Free Services for Westchester Residents Facing Covid Challenges

Many Westchester residents are struggling due to job loss, anxiety, food insecurity, and other challenges caused by the Covid pandemic. WJCS is offering free services provided by The COVID Relief Hub, a UJA-Federation of NY initiative, The COVID Relief Hub, powered by WJCS, is designed to assist Westchester residents who have critical needs due to the far-reaching impact of the pandemic.

Career guidance workshops, job search support, emotional support workshops, counseling, kosher home-delivered meals to homebound seniors, and access to community resources to assist with food insecurity, cash assistance, and financial counseling are being offered free of charge.
Please review our list below of free workshops available in February and March.

Career Services

Wednesday, March 17
10:00 - 11:30 am
Job Search Strategies for the New Normal
Guest Speaker Deb Krawiec

Living in the new normal requires strategies for the times. We must readjust and fine tune our skills. In this presentation Deb Krawiec, Principal Career Management Consultant, from Arrow Career Consulting, will review proven job search skills and focus on the top three success strategies job seekers implement during changing times.

BIO:
Deb Krawiec is the Founder and Principal Career Management Consultant of her consulting practice, Arrow Career Consulting. She has helped clients from a variety of industries successfully transition to their next career and job opportunity by drawing upon her strong career counseling skills, keen business insights and vast knowledge of proven job search strategies. She offers a wide variety of support to her clients which includes career exploration, resume writing, interview prep and effective networking strategies. Previous to launching her private practice, Deb worked 20 years in the Outplacement Industry, working 17 of those years for Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) where she last held the position of Vice President / Career Coach. She also has a background in HigherEd, working as an Adjunct Professor and Career Advisor. Deb has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, is a National Certified Career Counselor and is an active member within a number of local professional associations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dk...

As a National Certified Counselor, Deb draws on her 20 plus years of experience and knowledge to help clients land their next job and/or career opportunity by applying proven and savvy job search strategies and career assessments when applicable.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Wednesday, March 24
10:00 - 11:30 am

Designing Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal letter you send alongside your resume. Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume. Unlike a resume, a cover letter lets you introduce yourself to the hiring manager, provide context for your achievements and qualifications and explain your motivation for joining the company.

Facilitated by: Michael Weiss, Career Specialist
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Mental Health Services

Mondays, March 1, 8 and 15
12:00 - 12:35 pm

Breath-Body-Mind Workshop
TAKE THIRTY-FIVE--a 35-minute workshop for weary moms, dads and grandparents, movement-needy kids and everyone else who may be interested in taking a half-hour break to re-energize, re-balance and release tensions. Using a series of gentle, easy and fun movements and coherent breathing practices, we will help restore balance and calm to the body and the mind.

The workshop is based on the work of world-renown integrative psychiatrists, Dr. Richard P. Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, www.Breath-Body-Mind.com, who have developed safe and natural approaches to the treatment of stress, anxiety, trauma and other medical and emotional conditions. Their evidenced-based treatment also enhancing the body's natural inclinations toward health, joy, hope and compassion. Try it once - it's only 35 minutes - and if you find the practices useful, join us again!

Facilitated by Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, and Brenda Haas, LCSW, both clinical social workers in the Division of Jewish Programs. RSVP to Brenda Haas: bhaas@wjcs.com
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Tuesday, March 16
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Parents of College Students
Parents of college students are facing a unique set of challenges as they navigate the joys and stresses of having adult children living at home while dealing with their concern for their children and their own personal and professional stress. Please join us for an opportunity to connect with other parents to share your experiences and support one another.

Please register by contacting Jennifer Schmelkin, LCSW: jschmelkin@wjcs.com
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Thursday, March 18
12:00 - 1:00 pm

Connecting with Other Parents During the Pandemic
Parents are describing feelings of being depleted, stressed and isolated as they juggle work, remote learning and the demands of raising children. Join us for an opportunity to connect with other parents for sharing, support and self-care during this challenging time.

RSVP to Jennifer Schmelkin: jschmelkin@wjcs.com.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Tuesday, March 23
6:00 - 7:00 pm
College Student Support Group
Many college-aged students are learning remotely and are missing social connections and peer support. One of the challenges during the COVID pandemic is managing feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Please join us for an ongoing support group series to discuss coping strategies and foster social connections with others.

Please register by contacting Jennifer Schmelkin, LCSW: jschmelkin@wjcs.com
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

Thursday, March 25
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
The Empty Seat at the Seder Table: A Program for Bereaved Jews
A pre-Passover gathering to share your loss with others and to discuss how to utilize the Passover seder as a healing modality. Facilitated by Gillian Rittmaster, LCSW, and Rabbi Pamela Wax.
Please register by contacting Rabbi Pamela Wax at pwax@wjcs.com.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

4 Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28
1:30 - 3:00 pm

Disenfranchised Grief: When Will Healing Come?
There are few support systems or traditions that honor the grief we may experience for deaths other than those of parents, children or spouses. If you are mourning the death of a friend, a sibling, a grandparent, an in-law, an ex-spouse, an aunt or an uncle, please join us for this special bereavement group to explore and honor your loss. Facilitated by Gillian Rittmaster, LCSW, and Rabbi Pamela Wax.

Please register by contacting Rabbi Pamela Wax at pwax@wjcs.com.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

4 Thursdays, April 8, 15, 22 and 29
12:00 - 1:30 pm

COVID-19 Bereavement Group

In these uncertain times of physical distancing, grievers are feeling more alone and isolated than ever. Human connection and support are crucial to those who are grieving. If you have lost a loved one to COVID-19, WJCS is here to support you. We are currently taking registrations for our April virtual support group.
If interested, please contact: Jennifer Schmelkin, Social Worker at jschmelkin@wjcs.com.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP HERE

For More information about:
Employment Services, contact Lisa Morris at lmorris@wjcs.com
Mental Health Services, contact Jen Schmelkin at jschmelkin@wjcs.com


Meet the COVID-19 Relief Hub Team:
Sherry Birnbaum, LCSW
Assistant Executive Director, Jewish Programs Division

Lisa Morris
Program Coordinator, Career Specialist

Jill Schreibman, LCSW
Social Worker

Naomi Koller, MBA
Career Specialist

Michael Weiss, MBA
Career Specialist

Sylvia Davi
Administrative Assistant

If you have a financial, emotional or employment concerns, please contact Lisa at 914.761.0600 X2150 or lmorris@wjcs.com.
If you would like to speak with a mental health professional, please contact Jen Schmelkin, LCSW at jschmelkin@wjcs.com.