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Community Corner

UJA-Federation of New York and Its Westchester Agencies Recognize Outstanding Professionals

UJA-Federation of New York and its Westchester beneficiary agencies honored exemplary staff members at the 17th Annual Westchester Communal Professionals Reception on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale.

The event, which attracted more than 125 attendees, recognized these Westchester agency professionals for their exceptional dedication, hard work, and extraordinary caring.

Honorees included:

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William Buckstine, Director of Child Care, Jewish Child Care Association

• Jacqueline Christal, Administrative Associate, Westchester Jewish Teen Learning Initiative, The Jewish Education Project

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• Mindy Cohen, Director of Special Needs, Jewish Community Center on the Hudson

• Lori Grossman, Community Coordinator at the Sarah Neuman Center and guide for its newly opened Small House, Jewish Home Lifecare

• Paula Krenkel, Speech and Language Services Director, Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester

• Judi Meyer, Early Childhood Administrative Director, Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester

• Shermin Peters and Colin Aitchison, Food and Nutrition Service Team, Schnurmacher Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, CenterLight Health System

• Paula Santo-Donato, Program Director, Young People Achieve (YPA), Westchester Jewish Community Services

• Maria Walker, Art Therapist, Linden Hill RTF, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services

UJA-Federation raises funds that sustain the activities of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies in New York, Israel, and 70 other countries around the world — 12 of which are located in Westchester. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors for those with disabilities and special needs.

Honorees received a certificate of appreciation for their service from Alan Trager, executive director and CEO of Westchester Jewish Community Services, and Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett.

About UJA-Federation of New YorkFor more than 95 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 55,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 network beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

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