautiful and wonderful experience. The team of volunteers lead by Gail is terrific and have become my close friends. I love seeing our work come together for this special population. This program is necessary as it fills the population with cultural joy. "Jewish spiritualism" is the theme of the room. All are so easily connected to being together to experience the Seder story, the food, the music, the tradition and the so much care and friendship. All three of my children have participated as waiters and now my oldest son enjoys sitting at the table with the population and feeling their joy at the Seder. It is truly a deep and wonderful connection for our family to our Jewish life. We all look forward to seeing our friends from all the different group homes year to year. I love seeing their faces light up showing recognition that we are all together again for our Passover Seder.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have personally experienced the joyful power of self confidence and group belonging the Seder has given this population. They love being connected to their Jewish identity. They love being with each other and apprieciate all of the volunteers.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to make changes to this orgaization, I would make sure that there will always be funds to help the Seder events continue.
February 25, 2011
I cannot commend WJCS's program "Women helping Women" highly eough. The workshops I attended on goal setting, resumes and elevator speeches were excellent. The workshop leader in each case was clearly an expert in his/her field, accomodating in his/her approach and respectful and kind to the participants. Each of the workshop leaders reached out and engaged with the participants. That is extremely important in tapping into the self esteem of the ladies many of whom have been looking for employment for months.
I came away, first of all, with more knowledge and skill than before and most of all with a renewed sense of hope in my abilities and in life.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My communication skills and specially my attitude have improved significantly. I have become much more positive and open to others and their needs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I really don't know what changes there could be. I greatly admire Lenore Rosenbaum. Her leadership is admirable. The workshops she created are most pertinent to the job market. By providing an opportunity for women to come together and sharpen their skills, she is filling a vital need in the community.
February 25, 2011
We work with WJCS in helping to manage their employee benefits program. It has been a privelage to work with such a dedicated staff who help so many people in the community. I have participated in many of their events and I've been impressed with how many programs they provide and all the people they serve. Recently, I attended a luncheon that WJCS had scheduled to thank the sponsors of their "back to school - clothes for kids" program. At that luncheon, we heard great stories from some of the people whose lives were changed by these WJCS programs. These stories brought tears to my eyes because you saw the impact these services have for people in need.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the events I have attended, such as the luncheon, as well as the newsletters I receive that describe the programs they provide.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make people more aware of the great work they do.
February 25, 2011
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enought to be invited to observe the WJCS program for seniors which is held a few days each week at a local synagogue. It was a wonderful, active sight to see. I watched a Yiddush discussion while others were taking an exercise class. I heard a senior (a participant in the program) play the piano for his peers; he does on a regular basis. After the classes, the seniors moved into a dining area where the only hot-kosher lunch program in Westchester County exists. This program is organized and run by WJCS & it is a much-needed program for these elderly residents of Westchester County. I saw a woman whom I have met before participate in the Yiddush class with so much vibrancy (when I visited this person in her apartment, she couldn't even lift her head to speak to me). I can see how beneficial this progarm is to our community & I highly recommend WJCS.
In addition to the work WJCS does with the elderly, I am very impressed with the work WJCS does to help families with autism. This growing population of those diagnosed and their family members need all the support they can get. It is wonderful that WJCS has a place for these families to turn.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen joy in the faces of the seniors who attend the day program. I have seen the dedication of the WJCS staff who run the program, even as funding is so limited.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give WJCS more funds to keep these wonderful programs going!
February 25, 2011
My son stared going to WJCS for therapy and medication management after a hospitalization. We had tried various therapist before with no success. The therapist and psychiatrist are great. He starting going to the social groups which are also very good. I met a great group of parents while waiting for him outside the social group.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
2007-2011
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more evening hours
February 24, 2011
As an executive level professional at a local communal agency, it has been a personal privelege to work in collaboration with WJCS in a number of initiatives. Most prominently, we have been involved in a multi-year project that focuses on social & emotional learning in the area's Jewish early childhood centers.
WJCS' reach extends to countless areas in its service area, reaching all ages and a gamut of needs.
We have found the staff at every level to be knowledgable professionals, who are passionate about their work. Our community is most fortunate to benefit from their extensive work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
partnering in programs for the elderly and for the staff that reaches young families and young children
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand its programs for the unemployed to all levels
1 person found this review helpful
February 24, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
To Whom It May Concern,
I started going to W.J.C.S. in January of 2009 for issues I felt needed to be worked on. I was some what skeptical at first, but decided I would give it a try anyway. Today, I am very happy to say it was the best decision I could have made. During the past year I have had many difficult circumstances occur in my life and with the help of W.J.C.S I was able to find my way through them.
I am blessed to have a counselor ( Miss. Consuelo Guerrero)
who is not only exceptionally skilled in her field but shows compassion above all when needed. Miss. Guerrero is not just a therapist but a person who understands and relates to what her patients are going through.
I feel without these services, I would not be the person who I am today and most certainly would not have accomplished the goals I set out to do.
If W.J.C.S was to receive this grant I believe the money would used in the best way possible to help others.
Sincerely,
Miss. L. Kohl
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many ways. To have a person who truly cares and help guide you through the difficult times has made all the difference.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would campaign for more money to open more facility's.
February 17, 2011
My son originally started seeing a therapist and psychiatrist at WJCS for emotional issues that led to behavior problems. With his issues, my family started experiencing problems with communication and functionality. My family started seeing someone at WJCS for family therapy sessions. I am currently seeing someone for individual therapy. I am highly impressed with the services at WJCS because the agency is like one-stop shopping for mental health services. I think it is great that they provide services for a range of clients and can cater and add programs depending on the need in the community. Staff are experienced in what additional community services may be available for specific issues.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
attending therapy sessions on both an individual and family basis.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
provide the with mor emoney to expand their services by hiring additional staff.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
n/a
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Maintaining employment and time for myself.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 16, 2011
As a board member and a volunteer for WJCS, I am constantly impressed with the caring and innovative thinking of the agency and its well respected staff and committed volunteers. As needs and issues in family mental health, home health care and developmental disabilities arise in the county, WJCS is most often the go-to agency to find a way to meet them. Here are just a few examples of its wide reach: the multiple group homes that WJCS has created and currently maintains for developmentally-challenged adults to live together as independently as possible; the award-winning counseling programs in high schools that support young pregnant and parenting girls allowing them to stay in school till graduation and thereby minimizing the drop-out rate; the safe places that have been created for teens who are searching for their identity or have crises in their home life; the group counseling sessions held by conference call for homebound and often isolated adults affording them some social interaction; and the highly successful partnerships with other organizations like The Joe Torre Fund and the Mary J. Blige foundation to provide services in specific communities.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have visited many programs run by WJCS and witnessed the satisfaction of clients and their families. I have heard clients say that WJCS services have substantially changed their lives for the better.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Our challenge is finding ways to sustain the funding for the services that so many people have come to depend on.
February 14, 2011
WJCS serves a tremendous role in Westchester.
The organization embraces the diversity of the County and is able to support every need that arises.
An example of this is the Women's Home Center on Barton in White Plains. This center has been operating for almost 2 years and provides a safe and healthy home environment for 6 Jewish women. These 6 women are in their 20's and 30's and are developmentally disabled. This is their first home away from home which provides them with independence. The experience gives these women supervision, their own living area, daily responsibilities in a group setting, and either part time employment or school - all of which are coordinated by WJCS.
It is an amazing program that has changed the lives of these women.
It is imperative to understand the needs of our community and the critical need to serve it, as WJCS does.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Knowing that so many of Weschester's children benefit from WJCS programs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would make sure the public understands that WJCS serves MUCH more than Jewish programs.
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