enCourage Kids Foundation

Posted • Play is a critical component of healing for hospitalized children. It provides a sense of normalcy, helps them express their emotions, and can significantly reduce anxiety and pain.

Research shows that play therapy can improve children’s psychological well-being, enhance their coping skills, and even speed up recovery times. Play allows children to escape the confines of their illness and hospital environment, allowing space for creativity, resilience, and hope.

https://encourage-kids.org/donate/

Happy National Self Care Day! 💫

To all the dedicated Child Life Specialists: Your job is all about caring for others, but today, let’s focus on you. Self-care is crucial, especially in a field where you constantly put others first.

Prioritizing your well-being enables you to continue your amazing work with the energy and compassion it requires. Take a moment today (and every day!) to nurture yourself—whether it’s through a quiet walk, a good book, or simply taking a deep breath.

🧠🌟 Keep Your Child’s Brain Healthy! 🌟🧠

Want to boost your child’s brain power? Here are 6 tips to celebrate

Balanced Nutrition: Fuel their brains with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and omega-3-rich foods like fish and nuts.

Physical Activity: Keep them moving with sports, outdoor play, and fun exercises to enhance blood flow and mood.

Adequate Sleep: Establish a regular sleep routine to support brain development and memory.

Mental Stimulation: Challenge their minds with puzzles, reading, and creative activities like drawing and music.

Social Interaction: Foster friendships and group activities to build emotional intelligence and cognitive skills.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Teach deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and improve focus.

Keeping your child’s brain healthy is crucial for their overall development and well-being. A well-nourished and active brain supports learning, memory, and emotional regulation, setting the foundation for academic success and social skills. By incorporating balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, mental stimulation, social interaction, and mindfulness into their daily routine, you can help your child build a resilient and sharp mind.

Investing in their brain health now ensures they have the tools to thrive both academically and personally, paving the way for a bright and fulfilling future.

Flashback Friday to a smile-filled and incredible day at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone for our Teddy Clinic! 🧸

Our new FAO Teddy, along with Ryan Field from ABC7NY and Toy Soldier Johnny from FAO Schwarz, brought endless smiles to the pediatric patients. Watching the kids play doctor with their Teddies and create unforgettable memories was truly heartwarming for us all. 🩺

Teddy brings smiles and comfort, embodying the mission of what we do here at enCourage Kids Foundation.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, especially Bill Southard and Southard Communications for sponsoring this special event.

We had a fantastic day of golf, fun, and philanthropy at our annual golf outing! A very special thank you to our Golf Committee whose hard work and dedication helped to make our 21st Annual Golf Outing a success.

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us, including our new and long-time supporters. Your presence and generosity mean the world to us and to the children we serve. Here’s to many more successful events together!

Thank you to the members of the Golf Committee:
Hank Celestino of L&L Holding Company
Robert Speranza Jr of Nouveau Elevator
Neal Garelik of Excel Security Corporation
Mark A LoFrumento of Cool Breeze Air Conditioning
Andrea Barragan of AB Energy Partners
Marco Bulzomi of Rockefeller Group
John Fitzsimmons of LeFrak
Anthony Genovese of CBRE
Eric Gural of GFP Real Estate
Michael E. Keaveney of Sage
Anne Kennedy of Cushman & Wakefield
Rosemarie P. Krol, RPA of CBRE
Dina Levinson of Philips International
Chris Masotto of Cannon Hill Capital Partners
Sal Mincone of Principal Building Services
Christopher Niland, RPA, LEED AP of Fisher Brothers
Bonnie Pfleiderer of Swinerton
Geraldine Szabo, LEED AP, WBE of GKS Industries, Inc.
Wayne Taub of Jack Resnick & Sons, Inc.

We are so grateful to support St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children 🧸🩵

Thank you to everyone who made our 21st Annual Golf Outing possible. ⛳️

Thanks to our exceptional honoree, donors, sponsors, participants, and supporters, we raised more than $250,000 for hospitalized children in need of joy, hope, and healing. Your generous contributions and unwavering support will have a profound impact on the lives of these children and their families.

A special thank you to our Honoree, Anthony Zografos, for his outstanding contribution to the event. His dedication and generosity played a crucial role in our success, and we are deeply grateful for his support.

Thank you once again to Cool Breeze Air Conditioning, Excel Security Corporation and Nouveau Elevator for your generous sponsorship. Thank you to Mill River Club and Pine Hollow Golf Club for being spectacular hosts.

The funds raised will go towards providing essential child life services to hospitalized children nationwide.

Thank you all for enjoying a round of golf and for helping us bring joy, hope, and healing to kids who need it most.

Affirmations for month 💜 Sometimes we can all use positive reminders to help make our days better! Children of all abilities deserve support, accommodations and the ability to live a full and abundant life.

What’s your favorite affirmation? Let us know in the comments! 🧸

Happy National Watercolor Month! 🌈 To celebrate, we are sharing a fun and emotionally-regulating art activity that any child can enjoy.

🖌️❤️ Kids can paint a big heart and fill it with everything and everyone they love. As they do, they can take a moment to reflect on how this makes them feel.

Art therapy has incredible benefits for hospitalized children. It:
🌟 Reduces stress and anxiety
🌟 Encourages self-expression and emotional release
🌟 Provides a sense of accomplishment and joy
🌟 Fosters creativity and imagination
🌟 Offers a distraction from pain and discomfort

By engaging in creative activities, children can find comfort and happiness, even during challenging times.

Did you know that July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day? 🐻

Our enCourage Kids Teddy is having a blast at a picnic, enjoying the sunshine and the great outdoors today, but did you know that Teddy also has a very special mission?

Our enCourage Kids Teddy travels to children’s hospitals nationwide, bringing smiles, comfort, and a sense of security to kids who need it most.

From bear hugs to offering a reassuring presence, Teddy plays a vital role in helping children cope with their hospital stays.

One of the key ways our Teddy helps is through medical play. Medical play is a therapeutic activity that uses toys and medical equipment to help children understand and become familiar with the procedures and treatments they are undergoing. This type of play allows kids to express their feelings, ask questions, and gain a sense of control in an otherwise intimidating environment.

Through medical play, our enCourage Kids Teddy can transform into a doctor, nurse, or patient, demonstrating procedures and explaining medical tools in a fun and non-threatening way, just like at our recent Teddy Clinic at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone

We believe that every child deserves to feel supported, especially during tough times. That’s why we are committed to bringing our enCourage Kids Teddy to hospitals across the country.

With your help, we can continue to spread joy and make hospital stays a little brighter.

Join us in celebrating Teddy Bear Picnic Day by donating Teddy!

https://encourage-kids.org/send-a-bear/

Play is a critical component of healing for hospitalized children. It provides a sense of normalcy, helps them express their emotions, and can significantly reduce anxiety and pain.

Research shows that play therapy can improve children’s psychological well-being, enhance their coping skills, and even speed up recovery times. Play allows children to escape the confines of their illness and hospital environment, allowing space for creativity, resilience, and hope.

At enCourage Kids Foundation, we are dedicated to the healing power of play for pediatric patients. By incorporating play into the care routines of children in hospitals across the country, we help them face their challenges with strength and positivity.

Your donation can help us continue to provide these essential play experiences, bringing smiles, comfort, and hope to children when they need it most.

Support enCourage Kids Foundation and make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children today.

https://encourage-kids.org/donate/

This month, we honor the incredible achievements and contributions of the differently-abled community. It’s a time to amplify their voices, learn from their experiences, and advocate for their rights.

People with disabilities have enriched our world with their unique talents, perspectives, and resilience. From art and literature to science and activism, their impact is undeniable. Yet, many still face barriers to access, comfort, and opportunities to thrive.

It’s our collective responsibility to educate ourselves about the challenges they face and to push for greater inclusivity. This means advocating for accessible spaces, supporting policies that promote equal rights, and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.

Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive. Let’s make every month a month of pride and progress for the differently-abled community.

Happy Fourth of July! Wishing everyone a safe and fun day celebrating our country.

As we gear up for Fourth of July festivities, let’s not forget the importance of keeping our kids hydrated. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining their energy levels, supporting their digestive systems, and regulating their body temperature—especially during outdoor activities in the summer heat.

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even heat-related illnesses. Make sure to offer water regularly, include water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers, and set a good example by staying hydrated yourself. Let’s ensure our children stay healthy and hydrated while enjoying the celebrations this Thursday! 💧🌞

Sensory-Friendly Tips for Enjoying Fireworks This 4th of July! 🇺🇸

With just 3 days until the festivities, it’s important to remember that the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be overwhelming for some children, especially those with sensory sensitivities.

Fireworks can cause sensory overload, leading to stress and anxiety. But don’t worry! There are steps we can take to make these festivities enjoyable for everybody.

Swipe for some helpful tips to ensure your child has a positive experience 🇺🇸🎆

We’re thrilled to announce our honoree for the 21st Annual Golf Outing: Anthony Zografos, Associate Director at CBRE, Inc.

Anthony Zografos, Associate Director in the New York City Property Management Division of CBRE, Inc., brings a wealth of experience in managing, supervising, and coordinating property management, maintenance, development, and construction activities for numerous midtown and downtown properties. His impressive career includes roles as Vice President of Property Management for Swig Equities, LLC, General Manager with Equity Office Properties, L.L.C, and contributions to the redevelopment of the Chrysler Building with Tishman Speyer Properties.

Join us on Monday, July 15, for a day of golf and charity as we support hospitalized children and their families. Sign up today to make a difference (and have some fun, too!) ⛳️

http://encourage-kids.org/ekf-golf

What an incredible day at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone for our Teddy Clinic! 🧸

We were thrilled to bring our new FAO Schwarz Teddy, along with special guests Ryan Field from ABC7 and Toy Soldier Johnny from FAO Schwarz to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone for a special Teddy Clinic. The pediatric patients had an amazing time playing doctor with their Teddies, learning about medical procedures in a fun and engaging way, and creating unforgettable memories. 🩺

The joy on their faces as they examined, treated, and cared for their Teddy Bears was truly heartwarming. Each child had the opportunity to take their Teddy home, a special friend to comfort them and remind them of their courage throughout their own medical journeys.

Play therapy, especially medical play, is so important for children in the hospital. It helps them understand their own treatments, reduces anxiety, and empowers them to communicate their feelings. Days like yesterday remind us of the power of play in healing and the incredible resilience of pediatric patients across the country.

One parent shared, “My daughter is having open heart surgery and this is an amazing program that shows her she is going to be safe during her procedure. She was scared, but this event put her mind at ease.”

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, especially Bill Southard and Southard Communications who sponsored the Bears for this Teddy Clinic, and to our special guests for bringing extra smiles and joy.

🐻✨ Guess who’s getting ready for a special mission tomorrow?

Our adorable new FAO Schwarz Teddy has been busy packing his bags with love and care because tomorrow, he’s off to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Southard Communications and Bill Southard, Teddy is eager to spread joy during our bear-y special distribution event. We’ve even seen him practicing his warmest hugs and sweetest smiles just for the kids, and is ready to help kids prepare for their medical experiences with the magic of play!

We rely on compassionate partners such as Southard Communications to make this crucial work possible. Your support is instrumental in making a difference in the lives of these children.

“Medical play is just one of the many interventions facilitated by our team of certified child life specialists within Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care at NYU Langone’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. This type of play happens when patients play with real or pretend medical items in a fun, nonthreatening way. Kids will often play out some of their own medical experiences on a doll or stuffed animal. This gives them a sense of control over their own care. By using medical equipment in a playful way like this, patients can learn about what medical items do, feel better prepared for their own procedures, and cope better overall,” - Jami Egorow, MS, CCLS, clinical manager for Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies at Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital

Stay tuned for heartwarming moments tomorrow live from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

What is comfort positioning?

Comfort positioning is a vital technique in pediatric care, providing children with a sense of security that reduces anxiety during medical procedures.

By using supportive holds, we can create a calmer, more cooperative environment for children, leading to better outcomes and less stress for both the kids and caregivers.

Ensuring that children feel safe and supported is at the heart of what child life specialists do and enCourage Kids is proud to support the healing power of child life!

We are deeply grateful to Southard Communications for their generous sponsorship of our upcoming Teddy Bear Distribution at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

We are proud to help celebrate Southard Communications’s 30 years in business by making a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients together.

A special thank you to Bill Southard for his generosity and kindness that will bring joy and comfort to hospitalized children.

Receiving these Bears is the highlight of the children’s days, offering them moments of happiness and comfort during challenging times. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without the support of compassionate partners like Southard Communications.

Thank you for helping us make a difference in these children’s lives.

Today we honor the journey to freedom, and celebrate the resilience, culture, and spirit of Black communities.

Happy Juneteenth from enCourage Kids!

☀️🔥 Today’s NYC heatwave calls for extra vigilance, especially when it comes to kids’ safety.

High temperatures can pose serious health risks like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for young ones whose bodies regulate heat differently.

Let’s keep them cool and comfortable indoors or in shaded areas, ensuring they stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Together, we can make sure this summer is safe and enjoyable for everyone, even during a heatwave!

Happy Father’s Day from enCourage Kids!

June is National Cancer Survivors Month!

Join us in celebrating the incredible strength and resilience of the 18 million cancer survivors living their best, cancer-free lives. Their journeys inspire us all to prioritize our health and take proactive steps toward cancer prevention.

Swipe to learn 5 powerful ways you can reduce your risk of cancer and support your long-term well-being. Let’s honor survivors and commit to a healthier future together.

Pride Month is a time of celebration, visibility, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of acceptance, love, and equal rights for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It’s a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards inclusivity and support for those who have historically faced discrimination and marginalization.
 
One of the most critical aspects of Pride Month is family support, especially for LGBTQIA+ children and youth. Acceptance and affirmation from family members can significantly impact the well-being and mental health of young individuals exploring their identities. Families play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment where their children feel valued and supported for who they are.
 
Encouraging open and honest communication is key. Providing a space where children feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection is vital. This involves actively listening to their experiences, respecting their identity, and validating their feelings. It’s about fostering an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance, where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated.
Educating oneself about LGBTQIA+ issues and terminology is also essential. Understanding the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals helps in offering informed support and advocacy. It shows a commitment to learning and growth, demonstrating solidarity with loved ones who may be navigating their identities.
 
Here at enCourage Kids Foundation, we champion inclusivity through various initiatives, ensuring that every child feels seen and supported regardless of their background or identity. You can count on us to support you!
 
Together, we can continue to celebrate Pride not just as a month of awareness, but as a ongoing journey towards equality and understanding. Happy Pride from enCourage Kids!
 
Save and share these 6 tips with a friend or family member who may need support!