Resources and Information in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

We're not reinventing the wheel, just doing what we do best:  coordinating information to help our member organizations do their jobs effectively.  Below are links to resources, information on volunteer opportunities, supply drives, etc.

Please let us know if you have additional information to add to this list.

NOTE:  The link in our newsletter dated 11/8/12 was incorrect.  Please click HERE to donate to UJA's Hurricane Relief Fund.

Volunteer opportunities through UJA-Federation of New York

Connect-to-Care has reopened and is available to help members of the Jewish community cope with economic and career distress. You may contact them at 914-470-5721  E-mail:  connecttocare@wjcs.com

For small businesses:  http://www.sba.gov/content/2012-hurricane-and-tropical-storm-recovery-assistance-information

From the Mamaroneck Community Action Program (C.A.P. Center): Our most urgent need is with our homework assitance program which is very important to give the kids a sense of normaly and help them catch up with their curriculum. Our program runs Monday thru Thursday 6-7:30PM and welcomes students from grades K-12. Regularly we see mostly elementary school children. If you have anyone that can donate some time to help up operate our program, we'd really appreciate it!

134 Center Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, Telephone: 914-393-0802, Fax: 914-698-6964

Guisela Marroquín, Area Director at gmarroquin@westcop.org or guiselamarroquin@yahoo.com

Dorot Westchester  http://www.dorotusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=westchester_d

Contact:  Melanie Kane   914-674-9129 & dorotusa.org
DOROT Westchester was formed to reach the needs of the isolated homebound elderly in Westchester.  Volunteer programs include:  weekly friendly visiting, weekly telephone a friend, holiday package delivery with a short visit, and Shabbat package delivery with a visit.  Please consider signing up for friendly visiting, Thanksgiving or Shabbat meal delivery.  People will be in extra need due to Sandy

HOPE Community Services http://hopecommunityservices.org/
50 Washington Ave., New Rochelle  914-636-4010   info@hope-cs.org
Hurricane Sandy HELP!!
Hurricane Sandy caused historic devastation to Westchester and many of our neighbors who are still without power. Those who are hungry or at risk of hunger when
conditions are normal greatly need our help at times like these.  Many have lost all their food.  We, too, at HOPE were forced to throw out ALL the food in our freezers and refrigerators. 
What can you do to help? You can donate funds online www.hopecommunityservices.org or by calling (914) 636-4010 or mailing a check payable to:
HOPE Community Services, 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801
You can also donate food. Food drop-offs can made at:
HOPE, 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle HOURS: 10 am to 3 pm.
Most-needed food items (no glass containers, please):
Cold cuts
Shelf-stable milk (32-oz. or 8-oz. box)
Cereal
Granola bars
Peanut butter (plastic containers only, please)
Jelly (plastic squeeze bottles, please)
Tuna
Meal-In-A-Can: Spaghetti O's & Chef Boyardee
Cheese or Peanut Butter Filled Cracker Packs
Baby Formula (ready mixed)

Guiding Parents Through Services (GPS)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, this is a particularly stressful time for children and families throughout the New York area, and the Westchester Jewish Community at large. GPS (Guiding Parents Through Services) is a free, confidential consultation service for Jewish families throughout the New York area, offering family resource specialists at licensed mental health agencies. In Westchester, WJCS GPS is designed to assist families who have questions or concerns about their children's social and emotional development, including very young children through college age. GPS can be considered as a primary resource for families to support and strengthen their children in the face of adversity and disaster relief. Families may be displaced, without power, food or other basic needs as well. It is important for families to be aware of signs that their children may not be adapting or recovering in a healthy way. These signs of may include changes in sleep and eating patterns, increased irritability, increase worry and anxiety, difficulty focusing in school or difficulty separating from parents or family.

GPS assists parents in connecting to appropriate services and resources, and provides guidance, support and follow-up for families throughout the process. GPS is also available as a resource for Jewish Community Professionals and clinical providers throughout Westchester.

For more information, please contact Brenda P.Haas, LMSW, Ed.M., WJCS GPS Program Coordinator, (914) 761-0600, ext. 318.

Kid's Kloset
WJCS' Kid's Kloset will assist hurricane relief efforts by accepting and distributing NEW or GENTLY USED warm winter clothing for children up to age 18. Diapers are also sought in all sizes. Program Director Stephanie Roth is also seeking volunteers to help sort clothes and pack them for distribution to social workers from human service agencies. Distribution is NOT open to the general public.
Volunteers are welcome and donations of children's clothing and/or diapers can be made during limited hours.

Please contact contact 914-338-8586 to make arrangements.
Kid's Kloset recently relocated to temporary space at 4 Gannett Drive, Suite 100 when a fire and flood damaged their building on East Post Road.

Volunteers can come to help sort and pack clothing during the following times from tomorrow on:

Wednesday, Nov. 14th - 1pm - 3pm

Wednesday, Nov. 14th evening hours - 7pm - 9pm

Thursday, Nov. 15th - 9:30am - 1pm

Sunday, Nov. 18th - 10am - 1pm

Tuesday, Nov. 20th - 10am - 11:30am

Tuesday, Nov. 27th 10am - 1:30pm

Wednesday, Nov. 28th - 1pm - 3pm

Wednesday, Nov. 28th - EVENING