Summer/Fall 2026
Connection & Community
Stronger Together: A Season of Remembrance, Advocacy and Community
As we turn the page from summer and begin a busy and meaningful fall at Jawonio, I find myself reflecting on the many moments of joy, challenge, advocacy, and connection that have brought our community together.
This summer was filled with smiles from swimming and our Summer Education Program to the proud faces of our preschool graduates. We celebrated the dedication of Jerry Staller Way at our Katzen Early Childhood Education Center, came together for our annual Hometown Heroes Bowlathon, and watched children and adults across Jawonio enjoy new experiences, friendships, and opportunities.
This summer also tested our strength. As Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti came to an end, we fought every day for months on behalf of our Haitian colleagues and advocated at every level. Jawonio helped bring national attention to the impact through Reuters News Service, U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo News, and other media outlets, while working with elected officials and community partners to make our voices heard. We made sure people understood that this was not simply an immigration issue—it was about dedicated employees, the people with disabilities who depend upon them, and the future of our direct care workforce. While the outcome was deeply difficult, our advocacy and commitment to our colleagues will continue.
Last Friday, we remembered those we lost on the 25th anniversary of September 11th, we honor the first responders and all who served, and reflected on the extraordinary compassion and unity that emerged in the days that followed. Those values of kindness, service, and community remain especially meaningful today.
Excitement ahead: BRICKAPALOOZA is this Saturday, Sept 19th from 10am-4pm at the Jawonio main campus. It is a family fun day filled with a Lego-themed experience in supporting our Brick it Again Lego Resale store. (click on the graphic on the bottom of newsletter for tickets)
This fall also marks an exciting new chapter for our PROS mental health recovery program, as our staff and participants prepare to move into their new home in Valley Cottage—a space designed to support recovery, creativity, wellness, and connection.
That new home will also carry forward the memory of Jordyn Seiden through the naming of the Jordyn Seiden Art Therapy Room. On October 31, Jordyn’s family and friends will come together for the To Infinity and Beyond 5K, raising funds in her memory and helping create a lasting place of hope and healing for others.
And in December, we will come together for our 7th Annual Jawonio Foundation Virtual Gala. We are proud to honor Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco and Rockland County Legislator Lon Hofstein with our “Dynamic Duo” Friends Award; Jack Coomber and Mary Jo Jacobs of USI Insurance Services with our Corporate Partner Award; and Scott Salmon with the Sandy Sewell Advocacy Award. We look forward to sharing their inspiring stories and celebrating the people and families at the heart of our mission.
Through the joyful moments and the difficult ones, through advocacy, remembrance, growth, and celebration, one thing remains clear: we are stronger together.
Thank you to our extraordinary staff, families, volunteers, donors, community partners, and friends for standing with Jawonio and making our mission possible every day. Because of you, So Much Good Happens Here.
With Gratitude,
Advocacy for Staff
Thank you to our teams in Community Living Services, Human Resources, Communications and led by our CEO Randi Rios-Castro for fighting so hard every day to retain staff who were on Temporary Protected Status.
Here is the OP-Ed on this heartbreaking end to TPS in our community and our country. Read Here:
Advocacy for Staff
Thank you Town of Clarkstown for producing the street sign and partnering with us for the dedication.Jerry Staller always showed us the way!! Jerry was a legend, a world-class physical therapist, a leader and forever part of the history of the disability sector in our country and Jawonio.
Check out our News 12 Coverage HERE
With gratitude to the New York State Industries for the Disabled for their grant to open our HEART food pantry supporting our staff. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to our pantry please click for more information: Erik Feldi
Check out our Reel
A Summer to Remember 2026
Our Summer Education Program capped off a great 6 weeks with our Summer Showcase celebrating every child’s creativity, confidence and accomplishments; singing, dancing and summer magic!
Staff Recognition
Employee of the Year
We are so proud of Mitch Spiegel, PT, Director of Clinical Services for his outstanding efforts and professionalism in building up our Article 16 clinic as well as his compassionate and caring hands-on physical therapy for both our children and adults. Watch Mitch “in action” at Jawonio. Congratulations!
Staff Recognition
Our Community came out to support our annual Golf Outing this summer in a big way. Shout out to our Golf Committee, golfers, sponsors and donors. It was another great event at Paramount Country Club! Check out our fabulous day HERE.
With Gratitude to more our bowlers, sponsors and donors we sold out the lanes and raised over $33,000 for the Jawonio Foundation and their work in support of our individuals with special needs. Check out all of the fun and winning teams HERE.
Staff Recognition
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.
