JCCA FOSTER YOUTH WIN AT CHILD WELFARE FUND'S AWARDS

Five JCCA youth were recently honored by The Child Welfare Fund's Awards for Youth in Foster Care at a ceremony in Manhattan. The contest is designed to recognize the essays of young people who have exhibited resilience, who have helped others, and who have achieved personal and academic success. During the last 18 years, JCCA has consistently been recognized by the Awards for Youth in Foster Care, but for the second year in a row, we received the most awards of any agency.

Campus youth visit Washington, D.C.

Nicole Kovensky, a volunteer on our Westchester Campus, donated funds that were used to sponsor a trip for 13 youth to Washington, D.C. in May. Accompanied by the Pleasantville Cottage School Recreation Team, sightseeing began with a guided tour of the Capitol Building, where enthusiastic youth asked many questions. Later, they embarked on a nighttime walk through the Washington Monument and the Lincoln, WWII, and Vietnam Memorials, concluding at the beautiful lake near the Jefferson Memorial. On another day, stops included the White House—where youth were thrilled to get a glimpse of President Obama and his wife, Michelle—the Holocaust Museum, the Air and Space Museum, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, and the I Spy Museum. On one evening, all enjoyed an exciting Washington Nationals baseball game against the New York Mets (sadly, the Mets didn’t win). Even staying in a hotel was a great treat; for some, it was their first time in such accommodations. Everyone agreed that it was a wonderful time and all will have meaningful, lifelong memories of the trip. Many thanks to Nicole Kovensky for providing the means to give our youth such a rewarding experience.

Giving Hope to New York’s Children and Families

More than 300 friends and supporters raised $752,000 for JCCA programs at this year’s Celebration of Hope cocktail reception. Held on May 6 at the beautiful Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the evening honored our esteemed JCCA Trustees Naomi S. Birnbach and Arthur F. Maslow, and the legacy of Mr. Maslow’s father Charles and brothers Lester and Robert.

Friends of JCCA Come Out to WALK

On Sunday, May 16, hundreds of Westchester area children, high school students, parents, and seniors gathered together for the third annual WALK for The Cottage Schools on JCCA’s Westchester campus. The event took place to raise funds and offer hope to hundreds of youth at The Cottage Schools. Our dedicated supporters made enthusiastic tracks around the two-mile route. The WALK was generously supported by PepsiCo and Ben & Jerry’s. “Everyone who came out and walked helped to give these kids a future filled with hope,” remarked WALK co-chair Wendi Winshall. “We’re enormously grateful to all the participants for getting involved to support the critical work done at The Cottage Schools,” added in co-chair Rachel Rader.