CEO Newsletter, Spring 2024
So Much Good Happens Here
Inspiring Others
Randi Rios-Castro, CEO
Hello Spring! We welcome the new season of renewal and reawakening along with the positive energy at Jawonio in both Rockland and Westchester that continues to blossom and grow. The energy begins with our staff who are the center of our mission and the heart and soul of Jawonio. We know you will continue to enjoy getting to know our staff through our ongoing employee spotlights. This month we have a special shout-out to our 2023 Employee of the Year, Christine Curley, Team Leader, Day Habilitation Program and Recreation Coordinator.
Hello Spring! We welcome the new season of renewal and reawakening along with the positive energy at Jawonio in both Rockland and Westchester that continues to blossom and grow. The energy begins with our staff who are the center of our mission and the heart and soul of Jawonio. We know you will continue to enjoy getting to know our staff through our ongoing employee spotlights. This month we have a special shout-out to our 2023 Employee of the Year, Christine Curley, Team Leader, Day Habilitation Program and Recreation Coordinator.
As you know, Jawonio is part of the local, regional and statewide community. We are known for our compassionate care and our culture of caring. We have also taken on a leadership role in advocacy efforts on behalf of our staff and the people we support. Please note, advocacy never ends, we must continue to fight to sustain our services and support our staff. I am proud to share that we led the efforts in the region as you will read below including our successful “Rally in the Valley” at Letchworth Village last month.
Whether I am reading to our students on Dr. Seuss Day; recognizing the unsung heroes on our maintenance staff, welcoming new staff, or celebrating milestones for our work; I feel very lucky and blessed to be part of the Jawonio mission. I look forward to bringing new initiatives and innovation that will benefit our staff and who inspire our individuals to reach their highest potential.
For those who celebrated Easter and Ramadan last month, we hope you had a joyous holiday with family and friends. For those who will be celebrating Passover in a couple of weeks, I wish you a meaningful and happy holiday as well.
Please continue to engage with us through social media. Join us on our Facebook, Instagram, and Linked In pages and watch us in action on our YouTube Channel. We would love to see your comments and we ask you to share our posts as well!
Inspiring Others
Christine Curley, Employee of the Year
“What makes Christine’s contribution truly exceptional is her commitment to the well-being and happiness of the individuals supported by Jawonio. In a time marked by isolation and uncertainty, she has provided a standing weekly program that not only fosters social engagement but also brings smiles and positive transformations to the lives of those we support.”
Sara Trowers, Chief Program Officer
Our Staff Shines in the Spotlight
“Jamila exemplifies the qualities of a natural and dedicated servant leader, consistently positioning herself to support and elevate members of our team to their full potential.”
Stacey Kantrowitz, Director, Community Employment Services
Autism Acceptance Month: Program Highlight
April is Autism Acceptance Month which makes it a great time to share the story of six young men with autism. A first of its kind in Rockland County, this innovative and integrated autism program features Maria Flynn who shares her gratitude while featuring her son Danny and his peers in both their Rustic Home and LEAP Day Habilitation program. Please watch our wonderful video story first shared at our 2023 Virtual Gala.
Over the next few months, please stay tuned for more information on the relaunch of our Autism Resource and Training Center presented by our Jawonio staff experts for families, individuals and the community.
Advocacy for our Staff and Services Matter
Jawonio continues to lead the way in advocacy efforts throughout the region. For the past three months, we have raised our voices together with our allies in the NYS Legislature in fighting against Governor Hochul’s NYS Budget COLA and wage proposals and the negative impact they have on our staff and service delivery. Advocacy efforts have included: Family Town Halls, In-person NYS Legislator visits, Albany lobby days, and a collaborative letter- writing campaign from Jawonio and 15 sister agencies. Our 3/8 “Rally in the Valley” at Letchworth Village was the centerpiece of our efforts. Press coverage included News 12 (left) Lohud/USAToday and Fox5NY.
Brick It Again
We were thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Brick It Again Store in Valley Cottage on March 28th during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We want to thank Rockland County Executive Ed Day (represented by Ramon Soto) Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, and Senator Bill Weber (represented by John Mulgrew) for making it Brick It Again Day for all of us!! We have had tremendous success in supporting individuals with special needs teaching both vocational and employment skills. We continue to host special events including birthday parties and Lego-themed holiday activities. Throughout the year we have welcomed corporate volunteers from Regeneron, who designed our mural; scouting troops, and high school students to support our efforts. If you have Legos in your basement, please consider a donation of pieces or sets, and if you love Legos, please stop by and enjoy the store!! We also invite you to visit our website at www.brickitagain.org. and follow and like us on Instagram, and Facebook. Watch here and see how we are building success every day!
Congratulations to Bill Van Slyck
New Chairman of the Board
In February, at our Annual Jawonio Inc Board Meeting, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny administered the oath of office to our new Chairman, Bill Van Slyck. Bill and his wife Terry have been part of the Jawonio family for close to 35 years. Bill is an incredible advocate, ambassador, and leader. Congratulations Bill, and we know we are in good hands with your wonderful heart. Bill was one of our 2023 Virtual Gala Honorees and the recipient of our Jawonio Friends Award. You can watch the segment here.
Save the Dates
Jawonio Foundation Events 2024
Events: SOLD OUT on the lanes at New City bowl, but there is still time to sponsor and cheer on your favorite team here at our Hometown Heroes Bowlathon fundraiser on Sunday, April 21st. Let’s strike gold for Jawonio!
We are also excited to host our 36th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 3rd at both Paramount Country Club in New City and Manhattan Woods in West Nyack. Registration is open and sponsorships are available. Join us for a fantastic day and evening of great golf, fantastic food and an auction featuring trips, NY team tickets, sports memorabilia and more. All proceeds from this Jawonio Foundation event benefit our children and adults with special needs.
Happy 1st Year Anniversary