by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Mar 10, 2023 | Blank Slate Media, In The Media
North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center’s family-friendly fundraiser at Manhasset Cinemas was a big hit with kids and parents alike. “Morning Movies with the Guidance Center,” which was held on Feb. 11, featured three film choices – The Amazing Maurice, 80 for Brady and Minions – and everyone enjoyed bagels, popcorn and drinks.
“We all know that children and teens are experiencing issues like depression, anxiety and even suicidal thinking more than ever before, and that’s why I’m proud to support the Guidance Center’s lifesaving work,” said Jeffrey Greenblatt, one of the event’s co-chairs and a Guidance Center board member. “Plus, my family had a wonderful morning, and I’m sure we’ll be back next year for this new tradition.”
Co-chair Joshua D. Brookstein, who also brought his family to the fundraiser, said, “There is nothing more important than the well-being of our kids. It is an honor to help the Guidance Center bring hope and healing to our communities.”
Kathy Rivera, executive director and CEO of the Guidance Center, thanked all who came out, along with the event’s sponsors: Liberty Utilities, Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC, Americana Manhasset, PSEG LI, Harris Beach PLLC, Cullen and Dykman LLP, the Marcell Family and the Slade Family, as well as Manhasset Cinemas, Tate’s Bake Shop and Bagel Boss of Roslyn.
“The Guidance Center team works hard each and every day to serve the families of Nassau County,” Rivera said. “We couldn’t succeed without the support of the community, our donors and the generous companies who partner with us.”
To learn more about North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Mar 7, 2023 | In The Media
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (the Guidance Center), the leading not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announce that The Andy Foundation, a Garden City-based nonprofit, dedicated to helping children less fortunate than most, has donated $10,000 to support its mission.
“There is such a tremendous need now for supporting mental health services for young people, especially since the pandemic caused such isolation, fear and sadness,” said Jill Palmeri, the founder of The Andy Foundation. “Our mission is helping children in need, the lifesaving work of the Guidance Center is something we are proud to support.
Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of the Guidance Center, expressed gratitude for the Andy Foundation’s generous donation. “We never turn anyone away for inability to pay, so we count on the support of the local community, foundations and other funding sources to make sure we are here for everyone who needs us,” said Rivera. “Kids and teens are experiencing rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking at rates that are higher than ever before, and because of caring people like Jill and her team, these young people will get the help they desperately need and deserve.”
The Andy Foundation, which was formed in 2004 to honor the memory of Andrew Palmeri ,focuses on helping children less fortunate than most. If you would like to support The Foundation you can do so by donating or shopping at The Andy Foundation Yard Sale Shop , located at 195 Herricks Rd, Garden City Park. The store is filled with vintage and gently used items and it is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers. All proceeds from the store go to furthering the mission of The Andy Foundation.
Photo: Left to Right: Andy Foundation founder Jill Palmeri, Kathy Rivera and Lauren McGowan
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Mar 1, 2023 | In The Media, Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, March 1, 2023 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (the Guidance Center), the leading not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announce that The Andy Foundation, a Garden City-based nonprofit, dedicated to helping children less fortunate than most, has donated $10,000 to support its mission.
“There is such a tremendous need now for supporting mental health services for young people, especially since the pandemic caused such isolation, fear and sadness,” said Jill Palmeri, the founder of The Andy Foundation. “Our mission is helping children in need, and the lifesaving work of the Guidance Center is something we are proud to support.”
Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of the Guidance Center, expressed gratitude for The Andy Foundation’s generous donation. “We never turn anyone away for inability to pay, so we count on the support of the local community, foundations and other funding sources to make sure we are here for everyone who needs us,” said Rivera. “Kids and teens are experiencing rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking at levels that are higher than ever before, and because of caring people like Jill and her team, these young people will get the help they desperately need and deserve.”
The Andy Foundation, which was formed in 2004 to honor the memory of Andrew Palmeri ,focuses on helping children less fortunate than most. If you would like to support The Foundation you can do so by donating or shopping at The Andy Foundation Yard Sale Shop , located at 195 Herricks Rd, Garden City Park. The store is filled with vintage and gently used items and it is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers. All proceeds from the store go to furthering the mission of The Andy Foundation.
The Guidance Center, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has offices in Roslyn Heights, Manhasset and Westbury, is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. The organization’s highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; suicidal thinking; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; drug and alcohol use; trauma; and family crises stemming from illness, death and divorce.
Photo: Left to Right: Andy Foundation founder Jill Palmeri, Kathy Rivera and Lauren McGowan
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Feb 27, 2023 | Blog
By Dr. Nellie-Taylor Walthrust
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage that teenagers have been celebrating since the early days of automobiles. Driving makes teens feel more independent than ever before, and it can also provide a break for parents, who spend a great deal of their time carting their kids back and forth from practices and other activities.
But the celebration of this newfound freedom necessitates a crucial conversation and the drawing of a line in the sand: Let them know that driving while using alcohol, marijuana or any other substances is forbidden, and start having these conversations when they are young.
With marijuana use now legal for people 21 years of age and older, your kids may be of the mindset that it’s not a big deal. That’s far from the truth. It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol and weed or other drugs. According to the NY State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, driving under the influence of marijuana subjects you to the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.
And there’s good reason: Marijuana impacts areas of the brain that control perception, balance, coordination, memory and judgment. It can slow reaction times, decrease attention and make it difficult to follow the road and stay in your lane.
We know you don’t want your kids to use marijuana or alcohol, period. But the reality is that many of them do. Having the conversation about safety and driving will not make them any more likely to experiment – in fact, it might have the opposite effect.
Here are some sobering statistics:
- 23% of teens admit they have driven under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or marijuana.
- Teen drivers 16-19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older.
- The percent of crash deaths involving cannabis more than doubled from 9% in 2000 to 21.5% in 2018.
- 24% of teens reported that within the previous month, they had been a passenger in a car with a driver who had been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
As a parent, what can you do to minimize the risks?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests creating a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that clearly sets expectations and limits. Sit with your teen and write down the hazards of driving while impaired and the consequences for breaking the rules. Put it on your refrigerator and update it as your teen gains experience and more driving privileges. (Visit cdc.gov for a sample agreement.)
If your teen plans to go to a party, make sure you talk to the parents where the festivities are being held. Ask if there will be supervision and if alcohol is being served—and if your teens are under 21, the answer should be a resounding no.
Despite taking all precautions, your teens may find themselves in a situation where they are being pressured to drink or use drugs. Tell them that you will be willing and able to get them at any time during the night—and that if they or their friends have been drinking or using drugs, they should contact you for a ride.
As parents, we must do all we can to educate our kids about the dangers of driving while impaired, but we also need to face the reality that even “good” kids can start heading down a dangerous path. Keep the lines of communication open, and if you suspect there may be a problem, consider contacting a professional who is trained in alcohol and substance use.
Bottom line: Let your teen know that driving requires their full attention, so marijuana, alcohol or any kind of substances are not allowed – and that means no texting, too!
Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust is the Director of at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s Leeds Place, which operates an Adolescent Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment Program. Substance use services include counseling youths who are alcohol and drug abusers, children who live in families with a parent who is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction and youths who have co-occurring chemical dependency and mental health problems. Prevention services are offered to local school districts. Call (516) 626-1971 to learn more.
Photo credit (for the driving photo): Adobe Stock, By Habitante Stock
