News Archive: September 2009

September 12, 2009: Home Again: Veterans and Families Initiative featured on WFUV Radio.

LISTEN: Online archive of the Cityscape September 12, 2009 broadcast. The segment with JBFCS begins about 10'30" into the program.

This segment of Cityscape, WFUV's weekly half-hour public affairs show, discussed a variety of issues affecting military veterans and their families—from unemployment to parenting. Host George Bodarky was joined by panelists Robert Schwartz of Helmets to Hardhats, Dr. Marisa Koten of Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists, Caroline Peacock of the Home Again: Veterans and Families Initiative at the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, and Afghanistan veteran and Home Again Peer Advocate Edward Diaz.

For more information about Home Again: Veterans and Families Initiative, contact Caroline Peacock at [email protected] or (646) 957-0853.

September 10, 2009: Ittleson Center Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Gym and School Building in Riverdale.

New York City Council Member Oliver Koppell joined JBFCS Trustees, staff and kids from the center for a ceremonial first shovel at the Riverdale site, followed by a first day of class back-to-school celebration for the students. Council Member Koppell spearheaded funding of the construction project with a $500,000 City Council grant. The Ittleson Center offers day and residential treatment programs for children facing emotionally challenging conditions.

L-R: NYC Council Member Oliver Koppell speaks with Paul Levine, Executive VP & CEO, JBFCS	Council Member Koppell and Paul Levine.

“During these dark economic times,” said Council Member Koppell, “I am proud to have been a catalyst for change by initiating the funding of this new gym and school building for Riverdale’s most vulnerable children at the JBFCS Ittleson Center. It is good to know that this project will not only help a worthy cause, but will create new jobs in the Bronx as well.”

L-R: Lori Reinsberg, Trustee and Chair, Ittleson Divisional Board; Thom Hamill, Director of Development & Philanthropy; Anthony Mann, JBFCS President-Elect; Aaron, Ittleson resident; Andrew Sandler, Council Member's staff; NYC Council Member Oliver Koppell; Joseph Pacheco, Director of Real Estate & Facilities; Ittleson residents Karla and Pamela; Susan Bear, Assistant Executive Director; Paul Levine, JBFCS Executive VP & CEO; Carol Davidson, Associate Executive Director for Externals Affairs; Anastasia, Ittleson resident; Laurie Sprayregen, Trustee; Elizabeth Osborn, Director of the Ittleson Center.

L-R front: Ittleson residents Kathleen and Isaiah; Lori Reinsberg, Trustee and Chair, Ittleson Divisional Board; Anthony Mann, JBFCS President-Elect; Aaron, Ittleson resident; NYC Council Member Oliver Koppell; Karla, Ittleson resident; Paul Levine, Executive VP & CEO; Anastasia, Ittleson resident; Laurie Sprayregen, Trustee; Elizabeth Osborn, Director of the Ittleson Center; and Ittleson residents Leonard & Andre. L-R rear: David Salsberg, Director of Foundations & Grants; David Bauer; Thom Hamill, Director of Development & Philanthropy; Andrew Sandler, Council Member's staff; Joseph Pacheco, Director of Real Estate & Facilities; Susan Bear, Assistant Executive Director.

JBFCS CEO and Executive VP Paul Levine said, “Council Member Koppell has long been a champion for the mental health needs of individuals, children and families. New York needs more politicians with his vision – willing to push the envelope in helping the mentally ill.”

L-R: Lori Reinsberg, Thom Hamill and Anthony Mann, with an Ittleson resident (yellow hat).	Council Member Koppell and Paul Levine with Ittleson residents Karla, Pamela and Anastasia (in yellow hats). Behind them are Joseph Pacheco, Susan Bear and Carol Davidson.

The new school building and gym will help the Ittleson Center in enhancing the quality of life for the young people on campus. Researchers have linked a variety of psychological benefits to exercise, including decreased depression and anxiety, improved mood states, self-confidence, sense of life-quality and general psychological well-being. Participation in exercise and sports has also been shown to reduce delinquent behavior and boost academic performance.

Ittleson residents (in hardhats): Karla, Pamela, Isaiah, Kathleen, Andre, Aaron, Leonard, and Anastasia.	Anthony Mann addresses staff and guests.

According to Laurie Sprayregen, JBFCS Trustee and former Chair of the Ittleson Divisional Board, “This new gym is certain to enhance and improve the lives of the children of Ittleson. Council Member Koppell’s support of this project is a wonderful example of the dramatic improvements and support a political leader can make in a child’s life.” Ms. Sprayregen and Lori Reinsberg, current Chair of the Ittleson Divisional Board have both been instrumental in driving this project.

L-R: Paul Levine, Laurie Sprayregen, Council Member Koppell, Ittleson resident Anastasia, and Lori Reinsberg.	Laurie Sprayregen and Lori Reinsberg with Ittleson resident Anastasia.