UJA-Federation and WJCS News

More than 100 woman joined UJA-Federation of New York's cultural circle at the JCC of Mid-Westchester to watch Gabriela Kohen's autobiographical one-woman play, Decoding the Tablecloth, in which she portrays 20-plus characters in English, Spanish, and Yiddish. Decoding the Tablecloth spans five generations and describes Kohen's experiences as an immigrant girl growing up Jewish and Latina in New York. "In some ways, Gabriela's family story is the iconic Jewish story..." said Westchester Women's Philanthropy Chair Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale. "In many ways, it is also the UJA-Federation story. Where there is a Jew, there is UJA-Federation. Where there is a crisis, a need for rescue, a vulnerable individual, you'll find us there. That's what we do."

(Pictured above) Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale, Karen Sobel of Purchase, Rikki Kaplan of Scarsdale, Gabriela Kohen, and Jill Weisfeld of Scarsdale

WJCS Honors Linda Plattus and Penny Goldsmith

Scarsdale's Linda Plattus, center, and Penny Goldsmith, right, were honored by WJCS at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison last night by, from left, WJCS Board President Barry Kaplan (from Scarsdale), COO Bernie Kimberg and CEO Alan Trager. More than 400 WJCS supporters feted the two honorees and applauded their support of WJCS programs that benefit more than 20,000 people in Westchester every year. Guests also heard compelling stories of help and hope from two of those individuals in whose lives WJCS has made a difference.

Goldsmith was honored for her passionate advocacy for WJCS in recruiting fellow Board members and enlisting support for many programs, while Plattus was recognized for exceptional leadership in developing and shoring up programs that improve the lives of children and youth.

The gala raised more than $600,000 to enable WJCS to continue providing more than 70 mental health, home care, residential, special needs, educational and other programs to the Westchester Community.

"We are gratified by the overwhelming support of our donors, sponsors and attendees who gave generously," said Susan Lewen, director of development at WJCS, "and who value the vital impact WJCS is making to strengthen the lives of Westchester residents."

WJCS is one of the largest non-profit, non-sectarian human services agencies in Westchester, serving 20,000 people annually at 70 clinic, school, community and home-based locations throughout the county. The agency's integrated network of services includes mental health treatment and counseling, child and youth development programs, residential and non-residential programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, home health and geriatric services. The highest level of professional development and training is offered through the WJCS Educational Institute. For more information on WJCS, go to www.wjcs.com.