CEO Newsletter, DECEMBER 2024
A Message from Randi Rios-Castro, CEO
Randi Rios-Castro, CEO
As the holiday season approaches, we at Jawonio and the Jawonio Foundation wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your generosity has been instrumental in empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
Your contributions have:
Funded vital programs: Your donations have directly impacted the lives of many individuals with special needs here at Jawonio.
Provided essential resources: Your generosity has helped us acquire much-needed equipment, renovate facilities, and ensure that our programs remain accessible and inclusive.
Instilled hope and possibility: Your belief in our mission has given us the strength, determination and resources to continue providing exceptional care and support, year after year.
We understand that your support comes from a place of compassion and a desire to make a difference. Please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated and has a profound impact on the lives we touch.
As we look forward to the future, we are confident that with your continued support, Jawonio will continue to thrive and provide a brighter tomorrow for individuals with special needs.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness.
With sincere gratitude,
A Year of Growth and Achievement at JAWONIO
2024 was a year of significant progress at Jawonio.
Our team's unwavering dedication and passion have propelled us towards achieving remarkable milestones.
Advocacy in Action
We continued our relentless advocacy efforts throughout the budget season culminating with the largest event in NYS that was led by Jawonio – The Rally in the Valley at Letchworth Village.
Community Engagement
We continue to be grateful to our community partners who have supported us throughout the year via Days of Caring. Thank you to M&T Bank, Goldman Sachs, United Way of Rockland and Regeneron for extending their hands and hearts in enhancing the quality of life for our individuals with special needs and fostering meaningful connections.
NYS Recognition for
Brick it Again
Jawonio’s owned and operated Lego® Resale Store Brick It Again (BIA) was honored as the recipient of the Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS Program Innovation Award. I am so proud of our team led by Sara Trowers, Chief Program Officer and Andrew Perr, store manager. Congratulations to our workers, volunteers, Lego® donors, and community partners who continue to help us BUILD the excitement at the store.
We will be celebrating our 2nd Anniversary in March, and we look forward to even more success in year three. We are grateful for this recognition of our staff and for meeting the mission of employing people with disabilities.
Inspiring Success Stories
If you missed the gala, here’s your chance for another opportunity to watch The Grovers, The Leones and Salem Thaxton and our 2024 honorees Sabrina HoSang Jordan & Patrick Heaphy. These stories truly represent the miracles that happen at Jawonio every day.
The gala is truly THE event of the year and an hour of sharing the pride! Be sure to grab some tissues before you tune into these heartfelt stories.
Food and Festive Celebrations
Our staff and individuals were treated to numerous heritage days and holiday celebrations thanks to the Jawonio Foundation. Here are a few photos from our special occasions that included food trucks, Haitian Heritage Day and an International Food Festival hosted by our DEI committee.
As we reflect on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we’ve made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
As we embark on a New Year, I’m excited about the opportunities to further our mission and create even greater positive change. Always remember, at Jawonio we are the place where miracles happen every day.
