CEO Newsletter, JULY 2025
A Message from Randi Rios-Castro, CEO
Randi Rios-Castro, CEO
Every Day So Much Good Happens Here
We’re now deep into the heart of summer, and at Jawonio that means something special: the sound of laughter echoing across our campus. Our Summer Education Program — rooted in the rich legacy of what was once Camp Jawonio — is in full swing. It’s where students forge new friendships, hit meaningful milestones, and experience the kind of joyful learning that stays with them long after summer ends. But while the days are filled with growth and celebration, we’re also facing one of the toughest moments yet in our advocacy efforts.
The President has just signed HR 1, and with it comes the potential consequences of massive Medicaid cuts that could drastically impact our children, adults, families staff, and all across our Jawonio services.
This legislation could severely limit access to the care, resources, and opportunities that individuals with disabilities depend on to live independently and thrive in their communities. For many, these cuts aren’t theoretical, they could mean losing critical support needed for daily life.
That’s why we are so focused on advocacy and why we will continue to stand up. We will be on the frontlines for our children in early intervention and preschool. We will advocate for the adults who’ve built lives filled with purpose and dignity and continue to live, work and play as independently as possible. We are also grateful for the families who trust Jawonio to stand by their side. Every program, every service, every voice matters. And every one of us plays a part in protecting what we’ve built together.
As we look to the rest of the summer, we invite you to celebrate what’s working and stand up for what’s at risk. We ask that you join us for my bi-monthly Town Halls, and in our advocacy efforts all year long. Advocacy takes time, but most importantly it requires action. We need your voice now and for our future.
The President has just signed HR 1, and with it comes the potential consequences of massive Medicaid cuts that could drastically impact our children, adults, families staff, and all across our Jawonio services.
This legislation could severely limit access to the care, resources, and opportunities that individuals with disabilities depend on to live independently and thrive in their communities. For many, these cuts aren’t theoretical, they could mean losing critical support needed for daily life.
Thank you for standing with us. This work isn’t seasonal. It’s constant.
And we’re stronger because you’re part of it.
Finally, on behalf of all of us at Jawonio, please enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy rest of the summer with friends and family.
With sincere gratitude,
If you would like to join in our ADVOCACY efforts, please contact:
Diana Hess at: 845-708-2022
or via email at:
diana.hess@jawonio.org
Please read our July 4th Blog
“Freedom and Inclusivity”
Ways to Donate
UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendar
Jawonio Night at the NY Yankees Stadium
August 26 • 7pm
We are so excited and grateful to the NY Yankees for donating a suite on our 2nd Annual Jawonio Night. We also thank them for giving us the opportunity to share our Jawonio video on the Jumbotron and to participate in a Homeplate ceremony again this year.
Brick-A-Palooza
September 20 • 10am - 4pm
A super fun Jawonio Foundation event highlighting our Brick it Again Lego© Resale Store! Calling all families, building enthusiasts, teens, children and adults of all ages! You can purchase your tickets now, or sign up to become a sponsor or a vendor HERE.
The event will take place at Jawonio:
260 N. Little Tor Road, New City
Email Andrew Perr – Andrew.Perr@jawonio.org
The 5th Annual Jawonio Virtual LiveStream Gala
December 7 • 11:30am
Watch Our New 2025 Agency Video
Graduation 2025
This summer, our children, staff and families celebrated the joyful milestones at our 2025 Preschool Graduations. These heartwarming ceremonies highlighted the tremendous growth, resilience, and achievements of each child. These milestones were made possible through the dedication of our exceptional educators, therapists, administration and staff. Families, filled with pride and emotion, gathered to honor their children’s early educational journey—a journey that embodies the mission of Jawonio to support every child in reaching their fullest potential.
More graduation photos HERE.
Summer Education Program 2025 Begins
Our Summer Education Program
— formerly known as Camp Jawonio — is back!!
Since 1949, when we opened the first camp for children with disabilities, summers at Jawonio have been magical. The magic of today’s Jawonio Summer Education Program is special because it offers a unique blend of academic enrichment, therapeutic services, and recreational fun in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Designed for children, teens and young adults (up to age 22) with special needs, the program provides continuity of learning during the summer months while fostering social skills, independence, and confidence. With a highly trained inter-disciplinary team of teachers, therapists, and support staff, each child receives individualized attention and support tailored to their strengths and needs.
From classroom instruction to outdoor swimming and play, creative arts, and themed activities, every day is thoughtfully planned to ensure a joyful and engaging summer experience that promotes learning, growth, friendship, and success.
Launching Our New IGNITE Mentorship Program
Ready, Set, IGNITE — an innovative mentorship and leadership building program designed by Sara Trowers, our Chief Program Officer.
The mentorship program is a six-month journey focused on Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Impact, and Transforming Excellence across Jawonio.
Congratulations to the first ten members of our 2025 IGNITE class: Nicole Joseph, CES; Gerthy Ritter, CLS; Stephanie Harzewski, EI; Ken Fay, QA; Tamara Salmon, DH-Yonkers; Toni-Ann Dwyer, Finance; Maureen Giaccio, Cleaning Company; Beth Franklin, Finance; Juanita Robinson, CLS; Monica Cardenas, HR.
Recaps and Highlights Q2
Jawonio leaders shine throughout the region!
Randi Rios-Castro, CEO; Michele Curtis, Director Social Enterprises & New Business Development; and Sara Trowers, Chief Program Officer, presented our innovation and success stories at Marist University last month highlighting both our Brick it Again Lego© Resale Store and Cleaning Company. We thank Kristin Mayo, CEO, Community Nexus, for her leadership and invitation to share Jawonio excellence.
Congratulations to Audra Morrison, Purchasing Manager on her graduation from this year’s Leadership Rockland Class. Jawonio has had more than 20 alumni in this program, which is truly an example of building community leaders.
Next year, Michelle Mueller, Director of Education Services will be entering the class of 2026.
New Snoezelen Sensory Rooms for our Children and Adults!
Thank you former Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and Senator Andrea-Stewart Cousins
Fun on the Floor and Room to Grow!
With gratitude to former Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski who toured our new Children’s Sensory Room in our Katzen Early Childhood Center. Shout out to Mitch Spiegel for leading this effort and to Michelle Mueller and staff for creating a beautiful world for our children.
Cutting the Ribbon!!
This week, our Yonkers Sensory room officially opened thanks to NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. We are grateful for the grant she secured to make this room a reality.
Great job to Tamara Salmon and staff for creating a beautiful room that will provide
innovative wellness opportunities for years to come
Thank you M &T Bank and Goldman Sachs Beautification Projects
Volunteers led by Claude Dubuisson from M&T Bank made magic on the Main Campus. The plaza is even more beautiful thanks to this team. Thank you to Phil Selvaggio and his maintenance team, along with Molly Gibeau-Griffin, Foundation Director, and Anyeline Santos, CFO for their participation as well.
Thank you to the team from Goldman Sachs led by Patrick Byrne, who for 16 years, have worked with great care and sweat equity to beautify our homes. Thanks to Frank Alliano and our maintenance team, along with House Manager, Danielle Lewis and staff from the Levy Home for their hospitality.
Making our Voices Heard Inside and Out
Winning Ways at Jawonio and in the Community Part 1
With gratitude to Dan and Ellie Salmon, this years’ Marvin Blume Employee Scholarship was awarded to Tara Jose, daughter of Astrid Jose, a DSP in our Rockland Day Services program.
Tara will be entering the Dominican University Nursing Program in the fall.
Congratulations Tara from all of us at Jawonio!!
The scholarship award this year was $3,500 dollars.
Shout out to the Rockland County Department of Mental Health for a grant supporting a new Community Recreation program. We look forward to monthly activities providing social, recreational and community integration for all participants. The program runs until March of 2026. If you are 18+ years of age and are eligible for OPWDD services, these FREE events are for you!!
To learn more, email Sara Trowers at: sara.trowers@jawonio.org
Winning Ways at Jawonio and in the Community Part 2
Thank you to our Jawonio Foundation Golf Committee led by Andy Krutman. We had a successful and phenomenal day of golf at both Manhattan Woods and Paramount CC.
Thank you sponsors, donors, golfers, and volunteers!
You can pre-register for June 1, 2026 plus see all of the Fun-raising Here.
Thank you CP Unlimited for your Compassion and Care
Thanks to a grant from the Mother Cabrini Foundation, CP Unlimited staff member Paul DiGiovanni, came to Jawonio to repair, clean and ensure safety for our individuals. What a wonderful gift to see and feel the smiles.
Thank you Mitch Spiegel, Director, Clinical Services and Shedricka Edwards, Director, Day Services for leading this collaborative initiative.
Cole's Smile Says It All
Be the reason someone smiles today, with your monthly gift.
For just $15/month ($180 annually), you can support the Jawonio Foundation and make an immediate impact providing resources for social, creative arts, recreational and community-based activities for our children and adults. Sustainers receive a branded thank-you gift at the $30/month level and above. |
Now more than ever, especially since we are facing difficult cuts from the federal government, we need your support.
