April's Child

After providing vital services to the families of Westchester for over 36 years, it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I must tell you that April's Child will be closing our doors for services on June 22nd. We are all so grateful for all you have done which has truly made a difference in our community.

We have office supplies and furniture available, please contact me by Monday, June 18th if you are interested.

Personally, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of and commitment to our mission to prevent child abuse, as well as your caring for me, the staff, and most of all the families we serve.

With care and respect,
Laura

April's Child will be holding a liquidation sale of our office furniture, supplies, equipment, toys, diapers, lounge furniture, kitchen supplies etc. on Tuesday, June 11th between 1 pm and 4 pm and Wednesday, June 12th between 9 am and 12 noon at 7-11 Legion Drive Valhalla. This will be cash and carry and all items must go! Please feel free to come and shop.

April's Child is open and with power. Please come by if you need a place to charge your electronics or to get some work done!

Reflections on Mother’s Day.
Some of us are born to and raised by wonderful mothers.
Some of us are born to and raised by mothers who can’t meet our needs.
Some of us are adopted, fostered or raised by wonderful mothers.
Some of us feel loved and appreciated by mother figures.
Some of us feel neglected and hurt by mother figures.
Some of us have loved and lost our mothers.
So Happy Mother’s Day to those who can appreciate this day and to the rest, we keep you in our hearts.

Thanks to this wonderful group of staff, students and volunteers for making the 8th Annual Taking Steps Against Child Abuse Walkathon such a wonderful success!

There is still time to register or donate to our 8th Annual Taking Steps Against Child Abuse Walkathon, this Sunday, May 6th at Rye Playland!

April's Child 2018 Taking Steps Against Child Abuse One Step at a Time Walk-a-thon

Locally, 2 toddlers died by the hands of their parents this month. PLEASE help April's Child prevent child abuse and raise awareness by participating in or donating to our 8th Annual Taking Steps Against Child Abuse Walkathon on Sunday May 6th at Rye Playland. YOU can make a difference!

April's Child 2018 Taking Steps Against Child Abuse One Step at a Time Walk-a-thon

Lend a hand, take a step, help a child!
Together we can prevent child abuse in Westchester County.
Please join me at the walk on May 6th at Rye Playland or support my walk! Thanks for making a difference!

April's Child 2018 Taking Steps Against Child Abuse One Step at a Time Walk-a-thon

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Today and everyday, let's do something to support and strengthen families. A kind word, a listening ear, holding a door open, carrying a stroller down the stairs...Together, we can truly make a difference!

We are back at work and ConEd is outside fixing the leak!

April's Child has been evacuated due to a gas leak in our building. We hope to be back up and running later today!

Thanks to Oprah for publicizing the affects of childhood trauma. For 36 years, April's Child has worked diligently to help families in Westchester County to eliminate childhood trauma and to deal with the trauma they face.

Treating childhood trauma Oprah Winfrey reports on how trauma plays a role in childhood development and what new methods are being used to help kids who have experienced it

April's Child got power back yesterday but the internet and phones remain without service. We are looking to be back at full strength tomorrow, Friday. Please email us or call us if you need and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

Thanks to the Social Workers who put their hearts and souls into helping others heal their hearts and souls. A committed group of people who advocate change with support and encouragement!

Tonight our Executive Director, Laura Schwartz, is the keynote speaker at the Induction Ceremony for the Phi Alpha Honor Society, Pi Pi Chapter at NYU Silver School of Social Work. Congratulations to our future Social Workers!

Oftentimes the conventional wisdom is that nonprofits exist purely for the value of charity, attract employees who seek to be paid as little as possible in order to direct more money to those served, defer investments in financial, technology, and communication systems that would advance their efforts because...again....of the belief the money would be far better spent directly on those in need. The result is an incredibly cockeyed view of the sector that actually results in making it much more difficult to meaningful address those served....and can result in fewer of them even being served at all. So...we all lose.

So now to the headline....you'd think this was going to be one more article that supports the growing....and virtually mainstream view....that the old-fashioned views of 'excessive overhead' in nonprofits is harmful and actually undermines the effectiveness of the sector. But, alas....not to be. The article starts out talking about the fact that donors generally believe nonprofits spend too much on overhead though when asked can't actually tell you what the overhead is. So the myth prevails and influences their giving while fueled by lack of knowledge.....a pretty dangerous combination.

It is only the very last paragraph where there is a gentle appeal to the idea that 'overhead' covers many essentials to a healthy and viable nonprofit and that nonprofits shouldn't be so concerned about what their overhead is. I say yes to a healthy overhead that creates the climate for healthy programs that serve people. I also say we need to start educating the public because their perception, uniformed as it is, is driving giving decisions. H/T Anne Dalton

Donors Pay Little Attention to Overhead Costs, Study Finds According to a study from Grey Matter Research and Opinions4Good, donors often have no idea what their favorite charity spends on overhead, administration, and fundraising....

Interested in helping children and family in Westchester County? Volunteer at April's Child as a Parent Aide! The 12 hour training will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27th 6 pm - 9:30 pm AND Wednesday, Feb. 28th 6 pm - 9:30 pm AND Saturday, March 3rd 9 am - 2:30 pm. Please call 914-997-2642 for more info and to schedule an orientation.

A sneak peak of the fun at April's Child's Best Chefs Celebration! Our Executive Director Laura Bernstein Schwartz with Jim Kleefield of Westchester Talk Radio!

If you can't make our fabulous Best Chefs Celebration on Thursday (There are still some tickets left!) then you might be interested in bidding on some of the items available. Please let me know if you would ,like to bid on an item and one of our specialists will bid conservatively for you! Please see below!
Dinner at Lilia
Who wouldn’t want to dine in one of the hottest restaurants in town? Located in a redone auto body shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this spot offers wood-fired Italian fare and homemade pastas by renowned chef, Missy Robbins.
The winner will receive dinner for four, wine paired chef’s tasting menu, and best of all, a guaranteed reservation! Bring in Missy’s new cookbook and she will sign it for you! Value: $500 Starting Bid: $500

Wine Tasting: The Great Regions of Europe
Host a wine tasting in your home for 6-10 people, led by Tim Kopec, former Wine Director of Veritas and Winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine Service at Veritas. The wine is donated and chosen with care from a private wine cellar. Though Tim will consult with you about food pairings, food is not included.
Value: $1,000 Starting Bid: $750

A Fresh Look for Spring
Have a room you’ve been dying to paint but haven’t had the time? This certificate entitles you to eight hours of painting (you supply the paint) by a professional from Korth and Shannahan Painting. Value: $500 Starting Bid: $150

Hot Diggity Dog!
You’ll gain a better understanding of your dog – and him of you – after 2 one-hour private in-home dog training sessions by Debbie Cuiffo, a dog trainer specializing in puppy socialization and obedience work so your dog can be a perfect canine citizen and good companion. Also included is a basket of treats and toys to keep your four-legged friend happy and occupied. Value: $300 Starting Bid: $100

Namaste
Find your inner peace and mindfulness with 1 private yoga session with Amy Luke at Sleepy Hollow Country Club AND 1 private Pilates session with Sarah Heston at Pilates Live. And after your workout with your mat and block, you can enjoy a big swig of cold water from your trendy Swell Bottle! Don’t forget to stretch with your roller!
Value: $300 Starting Bid: $150

Film Buff Heaven
A one year dual membership to the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY.
Hob nob with other local film buffs and celebrities as you enjoy all that Jacob Burns has to offer, such as free popcorn on the first Wednesday of the month, discounted movie tickets and access to special programs!
Value: $135 Starting Bid: $75

Time’s Up
A Shinola watch designed to stand out anywhere. Made in America! Value: $550 Starting Bid: $250

Let’s Go Rangers!
Four tickets to see the Rangers versus the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 6th, 2018.
Value: $400 Starting Bid: $250

Chow Down at Gus’s
Dinner for two at this beloved Harrison eatery serving a menu of simple seafood and American dishes in a beautiful setting. When it’s time for a home cooked meal, enjoy the gourmet ingredients in the accompanying gift basket.
Value: $200 Starting Bid: $100

Spectacular Views in the Andes
Anyone with a sense of adventure won’t want to miss the chance to stand astride the hemispheres with one foot planted on each side of the Equator! Spend a week in Ecuador in this family vacation home on the grounds of a top-rated Eco-Lodge located just 3 miles outside Otavalo, home of the famous Saturday crafts market. Otavalo is 1 ½ hours drive north of Quito. The home has views of the Cotacachi and Imbabura summits and is on the road to the Mojanda Lakes. Guests are able to use the facilities of the Casa Mojanda Inn, which offers horseback riding and tours at additional cost. Four bedrooms with king or queen beds, two baths, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and outdoor wood pizza oven. Value: $2,000 Starting Bid: $1,000

Zen
One hour Swedish massage or facial at Tranquility Spa in Scarsdale. Value: $117 Starting Bid: $50

Hey Rover, Hold That Door!
Love dogs? Collect doorstops? How about adding this great old cast iron terrier doorstop to your collection? Most likely made by the Hubley Manufacturing Company in the early 1900’s, this wonderful item isn’t just fun to look at but also very practical. Value: $275 Starting Bid: $150

A Little Bit of Broadway (without leaving Westchester!)
A fun night of great theatre and dining with 2 tickets to Westchester Broadway Theatre. Choose between A Chorus Line or Sister Act. Good for a Thursday, Friday or Sunday evening performance through April 30, 2018. Advance reservations required. Value: $200 Starting Bid: $50

Rao’s – The Hardest Reservation in NYC!
Reservation ONLY for dinner for 4 on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:30 PM. Rao’s NY (455 E. 114th Street) is a culinary national treasure, widely acclaimed for its authentic, southern Neapolitan cooking. Does not include cost of food or drink. Value: Priceless Starting Bid:

New Year, New Start, New You!
Take care of your mind and spirit and make your New Year’s resolutions realities! 90 minutes of life coaching (can be used as 1 or 2 sessions) with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Susan Branche. Explore what makes you tick …
Value: $600 Starting Bid: $200

Let Me Entertain You….
That’s what you’ll be saying now that you have all that you need to set a perfect party. Includes appetizer tray and dip bowl by Towle, a beautiful cutting board and Cutco knives. Value: $300 Starting Bid: $75

Picture This!
Capture moments that truly reflect you and your family at a two hour photo session at photographer Emma Reisman’s beautiful daylight studio in Tarrytown. Weather permitting, the session can also include outdoor photos on the studio’s 10 acres of park-like grounds. Value: $500 Starting Bid: $450

Born To Run!
Two orchestra tickets to SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY, on a date to be mutually determined with April’s Child and the lucky winner. Tickets must be used before June, 2018, with no shows on Sunday or Monday. No shows February 5 through February 27. Value: $900 Starting Bid: $900

Pan-Asian Perfection
Gift card to Tao Asian Bistro in NYC. Value: $150 Starting Bid: $100

Hidden Treasures
Have you cleaned out a relative’s basement and uncovered some old, worn out object? Not sure what it is? Or if it’s worth anything at all? Do you have old furniture, collectibles, silver or other decorative items that might have some value? Something that you might think is junk just might be a treasure. Josh Tane, owner of Adams Unlimited Inc., has been buying and selling antiques, vintage furniture, collectibles and estate contents for nearly 25 years. He will come to your home and spend an hour appraising any old, unusual or antique items you may have. Westchester, Bronx and southeastern Connecticut only. If you are out of the area, Josh will look at digital photos. Not applicable for jewelry, stamps, coins or furs. Value: $300 Starting Bid: $75

Cash n’ Carry?
Your new Longchamp bag can double as a trendy accessory or even a wine caddy! 3 Bottles of wine included here to get you started. Value: $160 Starting Bid: $75

Buffed, Puffed and Fluffed
Relax with a one hour Massage Envy facial, massage or stretch session. Value: $110 Starting Bid: $50

Martini and a Movie?
Enjoy a night in Pleasantville with 2 tickets to Jacob Burns Film Center and a $50 gift certificate to Lucy’s Bar and Kitchen.
Two packages available – will go to the top two bidders! Value: $78 Starting Bid: $40

Ladies (or gentlemen) who lunch
Enjoy lunch for two at each of these local eateries in Rye: Rye Grill and Bar, Ruby’s Oyster Bar and Morgan’s Fish House.
Each comes with its own $60 gift certificate. Value: $180 Starting Bid: $100

Are you “Worth” it?
Absolutely! Especially when you’re wearing this beautiful fur cowl from Worth. You can even up the ante with a $100 gift certificate to complete your outfit! Value: $398 Starting Bid: $150

Starry, Starry Night
Enjoy wearing these Touchstone Swarovski crystal earrings to your next event. Value: $65 Starting Bid: $25

Original Landscape
Let this beautiful painting bring style to your home. An original by Caroline O’Callaghan, this painting is sold in galleries and by interior designers. Value: $1,600 Starting Bid: $400

Café Altro Paradiso
Dinner in the city at acclaimed restaurant Café Altro Paradiso. A $200 gift certificate will allow you to enjoy Italian tapas in the West Village. You will certainly enjoy the food brought to you by the same folks that brought you Estela.
Value: $200 Starting Bid: $125

Life is like a box of chocolates
Especially if accompanied by champagne! Treat your valentine to a special evening with these treats.
Value: $75 Starting Bid: $40

Basket O’Cheer
Wind down your evening with international flair! Ketel One Vodka, Bailey’s Almonde and Punzone Lemoncino with glasses and wine stopper. Value: $120 Starting Bid: $60

If you can't make it to the BEST CHEFS Celebration on Feb 1st, or even if you can, below are some of the special auction items. Please contact me if you are interested in bidding on one of these fabulous items!

ROA's
Reservation for dinner for 4 on Monday, 10/22/18 at 9:30pm (does not include cost of food or drink);

LILIA in Williamsburg, Bklyn
Dinner for 4, chefs tasting menu, wine paired, guaranteed reservation & Missy's cookbook signed at dinner;

SPRINGSTEEN on Broadway
2 orchestra tickets (date tbd with winner and donor).

April's Child Best Chefs

April's Child updated their info in the about section.

April's Child will be closed this week as we pack and move to our new space. We can be reached by phone if needed. We are looking forward to seeing you all in our new space in the new year!

Please help make the holidays bright for families in need. There are still families waiting to be "adopted". Please consider purchasing an item or items on the list and allowing April's Child to make someone's dream come true! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094caba92aa0fa7-adopt1

Adopt- a- Family Adopt A Family is a holiday giving program designed to help those in need celebrate the holiday season. You are encouraged to "adopt" as many families or individual items as you wish. Please note - we have over 50 families. You may need to scroll through our whole list as you are deciding. All do...

Join Family & Children's Council as we support and encourage...a strong parent, child or family makes for a strong community. ♡

Our annual "adopt a family" drive is in full swing! Thank you to our generous donors! A special shout out to Clancy Movers and Armonk Physical Therapy who each collected piles of much needed items!