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Mindy S. Cohen, LMSW, ext 108

Director of Special Needs

Bio

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost Home

New Opportunities

Special education professionals

and Special Needs Training Institute

participants assist children with development and physical disabilities

within the Almost Home after school program

 

 

 

Community Service Volunteer Corps                    New!

CSVC is a supervised volunteer experience students interested in working with special needs children. Buddies will serve as positive role models and will play and practice social skills with the children. (See "Teens" for full details.)

Fee: free

 

 

Parenting Children with Challenges

This is an opportunity for parents of children with special needs and challenges to share experiences and take time to care for themselves. In addition to discussions, there will be journaling, and time to learn and practice relaxation exercise.

Facilitators: Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7

Fee: $10/session, JCC and RJC members free

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKIP is funded in part by the Dr. William and Mrs. Esther Frishman Family Fund, an endowment for programs benefiting children with special needs. Donations to the Frishman Family Fund are welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children Special Services

Special Children’s Program                       (6-12 Years)

The focus in the Special Children’s Program is on each individual child. To help children navigate the social world successfully, the program is designed to increase opportunities for peer socialization and opportunities to practice the socialization skills learned in the program. Each child will gain confidence by making independent choices geared to his/her special needs.

This program is funded by a grant from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and UJA-Federation of New York.

Leader: Michelle Danko, special education teacher

Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

October-May                                                   4010

Free

 

Saturday Night Out                   New!                    (Ages 10-13) 

Let’s face it, children don’t always want their parents accompanying them to activities. This supervised program offers kids an opportunity to socialize with their friends. Parents drop off their child at a designated place, which might be bowling, movies, sport events, local plays or a restaurant. Children begin to build independence as they learn how to manage money, behave in a safe and appropriate manner in the community, and interact with one another during a fun social activity.

One Saturday per month, January 24, February 7, March 21, April 18, May 9, June 13

Fee: $180

 

 X-Ray Vision Club                                         (Grades 3-6)

Social Skills Workshop

Have you ever wished you could know what other people are thinking? In this class we’ll learn how to use our social skills to tune up our x-ray vision and understand what’s going on in other people’s heads. We’ll have fun learning through real life situation rehearsals, improvisation, playing games, communication building exercises, pragmatics, and discussions on topics from making friends to dealing with bullies.

With support from experienced professionals and neurotypical teen volunteers, we will have lots of fun practicing these skills. To schedule an intake interview, contact Mindy Cohen, ext. 108

Instructor: TBA

Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.                                  4020B

11 sessions begin January 28

Fees: $325, JCC member $300

 

Karate                                                            (Grades 1-6)

Learn discipline and control by practicing movements that develop mind-body coordination. This non-competitive program encourages healthy exercise and builds a positive self-image. Children with mild physical or developmental disabilities will be assisted by additional staff and require a brief intake before enrolling.  Enrollment of children requiring 1:1 will be contingent upon our ability to engage appropriate staff.

Instructor: Sensei: Gianni Del Duca

Wednesday, 5:15-6:15 p.m.                                  3293B

16 sessions begin January 28

Fee: $310, JCC members $270, New Opportunities and AH $265

 

Milk, Cookies, and Conversation            New!       (Grades 6-8)

The tween years can be very challenging. Issues of friendship, popularity, body image, body language, recognizing cues, bullying, and dealing with daily pressures can be overwhelming. A light snack and discussions centered around these topics will be lead by an experienced professional seasoned in social skill development.

Tweens diagnosed with mild developmental disabilities including Aspergers Syndrome, Language Disability, and Attention Deficit Disorder are invited to join this group with middle school students recruited from the Community Service Volunteers Corps. Group members will participate in social learning and conversation.

Please contact Mindy Cohen, ext. 108, to schedule a required intake interview.

Facilitator: TBA

Thursday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.                                            4030B

11 sessions begin January 29

Fee: $325, JCC member $300

 

Buddy Club                                           New!         (Middle School)

Everybody needs a buddy and good friends are hard to find. This group will combine typical middle school students recruited from the Community Service Volunteers Corps. with children on the Autistic Spectrum and other moderate developmental disabilities. An experienced professional will lead participants through games and activities that promote positive social behavior including sharing, taking turns, and pragmatic language development. Buddies will model appropriate behaviors and form positive relationships with participants.

Please contact Mindy Cohen, ext. 108, to schedule a required intake interview.

Facilitator: TBA

Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.                                            4031B

11 sessions begin January 29

Fee: $325, JCC member $300

 

Drama Kings and Queens           New!  (Ages 9-13 with special needs and typical siblings)

Every child deserves to shine. Through scripted and dramatic skits, improvisations, music, and movement, children with special needs and their typical siblings will have the ability to express him/herself through artistic endeavors. Enrollment in this program will lead to the formation of a troupe that will learn, grow, and perform together. This unique program will be staffed with people experienced in drama and children with disabilities. An intake is required.

Sunday, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

12 sessions begin February 1

Fee: $640, special needs sibling $600, one typical sibling Free

  

New Opportunities in Almost Home                          (Grades K-6)

Special education professionals and Special Needs Training Institute participants assist children with developmental and physical disabilities within the Almost Home after school program. All activities are available to all students enrolled. To schedule a required intake interview, contact Mindy Cohen, ext. 108. New Opportunities is made possible through a grant from the Hudson Valley Developmental Disabilities Services Office.

 

SKIP: Special Kids Interesting Places                     (Grades K-6)

SKIP is a developmentally appropriate, professionally supervised full day school holiday program Join friends for fun activities at the JCC and on outings such as bowling, Fun Craft, and museums. SKIP participants will spend some days with the JCC Vacation Sensations program and others on their own. Please contact Mindy Cohen, ext. 108, to schedule a required intake interview. Children requiring 1:1 supervision may incur additional fees. Look for details in the JCC monthly e-newsletter.

Program Coordinator: Michelle Danko, special education teacher

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Daily fee: $85, JCC member $75

  

Camp BaShemesh                                                     (Ages 6-14)

Join us for another wonderful summer at Camp BaShemesh, a unique program for children with mild to moderate developmental and learning disabilities. At BaShemesh, campers engage in an exciting summer experience with therapeutic recreation and activities that build self-esteem and independence, while maximizing opportunities for inclusion with typical JCC Country Day campers. Camp BaShemesh fosters the strengths of each child and challenges them to stretch and grow alongside their typical peers. Each camp day stimulates your child’s ability in relationship building, teamwork, and important life skills, while developing their understanding and appreciation for the environment.

     Our three-to-one camper-to-staff ratio ensures personalized attention, skill development, and the safety and security you expect from a quality day camping experience.

Program support is provided by a grant from the Westchester Program Services Cabinet of UJA-Federation of New York.

 

Camp To Go                                                              (Entering Grades K-6)

Get on the bus and go with us! Adventurers journey through Westchester, New York City and surrounding areas, with each day offering a new surprise. Indoor and outdoor activities provide campers with a terrific end-of-summer experience.

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Adults Special Services
 

Westchester Network for People with Disabilities (WNPD)

 

Westchester Network for People with Disabilities is a social and recreational program for adults with physical disabilities. The Network provides unique opportunities and experiences that promote interaction between the physically challenged and the general public in an effort to foster new friendships, and help create a sense of community.

Telephone Conferencing Network takes place every other week. Disabled adults get a chance to converse with peers through a one-hour telephone conference. This program provides an opportunity for open discussions on issues that impact participants.

Advocacy Theatre, Theatre Consultant Bill Ayers. The Advocacy Theatre is designed to teach self-advocacy and build community awareness. Under the direction of a theatre consultant, Advocacy Theatre productions, based on personal stories about living with disabilities, are presented at local venues in an effort to sensitize the public about the lives of the physically disabled in their communities.

WNPD is a collaborative project between the JCC on the Hudson, Beth Abraham Adult Health Care Center, United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, Westchester Disabled on the Move, Westchester Independent Living Center, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Westchester County Office of the Disabled.

This program is funded through a grant from the J. E. and Z. B. Butler Family Foundation, with support from the Westchester Arts Council, and the United Way of Westchester/Putnam .

WNPD Events and Outings

 

Shubert Performing Arts Center

New Haven, CT.

CATS

Saturday, January 17

Meet at the JCC at noon, return 6:30 p.m.

Fee: $28 includes performance and transportation.

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Westchester Evening Dinner Theatre

MESHUGGANAH

February (call for date)

Meet at the theatre at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, show 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Fee: $38 includes performance, lunch and gratuities.

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West Point Eisenhower Theatre

HAIRSPRAY

Sunday, March 29

Meet at the JCC at noon, return 6:30 p.m.

Fee: $36 includes performance and transportation.

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Rye Playland

MS Walkathon and Picnic Barbeque

Sunday, April 19

Meet at Playland at 9:00 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Fee: $10

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Venors, Food, Music

Nyack Street Fair

Sunday, May 17

Meet at the JCC at noon, return 6:00 p.m.

Fee: $5

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Swimming, Picnic

Glen Island Park and Beach

June

Meet at the park at noon

Fee: $5 includes lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stefani M. Cohen,
LCSW, B'yachad Coordinator, ext. 102 - Bio

 

Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW - bio

 

 

 

B’Yachad is offered in partnership with Westchester Jewish Community Services as part of UJA-Federation of New York’s Partners in Caring program initiative. Programs offered through B’Yachad are free to JCC members and members of the Rivertown Jewish Consortium participating agencies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

B'yachad (Together)
 

B’Yachad, the JCC Social Services Department, provides on-site counseling and support to members of the JCC, the general community, and the Rivertown synagogues. Among the programs Stefani and Ruth facilitate are individual and group counseling, family workshops, and information and referrals on an as needed basis. Please call 366.7898, ext. 102 for more information.

 

The following support groups are available.

         •         Children of divorce

         •         Siblings of special needs children

         •         Parents of special needs children

         •         Newly single

         •         Caring for an elderly parent or ill spouse

 

Reservations are requested for all programs.

 

Network for Parents of Elementary School Children

Parenting is the hardest job on Earth. Join other parents to discuss the challenges and rewards, and to address topics such as:

  • Fostering an Attitude of Gratitude

  • The December Dilemma

  • Fostering our Children’s Self-Esteem

  • Loving without Indulging

Facilitator: Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

January 13, February 10, March 17, April 21, May 12

Fee: $10/session, JCC and RJC members free

 

Parenting Children with Challenges

This is an opportunity for parents of children with special needs and challenges to share experiences and take time to care for themselves. In addition to discussions, there will be journaling, and time to learn and practice relaxation exercises.

Facilitators: Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7

Fee: $10/session, JCC and RJC members free

 

Living with the Loss of a Pet

Anyone who has ever shared their life with a four-footed companion knows how special this relationship is. When a beloved companion animal dies there is often a large void. Society as a whole does not provide any rituals for helping to deal with this loss. This support group will attempt to do this. Please bring a picture of your animal in spirit.

Facilitator: Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Mondays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

January 12

Fee: $10/session, JCC and RJC members free

  

Grandparenting Grandchildren in Interfaith Marriages

Being the Jewish grandparent to a child or children of a mixed marriage brings special challenges. Come and discuss with others in your same situation.

Facilitator: Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Thursday, January 22

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $10, JCC and RJC members free

 

Instilling Good Judgment in Our Kids      NEW

Discuss body image, managing peer pressure, forming healthy relationships, balancing academics and social activities. This is a follow up to Voices and Choices, perspectives and challenges of underage drinking. This program is sponsored in collaboration with WJCS and UJA-Federation of NY Partnership in Caring.

Thursday, March 12

7:30 p.m.

Fee: $10, JCC and RJC members free

 

Am I My Mother? Is this a good or a bad thing?

When we become parents ourselves, our relationships with our own parents often change. This group will take a look at how our parenting is influenced by the memories we have of our own parents.

Facilitator: Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Wednesday, March 18

7:30-9:00 p.m.

Fee: $10, JCC and RJC members free

 

 

 

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