Jawonio

Congratulations to our Jawonio Foundation Director Molly Gibeau-Griffin who has just received her certification as a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE). Molly now joins over 7,700 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.

“On behalf of the entire Jawonio Foundation Board, we congratulate Molly on her outstanding commitment and dedication to the fundraising profession. We know the Foundation has been and will continue to be in good hands with Molly at the helm.” said Dan Salmon, Chairman of the Jawonio Foundation.

Employers and donors who work with CFREs know they are getting a professional who is committed to the best outcomes for their organization and has the requisite knowledge and skills. The CFRE certification program is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and is the only accredited certification for fundraising professionals.

We remember.

A message from Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro to our amazing DSPs in both Rockland and Westchester in recognition of Direct Support Professionals Week, September 8-14:
As we celebrate Direct Support Professional Week, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the incredible work you do every single day. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to those we serve make a profound difference in their lives, fostering independence, dignity, and joy. Your work is at the heart of our mission, and it is because of your tireless efforts that we are able to provide such meaningful care and support.
Thank you for the kindness, patience, and professionalism you bring to this role. You are truly making the world a better place, and we are honored to have you as part of our team. Let’s take this week to reflect on the positive impact you have, celebrate your achievements, and continue to support one another in the amazing work that you do.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… the Jawonio Virtual Gala awaits!! Join us for our 5th anniversary event of the season!! Please consider a sponsorship or donation today and share with your friends!! We have two amazing honorees who represent the Jawonio community with their hearts in Patrick Heaphy, President, LCM247 and Sabrina HoSang Jordan Jawonio Foundation Board Member and CEO, Caribbean Food Delights

2024 Virtual Gala | Jawonio Organization Pre-Register for the 2024 Gala here Jawonio Organization

A phenomenal partnership has begun for the health and wellness of our individuals with special needs. Thank you so much to the Westchester Institute For Human Development for bringing their Mobile Dental Clinic to us. Shout out to CEO Randi Rios-Castro for bringing this initiative and the smiles to Jawonio. Thank you to Joanne Lupo, our Director of Nursing, for the implementation of this monthly program on site.

A phenomenal partnership has begun for the health and wellness of our individuals with special needs. Thank you so much to the Westchester Institute For Human Development, for bringing their monthly Mobile Dental Clinic to us. Shout out to our CEO Randi Rios-Castro for bringing this initiative and the smiles to Jawonio and to Joanne Lupo for the implementation of this monthly program on site.

On behalf of Randi Rios-Castro, CEO, our entire Jawonio family, including both our Corporate and Foundation Board of Directors, we wish to express our deepest condolences to Jawonio Foundation Board member Sabrina HoSang Jordan, the entire HoSang family and the Caribbean Food Delights family on their loss. May Jeanette’s memory be for a blessing.

We’re so proud to cheer on the incredible Paralympic athletes! Their determination, strength, and resilience inspire us all.

As we begin the last week of summer, we hope that everyone is taking in these wonderful last days with family and friends, along with good health and fun! Please enjoy a few of our Summer 2024 memories and events through Randi's newsletter. Summers at Jawonio have always been special for our children and their families for more than 75 years. We hope you enjoy all of our events and programs, and especially the smiles, photos and joy all around us! So much good happens here in every season!!

CEO Newsletter: Summer 2024 | Jawonio Organization CEO Newsletter, Summer 2024 A Message from Randi Rios-Castro, CEO Randi Rios-Castro, CEO The summer season has brought some wonderful memories for our Jawonio Organization

Through our Jawonio Autism Resource Training Center, we are excited to share our second in a series FREE Zoom Presentation this Wednesday, August 21st at 7pm. Register HERE: https://jawonio.org/autism-resource-training-center/ FatheringAutism Autism Society of America Autism Spectrum News Autism Speaks Autism Mothers Autism Parenting Summit Autism Awareness Autism Moms Support And Awareness Autism Speaks New York Autism Speaks New Jersey AutismConnect Autism Partnership Foundation https://ow.ly/WMMN50T1wmq LIFEPlan CCO NY Care Design NY Leadership Rockland Advance Care Alliance New York Tri-County Care Rockland Works Rockland News Center for Parent Information and Resources Person Centered Services Rockland County Government Rockland BOCES New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities Venture Together The Arc Rockland The Arc Westchester The Arc New York Rockland County Clerk RTC and WTC Institute The Arc Mid-Hudson Rockland Parent Autism Parent Support Group Rockland Community College Behavioral Health Response Team RocklandParents The Nyack Center East Ramapo Central School District Town of Orangetown Rockland County Family Events

Thank you Amy Stern and all of the volunteers and sponsors supporting Jawonio Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation The Rockland Community Foundation and Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland
And as such, the 2nd annual Rockland Duck Derby Fundraiser held yesterday at Germonds Pool in Town of Clarkstown was a wonderful way to celebrate our collective work for those who need all of us. Here is the News 12 Hudson Valley story with our CEO Randi Rios-Castro sharing the gratitude and importance of events like this one!

Rockland Duck Derby raises money for charity groups Proceeds from the derby support four different charities, including an organization that serves people with special needs called Jawonio.

Dr. Heidi McCarthy, our Co-Director of Education Services at Jawonio and a champion for students with disabilities for 45 years, has been awarded the prestigious New York Council of Administrators of Special Education Friend of Special Education Award! Her lifelong dedication and impactful work have made a profound difference in the lives of countless students. We applaud her achievements and congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.

Ice cream day was a total blast at Jawonio’s Summer Education Program! 🍦☀️ Huge thanks to Kangaroo Swirls for the delicious treats that cooled us down and sweetened our day. Our students had a blast!

Feelin’ lucky??? Feelin’’duxky?? Final days to Rockland Duck Derby
Join us!!

On Thurs. Aug 15th we are hosting our last in-person tables where you can purchase duck entries. We will be in front of Nyack Fresh (on farmer's market day) from 8:30-3 followed by the Rockland Business Association BBQ at Patriot Lounge. (Make sure to sign up if you haven't done so.) If you can't buy your ducks in person, go to rocklandduckderby.org

8/14/2024 l 7pm: PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT: Build your Dream Team
Presenter: Daniel Moldovan, Rockland County Disability Coordinator
Join Daniel Moldovan, New York Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (NY SCION) Disability Resource Coordinator for Rockland
County, in a discussion about ‘Building Your Dream Team’ to identify necessary steps and organizations in your area to assist you in reaching
your goals. Topics to be discussed: utilizing online and local resources available in the community, an overview of Social Security Administration
work incentives helping beneficiaries return to work, and successful strategies for carving your pathway to employment

Looking forward to supporting and assisting our families, neighbors and community to help you gain the tools and resources you need. Register here:
https://jawonio.org/autism-resource-training-center

Jawonio Autism Resource Center Series Launch Video

Mark Your Calendars! Wednesday, August 14th, our inaugural zoom session featuring Daniel Moldavan, Rockland County Disability Coordinator, through our Jawonio Autism Resource Training Center series is going live!! To register for this or any of our upcoming ARTC Series please visit: https://jawonio.org/autism-resource-training-center-2/

Tomorrow, August 9th, from 10am-12pm our 2nd essential distribution program offering food, healthcare, baby products and more for FREE at 176 South Broadway, Yonkers! ! For more information call: 914.963.8666 or email [email protected]

Thank you Therapy Dogs of Rockland for bringing such joy to our students today! It’s not a “ruff” day when your dog friends Greta, Emma and Teagan come to visit!

Therapy dogs provide a calming sensory experience for our students, help relieve stress and support social and emotional well being for our students of all ages!

Calling our Neighbors, Families and Friends throughout the communities who are looking for Autism Resources in all areas of need. Mark your calendars for our FREE Zoom Sessions beginning Wednesday, August 14th through our Jawonio Autism Resource Training Center. We are on your side, and we are here for you!! Contact Kristin Finch, Supervisor of Behavioral Specialists at [email protected].

Registration HERE: https://jawonio.org/autism-resource-training-center-2/

FatheringAutism Autism Spectrum News Autism Support Network Autism Mothers Autism Parenting Summit Autism Awareness America Autism Moms Support Group Autism United Autism Speaks New York Autism Speaks New Jersey Autism Connect Autism Partnership Foundation AutismAwareness.com AutismAwareness LIFEPlan CCO NY Care Design NY Leadership Rockland Advance Care Alliance New York Tri-County Care PrimeCare Coordination Person Centered Services

Jawonio Autism Resource Center Series Launch Video

Today, was the launch of our Essential Distribution Program in Yonkers. This program was funded thanks to a NYS grant from NY Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins who represents Jawonio in Yonkers. We are so grateful to the Senator, for providing the resources to us that will benefit our community.
The essentials program is operated by our Jawonio Day Habilitation Services staff and participants. Products offered for free include: non-perishable food, baby products, cleaning supplies, toiletries, self- care products and other essentials.
We are so proud of our amazing staff and participants who were absolutely extraordinary, compassionate and kind as always to our Yonkers neighbors.
Jawonio believes that everyone deserves access to the basic necessities and we are committed to doing our part to help those in need. The distribution will take place every 2 weeks, on Fridays from 10am-12pm at Jawonio, 176 S. Broadway, Yonkers NY
For more information please visit: https://jawonio.org/essential-distribution-program-yonkers/

to a historic moment! 34 years ago, the was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Jawonio was honored to be invited to the White House in 2010 to celebrate this landmark legislation with President Obama. While we’ve come a long way, we know there’s still work to be done to create a fully inclusive society. Let’s continue to strive for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to live, work, and play. Photo top left: President George HW Bush signing the original Americans with Disabilities Act. Photo top right: President Obama signing Executive Order to increase opportunities and hiring for PWD in federal workforce. hiring Bottom pics (L-R) is Joe Borno “Reppin” Jawonio as part of our delegation on the South Lawn that included(former staffer Stephen Barlam) and current staff Gary Rao, Hemant Mhatre and Diana Hess.

Jawonio is proud to announce our 2024 Friends Award Honorees Sabrina HoSang Jordan and Patrick Heaphy! We are so grateful for their generosity and passion for the most vulnerable people at Jawonio.

Join us December 8th at 11:30am as our Virtual Gala celebrates 5 amazing years!

Visit https://jawonio.org/2024-virtual-gala/ for pre-registration and sponsorship information.