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Neighbors Link

The Best Volunteer Opportunities: Where to Lend a Hand Locally in 2020

December 1, 2019 by The Inside Press

COURTESY OF (914) CARES

Tatum Krase, Emma Schwartz, Molly Reinmann, and Amanda Pohly volunteer to sort clothing at Kids’ Kloset. PHOTO COURTESY OF (914) CARES

Planning on making a New Year’s Resolution to give back to your community? Have a teen who would like to volunteer? We sat down with (914) Cares’ CEO, Jessica Reinmann to put together a list of the top 10 volunteer opportunities in Northern Westchester.

1. Kids’ Kloset – Pack a “Bag of Love” for a child in need.

Kids’ Kloset provides underserved Westchester County children with donated clothing, books and related items. For more information, go to www.914cares.org/kids-kloset.

2. Baby Bank – Stock the shelves with donated baby items.

Baby Bank provides basic necessities and essentials for babies, 0-2. The mission is to help local families in need keep their babies clean, healthy and happy. For more information, go to www.914cares.org/baby-bank.

3. Coachman Family Center – Host a holiday celebration for children.

Located in White Plains, the Coachman Family center has over 60 homeless children in their youth program at any given time. Create a fun-filled afternoon with food, activities and games. For additional information, contact angela.damore@westhab.org.

4. Neighbors Link – Cook dinner for Family Night.

Neighbors Link’s mission is to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. Every other Friday, an evening workshop is offered to Neighbors Link families and a buffet dinner is needed. For more information, please contact mpalomino@neighborslink.org.

5. DonationDrives – Collect urgently needed items.

DonationDrives helps individuals and groups coordinate and manage collection drives for those in need. For more information, go to www.914cares.org/donate-things.

6. JCY-Westchester – Read to a child.

Help kids become life-long readers at one of the 26 programs run by JCY-Westchester Community Partners.  Programs are run during the school day, right after school and over the summer. For more information, please contact mfinesmith@jcy.com.

7. Ossining Schools – Sort donated books.

The Ossining School District is committed to making sure every student has access to books at home. Sort through donated books so we can help create these home libraries. For more information, please contact info@914cares.org.

8. #FilltheVan – Help gather diapers and wipes for babies in need.

#FilltheVan is a community-wide diaper and wipe drive that helps struggling families. Participants will receive flyers, program brochures and collection boxes and on February 14th, we will pick up all of the collected donations. For more information, please go to www.914cares.org.

9. Cottage School – Host a Lunch Bunch.

The Cottage School helps abused, neglected and traumatized children heal physically and emotionally through compassionate, quality care. Lunch bunch occurs once a month, during the week for adults and on the weekends for teens. For more information, please contact rosenthals@jccany.org.

10. Volunteer at your local Food Pantry.

21% of Westchester residents are food insecure and your local food pantry provides essentials to those in need. For more information, please contact your local food pantry or send an email to info@914cares.org.

 

 

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: 914 Cares, baby bank, Coachman Family Center, Kids Kloset, Neighbors Link, Northern Westchester, volunteer

The Neighbors Link Safety Net: Supporting Local Immigrants

April 24, 2017 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett     Edited by Debra Hand

Carola Otero Bracco
PHOTO BY TODD SHAPERA

For the past 15 years, Neighbors Link of Northern Westchester has seen a growing acceptance of immigrants in the county, how they contribute and support other societal classes and bring a diversity of culture, food, music and thinking.  Neighbors Link (“NL”) focuses on its stated mission: “to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants” by providing programs that assist with English learning, education, empowerment, workforce development and partnership with local organizations.”

Many residents of Chappaqua and Armonk have also come to rely on NL, based in Mount Kisco, as a source for honest and capable help with everything from landscaping and masonry to painting and snow removal. That focus shifted on Election Day, 2016.

“I didn’t really imagine we would be back to this,” said NL Executive Director Carola Otero Bracco, noting a return to the hostility faced by immigrants until the early 2000s. After making major strides, “we’ve taken some major steps backwards, but are also seeing more people willing to be much more vocal and more supportive of immigrants in the community.”

“An Avalanche of Fear”

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Bracco to talk about how NL’s role in integrating immigrants into the community has been altered in 2017.  Constant fear of arrest and deportation has become pervasive, and NL is working hard to address related needs. Not aware of increased activity by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in Mount Kisco, she sees that news reports of “emboldened” ICE officers in the wider geographic area have had a ripple effect on the local immigrant community.

“People are afraid to sign up their children for free and reduced lunch, people are afraid to go to doctors’ appointments or pick up prescriptions. They are afraid to go to parents/teacher conferences. They are afraid to go to work,” Bracco said. “If there is a rumor that an ICE officer is in the area, they are disrupting their lives to keep their children home from school.”

“Our programming had to shift to help people understand better. People need greater legal support.” Bracco added that hundreds of people show up at presentations by the (state) Office for New Americans, ESL classes and “Know Your Rights” forums, and that her staff is working to help police departments, school districts, public officials and support organizations better understand what the immigrant community is facing.

She pointed out the new fear experienced by “folks who had been told in the past that they were not a priority for deportation because they were contributing members of our community, and had no criminal background, by far the majority of people in the area.” Bracco pointed to parents who work hard and who prior to these developments were able to focus on their children’s academic success without worrying about the potential for deportation. They are now terrified, she said, explaining that the immigrant families that live in our area actually have a variety of legal status, and that while “we think of people as ‘undocumented’ as a static thing, it’s really not,” with many on a path to a green card.

And the biggest challenge is what happens to American-born children of undocumented parents–four million nationwide– if those parents get deported.

‘Imagine you are sitting in a ‘Know Your Rights’ session, baby on lap and teen next you, and being told this is how you need to prepare because you can be yanked from your family and deported. These families live in close quarters, so children are hearing everything. It’s an avalanche of fear,” she said.

Despite NL’s hard work, “I don’t think any of us can imagine the pain that this will inflict on families and the ripple effect on children, how they are going to figure out how to get an education and live with one or both of their parents gone,” Bracco added of the expected increasing numbers of families ripped apart because of deportation.

Secondary Trauma: Can Staff Help?

The pressure on the NL staff has started to take a toll, too. According to Bracco, NL “works with families one on one, two immigration attorneys, family services, case managers,” and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find ways to help families find solutions to the potential for deportation.

“Our staff is very professional and has to keep everyone calm, as it’s very difficult to make decisions if you start to panic,” she said, but the stress was starting to “impact the staff, a fear that we might be letting  people down and that we may not have the tools to help people.”     

“It’s chilling and heartbreaking and extremely difficult. Are we going to make a difference in all this?” Bracco said. But she strikes a note of optimism, too. “There’s an inner strength that we are certain is going to come through.”

Increased Need, Increased Budget, Increased Activism

In light of the expanded legal needs of the immigrant community it serves, NL has shifted its strategic plan to raise more money to support its initiatives. A luncheon last November featuring political strategist and CNN commentator Ana Navarro raised $65,000, and the Fiesta Latina Gala to Benefit Neighbors Link will be held on April 29 at the Brae Burn Country Club.

“Coming to our event and bringing friends is a great opportunity for people who want to understand the issues that immigrants face now, increase exposure to the issue, learn about Neighbors Link and meet some of our clients,” Bracco said. This year’s gala will honor Edward and Maya Manley, who have been with the organization since its beginning and have had major roles in building the programming. Of course, charitable donations via neighborslink.org are always welcome.

Nancy Strong of Armonk, originally an ESL teacher at NL, is now a member of the Friends of Neighbors Link, the fundraising arm of the organization. The Friends hold events to support the programs and build awareness. “I have learned so much about our immigrant community,” Strong said. “They are here to work hard, they pay taxes and they just want to make better lives for their families.”

The Friends know that more money is crucial to support immigrants and address fears set off by the current administration’s rhetoric and actions. “Children are scared that their parents will disappear. Even children whose parents are citizens hear the discussions and worry for their families and their friends’ families. Those who employ immigrants hear the stories of their employees or their friends who are worried that they will be arrested. And those who are trying to bring their families here often feel helpless. Neighbors Link provides legal assistance and help whenever and however they can,” Strong said.

“A True Lifeline”

Local residents are also trying to educate their neighbors about the plight of the immigrant community.  Jane and Rob Shepardson of Chappaqua hosted a March fundraiser in their home for 40 friends, during which a young woman (now an NL staff member) told her story as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiary. While DACA allows certain immigrants who entered the United States as minors to receive a renewable period of deferred action from deportation and work permit eligibility, it does not afford any legal status, according to Bracco, other than not being a priority for deportation.

The young woman, brought to the U.S. as a young child, did not know that she was undocumented until she was in high school and it suddenly became a barrier to her realizing her full potential: she would not qualify for college financial aid even though her family was at the poverty level. Applying for DACA, she was able to work as a waitress and earn enough to attend a state university.

“We organized this fundraiser as a way to take action in light of Trump’s Executive Orders/Travel Bans and the impact that the current political climate is having on hard working immigrants in our community,” said Jane Shepardson. She and her husband had donated to NL for years, and their daughter had both helped out in the NL child care center and volunteered as part of their synagogue “soup group” that would get together monthly to prepare meals for the NL day laborers.

“Our purpose was to raise money for and raise awareness of what we believe is a vital organization in our community, and to inform and educate our friends and neighbors about all the services Neighbors Link provides to these immigrant families,” Shepardson said.

“It is not only a “ home away from home” for many of the day laborers that gather there awaiting work, but also an organization that provides job/skills training, ESL classes, child care, and legal services that help these families deal with immigration and citizenship issues.

“Neighbors Link is not just a helping hand, it is a true lifeline to these families who are hard-working and valuable members of our community who are  now living under a cloud of fear,” she added.

Moving Forward

When I asked Bracco whether people were galvanizing in light of these new challenges, she responded that the community was “absolutely” coming together. Days after we spoke, she was planning on attending a large county-wide meeting of various groups interested in making a difference by being involved in county and state legislation: “We’re seeing people come forward from everywhere to start to take a role in this. More formal organizations are taking a leadership role in bringing these groups together to find a common language and agree on basic principles.”

Bracco added that there has also been a significantly increased need for programming in Ossining and Yonkers, including community forums and cultural awareness work with police officers. Programs aim to build trust: “humanize police officers to the immigrant community and humanize the immigrant community to the police officers,” she explained. After five officers came in for five consecutive weeks to meet with participants, there was “no question that the immigrant community left feeling more comfortable stepping forward if they were ever witnesses or victims of a crime,” Bracco said.

NL is always looking for adult and teenage volunteers. High school students and adults assist clients with their English and volunteer in the family center, and doctors and attorneys provide services. Now, more than ever, Neighbors Link is making a huge difference in people’s lives and they can use as much support as possible to help those in need. Visit neighborslink.org.

Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of the Inside Press. Debra Hand is a longtime contributing editor.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Carola Bracco, Immigrants, Neighbors Link, Safety Net

Chappaqua Teens Receive Neighbors Link Volunteer Awards

May 2, 2016 by Inside Press

JAKE KLEIN RECEIVES YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

The nonprofit group Neighbors Link Northern Westchester recently recognized two Chappaqua teens for their exemplary volunteer service.

Jake Klein was honored with the Agnes Hassell Youth Leadership Award. The son of Norma and Bruce Klein, Jake has volunteered for four years with Neighbors Link, which gives its youth leadership recognition each year in April, National Volunteer Month.

Jake Klein working as a volunteer for Neighbors Link
Jake Klein working as a volunteer for Neighbors Link

“Jake was the youngest person ever to be selected as an EXEC for our Tuesday night ESL tutoring program,” said Amy Werner, Volunteer Coordinator. “EXEC stands for Executive Leader,” Jake developed and implemented a science program for the children in Learning Links, our after-school program. He shows great compassion for our clients and commitment to our mission of integration.”

“I really enjoy working with the kids in Learning Links,” said Jake. “Volunteering at Neighbors Link has helped me develop my leadership abilities, as well as cultural competence. These skills will stand me in good stead when it’s time to apply to college.”

ABBY NIMETZ RECEIVES STUDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD

Chappaqua resident Abby Nimetz was honored with the Neighbors Link Student Volunteer Award. The daughter of Irma and Warren Nimetz, Abby has volunteered for four years with Neighbors Link. Abby is an EXEC in the Learning Links Club at Horace Greely High School. “EXEC stands forExecutive Leader,” commented Amy Werner, Volunteer Coordinator. “Abby is dedicated, reliable, and consistent. Starting in May she will be working for us as a senior intern and we are excited to have her in this enhanced role.”

Abby Nimetz
Abby Nimetz

“I really believe in the mission of Neighbors Link so I do what I can to spread the word about them throughout the community,” said Abby. “The importance of the mission is the reason I have continued to volunteer here for so many years.”

Headquartered in Mt. Kisco, Neighbors Link Northern Westchester has as its mission to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. It runs essential programs for area immigrants, including ESL (English as a Second Language), adult education, workforce development and legal support services.

For more information, visit http://www.neighborslink.org/

Filed Under: New Castle Releases Tagged With: Inside Press, Neighbors Link, Neighbors Link Northern Westchester, theinsidepress.com, volunteer, Volunteering, Westchester

Paza La Voz* – Neighbor’s Link Is Here

November 27, 2014 by The Inside Press

Volunteers work with children while their parents also participate in a Parenting Education class.
Volunteers work with children while their parents also participate in a Parenting Education class.

by Silvia Taviloglu

Winter is upon us. Unpredictable. And, in more ways than one, unsettling. Among our many worries–heavy snow fall could bring down tree limbs, adding potential danger and injury to the many hassles that accompany winter storms. Yards, driveways and even our homes are potentially at risk. We know that, when the worst is finally over, we’ll need to reach out to our landscape/snow removal companies and/or handymen to help us with cleanup and repair. All too often, we then find ourselves waiting as, with so many in similar need, work schedules are overloaded.

Thankfully, there is an alternative. Neighbors Link of Northern Westchester, located in Mount Kisco, is a not-for-profit community organization that provides employment and education opportunities to more than 2,500 immigrant families. They work hand in hand with the police department and with local schools. Their mission is to create partnerships and integrate our side-by-side societies.

Carola Bracco, Executive Director of Neighbors Link, was raised by her Bolivian parents to know the importance of helping the community and working in the public sector. Bracco, who earned her MBA from Duke University, worked in the financial world for 12 years for companies including GE, Ford Motor Company and Time Inc. But she always wanted to do community work. In 2003, she started as a volunteer stuffing envelopes at Neighbors Link; a year later, she was named Executive Director. Bracco has since increased the organization’s revenue from $300,000 to $1.4 million this year, thanks to grants and individual donations from business and homeowners all across Westchester. This Westchester business powerhouse (and wife and mother of two) was honored with the 2013 Women in Business Award by 914INC. magazine (published by Westchester Magazine) for her excellence in the public sector.

More than a decade ago, Mount Kisco was a more challenging environment for immigrants. There was a great deal of prejudice and fear, many immigrants were not paid properly for their work efforts and the environments/job sites often had very little (if any) oversight. If accidents occurred (as they could and did), immigrants tell tales of being dropped off unceremoniously in unknown areas without medical care. Now, through Neighbors Link, their lives are safer and they have a comfortable place during harsh weather conditions to gather and find paid employment.

An instructor from Westchester Community College teaches an adult computer class.
An instructor from Westchester Community College teaches an adult computer class.

The Work Center has over 800 day laborers taking English classes, improving their computer skills, learning rules and discussing how to work more effectively in different situations in the local culture. Additionally, the Family Center has more than 300 parents and children attending after-school and summer programs including discussions on the importance of raising bicultural and bilingual children.

Neighbors Link offers a hiring site for general labor, and is a resource for finding that extra help we need for our yards, to paint a new room, get a thorough home cleaning, and perhaps even a well-cooked meal. The process of picking a generally-skilled day laborer is safe and easy. Each day at the hiring site, day workers register by signing an entry sheet (these workers have gone through a careful intake process and screening verification). When someone looking to hire help arrives, he/she simply provides job details so that a match can be made. The hourly rate is then discussed and established so there is an agreement in place for both parties.

If one needs a more experienced laborer (for example, someone specifically skilled in masonry or carpentry) or servers for private events or a housekeeper that has been trained and certified in Eco-cleaning, simply call in advance and ask for the on-site Job Bank. The Center is open 365 days a year from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

While the organization is a great hand in hand “link” between homeowners/employers and workers, it is also a testament to those who reach out as volunteers. In fact, volunteers play a major role in both teaching and in changing the tone of the conversation regarding biculturalism in our community. Nearly 300 volunteers, from high-school-aged teens to adults, offer their time and expertise as either tutors (teaching English language, reading and computer skills) or helpers in the Family Center. The day laborers also volunteer, themselves, to help keep their town clean and safe; last winter, shoveling the fire hydrants ahead of our winter snowstorms.

When it comes to storms, no news really is good news! So let’s hope for a quiet winter season, and call upon Neighbors Link for help with the proactive projects on our to-do lists. Together we can make a positive impact in our community. For more information, to hire a laborer, to volunteer in ways described above or to become involved in fund-raising, contact Volunteer Manager Gayle Hudson at www.neighborslink.org

*Translation: Rumor or “check it out”

Silvia Taviloglu worked as a television writer in Mexico City before moving to Pleasantville where she lives with her husband and two young children. 

 

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Neighbors Link

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