WJCS-Westchester Jewish Community Services

The members of Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester partner with WJCS for both their annual Back to School Drive & Holiday Toy Drive. Our congregant's collect school supplies & toys as well as donate gift cards so that the clients served by WJCS can start the school year off right & are able to have some holiday gifts. WJCS is a wonderful organization & their staff is a pleasure to work with as we collect items for these important drives.

I work closely with WJCS to partner on family volunteer opportunities in Westchester. We have had such a great relationship with WJCS-they are professional, responsible and caring. I know that it is an agency that cares about each client's needs!

In the short time I have been working with them, WJCS has proven to be an amazing partner. The work that they do for families, children and students in need is indescribable and so impactful. They know where the needs are and what needs to be accomplished to fill those needs. They are always available to arrange a site visit for other professionals as well as volunteers so that people can really get a sense of the work that goes on. Even throughout the ups and downs of Covid, nothing stopped WCJS from providing services and items to those who take part in their various programs. I feel so lucky to be able to work with such an amazing organization and all of the people involved!

I have been working with WJCS for almost five years and I love it so much! I have always wanted to go even further than volunteering- which are amazing experiences that WJCS allows me to do- but the team at WJCS has let me extend my work even farther by allowing me to brainstorm and help out with my own ideas. WJCS makes me feel great about myself as I know am I making a big difference as they allow me to work with kids that appreciate me.

I have been providing care-calls for an individual within the Westchester Jewish Community Services for over a year now. The WJCS staff has been extremely communicative, welcoming, and accommodating towards me throughout my journey in connecting with my care-call buddy. A goal of ours throughout our care calls is to assist the individual in his aspiration of learning sign language and receiving a certification. I was new to sign-language and the WCJS community has made the process easy by providing me with ample resources and support to maximize both the experience of everyone involved. I hope to be involved as a volunteer in WCJS for years to come!

I have been volunteering with the Compeer program for over 10 years now. It has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences. It is wonderful program to make a significant difference in the life another person. I highly recommend it.

I have had a really good experience thus far. My supervisor has been extremely helpful throughout!

Our family has had an extraordinarily positive experience with WJCS. Jill, one of the social workers, has played a huge role in offering our 90-year-old dad great support as he navigates being the primary caregiver for his wife who unfortunately suffers from dementia. She has helped him both come to grips with the reality of how vastly his life has changed in the past couple years, and encouraged him to still strive for small moments of joy in the midst of all that is happening. He has learned about being in the moment, and the practice of self-care. My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the services provided by WJCS. They could not have a better social worker than Jill!

WJCS is an incredible organization that cares deeply about its clients and volunteers. It has been an amazing experience to be a part of their Compeer volunteer program. I can say from personal experience on behalf of myself and my Compeer friend, that the services WJCS provides truly impact many lives in positive ways.

My experience volunteering at WJCS as a compeer has been nothing short of fulfilling. WJCS provides great social resources to those who have struggled with mental health. Especially during the pandemic, people experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness to varying degrees. Throughout this period, WJCS continued and still continues to provide support to those in need of a friend and simply someone to talk to. Coming from first-hand experience, I can confidently say that WJCS has made a positive difference to those who seek support and to those who volunteer here as well.

The services of WJCS have a breadth and depth that is exceptional. From infants and toddlers to seniors, our agency covers all age groups, LGBTQ, emotionally handicapped, holocaust survivors and more - over 20,000 people. I began my involvement in one of the over 80 programs, now known as Parent Child +. I worked as an early learning specialist for many years helping under resourced parents and toddlers with the goal of better preparing the children for success in school. I saw firsthand the impact we had on these children's lives, by helping Moms interact with them in evidence-based effective behavior. When I joined the board 5 years ago, knowing only that program, I marveled at the multitude of services that to this day, I probably don't know in its entirety. There's just so much we do. Personally, I sought out WJCS therapists, when my mother, a holocaust survivor, was near the end of her life and I needed expert support. The staff I've grown to know are all kind, capable and hard working people. Watching them put their hearts and souls into getting our clients through the pandemic was inspiring. It filled me with hope at a dark time for too many of us. The board is also comprised of smart, committed and caring individuals. I'm honored and proud to be associated with WJCS.

Volunteering here was a great experience! All the staff members at WJCS are so welcoming and helpful, it is clear that they are very passionate about what they do.

I was a mentor in their digital equity program, and they do so much to help the community and help children learn while supporting their volunteers through such a difficult time.

I had the awesome opportunity to speak to the youth on a panel twice. It was such a rewarding experience that helped me and the kids that were there. I wish this type of place was available to me when I was younger.

I was on a panel for this non profit once and the folks who run this organization are so incredibly passionate and devoted. Above all else, they truly care about the folks they serve in the community.

I’m so grateful to be able to be a part of this wonderful project, I just wish this were available when I was growing up! The staff are the sweetest people and they adapted so well with the online transition.

This non-profit offered mentor ship opportunities that connected me with trans youth. I was able to support & help facilitate stable housing, gender-affirmative care, and foster community with trans and non-binary youth. WJCS offers what I wish I would’ve had as a young person struggling with their gender identity. I recommend this organization to every family with a trans person in their lives

I have been proudly associated with Westchester Jewish Community Services for over 30 years as a Volunteer and a Board Member.
I was initially drawn to WJCS as I learned about the caring, responsible professionalism with which they provide social services to over 20,000 people throughout Westchester County through expert and caring staff. Despite its size, WJCS is flexible and professional in growing and adapting to meet emerging challenges. It is highly respected by legislators, hospitals and corporations who seek to partner with WJCS. WJCS services include mental health counseling and trauma treatment to over 2500 individuals; geriatric services supporting elderly Westchester residents to age safely in their homes; the WJCS Mary J Blige Center in Yonkers with supportive after-school programming and parenting skills for adults; safe spaces and support and even a gay prom for LGBTQ youth provided by WJCS Center Lane; and, a highlight for me, thirteen group homes in leafy neighborhoods around the county where 95 developmentally disabled adults live as independently as possible in family settings with the help of dedicated staff. In this time of Covid, staff and management of WJCS have not missed a beat in providing all services in the safest of ways so that every client receives the support they need. I am indeed proud to be a volunteer and supporter of WJCS.

As a Board Member, I have long admired the excellence and breadth of services provided by WJCS and staff to the most vulnerable in Westchester. But admiration has turned to awe during the COVID pandemic, as I've watched the agency transform itself to offer telehealth services, deliver food and basic necessities to needy families, and keep 13 group homes safe and fully staffed 24/7. The agency has also expanded its services to offer career counseling for the unemployed as well as an array of support services for the community. The dedication of the staff has been truly gratifying/

We are so glad to have this opportunity to write about the Employment Training and Engagement Program that our daughter is participating in through Community Programs of WJCS. She is learning, growing and experiencing so much and we truly feel that it is pivotal in her life at this time.

Our daughter is so happy to be a part of the program. She loved her community volunteering and her volunteer internships so much and each one was both meaningful and a growth opportunity for her. Candace, who has gotten to know her so well and is phenomenal at everything she does, matched her with placements that resonated and that she was so enthusiastic about. She is so glad to be in the Job Readiness/Supported Employment Skills Training Program, as she is looking forward to starting her employment opportunity. She is also looking forward to gaining personal fulfillment and her place in the community. Every week she looks forward to learning individually as well as together with her great friends in her employment group, as they support each other so beautifully to achieve each of their goals.

Our daughter also looks forward to her WJCS Care Call Buddy Zoom calls, all of the fun of the WJCS Garden Club and the WJCS Best Buddies group! She loved receiving vegetables from the garden and helping to prepare and cook them for dinner! Candace and Renee are extraordinary people and have boundless patience, understanding and the most incredible abilities that make all of this happen. We appreciate all of the work, effort, caring, dedication, professionalism and expertise that go into making it the exceptional program that it is. When Covid-19 became our reality, we were beyond amazed at how quickly they created and initiated an incredible array of virtual classes and activities on Zoom! It has been remarkable and our daughter has benefited so much from the continuity and by being able to see and interact with her friends online during this time.

We can't say enough about the employment skills training and volunteer opportunities our daughter gets to experience in Community Programs of WJCS. It means so much to our daughter and to us. We are thankful and so greatly appreciative for all that is available to our daughter and others supported by the program.

I learned about the incredible story of what WJCS does by employing two young people who are on the spectrum of Autism. The programs that they provide not only meet the needs of their clients but brought an understanding and a greater humanity to my entire company. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board and help others who are in need.

I am incredibly proud to serve on the board of this extraordinary organization. They serve every generation, from the youngest to our senior citizens. They provide superb mental health services, and serve special populations--LGBTQ teens and their parents, autistic teens and their parents, single teenage parents, Holocaust survivors and their children, and so much more. What impressed me most when I first learned about WJCS was the creativity of the staff. This was evidenced most recently when the Pandemic hit and they adapted in record time.

I have been a board member for abour 20 years and am a former boar President. I continue to be amzed by the breadth of services WJCS provides to so many people in dire need througout the county. More important, I am amazed at the culture of excellence that permeates the agency in everything they do, as well as the constant focus on the needs of the client. I have been associated with several non profit organizations over the years, and in my opinion, there is no organization that is a good at what it does as WJCS

My son has slight learning disabilities. i knew school would help him till he was 22 but like a lot of other parents i didnt know what would happen to him after that. That is when the POINT program run by wjcs stepped in-a godsend. it is a program where these kids can live independently with help from program specialists from wjcs for such things as budgeting, learning to live on their own, and most important social relationships that he will keep forever. they also have specialists who find them working opportunities and internships. my son has been in the program for over 10 years, got married , has a full time job for over 10 years and has a lot of friends that will last forever. the program is run with great compassion. they have monthly calendars that keeps them busy all day. its just a wonderful program and a life saver

I've been involved with WJCS's Center Lane, a program for LGBTQ+ youth and families, for several years, and have been privileged to see the profound impacts the program has made on their clients. I've heard a kid say he had the best night of his life at Center Lane prom, and a parent call the TransParentcy support group a "literal lifesaver" for their child. Guided by the knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated staff, I've seen initially timid young people take on new leadership roles and engage in transformative dialogue around controversial issues. It's been an absolute pleasure to be a part of an organization that is so needed, and so impactful!

The one-stop shop for social services in Westchester, WJCS is our community safety net for those who need it most. I've worked with numerous programs of theirs over the years and their staff is such a pleasure to work with, always going beyond the call of duty and exploring every avenue to support those in need. We are so fortunate to have this organization as a resource in our community.

From: Steven Cohn -- White Plains, N.Y.

I have volunteered for Westchester Jewish Community Services since September 2018, and the association has been mutually beneficial. My most significant assignment through WJCS was compiling a historical timeline for the White Plains, N.Y., YMCA. The purpose was to chronicle an organization about to make a major change, as its 90-year-old facility on 250 Mamaroneck Avenue was being sold to a realtor.
In late-2018 and early-2019, I went through boxes of archives at the White Plains Y, as none of the data had been digitized. Through newspaper clippings, newsletters, photographs and material from the national YMCA, I uncovered the successes and challenges, along with the mostly beneficial impact on the community.
But not totally beneficial, because during the 1950s there was a separate White Plains Y on Fisher Avenue that served the African-American community. The Fisher Avenue Y was "unequal" because it did not have a swimming pool, and members could only use the pool at the Mamaroneck Avenue Y at specified times when presumably the white members were not using it. That "segregation" would end in 1961.
Although much of my volunteer work at WJCS is currently on hold because of the impact from COVID-19 (I do write periodically for the White Plains Library), I have enjoyed the get-togethers with Jodi Maxner and the other participants in the program.
My volunteering for WJCS has been a learning experience that I cherish. So, too, has been the camaraderie.

I signed up as a volunteer when the Covid crisis began and was introduced to my care buddy (via Zoom, as with everything these days). I really enjoy our weekly conversations. My buddy is a very kind and caring person - I admire him.
Candace and Renee do a great job organizing our calls and I can tell how much my care buddy appreciates all that they do for him. It has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to continuing it well beyond the end of this Covid mess.
I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to get more involved in their community. The time commitment is small, but the experience is meaningful!

I have been on the Board of Directors at WJCS for about 12 years. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve as the Chair of the Children, Youth and Families committee. We observe first-hand the amazing programs that are offered to children and youth, ranging in ages from infants thru college, who most often are part of low-income families with multiple needs. The services provided have always been exceptional, but they are even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic. Westchester county is so fortunate to have a gem like WJCS!

My daughter has been offered opportunities to develop new skills and enjoy herself. She joins online group discussions where she learns life and job skills, speaks with her volunteer call buddy regularly and plays Bingo weekly. Her volunteer work in a laundromat has allowed her to learn work appropriate behavior and meet people in the community, in addition to having fun, as she has always loved to do her laundry. She has received a gift of some vegetables harvested by the Garden Club.

Westchester Jewish Community Services has creatively developed individualized programs
to help my daughter move forward with greater self-confidence.

I currently participate in the Care Call Buddy program and I love it. I started it while in quarantine and I really connected to my buddy. Seeing them is always the hilight of my week and im always joyful when talking to them! The program has really been a blessing from God, especially during these challenging times.

My family had a wonderful volunteering experience during these long Covid months. I participated in Buddy Care Calls via Zoom and my husband (with occasional help from our son) helped out in the beautiful vegetable garden. It has been very interesting to see some of the fantastic care that WJCS provides for their residents, and it's been rewarding to help out in a small way.

As a health care administrator for many years, I was most impressed with both Candace Munroe and Renee Clarke's professionalism. Their dedication, patience with residents and persistence to meet their goals is admirable, they are certainly assets to the organization. Our community is very fortunate to have WJCS's services and such dedicated employees. Thank you for this opportunity to volunteer and we look forward to assisting again in the future.

It was 2010 or 2011, my brother had stage 4 intestinal/colon cancer and pass away in 2008, and 2 years later, my dad passed away from heart issues. He never had a heart issue prior to my brother's health issues. I needed help in speaking about it. Every time, I spoke I would cry. My synagogue told me to contact WJCS. I met a lovely woman who explained the grieving process and how to say certain words or phrases of both of them would control my pain. She explained about maintaining memory keepsakes all around me. We shouldn't put their pictures in drawers because they're gone. They have been in my life at every special moment of my life -- my wedding, the birth of both my children, and our house.

I think of them often, and there are moments that remind me of them - a joke, a scene.
It's all good.

WJCS is a truly amazing agency helping all kinds of people in need from birth to the aged. I have been a board member for 5 years and in these years I have learned so much and been so proud to be a part of WJCS. I have loved working with elementary school kids by reading to them and doing our amazing art program with them.
The staff are all amazing, caring and professional.
WJCS has changed my life.
Thank you

I started working with WJCS over 10 years ago, first as a pro bono consultant and then as a board member. Throughout my time working with WJCS I have been so impressed with the incredible commitment of the staff to their clients and the quality of the services they offer. Every year there are additional programs added to the WJCS suite of services to address the growing and changing needs of the Westchester community and its residents. From babies and their parents looking for enrichment to victims of trauma to young adults on the autism spectrum to aging clients dealing with Alzheimers, WJCS and its staff have programs, staff, and resources dedicated to making sure that we can improve the lives of our neighbors. Please join me in supporting WJCS and all of its life saving work in Westchester and beyond.

The value of the services of Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) to the entire Westchester community is without measure. From Yonkers in the south to the Northern reaches of the county, from every community, from every racial group, from every age group, from every religious group, from every crisis - home, school, community - WJCS is, and has been, the leading force in social services to every aspect of our community life. With compassion, caring and, above all, the highest of professionalism, WJCS aims to better the lives of the people of Westchester. WJCS's goal is to bring healing, compassion, hope and wellbeing to the people of Westchester in every facet of their lives and thus brings invaluable services to our Westchester community.

I am continually impressed by the dedication of the WJCS staff to our clients. Providing quality service, no matter the circumstances, has always been an agency rallying cry, but seeing how this has been put into practice during COVID is truly inspirational. #WJCS PROUD!

What started out being a life changing therapeutic experience ended very poorly. After 6 months of therapy my psychologist began to remind me of how long I had been coming in for therapy, indirectly making comments during sessions and even laughing at things I would bring up. When I was strong enough to confront her about laughing, she said that she what I said reminded her of a pass situation of her own and that I am too sensitive to people's reactions. I would think that as my therapist, if you know your patient is sensitive to people's comments and gestures, why not let her know immediately why your laughing during her session.

WJCS has been a life savior for our family. My husband has a life threatening medical condition and my twin sons are on the autistic spectrum. We have utilized multiple services at WJCS over the past several years including the FAD program for autistic teens, Individual therapy for both sons, Pathways to Care for myself and my husband. All of these services have been exemplary. The therapists are compassionate and highly skilled and have gone out of their way to help our family during times of greatest need. We are deeply appreciative of the excellent services we have received.

The Executives and their staff are exemplary and beyond compare...working tirelessly to Strengthen Lives and Shape Futures.

They Are amazing! Always going the extra distance for clients. If they can not provide you with a service for your client they will help you find an agency that will!!

I had the privilege of registering and participating in many aspects of the WJCS program Connect-to-Care during a job search after the financial crisis in 2008-09. It was and is the most robust and useful "out placement" service I have had the pleasure of observing, addressing not only the material and practical aspects of career placement / change in these challenging economic times,but offering human help in the form of self-care seminars, confidence building and fellowship. The staff is knowledgeable, caring and proactive in assisting their clients. It is a very well run and in my view effective program that I have been recommending to many people.

To Anita Greenwald and her wonderful, caring staff at WJCS Connect-To-Care with gratitude and and appreciation for all that you do and how graciously you do it...

Walking into Connect To Care's Westchester Office, my husband and I experienced a complete sense of caring, professionalism and overall supportive atmoshpere. We were offered employment and career transition services which included effective workshops that ran the gamut from interviewing skills to Jewish mindful meditation to using LinkedIn. In addition we were given internet access, a place to relax or chat with others and to always find a place of support.

The Women Helping Women group was my best resource while unemployed. The program provided resources that ordinary programs overlook. Lenore does a great job of finding presenters who address topics mostly overlooked by other unemployment resources. The seminars I attended focused on personality issues, stress, how to find a job using LinkedIn and provided new local resources. But one of the program's best assets was the women themselves and the safe, supportive environment it provides. The women who attend the program and the program gave me the emotional support and encouragement to continue in my search for employment and not give up. The seminars provided can help anyone whether or not unemployed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have attended the program. Carol Dowling

The best thing that has happened to me has been finding Connect to Care. From the moment I entered the door I knew that my life would be changing for the better. Every person I have met has only one mission -- to be of assistance in a positive and supportive manner. I now feel confident that I have the skills and support to move on to my next profession.

I worked with Lenore Rosenbaum at the Westchester County Jail. Lenore and I facilitated a program called Fresh Start. We went into the jail weekly and worked with the women. Fresh Start was a series of sessions working with women to find ways to change the behavior that led them to prison. At the end of the series, the women in the program were matched with trained volunteer mentors. This relationship lasted approximately one year. Both mentors and mentees learned much from one another. It was a very rewarding program for all who participated.

I am in the book club, called Connections, run by the WJCS. This club takes plsce on the phone since most of the participants are homebound and have problems with their eyes. I am wheelchair homebound with MS, so for me it is a G'd send. Debbie of WJCS goes out of her way to get the books for me and orders tapes of those who need them. It is a wonderful organization.

WJCS has been a lifeline for myself and my family. I have personally benifitted from their Connect to Care programs in addition to therapy with the Trauma and Abuse Center. We also have received helpful advice reguarding services for which my grandfather qualified as well how to best negotiate the system to our advantage. There have been many times in the past few years when I have suggested that my friends and colleagues check WJCS out for themselves and their needs. Thank you.

I am the parent of a 32 year old developmentally disabled young woman who lives in one of the group homes run by WJCS. My husband and I are beyond grateful for the staff of WJCS and particularly the staff at her group home at Hudson Terrace. It is truly like a family who care so deeply for our daughter and all of the young women in the home. No matter what medical or behavioral issue that comes up regarding my daughter, the staff handles it quickly and professionally. We feel blessed that our daughter loves in such a wondering place.

WJCS has helped our family tremendously by providing services for children on the Autism spectrum. It helped us find a community with in our community of families facing similar challenges. They have social skills programs, parent groups, and support sports programs like Miracle League. We have been able to maintain these relationships outside WJCS. These friendships have been very important to both the kids and the parents. We learn so much from each other.

WJCS has been a life savior for myself and my family. I have twin teenage sons on the autistic spectrum and a husband with a serious medical condion. My sons have been involved in the social skills groups through the Autism Family Center for several years. These groups are led by unusualy caring and energetic young therapists who have helped my sons flourish despite a great deal of family stress. More recently, after my husband developed a life-threating medical condition, I sought support through the agency's Pathways to Care program. The program's social worker has been enormously helpful, supportive and generous with her time. It is difficult to express how much her compassion has meant to me and how deeply grateful I am.

WJCS finds a way to help those with social or mental health issues by providing superb care. The staff go out of their way on a consistent basis spending many extra unpaid hours to see that theiur clients are well served. In addition to the "statistics" that we as board members review, we are rewarded by the stories of appreciation told by individual clients who recount to us who their lives have been changed and uplifted as a result of one of WJCS' programs.

Center lane in white plains ny. What a great program....for LGBTQ.I am a parent of a transgender child.thank god for this support group. I've learned so much

My sister committed suicide. It has been a long family recovery period. Attending the suicide support group has been invaluable.

I have had experience with Lenore and the WHW classes. I found I always learn something new, even if it's one thing. When you are not working, as I am, it is really great to have support in this tough time. I have also learned of different programs that have helped to make a little easier finacially, that I did not know of previously. Lenore is a delight and I look forward to seeing her smiling face when I go to a seminar or class. I am so appreciative of these services.

I truly enjoy volunteering at Kid's Kloset. I get such a good feeling by packing bags for needy children.

WJCS provides grreat services and programs. Think they do a wonderful job with outreach and the programs.

Westchester Jewish Community Services has positively impacted the lives of so many people in need - from very young children to senior citizens - it is a very valuable resource.

An inviting and welcoming place with something for everyone! Check it out.

I have been a client of WJCS and I am so grateful for the help I received. I started going because my husband is a compulsive gambler and our home life was awful because of it. We also attend GA and Gam-Anon but I felt we still needed more. My husband started to see Frank Limone, gambling counselor, and getting help from him. Then I started seeing Frank for my theraspy. We had individual couseling, couples counseling and group therapy. I have to say that the help and support we received from WJCS has made a tremendous difference in our lives. I would and DO recommend WJCS to people in need of help. Unfortunately, the gambling program closed and that is very sad.

I was unemployed for a year and am now 'underemployed' for about a year. WJCS is some place I continue to follow. They have informative emails, workshops, and also present job opportunities. One of the exceptional things about WJCS is that many of their programs are geared toward women.

WJCS' Connect-to-Care is a life-saving organization, providing everything from a quiet place to use a computer, to food, snacks, hot drinks, one-to-one counseling, excellent workshops on topics such as using LinkedIn and perfecting your interviewing skills, along with bankruptcy planning (if needed) and information on low-cost medical insurance (to name just a few services offered). Aside from the practical, Connect-to-Care is a place to go to find a truly caring (and professional) staff whose sole purpose is to help fellow Jews affected by the economic downturn.

WJCS serves as bold and courageous model of the best in mental health. They have been leaders in bringing an antiracist lens to their clinical practice and services. Thank you WJCS for serving a role model for other organizations to follow. Sandy Bernabei

i am a divorced mother of 2 and now an empty nester trying to "redefine" myself and find employment while reevaluating my goals and self worth. I have been out of work for some time and confidence is not exactly oozing from my back pocket. i have found mentors, friends and many wonderful resources at Connect2Care (C2C) that have become invaluable to me as i navigate down unchartered roads. C2C is unique in what they provide and how they provide it. With warmth, perspective, patience and wisdom, they provide the equivalent of "home cooking" for the mind that nurtures the soul. Because of my experiences at C2C, i am inspired to maintain a positive outlook and keep moving forward during these times of change and economic uncertainty. I will be successful and when i am, i have C2C to thank for it.

An agency with a very wide range of services available to the public; I find their counseling/mental health work to be spot on. I would never hesitate to make a referral of a bereaved member of the community to WJCS,

WJCS is one of the finest Social Service Agencies in Westchester County. THeir staff are highly trained and professional and always go that extra mile for their clients. Staff are treated well and receive ongong professionl development/training in the most cutting edge treatment modalities.

I did workshops on Alternative Career Options and Entrepreneurship for unemployed individuals at WJCS's Connect-to-Care Division.

I am a professional Social Worker and I have referred clients to WJCS for clinical services, end-of -life assistance and to their Family Autism Center. WCS is a most professional and valuable agency.

WJCS is THE go to source for help from "cradle to grave." Their personal sense of caring is only exceeded by their overall expertise. I cannot think of a more impactful Westchester agency.

After the loss of our family business, I heard about the services offered by WJCS.from a friend of mine who participated in workshops offered and ended up landing a part time job. I knew that I needed to find the wherewithal and the confidence to pick myself up, write a resume and job hunt. I needed to be around others like myself who suddenly found themselves down on their luck. I have since availed myself of support group type Friday afternoon discussions as well as a variety of services, such as networking and resume building workshops. The wholehearted warmth and genuine caring of the WJCS staff is so welcome when one is undergoing such challenges as I have to face. I am sincerely thankful to have been able to find these excellent services, locally and free of charge, at this very sad and unexpected turn of events in my personal life. I am now back at work, feeling constructive and fulfulled as a teacher. Thank you for offering these services to me and others like me at a time when I felt so alone and helpless.

The programs and support I have received from the staff at WJCS have made a marked improvement in my personal and professional life. I have learned valuable and practical life skills that I am able to practice daily and I see and feel a difference.

Great organization! Impacts lives for the better. Well run.

They run phenomenal workshops for people out of work and searching for jobs. They really helped me update my job search skills.

I have been a volunteer with Kid's Kloset, a children's clothing pantry sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services, for the past year. In that time we have clothed over 1800 needy children with individual Bags of Love, each with a child's name and a week's worth of gently used and new clothes. The heart and soul of this organization, Stephanie Roth, works tirelessly as a volunteer, to constantly make social service agencies, schools, religious organizations and community centers aware of our work; she is always looking for likely sources of donations, both individual and group/corporate, to ensure that we have the means to make up our Bags of Love. About a month ago, we were put out of our home due to a fire on the roof of our building. Stephanie never gave up and worked 24/7 to find us a temporary home. We are now in a large, clean, airy space, a great place to work. This is an amazing organization and Stephanie is a truly gifted organizer and worker.

WJCS was willing to work with a group of parents to create a program for our children with special needs. They have been attentive, diligent, and collaborative, and it has led to a very successful program.

I wish I could remember when we (my daughter-diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, with a seizure disorder among other difficulties and I) started going to the WJCS. Being a single parent dealing with a child with disabilities is difficult, but we have experienced the death of my sister, job losses, inability to pay rent and other financial hardships.
Both my daughter and I were in counseling at the WJCS on a weekly basis. I learned parent training techniques and she also learned to try and modify her aggressive and inappropriate behaviors.
The WJCS has been invaluable to my family as they helped to finance part of my daughter's trip to sleep away camp which was a stepping stone to her continued growth. My daughter was away for 7 weeks. It took the first 3 weeks of her being away for me to recover from being with my daughter 24/7. The rest of the time I could devote to the necessary activities to keep us out of a shelter. Last summer the WJCS helped us attend a local pool which is an activity my daughter loves. My daughter was able to work her way up to 20 laps by the time the summer ended which was an incredible accomplishment. Each time she added a lap her self esteem grew. By the time she reached 20 laps, she was ecstatic. It is very hard for a young lady of 17 who has speech difficulties and motor coordination to have self esteem. I was also able to swim and get needed exercise to help relieve the stress I am under. We worked with Ms. Norma Litman and her counsel and help was a God send. It was suggested that I attend a special therapy group, which was also very helpful and eye opening.
When we had to go on food stamps and other assistance, the WJCS helped with bills. As I am writing this and remembering the huge totality of the help we have been given I feel such remiss in not writing to the director of the facility with my eternal gratitude. How do you quantify an agency that has helped a family to such a degree and we are only one family. I pray that you find it in your hearts to help this agency help others as they have helped us in the difficulties they are facing. Thank you for the opportunity of sharing our information about the WJCS. Opps, we also used the psychiatric staff for help as well and they were very helpful.

I have been volunteering as a tutor at the Mount Vernon New York Edward Williams Elementary School Afterschool Advantage program which is a WJCS sponsored program. The program is invaluable to the school community. I am involved as a member of Westchester Reform Temple which supports the program with many adult and student volunteers. As an experienced teacher I am able to tutor students on their school work and give very much needed help. The relationships that I have formed with the students are extremely gratifying. They are so appreciative of the help. They have told me that the attention that the tutors give them makes them feel special. An impressive group of high school student have organized their peer group into a high school club. They take their responsibility seriously and come in strong numbers to tutor the children in the program and to work on special projects with them. This is a win win situation - the children in the after school program get invaluable help and the high school students experience the satisfaction of knowing that they have done an amazing job in giving to those who are in need.

When I was first introduced to WJCS by a Board member over 10 years ago, I knew very little of the critical services it provided to so many residents of Wesrtchester County. I decided to learn more and become involved as a volunteer. The more I learned, the more I became committed to their mission, and I was happy to be asked to join the Board and have the opportunity to play a larger role. 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.

WJCS is a g-d send. My family has used various services over the years from individual, couples, child and family counseling, to job searching techniques. We had fallen on hard times after loosing jobs and having major medical problems. The WJCS has helped us tremendously. We were sorry that the Yorktown office had to close but the Hartsdale office welcomed us with open arms. Thank you

These seders provide an invaluable servide to the Jewish community they serve. I have been volunteering for nearly 20 years, and have seen firsthand the joy the seders bring to the developmentally disabled population and their family members. The guests look forward to the seders, not only as a chance to celebrate their Jewish traditions with song, prayer and food, but also to connect with friends they have made at the seders over the years. It is also a wonderful experience for the younger generation of volunteers, to actively participate in such a heart warming event.

My involvement with WJCS began nearly 8 years ago, as a volunteer in one of the Continuing Day Treatment programs, where I was touched not only by the commitment and dedication of the staff, but also by the warmth and honesty of the clients. I continue to serve now, on the Board of Directors of this most truly exceptional agency. It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of an organization that is comprised of so many diverse programs and services, each of which helps people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds confront the life challenges with which they are faced. It is difficult not to be impressed by the collaboration that continually takes place between the Executive professionals of WJCS, its staff and board members, in meeting the needs of the clients and in always striving to improve the lives of others. All it ever takes is a simple phone call or a conversation to set the wheels in motion, get appropriate referrals, find a hand to hold or a heart to heal.

I have been one of the volunteers at the WJCS Seders for the disabled. Clearly the benefit to those who attend is incredibly worthy, however, the benefit received by our student volunteers ( B'nai Mitzvah age and older) is PRICELESS. For some it is their chosen Mitzvah project for others it is a project that they participate yearly. It is quite an experience ~ all around to behold!

As a past president and board member for 20 years I have seen up close the degree of care with which this agency approaches its relationships with its clients, The board is continually presented with opportunities to meet clients and visit sites where services are provided. While the agency is proud of its overall statistics in terms of numbers of clients served, the ability to hear individual stories and the importance that is placed on respect for the clients is a hall mark of this agency. While the agency has a wide scope of activities ranging from the infant to the 100-year old, to the immigrant and to the mentally challenged individual, to the displaced and financiall challenged middle income professional, the quality of care provided is outstanding.

As a 6 year board member, as well as an actie participant in many non-profit organizations, I can honestly say that WJCS is a remarkably effective and well run organization. Everything they do, across an incredibly wide spectrum of social services, is done with excellence, intelligence, compassion and efficiency. We constantly hear from users of WJCS services who come to give testimony at board meetings, that the organization has deeply and positively afffected their lives. We are constantly told by our goverment funders at the State and County level, that we are amonth the best run and most efficient deliverer of services, and they want us to do more.

The WJCS has been a beacon of support and services for our family. Our daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's when she was 18 in her first year of college.

The WJCS is the only Westchester agency that addressed, in part, her particular needs, especially for social skills.

She participated in the Supper Club, the successor to the Breakfast Club, a free socialization group for young adults, a service that was not offered anywhere else. She had an opportunity to socialize, go out with a group, play games, travel independently and meet new friends.

In addition, Bonnie Graham recommended another program in NYC that has been of great benefit to Sara.

Socialization groups for high-functioning young adults with Asperger's are sorely needed. I cannot emphasize enough how impossible it has been to find services for our daughter and how much we appreciate WJCS. They are a leader in their field.

WJCS is doing amazing things to help the autistic community in Westchester. It is providing help with housing so that these individuals can live independently and be part of a community. We are at the beginning of a wave of young adults with autism who have been provided services by the schools but do not have services from the state. WJCS is essential to dealing with this tremendous void.

WJCS helped my family many years ago through its respite program (Project Timeout). Now I work as a Temple Administrator and get information about the many helpful programs which WJCS sponsors and refer callers with many needs to WJCS.

The staff at WJCS is warm and caring. I am a volunteer helping out with meal delivery to home-bound seniors. The seniors are SO happy when they have a visitor and a warm home-cooked meal. I am so proud to be a part of their program and I hope they can continue to provide this service - and so many many more to those in need.

As a board member and beneficiary of the services offered by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), I have witnessed the positive impact this agency has made in the lives of thousands of my neighbors throughout Weschester County.

In 1976, my mother enrolled in the Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP), an early childhood learning program offered through WJCS. PCHP sent a home visitor to work with my mother and I for one visit a week for two years, during the second and third year of my life. My mother, a recent immigrant from Colombia, was struggling with a language barrier and inexperience in raising a child. PCHP empowered my mother to become my first teacher, by modeling behavior for her to utlize with me and my younger brother. In addition, PCHP brought books and educational toys that my mother would share with me long after the home visitor had left.

I credit this early-childhood experience for providing me with the skill-set I needed to succeed in school. Unlike my peers who has similiar backgrounds to my own, I felt at ease with books and had an expanded vocabulary. This continued throughout my academic career, and I became the first in my family to attend college, earning a degree from Cornell University. My brother followed in my footsteps and obtained his degree from Cornell University several years later. I credit my success to the services provided by PCHP and WJCS to my family, and for that I am eternally grateful and indebted to this wonderful agency.

Today, I am honored to serve on the board of WJCS, and together with my colleagues on the board, we are working hard to ensure that residents throughout Westchester continue to obtain critical social services provided by WJCS.

As a WJCS Board member for almost 25 years, I have had the opportunity to work together with professionals who are of the highest caliber and representative of the WJCS mission... dedicated to helping people of all ages cope with emotional, cognitive, environmental, physical, social and educational challenges. Throughout the years, our committed Board of Directors has helped to build the foundation and is continuing to take the steps to Strengthen Lives and Shape Futures

I have been one of the volunteers at the WJCS Seders for the disabled. I witness many of the same people attending the service. They look forward to coming and taking a part in the Seder. I believe I have participated for at least five years, and I feel good about seeing the happy look on the faces of the people, during the services.

As a Board member for almost 7 years, and a past employee for almost 10 years, I have come to know WJCS quite well. Friends with concerns about end of life issues, educational challenges facing their children and granchildren, home health services for elderly parents or spouses, call me to connect them to WJCS. They have all reported back about the excellent and professional care they have received.

I have used the expertise of WJCS Home Health services for my elderly mother-in-law. The aides provided were caring, competent and reliable. What a reloiewf it was to know that my mother-in-law was so well cared for ina time of need.

I am the grandparent of a teen with Asperger's syndrome. It is frustrating & heartbreaking to know that he is a frequent victim of bullying. One of his greatest wishes is to have friends & to be just like other kids his age.
About two years ago, I came across an ad from WJCS saying that they were starting a support group for grandparents of children on the autism spectrum.
I called & was graciously invited by Bonnie, the group facilitator, to attend their first monthly meeting. My husband attended the first meeting with me along with about 6 other grandparents. We both have been attending since then. The same problems still continue for our grandchild & probably always will since there is no cure for Asperger's syndrome. However, it is comforting to share stories with & offer suggestions to one another. It is not usually appropriate for us to tell even our closest friends about events such as our grandchild putting his foot through the car windshield or a wall because he is so misunderstood by most people. Yet, we can come to our group at the WJCS & speak candidly, knowing what we say will be accepted with respect by Bonnie & the other grandparents. It is a wonderful place for us to vent. We hope to learn as much as we can so we can be the best grandparents for our grandchild.
My only suggestion is that I feel that we have reached a plateau. After meeting for two years, we feel that perhaps speakers, from in-house or from the community would help us to better relate to our grandchildren & their families. Bonnie is planning to follow-up on this idea. With this in place, the WJCS would get a FIVE STAR rating.

for 17 years i hd many problems related to mental health. i visited many different doctors and thearpist.Had about a dozen hospital visits(mental health). My problems ranged from cutting and burning myself to severe irrational thnking and everything in between. I was really at the end of my rope. Having Medicaid as my insurance provider my options were limited. I found WJCS by accident. I had drove pass it one day and saw the letters outside there building.I thought it was a radio station and wanted to find out what here format was. After looking them up in the net i realized it was a place for people like me. I was it as a sign and gave them a call. I was assigned to a young women named Mki Yoshida. I battle in the beginning. Not saying much during our sessions. But our relationship bloosmed. She was great in navagating my symtoms and thoughts.I have been with Miki just over a year. It has been six months since i have hurt myself. My borderline actions have be reduced greatly. At the south Yonkers office Miki has started a DBT skills class that i find as useful as AA to a alcoholic. Miki has guided me through a dark forest and shown me that there is light thru the trees. I'm not ther yet but i know one day i will be . I owe that to Miki and the other staff member @ WJCS Yonkers. I have also convinced my girlfriend to seek guidence @ WJCS,she goes to the one in Hartsdale, New York. It would be a great injustice if anything was to prevent WJCS from going foward with there mission. People with mental health issue are overlooked in a big way. And some of us cant help ourselfs,i knoiw i couldn't. So what ever can be done ti ensure that they stay open needs to be done, and i hope you can help. Thank You for your time,and Thank you Miki.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

My daughter presents with an emotional disability and attends a social skills class at WJCS. WJCS has provided her with important skills needed in managing emotional regulation and daily social interactions with peers and adults. Through WJCS, I've met other parents with children facing similar challenges and it's been a very supportive, nurturing environment. The dedicated staff at WJCS provides a valuable service and I am thankful for their continued efforts in benefiting my family as well as the community!

During this very tough economic downturn, WJCS started a support group for woman looking for employment. "Woman Helping Woman" provided an outlet for everyone to network and share idea's. It provided guidance and mentoring for me during my job search, and helped give me the motivation and confidence I needed to successfully land. The group also helped members deal with many of the related struggles associated wtih job loss and looking for a job. I highly reccommend WHCS to others.

I have a 10 year old son with high functioning Autism. I had problems understanding his behavior and managing his outbursts. My husband and I used to constantly argue about how to manage him also. It was very stressful for our whole family including my typical daughter who is 1 year older than my son. WJCS provideds parent training skill,sociall skills and even 1 to 1 counseling if your child requires it. The staff is friendly and always helpful and understanding. They are truly amazing. Not only did the classes help me understand and manage my son's behavior, but they decreased my stress level and helped me feel a little more in control of this situation, and all this gives me hope for a better future, and hope is what we all need to take care of our kids.

I have a great deal of contact with WJCS, both as a board member and a community activist. It is an extremely well-regarded agency that provides a range of top-quality services. Westchester County is so fortunate to have such an excellent multi-service agency serving its residents.

I have been a board member of WJCS for three years. At each board meeting, a person who has been impacted by a WJCS program speaks to us. I leave each meeting inspired at the work being done by the staff of WJCS. With programs that impact people from cradle to grave, WJCS has made the difference and will continue to make the difference in the lives of thousands of Westchester residents. I would be hard pressed to find a social condition facing a segment of the population in Westchester County that WJCS is not actively responding to.

We've worked with WJCS in the fields home health care, mental health services including supportive housing, and even such specialized areas such as therapy for sexual offenders. They are well run, diversified and responsive. They can be flexible such as opening home care cases with Medicaid pending so that customers at risk are not without services.

WJCS represents the finest there is in social service agencies in Westchester County. It is an organization that not only promotes the highest degree of professionalism but does so with a "heart." Whether reaching out to the elderly or those just born, WJCS spans the spectrum of help and compassion.
Several months ago, I had a staff visit to our Early Childhood Pfrevention Center and had a first hand experience of the work being done at this remarkable facility. Little did I guess that my family would find itself the recpient of the remarkable talents of this facility.
My 5 month old grandson appeared to be progressing as any infant should until my daughter felt that he was not moving his head as he should. Taking a cue from a friend, she requested that he be tested. Within days it was WJCS to the rescue and within the time it takes to say, WJCS, the consultant had diagnosed him with Torticollis. Now under the care of therapist from the Early Childhood Prevention Program at WJCS, my grandson is on the road to total recovery.
Whether it is a new born, a teenager, someone in midlife or a senior, WJCS is ready and prepared to answer the call with an attentive and professional staff that reaches out with helping hands and a loving heart.

I have been a board member of WJCS for many years. The emotional stories of our consumers are memorable. The on-site visits I've made to our homes for the developmentally disabled, our clinics, our after school programs, our early childhood center to speak only of a few, have made me enormously proud to be a participant in the exceptional work that the agency provides in making a positive differences in so many peoples' lives.

WJCS is a well run organization that provides so many needed services inWestchester. WJCS provides services for young children, school-aged children, teenagers, adults, elderly, and many more. Everything WJCS does, it does above and beyond expectations.

My daughter Jeanne is autistic. When she lived at home, I could barely pry her from her room. Family and/or church activities were the only things she liked to do. After seven years in a WJCS group home with five other young woman, she has become (relatively speaking) a social butterfly. The girls are busy - with activities of their choice - almost every night of the week. This includes social groups, cooking classes, music classes, dances, bingo, etc. I could go on. What a difference. I am forever grateful for the professional and caring staff for the dramatic changes that has occurred in my daughter's life. Thank you WJCS!

As a client of the WJCS for about two years I have to admit after coming to this organization I feel comfortable in the environment. The receptionists know my name and they frequently ask if I'm hungry or not. They also look after patient children while they're in session. I love the WJCS they've given me my life back. I am a past patient of Matt Zuch and am currently being seen by Tamar Gordon and Margarita Munoz. Please consider them!

I am the Executive Director of Furniture Sharehouse, Westchester's Furniture Bank, which provides free furniture to needy families. WJCS is one of our Member Agencies. WJCS Case Managers bring their clients to us for furniture assistance, and I am always impressed by the variety and depth of its many programs and the professionalism and caring concern of its case managers. WJCS has always been supportive of Furniture Sharehouse whenever we have asked, writing letters of endorsement, participating in special projects like our 2010 Mother's Day Awareness and Fundaising Campaign, providing representatives to our Community Advisory Board, volunteers for our furniture drives and more. WJCS management and employees truly understand the importance of inter-agency collaboration and mutual support.

When my husband died unexpectedly at 63, a close friend ,Dale Wang,who works for WJCS,encouraged me to join a bereavement group.I resisted .I knew I would not benefit from a group with people whose spouses had long lives:WJCS had a group of men and women with losses similar to mine.
Being part of this group has helped me grapple with some fundamental
issues related to this loss for me and my children. I credit my luck at being part of WJCS as a key factor as I move ahead in life>

WJCS serves a vital role in the community, both as a support agent for adults in transition and special needs children. One of my sons went to WJCS on Central Avenue in Hartsdale and really enjoyed his therapist to help him reconcile his feelings about his dad in relation to his autism. I've gone to Connect to Care on King Street for people who are unemployed and looking for work. Their approach is compassionate yet optimistic. Thank you for "being there."

My son participated in the program of Miracle League for Autistic children, partnered with WJCS. Everything was very well organized, and not only games, they also organized parties for our children, and it was the first time that our son was able to be engaged as center of a social event.

WJCS offers a great variety of services for Autistic people and their families. Thank you so much for your dedication!

As a Board Member, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the WJCS programs. Every one has been outstanding thanks to the dedication, expertise and caring nature of the WJCS staff.

I am especially familiar with our Milestones program, an early intervention program for children with developmental delays. Four of my grandchildren were served by Milestones, and now they are all caught up and no longer need therapies. Every time I see my grandchildren I say, Thank you, WJCS!"

WJCS was/is a most needed organization especially during this time of great unemployment. An incredible amount of effort and time is put into creating an environment for women to come together and support, network, guide, grieve, encourage and hear each other. Groups are available to teach and help women to find jobs and support systems.
I found no other place in the county so beneficial and intelligent.

As a volunteer with the WJCS Compeer program for over 15 years I feel that WJCS does an excellent job of making volunteers see themselves as part of the community and contributing in their specicific program and activity

I went to the battery of workshops of Women Helping Women and gained wonderful contacts. I felt welcomed as never before in an organization where I started from nothing other than the networking through the Greenburgh Public Library. I felt informed on a personal leve, l which is impossible with services from paid advisors and such. It is a part of the community.

I have attended "Women Helping Women' workshops. I found them helpful and well put together. The speakers are knowledgable in their field and great role models. WJCS has answered a community need with professionalism and compassion. Keep up the good work!!

We had moved from another area to Westchester county. Our previous service provider recommended WJCS for the needs of our children. My children attended workshops and we attended workshops for autism related issues. These included behavior management workshops. They were conducted by caring staff and helpful to our needs. They provided support for children and adults with special needs, as well as caretakers which is very much in needed and can be difficult to find, espcially if you are not low income. They accepted our health insurance.

WJCS was right down the street from me in Hartsdale but was never sure what they did until I found a Women Helping Women program that was established to help Westchester women who were unemployed. I was still looking for a full time position at the time (since went back to full time home based biz) but attended several seminars or dtress management, LinkedIn, and how to dress for your type. All were wonderful, close to home, helpful and FREE. I know I gained from this outreach and so did many of my neighbors.

Connect to Care is a vital, warm and inspiring place for people looking to relocate professionally. The seminars are varied and on the highest level. The professionals there are first rate. The atmosphere of the Center is of camaraderie and support. Breaking the isolation of looking for work alone is a perq which is hard to overvalue. This program is great and serves many people who have served their community and now need assistance. May it continue to be funded. It is a lifeline!!

WJCS sets its policies with an understanding of its past and vision of the future that needs to be. Its success is built upon a framework of strict financial responsibility and accountability. Every dollar that is contributed is maximized for impact in pursuit of its mission. From its CPA Chief Financial Officer to its Executive Director to its Board which demands exacting reports of real results for each expenditure, this agency survives after more than 60 years based on the positive effects it has on individual lives.

The Havorah Program offers wonderful activities to allow the disabled of Westchester to participate and experience Judaic traditions and to celebrate the Jewish holidays that otherwise they would not be able to do. My disabled daughter and I have attended many of the functions sponsored by the Havorah Program and we both have enjoyed them immensely. We appreciate all the hard work and effort that Gail Oliver has put into coordinating these activities. It is very important to continue this wonderful program that brings so much joy to the participants.

The Connect to Care program located in Westchester has been a gold mine for me. Having been unemployed since June, the various workshops offered have been stimulating and often fun. Some force you to think in ways that have become difficult going through months of no income, no usual role to follow through on, as well as keeping up one's spirits. Connect to Care, its workshops and services are priceless.

I have been attending Connect to Care workshops for the past few weeks and have found them very helpful in educating me for my job search and the range of other support services very broad. I find the workshops very helpful, and they cover the whole range of topics of interest an necessity to the unemplyed. Their facility is comfortable, easy to access and the staff is warm and welcoming.

The Connect to Care program is the equivalent of a commercial outplacement service only better. The perspective it delivers makes the client (me) rethink many key assumptions - which is extremely useful during a job search. You couldn't do it without them.

I was out of work and looking for a job. The seminars and guidance at Connect to Care in White Plains enabled me to relearn the skills and gain the confidence to search for a job. Without them, I do not beleive that I would have land my present job,

I am a rabbi who volunteers my services at the Bernstein House,a group home in Ossining, NY. The program brings Shabbat once a month to the residents; it means a great deal to them to know that the outside Jewish world hasn't forgotten them. It is a highlight for them; I know,because they say so! Without WJCS and this Havorah program, there would be fewer Jews in our community who sing, pray and enjoy the most important holy day in our tradition.

Someone recently recommended I attend a networking function with the author Noah Alper as I am supposed to lose my job in 3 months. I met a lot of people who were either in a similar boat as myself, were already unemployed, or were looking to expand their business. I also enjoyed Mr. Alper's talk. Since then, I attended a Connect to Care workshop and I am scheduled to meet with a counselor to get financial advice. There are many other workshops I intend to join... resume writing, LinkedIn, perhaps even a Yoga class. All this is making me feel a little less frightened of what is coming my way in the job market. I am amazed and impressed by all this organization is doing in these difficult times!

Our story begins over four years ago when Alison and myself were attending counseling at WJCS in Yorktown Heights. Alison firmly believed that private and group counseling would bring her some peace emotionally though her emotions were taking a terrible toll on her physically. I originally had my doubts. It became a gradual undertaking for me to go to counseling. Throughout our marriage, Alison was confronted with continual physical hardships and I found myself as her daily caregiver. Believe me, I did not mind. I did not know at the time, I was lost in Alison's frightening world. My life was her life. Here we were trying to gain our individuality, yet we were hopelessly co-dependent on each other. We were making some headway thanks to our counselors, Jillian Desidideria(?) and Lisa Peltin(?) Little did either of us know that our world would come crashing down. During our counseling at WJCS, we found out that Alison had incurable lung cancer. Devastation doesn't even come close to how we felt. And believe me, we both needed help. During the agonizing months ahead The Westchester Jewish Community Services became our strength, our guide, our support. As I look back, it was all too surreal. I will always be grateful for their continual assistance....when nothing made sense. Such comforting people as Rabbi Pamela Wax and counselor Nicki Weiss would come to our home on a weekly, and often on a daily, basis as the days slowly ebbed away for both of us. Just to sit down and talk with us, to make suggestions, to understand who we were. Alison knew way before I how WJCS was able to assist us with that trying and unbearable journey. I look back at those months, which seemed like days, to know how comforting they were. Alison died on October 10, 2006. She was always worried about me because that was her way. Ali would have been very proud to know that I continued to go to counseling; I must say that it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My heartfelt appreciation goes to Jillian and Lawrence Goodman, both of whom are no longer with WJCS. I truly do not know where I'd be today. It is not easy to live the words, "I must move on......." It is much easier said than done. Granted, the pain is no less than the day Alison died.......but I have moved on .....with greater awareness of my needs and what is important to me. Now the story comes full circle. The people at WJCS not only helped me through my agony, but I have finally found myself. And I am thankful for this.

Our family has had a life altering, exceptional experience through WJCS. Over the years I have been involved as a volunteer with a seniors program at our synagogue and was working together with Shari Baum, MSW, of WJCS Partners in Caring. Shari was fantastic and ran (and still runs) a hugely successful group for adults in the hour prior to our programs. A little over five years ago, Shari approached me and told me about a new project that WJCS was creating. It was a Jewish cultural, kosher group home for special needs women. Shari was aware that our daughter might be a candidate for this type of home and she thoughtfully conveyed the necessary information. If it had not been for Shari and Partners in Caring I am not sure whether we would have heard about this from any other source. Thus began an almost five year journey that has culminated in a most beautiful, warm, special group home where our daughter and five other lovely women have come to reside and are in the process of adjusting to the future of living and sharing their lives together. The overwhelming expertise and positive continual guidance of Steve Yellen, and the depth of caring of the officers of the agency and of and each and every person who was involved with WJCS and Chai House was without a doubt awe inspiring and of the highest professional level. The myriad details that went into the preparation were huge and daunting but throughout it all, Steve's goals remained clearly in focus and the efforts put forth were unbelievable. It was not easy. As parents our hearts were heavy and my eyes were always overflowing. We were concerned about the unknowns and were feeling the pains of transition as, needless to say, was our daughter. Although we always thought of it as somewhere far off in the distant future, somehow, moving day arrived all too quickly this past March with a warm and caring welcome by the CRC and all staff. It was a moment in time of both dread and fulfillment. A moment that we knew would be fraught with mixed feelings - life altering, yet good - sad, yet in a way comforting. But amid the flood of emotions, we grasped onto the knowledge that through all of the pain, we were embarking on the absolute correct path for the future. The solid, foundational underpinnings of that path were provided to us by WJCS. As the years of our partnership have been passing we have come to recognize goals that this organization sets out to achieve. One that it proudly stands by is that it seeks to detect existing needs within the the community and takes action to provide solutions. Chai House is the beautiful solution to the needs of six women and their families. From the bottom of our hearts we thank WJCS as we look forward to sharing the years together with our daughter, her friends, their families, staff and everyone who worked so hard to bring Chai House "to life."

The Westchester Jeiwsh Community Services provides opportunities for our Jewish consumers that are (unfortunately) not available at all synagogues everywhere. Over the years they have provided the Saturday, Holy and holiday services for our folks to attend that they cannot receive elsewhere. Sometimes it is because they cannot maintain their composure and behave appropriately at all times. Many times there is no synagogue close by that is sensitive to these issues. The WJCS Services allow our folks to be themselves and still be able to practice their religion as best they can, (even if they are noisy, can't sit still for long, etc.). They provide opportunities for our consumers to interact with people from the community in a safe and excepting enviroment in the community. These services also provide them with opportunities to expand their relationships with others that at times serve as surrogates for family relationships vthey might no longer have due to distance or aging relations who can no longer travel to take them to their familty services or visit their families. These services also promote choice for our folks, and enable them to have more control over their own lives. Once they decide that they want to participate, they now have a place to exercise that religious choice in a place accepts them. Participating in these activities, gives our consumers the opportunity to change the negative attitudes of others, which allows our folks to develop a respect for themselves as well as being viewed as contributing members of society. Rosepaula Dziedulonis, Sr. R.T. Hudson Valley DDSO 220 White Plains, Suite 675 Tarrytown, NY 10591 (914) 332-8988

I have worked with Westchester Jewish Community Services as a volunteer for New Rochelle Hadassah and my synagogue, Beth El Synagogue Center, for 25 years. I have been Program Vice President for both organizations and they have always provided me with wonderful speakers. I have used Linda Caigan in the 1980s and 1990s and have been working with Shari Baum for the last four years. Through the years, I and my fellow members of both organizations have learned a great deal in a caring, understanding atmosphere. The programs I have worked were always parent related, starting out learning about elementary school years and now learning about college years.

Gail Oliver has an unsurpassed commitment to service to all persons with Developmental Disabilities. The programs Gail has developed not only serves our population but has strengthened the values of the general public. The festivities have garnered tremendous support from students and adult volunteers. My daughter Laurie has had the privilege of an activity that cannot be duplicated in any other way. Gail Oliver deserves this award most emphatically. Sincerely, Rita & Mort Ross

Last year I worked for the Parent/Child Home Program of WJCS and thought it exceptional for many reasons. Most importantly, it provided mentoring, vocabulary building and cultural access to underpriviledged children and their families so that they could start preschool at equivalent levels to other children. Through the use of books, songs, puzzles, cards, games and toys provided by WJCS and with the caring, sensitive and perseverent instruction by the home visitors, these children and their caretakers learned best practices for interaction and mutual development. The staff development meetings for the home visitors were very professinally run. And the group of home visitors also greatly benefit from knowing they are doing important, meaningful and productive work.

My daughter, Jackie, wanted to do some sort of Community service through WJCS. There were many service descriptions to choose from, and several that interested her. In fact, neither our temple nor her school could provide the choices that WJCS could. Jackie had the idea to use her love of computers, and, in particular, Google Earth and email, to coordinate her own project. With the amazing help of Susan Kronish at WJCS Tikun Olum and her extensive connections in the community, Jackie was able to establish a wonderful rapore with the folks at Willow Towers, an assisted living residence in New Rochelle, NY. She taught the seniors how to use Google Earth and how to email their friends and families. The reward of seeing people, who didn't get out into the world very much, connect with their loved ones was overwhelming. Without the help of WJCS this wouldn't have been possible. They even used their public relations savvy to have an article written about Jackie in the local newspaper. There is no other organization I know of that provides as extensive service opportunities for Westchester youth than WJCS. They make it fun and rewarding for Jewish teenagers to give back to the community.

My Synagogue and community has benefitted from some of the outstanding services offered by the Westchester Jewish Community Services. We have been enriched by the exceptional professionals serving in our Partners in Caring Program, helping us to initiate a regular program of content for seniors; to develop a discussion group amongst parents of college students; and be available to staff and congregants for advice and counsel. Moreover, we have proudly hosted the Special Needs Seder coordinated by WJCS which helps to embrace many of the residents of Westchester group homes. Certainly an agency deserving communal recognition! Melvin N. Sirner, Rabbi Beth El Synagogue of New Rochelle, NY

Self-employed for 24 years, Connect-to-Care has guided me, step-by-step, thru the daunting tasks of helping to identify my skills, constructing a resume to be proud of, showing me how to network, providing me with networking opportunities, connecting me to Linked-in, providing spiritual support and stress management, and preparing me to jump into the job market - with momentum. The outstanding and varied workshops and one-on-one counseling services are the best gifts I have ever received.

I attended excellent job workshops at the Westchester Jewish Community Services office. They also provided me with telephone and computer workstations that are available for job seekers. The Linked In workshop had hands-on use of the computer with the help from the workshop coordinator. They are doing an excellent job for the job seeker and for the Jewish community.

It has been my great honor for the past twenty years to have had the opportunity to volunteer as part of the Havorah Program coordinated by Gail Oliver for WJCS. I participated in the Seder for the developmentally disabled of Westchester County for five years as a Table leader and for many years previously as coordinator of the youth volunteers from Temple Shaaray Tefila that served at the seder. We also participated in Rosh Hashonah programs and visits to local group homes. Thanks to Gail and all the wonderful work she has done, the teenagers and I brought joy to so many and we all grew and became better human beings through these very special experiences we had the opportunity to be part of. None of this would have been possible without Gail and the Havorah Program.

I have been the beneficiary of services as a caregiver for a person with cancer, and as a person participating in spiritual growth classes. Rabbi Pam Wax and the Social Worker Nickie Krauss are both people of such great generosity, intelligence, and compassion, that they helped me and my mom with both practical matters, such as preparing documents relating to how to care for my mom in her illness, as well as matters of the heart and spirit. I repeatedly sought individual counseling for myself, and also participated in the "Meditation and Middot" class to help me deal with the challenges of this time. I am profoundly grateful for the services of WJCS. In addition, my Unitarian-Universalist congregation has participated in WJCS's wonderful Christmas gift drive to support families in need.

I found out about The Westchester Jewish Community Services about a year and a half ago when my wife became ill. We called The WJCS and they sent a wonderful Social Worker to help us with our problems. She was an exceptionally knowledgeable, kind and caring person and guided us through many difficult situations. Unfortunately, my wife's condition worsened and she subsequently died. However, The WJCS did not give up on me. The Social Worker has continued to work with me and help give me a new start in life. She also directed me to an excellent bereavement group, run by the organization, which has helped me considerably to get through this terrible period in my life. During the time that I have been working with WJCS, I have learned of the many services that they offer to the public. I am so impressed with all of the good work that The WJCS does for so many people, that I have become a volunteer worker for them.

It has been my privilege and joy to be a part of the WJCS Havorah Program for the past 20 years through volunteering at many different holiday programs, particular the Community Seder, chaired by Gail Oliver. I have been touched by the spirit and loyalty of the clients who attend these programs and whom have become my friends. Their enthusiasm and their devotion for their religious holidays and traditions are always a reminder that what we sometimes take for granted, is not always a given. These celebrations should be treasured and preserved for the love and sense of tradition that they provide for everyone, especially for people with developmental delays. How wonderful that WJCS and the Havorah Program has provided this very special population with the opportunity to maintain their Jewish identity and traditions! One only has to attend one event to realize that this is indeed a superb a worthwhile program. One that brings such positive outcomes to not only the clients, but to teen volunteers, and adult volunteers and entire communites as well.

I am the parent of a young adult in the Point Program.I am most happy to say that it has now been 1 year and my son is doing beautifully.The transition from teenager to young adulthood, from school to working and living on his own is being made with support and love from WJCS and the wonderful staff.They are always there to help on any level and are sensitive and caring.This organization has flourished over the years for good reason.May it always continue to do so,the need is greater than ever.This organization is a great gift to humanity.

I have been involved with the Special Needs Seder at Beth El Synagogue in New Rochelle since it began several (actually many) years ago. Under the auspices of the Havorah Program at WJCS, it offers residents from group homes for special needs adults and children in the lower Westchester area, and their caregivers, the opportunity to experience a pre-Passover Seder with all the trimmings. Beth El’s entire professional staff is involved in leading the service in their usual enthusiastic and wonderful way. The volunteers, who prepare and serve the meal, join the residents at their tables, dance, and sing, get as much, if not more, out of the Seder as do the residents and caregivers. Kudos to Gail Oliver who administers the program and who provides the momentum which drives our passion.

I can't say enough good things about the services of WJCS. In the past year I have been the fortunate beneficiary of services of the Pathways to Caring Program. The outreach counselor was outstanding in her personal support of me and in her ability to connect me with other invaluable WJCS and community services. I benefited from help from the fabulous Holistic Nurse and the home care agency. In addition, I have been participating in two wonderfully inspiring classes offered by the Rabbi of the Jewish Healing Center. These classed have been both excellent learning opportunities but have also offered me the opportunity for spiritual growth that I had been seeking. I also participated in a Congregation based Jewish Meditation class.

I have attended several Havorah Partners Programs with my son, who is Developmentally Disabled & we have greatly enjoyed them all. It is well organized; the volunteers are kind,& the entertainment is always special. It gives me great pleasure to know that my son can attend such meaningful Jewish occasions. Judging from the happiness on the faces of all who attend, I think the same is true. Deborah Stern

I was fortunate, indeed, to participate in the Group Spiritual Direction Program under the auspices of the Jewish Spiritual Healing Center at a time of personal distress (illness and family crises). Ambivalent about my religious practice, and uncertain about what to expect, I found solace in the spiritual community and healing environment that Rabbi Pamela Wax created. Through such activities as meditation, chanting, and discussion, Rabbi Wax fostered an atmosphere of acceptance, while providing thought-provoking opportunities for reflection. I remain grateful to Rabbi Wax and the group for their support and guidance in helping me create personal meaning at a difficult time.

Like the blind men and the elephant, no one person can adequately describe WJCS - no one can see all the good this agency does! Most recently I have been blessed to have been working again with WJCS's gifted Spiritual Care Coordinator, Rabbi Pam Wax, on another Healing Service to be offered here at Pleaantville Community Synagogue. They are dedicated, professional, competent, committed... and everything they do, they do with all their heart!

I utilized the Connect to Care Job Resource Center in Ryebrook NY. Anita Greenwald and her staff were wonderful. I am trying to start my own business, and I was able to meet with a representative from the Small Business Association - Geraldine Kavanah, who was wonderful. She provided specific information on who I needed to contact, and shared many of her ideas. This service was much better then I expected.

I don't know what my family would do without WJCS! Both my daughter and I have been in counseling at WJCS. My daughter had some learning issues, and WJCS administered a full battery of tests. I also was in a group for recently divorced parents. Everyone that we dealt with at WJCS was highly skilled, and very helpful. This is a great organization.

Comments from: Lawrence Gralla 33 Rockledge Road Hartsdale, NY 10530 phone 914 472-2338 I have had severale favorable experiences with Westchester Jewish Community Services over the years. Two of them are the following. Some years ago, I was suffering from a clinical depression. A fiend suggested I see WJCS. I saw a person there, and she referred me to a specific treatment center and person at a facility in White Plains, NY. I got important help I needed, and was soon better. More recently, I became interested in a young man who had been dismissed, unfairly I thought, from his job with a large organization. I referred him to WJCS. WJCS looked into the case, accompanied him to court hearings, and got him reinstated. He is now successfully employed elsewhere. The reputation of WJCS here in Westchester County, NY, is well known and widely praised. Respectfully submitted, Lawrence Gralla

My husband and I, long-time residents of Mount Vernon, volunteer to do occasional deliveries for the Kosher Meals on Wheels program that operates out of Sinai Free Synagogue and services homebound elderly in Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. We think this a wonderful program providing a much-needed service. The older population has a way of being neglected and falling through cracks especially when they are no longer capable of getting out on their own. This program at the very least gives them some connection to the outside community and nourishes their body and spirit.

We have been connected with the WJCS Havorah program for 16 years, hosting their Yom Kippur service for the disabled. It is always a remarkable event, thanks not only to the content, but also to the very smooth logistics. Gail Oliver does a wonderful job.

WJCS has been providing outstanding services to both Jewish and non-Jewish Developmentally Disabled persons in Westchester for many years. The Holiday services and special events offer a unique opportunity for persons with DD to participate in religious and cultural activities that make them feel welcomed and a part of the community.

In my previous experience working with a nonprofit, I saw how important WJCS is to our local community. Time and again they provided vital services to patients in need. These services included both social work services and financial aid. I was always impressed by their professionalism and extraordinary efforts to serve people in need. In these tough financial times, I am glad to know that my donations go to help such a worthy organization provide these greatly needed services.

I've personally seen the effect this organization has had on the communities of Westchester; in particular, I visited one of the group homes and saw how the individuals there were so happy to have the companionship in the home and were so grateful to WJCS for their assistance.

My daughter is one of six very fortunate Jewish women who reside at Chai House, a group home opened by WJCS in March 2009. Chai House not only provides a safe and caring environment, but it also enables the women to mantain their Jewish observance and traditions. My family and I are very grateful to WJCS for all that they have done and continue to do to make Chai House a wonderful place for these women to live. The planning that went into this endeavor spanned a four-year period, during which numerous meetings were held with the families and also with the community. WJCS hired a competent and caring staff for the residence, and were and continue to be responsive to all issues and concerns raised by the families. It is difficult to think of even one matter that WJCS has not dealt with in a professional and effective manner. Because of the vision and efforts of WJCS, my daughter and the other five women will live in a warm, safe, and nurturing Jewish environment for the rest of their lives.

WJCS Staff at all levels continues to demonstrate how deeply they care about their clients. Seeing the smile on the faces on developmentally disabled individual who succeed at some task or are exposed to a Jewish experience is heartening. The raising of significant amounts of money (hundreds of thousands of dollars) by board volunteers to fund a group home for developmentally disabled clients, Chai House, populated by 6 young Jewish women who want to have an observant home shows how much the board cares. This agency is the go-to agency for so many of the social and mental health problems in our community. WJCS has managed to situate itself in so many synagogues and JCCs (43!) in Westchester in such a way that rabbis and synagogue lay personnel welcome them with open arms. As they say, "Kol Hakovod"!

For the past four years I have worked with Gail Oliver to bring developmentally disabled residents of group homes and their caretakers to Bet Am Shalom Synagogue twice a year for a special, brief Shabbat service and kiddush lunch. Gail is a joy to work with -- caring, responsive and supportive. She makes all the arrangememtns with the group homes, and we always get a great turnout We at BAS are grateful to Gail and WJCS for enabling us to participate in this wonderful and very meaningful program.

Gail Oliver has helped to organize our Temple's (TINW) Share a shabbat program with Opengate Inc,group home for Developmentally Disabled individuals. The program is extremely successful and enjoyed tremendously by both Temple and Group Home residents. Recently the program was published in Jewish Week. Gail also organized a Concert with our temple band ShaMa NNaNa , approximatly 100 people participated in this event.She is an invaluable resource for our Jewish community and the developmentally disabled

Gail from Havurah helped the youth group I lead from Bet Am Shalom synagogue in arranging to visit homes of mentally challenged adults for the Jewish holiday Purim. The supervisors of the homes and the adults that live there were so welcoming and nice, my youth had a wonderful experience of community service!

The holiday celebration experience for the Jewish clients of WARC is priceless. They get to go out, socialize, and meet friends,celebrate holidays and enjoy refreshments and sometimes dinner.They enjoy religious enrichment and feel welcome and loved.

The seder for the developmentally disabled, held at Temple Shaaray Tefillah in Bedford, is an amazing event! The residents look forward to it, year after year. For many of them, it is the highlight of their year. It is also a wonderful experience for the youth volunteers. Gail Oliver done a tremendous job of putting it all together.

WJCS brings developmentally disabled adults to my temple, Westchester Reform Temple, twice a year for different celebrations. Watching these adults enjoy a show, have singing opportunities, a chance to socialize with teenage congregants, and taste and savor appropriate foods warms anyone's heart. It is one of the most endearing activities anyone can be part of. WJCS Havorah program allows these developmentally disabled adults to experience such wonderful and varied programs. I myself volunteer to organize and run one of these celebrations. It is one of the most important things I feel I do. I have even befriended three of these developmentally disabled adults making sure they attend as many of the outings as possible. One of my greatest pleasures is to plan a party for these special lovely adults. I am also the Director of a Day Care Center. Many preteenages come from WJCS to my center to do their Mitzvah project for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Giving these preteenagers a chance to be with young children from low income families and to do a Mitzvah would not be possible without WJCS recommending them to my center. The children at the center LOVE when these youngsters come to play with them, give them attention and talk to them. It is a win-win situation.

I spent some of the best times of my life as a volunteer with this community....Under the guidance of Gail Oliver, everyone shares in enriching,fun joyous experiences..Holiday times are filled with great food, stories and robust singing! I found every person participating with pleasure, laughter and good fun in an environment of caring, compassion and concern. Gail Oliver is a wonder; I was so fortunate to be a small part of this group;my times with this group changed and enriched my life.

Having worked with Gail Olliver and her HAvorah program, I have seen true chesed in action. The consumers served are excited and full of energy and joy at sharing a holiday program with both adults and children. the congregants or students presenting the program are enrgized by the consumers who attend. It is a wonderful way to live Jewishly all around!

The Havorah Program at WJCS, directed by Gail Oliver, is one of those unique programs that benefit both the developmentally disabled adults it is intended for and the volunteers who participate. One of the volunteers showed up at the annual seder at Beth El Synagogue and he suddenly panicked, saying he couldn;t work with "these people." He forced himself, though, and is now one of our most dependable volunteers who is there for us every year. Some of the adults have told me that without this seder, they would just sit and watch TV. For many of them, it is the only Passover celebration they will experience.Other holiday celebrations are planned throughout the year, including a special Shabbat which we have hosted many times. A forgotten population is given the opportunity to celebrate their heritage in a most meaningful way.

WJCS has been an integral part of Temple Shaaray Tefila's life cycle events. Shari Baum is always available to discuss programs, help with congregants going through tough times and makes a difference in the lives of so many. Her participation in our Caring Community has made a great impact on our program. When someone needs help, is in emotional pain or whatever else may be happening in their lives a WJCS has the answer and can tell us where to go for help and usually within their confines of available services. The Jewish community is blessed to have WJCS within our county and we are comfortable knowing they are there for us. Harriett Zeller, Temple Shaaray Tefila. Bedford Corners

The Havorah Program has had a lasting impact on the people that have been involved, either as volunteers or clients. A volunteer for many years at several different events, I have been able to see the great effects that the programs have on the clients, giving them entertainment, education, Jewish involvement, and friendships both with other clients and with the volunteers and staff. The events are always well organized, filled with Jewish zest and spirit, and are truly a remarkable experience to be apart of. Watching the clients joy as they dance and sing to Jewish music at both the Sukkot and Passover events have shown the amazing impact such a program can have on a mentally disabled adult.

Responsive to the community -- Connect to Care is helping many members of the Jewish community get back on their feet. Havorah connects people with disabilities to Jewish celebrations