NCJW VOLUNTEERS AT YCS 2014 ANNUAL MEETING

On Monday September 23^rd, on a beautiful first evening of autumn, NCJW BCS volunteers were greeted and warmly welcomed by YCS President Richard Mingoia at the YCS Annual Meeting. In the courtyard of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Ridgewood our members mingled with YCS folk and volunteers from other organizations and enjoyed a champagne reception, followed by a delicious buffet dinner.

The YCS board of trustees was voted in for the coming year, three of whom, Ellen Jacobs, Peggy Kabakow and Fay Samuels are also members of NCJW BCS. We heard moving speeches, including those from a mother whose autistic son’s life was turned round thanks to YCS and a YCS youth who spoke about how YCS helped him get his life back and is now on track for college. We celebrated with them the many achievements of YCS and their children and families.

Richard’s message focused on  YCS’s ongoing commitment to be responsive to the needs of children, the children’s families and all of YCS’s loyal supporters. He said that YCS is fortunate to have such a wide range of people who go to great lengths to help ensure their children have the best possible opportunities for a happy, healthy and hopeful life. YCS staff, volunteers and supporters alike have a profound impact on the children’s lives – showing them that there are people who truly care about them and want them to succeed. In closing, he thanked everyone for all they have done to keep the children safe and their future bright.

NCJW Bergen County Section supports YCS programs at the Holley Center and Kilbarchan with volunteers and funding. The Holley Child Care and Development Center is a residential treatment facility for emotionally and/or physically abused children in crisis. Kilbarchan is a residential treatment home for adolescent boys. It offers a safe environment where each teen’s developmental needs are met.