News Archive: April 2010

April 30, 2010: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Programs in Mental Health News

Martha Spital, Sararivka Liberman, and Susan Trachtenberg Paula have authored an article in the current issue of Mental Health News — Spring 2010, Vol 12 No 2 (on pages 18 & 42).

The article, “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Helps Clients Cope with Anxiety Disorders,” addresses JBFCS’s CBT approach in treating anxiety disorders, and provides examples of various therapeutic settings for dealing with individual client needs. The coauthors are all JBFCS specialists in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy — Ms. Spital is an Administrative Supervisor at the J. W. Beatman Counseling Center, Ms. Liberman an Administrative Supervisor at our Boro Park Clinic, and Ms. Paula is Director of CBT training at the Martha K. Selig Educational Institute.

April 29, 2010: Merker Theatre Benefit: Sardi’s & ‘The Addams Family’

The annual Lindsay Elisabeth Merker Theatre Benefit was held at Sardi’s on April 29th, followed by a fantastic performance of ‘The Addams Family’ starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. This was the 15th annual Merker event, raising money and awareness for JBFCS’ Center for Child Development and Learning and is sponsored by Linda Nash Merker and Robert Merker in memory of their daughter, Lindsay.

Robert Merker and Linda Nash Merker

April 21, 2010: Spring Benefit Gala Raises Over $800,000

On Wednesday, April 21st, JBFCS celebrated our annual Spring Benefit with 425 guests at Guastavino's on East 59th Street. This year's benefit — with the theme of Made In New York — honored John A Herrmann, David F. Everett, & Russell Simmons. We are pleased that Assemblyman David Weprin and Councilman Oliver Koppell were good enough to stop by and spend some time to show their support of our work.

Honorees: John A Herrmann, Russell Simmons & David F. Everett	L-R: Rabbi Marc Schneier, Co-Founder Foundation for Ethnic Understanding; Russell W. Simmons, Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications; John A Herrmann, Chair of the Board; Jean L. Troubh, Chair of the Board; David F. Everett, Vice President; Steven Fasman, Vice President & Co-Chair Executive Committee. (Photo: Michael Priest)

Paul Levine, JBFCS Executive Vice President & CEO, remarked, “Tonight's event was a success on so many levels. We raised over $800,000 to support our work, we introduced the agency to a whole new audience of supporters—and we celebrated the outcomes of our work by featuring a number of former and current clients who have overcome their not-insignificant struggles with our help. Many of them have gone on to great things. That is what this agency is all about: helping people put their lives back together and succeeding despite the odds. I am extremely proud of what we do.”

L-R: Jerry W. Levin, UJA Chair of Board; Carol Levin, JBFCS Trustee; Katie Rost; Russell W. Simmons. (Photo: Michael Priest)	L-R: Anthony E. Mann, President; Mary Pender Greene, Assistant Executive Director; David Burstine, former client, JBFCS & wife, Klarissa; Carol Davidson, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs. (Photo: Michael Priest)

Entertainment during the cocktail hour was provided by our young people from our Hawthorne Cedar Knolls campus of JBFCS in partnership with “Road Recovery” — an organization of professional musicians dedicated to helping young people battle addiction and other adversities through the power of musical expression.

Young people from Hawthorne Cedar Knolls campus, along with adults: David Burstine (left); Phyllis Thornhill, Linden Hill RTF Team Leader (rear); and Russell W. Simmons (front center). (Photo: Michael Priest)	Dinning at Guastavino’s. (Photo: Michael Priest)

April 20, 2010: UJA-Federation Honors Carol Levin

UJA-Federation of New York honored Carol Levin, JBFCS Trustee, for her leadership, dedication, and support. The April 20th event was held on behalf of UJA-Federation's network of Health and Human Service Agencies.

L-R: Tony Mann, JBFCS President; Carol Levin, Trustee; and Paul Levine, Executive VP & CEO

April 20, 2010: Sanctuary Stitchers Delivers Warmth in Many Ways

Liza Kuritsky and Ellie Bogdonoff of JBFCS Volunteer Services travelled to our Westchester Campus to present residents with colorful handmade blankets from the Sanctuary Stitchers Blanket Project. This month, 62 blankets were distributed in small on-site ceremonies to youngsters from Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, Linden Hill, and the Goldsmith Center. These lovingly handmade blankets were as bright as the youngsters’ smiles and as the teens embraced their gifts they conveyed their thanks. True appreciation; however, is due to the hundreds of volunteers who support the Blanket Project through their generous contributions of time and effort in creating the individual pieces. This program truly brings warmth to the lives of children and young adults living under JBFCS’ roof.

Sanctuary Stitchers Program Coordinator Liza Kuritsky presents a blanket to a youth recipient.	Liza Kuritsky and blanket recipient.