by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Sep 6, 2018 | Anton Media, In The Media, Press Releases
In recent years I have written about concussions in youth sports in this space, with a special focus on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative disease of the brain that is the result of repetitive brain trauma. This was something I knew nothing about in my teenage years. As a high school and college football player in the 1960s and ’70s, using one’s head as a battering ram and shock absorber was expected.
Beyond the discovery of CTE and what it has generated in the way of much-improved player safety, August never fails to evoke memories of twice-daily summer practices when guys like me went to “training camp” before school started. Training camp lasted about two weeks. It was usually hot out. They were two weeks that felt like a year. Those were the make or break days of my youth. No one was cut from the team as long as they showed up, but many did not last.
The rawest depiction of a brutal summer football camp can be found in the book The Junction Boys by Jim Dent. The subtitle of the book is How Ten Days in Hell with Bear Bryant Forged a Championship Team. Although I never went through anything quite like the Junction Boys did, it seems that all high school and college football players have similar war stories about summer camp.
I’m not about to rehash what I’ve since learned since the discovery of CTE and the need for protective measures or share stories from my summer football camp days. However, at the risk of being cliché, there are some important lessons I learned from playing football.
As we round out another August, I thought I’d share a few of those lessons here. Most have served me well. Some have a downside.
1. Punctuality
As the saying goes, showing up is half the battle. But don’t just show up; be there on time. In football there were serious consequences for being late, but losing the respect of one’s peers eclipsed them all.
2. Hard work
Know that when you are working hard, there are others working just as hard and others who are not. Push yourself to surpass your opponents and inspire your teammates.
3. Stoicism
Keep your head up. Push through disappointment and injuries. This is mostly a good trait, but it can also prevent you from seeking the support you need when you really need it, physically and emotionally. Vulnerability is not a lesson I learned in football.
4. Dependability
It is essential that others who are pulling with you toward accomplishing a goal know that they can always count on you. There is a brotherhood that forms on a football team that demands dependability.
5. Humility
Enjoy success but don’t be boastful. Have gratitude for all those who helped to support your success.
6. Perseverance
Never give up. It is what your adversaries expect. By pushing through missteps and setbacks you learn what it takes to succeed and that your capacity to overcome failure is greater than you anticipated.
7. Resilience
As the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” To survive playing football, resilience is essential.
Fortunately, these lessons can be learned in many places other than the football field. Any group activity that requires teamwork, sacrifice and shared goals generate important life lessons. Make sure the young people in your life put down their cellphones and other tech gadgets and take up a sport, join a club or get involved in the arts, to name a few possibilities. They’ll grow into better people—and with no head-butting required.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Aug 14, 2018 | In The Media, Press Releases
Meg Dockery-Cremins (center) of the Welcoming Club of Garden City presented a $30,000 donation to Lauren McGowan and Andrew Malekoff of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Aug 9, 2018 | Anton Media, In The Media, Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, August 2, 2018 — North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center held its 5th Annual Ladies’ Night Out event on Thursday evening, July 19th, at the beautiful Neiman Marcus Garden City store. This marked the second year in a row that the Guidance Center partnered with Neiman Marcus in an event that offered exceptional beauty services and raffle opportunities to the women of our local communities and also raised awareness of the programs and services offered by the Guidance Center.
All proceeds from the event will support the Guidance Center’s mission to provide help and healing to children and families dealing with mental health issues and to combat stigma and discrimination. Guests savored delicious small bites from NM Cafe and sipped unique bubbly libations while they were treated to brow shaping and makeovers by Neiman Marcus makeup artists, along with blow-outs and hair styling from Manhasset salon nuBest.
Carol Marcell, a member of the Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, brought her mother Joyce Bruno and two of Bruno’s friends. “This was the second time my mom and I attended Ladies’ Night Out, and she didn’t hesitate to accept my invitation once again and to bring along her friends,” says Marcell. “We got our hair blown out by a charming young man from nuBest. And all of us loved looking at the clothes, jewelry and shoes at wonderful Neiman Marcus!”
“Neiman Marcus Garden City is very proud to be a supporter of the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center,” says Doris Wilshere, Vice President, General Manager at Neiman Marcus, Roosevelt Field. “It is our corporate philosophy to support and give back to our local community, particularly with organizations that are centered on children and family. Since our opening in 2016, we have been an ongoing partner with the Guidance Center and will be for the future. We look forward to a growing partnership.”
“The Guidance Center is grateful to the philanthropic team at Neiman Marcus,” says Nancy Lane, Board President. “The events we hold at the store are very special.”
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For 65years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
About Neiman Marcus Group:
Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, CUSP, and mytheresa brand names. For more information, visit www.neimanmarcusgroup.com.
Keep up with the latest news and events happening at Neiman Marcus by becoming a fan on Facebook, following us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Aug 3, 2018 | In The Media, Press Releases
NEIMAN MARCUS PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CHARITY FOR LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Roslyn Heights, NY, August 2, 2018 — North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center held its 5th Annual Ladies’ Night Out event on Thursday evening, July 19th, at the beautiful Neiman Marcus Garden City store. This marked the second year in a row that the Guidance Center partnered with Neiman Marcus in an event that offered exceptional beauty services and raffle opportunities to the women of our local communities and also raised awareness of the programs and services offered by the Guidance Center.
All proceeds from the event will support the Guidance Center’s mission to provide help and healing to children and families dealing with mental health issues and to combat stigma and discrimination. Guests savored delicious small bites from NM Cafe and sipped unique bubbly libations while they were treated to brow shaping and makeovers by Neiman Marcus makeup artists, along with blow-outs and hair styling from Manhasset salon nuBest.
Guidance Center Board President Nancy Lane shares a laugh as she receives her makeover.
Carol Marcell, a member of the Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, brought her mother Joyce Bruno and two of Bruno’s friends. “This was the second time my mom and I attended Ladies’ Night Out, and she didn’t hesitate to accept my invitation once again and to bring along her friends,” says Marcell. “We got our hair blown out by a charming young man from nuBest. And all of us loved looking at the clothes, jewelry and shoes at wonderful Neiman Marcus!”
“Neiman Marcus Garden City is very proud to be a supporter of the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center,” says Doris Wilshere, Vice President, General Manager at Neiman Marcus, Roosevelt Field. “It is our corporate philosophy to support and give back to our local community, particularly with organizations that are centered on children and family. Since our opening in 2016, we have been an ongoing partner with the Guidance Center and will be for the future. We look forward to a growing partnership.”
“The Guidance Center is grateful to the philanthropic team at Neiman Marcus,” says Nancy Lane, Board President. “The events we hold at the store are very special.”
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For 65years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
About Neiman Marcus Group:
Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, CUSP, and mytheresa brand names. For more information, visit www.neimanmarcusgroup.com.
Keep up with the latest news and events happening at Neiman Marcus by becoming a fan on Facebook, following us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jul 26, 2018 | Press Releases
oslyn Heights, NY, July 23, 2018 – On July 18, 2018, the Welcoming Club of Garden City presented North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center with a check for $30,000. The donation was the result of more than a dozen events the club held during the 2017-2018 season, all of which benefitted the Guidance Center. Just a sampling: a Halloween fair, Santa Christmas brunch, several movie nights and a fashion show.
One of their flagship fundraising events was held on May 15 as the Welcoming Club of Garden City hosted their Spring Soirée at the Garden City Hotel. The event featured fabulous boutique shopping, getting-to-know-you games, a Garden City trivia contest, great raffle prizes and a delicious buffet.
“It was a fun and fabulous night that allowed the ladies of the Welcoming Club of Garden City to come together with old friends and mix and mingle to meet new ones in a chic and festive atmosphere,” says Meg Dockery-Cremins, President of the Welcoming Club. “The Spring Soirée was the culmination of a year’s worth of family, couples and ladies events to benefit North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. The wonderful vendors and community sponsors provided fabulous prizes which enabled us to make a generous donation to the Guidance Center, which we view as a critically important organization in the community.”
“We are so grateful to the members of the Welcoming Club of Garden City for making us the beneficiary of their events for this season,” says Lauren McGowan, Director of Development for the Guidance Center who, as a Garden City resident, also chaired the Philanthropic Committee for the Welcoming Club. “The funds that they raised will go directly to our core mission of helping Long Island children and their families who are in need of mental health or substance use care. We could not do our work without generous donations from community-minded organizations like the Welcoming Club.”
Meg Dockery-Cremins (center) presents a $30,000 check to Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff and Director of Development Lauren McGowan.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 29, 2018 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, June 29, 2018 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announce that the Guidance Center and its Executive Director, Andrew Malekoff, have been named as a recipient of the Leaders of Mental Health Awareness Awards from NAMI-NYS (the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State).
“Ensuring that people living with a mental illness have access to appropriate psychiatric services is of the utmost importance to NAMI-NYS,” says Matthew Shapiro, Associate Director, Public Affairs, NAMI-NYS. “One of the main barriers keeping people from these necessary treatments is a lack of insurance parity and network adequacy. This is a crucial issue which does not nearly receive the attention it deserves.”
In December 2017, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center released Project Access, a year-long research study that asked 650 Long Islanders about the ease or difficulty of accessing mental health and addictions care. Some of the key findings:
- Almost half of the participants said that it was more difficult finding help for mental health or substance use problems than finding help for physical illnesses, especially when they were in crisis.
- Nearly 40% said that their insurance company did not have an adequate number of providers.
- Two thirds told us that their insurance company was not helpful to them in finding a suitable provider for themselves or a loved one.
Although health insurers are required by law to offer an adequate network of providers from which their beneficiaries can choose, the law is widely ignored. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating that when someone makes the difficult decision to seek out professional help for a mental health or substance use problem, they often face enormous roadblocks, including a lack of providers who take their insurance or waiting lists of six months or even longer,” says Malekoff. “The difficulty people have getting care is not simply a matter of stigma and discrimination. This is a civil rights issue and often a matter of life and death.”
“We are tremendously grateful to Andrew Malekoff and North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center for the incredible work they are doing to raise awareness of this issue,” says NAMI’s Shapiro. “Their Project Access study detailing the struggles many individuals and families experience in trying to access care was eye-opening for many and has been a true catalyst for the reforms which are necessary to create a more mentally healthy New York State. It is truly an honor to recognize Andrew’s commitment to parity and network adequacy by
presenting him with one of the Leaders of Mental Health Awareness Awards, especially this October, which marks the 10-year anniversary of the federal Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.”
The award will be presented at NAMI’s 2018 Education Conference on the evening of Friday, October 26th in Albany, NY.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 21, 2018 | Press Releases
Event raised more than $230,000 to support children’s mental health agency
Roslyn Heights, NY, DATE, 2018 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, once again hosted a joyful event filled with golf, tennis and an extraordinary dinner at our 22nd annual Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf & Tennis Classic on Monday, June 18, 2018, at The Creek in Locust Valley. The event raised more than $230,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to bring hope and healing to children and families dealing with mental health or substance use challenges.
This year’s honoree was Ed Haug, Managing Partner of Haug Partners LLP, a pioneer East Coast law firm and provider of synthesized, multidisciplinary legal services for life science and technology businesses.
“Everyone had a great time on this magnificent golf course and on the tennis courts, and the elegant steak and lobster dinner was exquisite” said Haug. “But the most important thing is that we came together so that children and their families will continue to receive the life-saving services of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Guidance Center.”
Left to right: Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff, event co-chairs Mike Mondiello and Troy Slade, honoree Ed Haug and event founder Jeff Krevat.
The co-chairs for this year’s Krevat Cup were Michael Mondiello, Michael Schnepper and Troy Slade. In addition,
Dan Donnelly, last year’s honoree, served as the auctioneer at this year’s event. “It’s all about the kids,” said Donnelly, a longtime support of the Guidance Center. “I consider it a privilege to be here today to help raise money to support the incredible work that truly makes a difference in the lives of children and their families.”
“We’re so grateful to all of the people who worked so hard to make this year’s event a huge success,” said Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center. “Their dedication to our work enables us to provide the services to all those who need them, despite their ability to pay.”
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 14, 2018 | Press Releases
Grant will help educate community about racial disparities in birth outcomes
Roslyn Heights, NY, June 14, 2018 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announced that we received a $2,800 grant from the March of Dimes Greater NY Market. The grant will go toward supporting the Birth Justice Warriors Project, an initiative that focuses on improving the health of black mothers and their babies.
The concept of the Birth Justice Warriors, an initiative co-chaired by the Guidance Center’s Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust and Hofstra University’s Dr. Martine Hackett, was born out of the crippling bias and injustice faced by black and brown mothers in the United States in general and in Nassau County in particular. According to the New York State Department of Health, a black woman is up to four times more likely to die in childbirth than a white mother. In Nassau County, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births is 9.4 for black babies versus the 2.2 reported for white non-Hispanic babies.
The three communities at highest risk are (in order) Roosevelt, Hempstead and Westbury/New Cassel.
“I think most people are surprised—I certainly was—when they find out that an affluent suburb like Nassau County has such high infant and maternal mortality rates in certain areas for black mothers and babies, higher than it is in New York City,” says Dr. Hackett. “Lack of awareness means that these poor health outcomes are basically invisible, and if you can’t see these problems, then you can’t act on them. Birth Justice Warriors will use local residents to increase the understanding of the causes of infant and maternal mortality and what we can do about it.”
“Our goal is to bring education and awareness to this issue of inequality, which has a multitude of contributing factors,” says Dr. Taylor-Walthrust, Director of the Leeds Place, a Guidance Center site. “We’re going to educate people at all levels, from women in the community to pediatricians, nurses, health care professionals, elected officials and those in faith-based institutions. Ultimately we want legislation to be written that guarantees that this crucial information is delivered to all women of child-bearing age.”
Action is also being taken on the state level. On April 23, 2018, Governor Cuomo announced an initiative to target maternal mortality and reduce racial disparities in health outcome. The initiative includes efforts to review and better address maternal death and morbidity with a focus on racial disparities, expanding community outreach, and taking new actions to increase access to prenatal and perinatal care.
To find out more about the Birth Justice Warriors, contact Dr. Walthrust-Taylor at (516) 997-2926, ext. 229, or email NTaylorWalthrust@northshorechildguidance.org.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 22, 2018 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, May 21, 2018 — On Thursday, May 17, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a free community forum on the dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and other substances such as new concentrated forms of marijuana. The forum was held at the Guidance Center’s Leeds Place location, at 999 Brush Hollow Road in Westbury.
“Marketers are selling teens and even younger kids on the idea that vaping is safe,” says Kathy Knaust, Clinical Supervisor at Leeds Place. “They’re also making the products more appealing to younger ages, including creating products such as fruit- and dessert-flavored vaporizer Juuls and decorative vape pens.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of young people have taken up vaping—a trend that could push back decades of progress in helping prevent kids from taking up smoking. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office reports that, along with nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful ingredients such as ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds; and heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.
The seminar also discussed the fact that teen marijuana users are also more likely to be exposed to newer, more potent forms of marijuana, including a dangerous marijuana extract called “dabs” that is rapidly gaining in popularity. “We are seeing many more clients reporting that they’re using THC oil or THC wax,” says Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Director of the Leeds Place. “It’s a very alarming trend, especially when they can’t know for sure what other substances may be added.”
Other information covered included how these marijuana products are produced and the dangerous chemical byproducts that are left as residue. Says Knaust, “It is a much concentrated form of THC that is addicting and causes hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, ER visits and long-term damage due to the chemicals involved, mostly butane. These are becoming more sought-after products due to the potency and due to the fact that when vaped there is no smell; therefore they can be used undetected in public places or in school or in the home.”
The forum also featured Nassau County Police Officer Yolanda Turner from Community Affairs at Police Headquarters in Mineola. “Parents need to know that kids are vaping right in front of them and they likely don’t even know because it is colorless and odorless,” says Officer Turner. “It’s been spreading to children as young as fifth grade.”
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 22, 2018 | Press Releases
Spring Soirée Benefits North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
Welcoming Club of Garden City Donates All Proceeds to the Mental Health Organization
Roslyn Heights, NY, May 17, 2018 — On Tuesday, May 15, the Welcoming Club of Garden City hosted their Spring Soirée at the Garden City Hotel, with all proceeds going to benefit North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the premiere not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island.
The event featured fabulous boutique shopping, getting-to-know-you games, a Garden City trivia contest, great raffle prizes and a delicious buffet.
“Tuesday was a fun and fabulous night that allowed the ladies of the Welcoming Club of Garden City to come together with old friends and mix and mingle to meet new ones in a chic and festive atmosphere,” says Meg Dockery-Cremins, President of the Welcoming Club. “The Spring Soirée was the culmination of a year’s worth of family, couples and ladies events to benefit North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. The wonderful vendors along with our generous community sponsors provided fabulous prizes which will allow us to make a generous donation to The Guidance Center, which we view as a critically important organization in the community.”
“We are so grateful to the members of the Welcoming Club of Garden City for making us the beneficiary of their events for September 2017 through June 2018,” says Lauren McGowan, Director of Development for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. “The funds that they raise will go directly to our core mission of helping Long Island children and their families who are in need of mental health or substance use care. We could not do our work without generous donations from community-minded organizations like the Welcoming Club.”
The Welcoming Club of Garden City is a well-established women’s organization of over 650 members that focuses on welcoming new members to our community while promoting charitable and humanitarian projects. The Club offers many social activities/events for couples, children, families and nights out for the ladies. Some of the events they offer include: running/walking, tennis, golf, bowling, gourmet club, book club, bunko, toddler playgroups, family events, ladies nights, social events and movie night. To learn more, visit www.thegardencitywelcomingclub.org.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 1, 2018 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, April 30, 2018 — On Thursday, April 26, 2018, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, raised more than $68,000 to support our mission to restore and strengthen the emotional well-being of children and their families.
The event, which took place at Glen Head Country Club, began with exciting games of Mahjong, Canasta and Bridge, along with unique shopping boutiques from some of Long Island’s trendiest and most charitable small business owners, including Dale’s Novelty Knits, Dash, Designs That Donate, iThrive, Kostume Klassics, Museum Coffee House and RFC Fine Jewelry, among others.
Following the delicious luncheon buffet came a most informative and engaging presentation by keynote speaker Dr. Victor M. Fornari, MD. Dr. Fornari is Director of the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and Professor of Psychiatry & Pediatrics at the Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He discussed the latest developments in the field of children’s mental health, focusing on the Mobility study currently being done in conjunction with the Guidance Center and others of a medication named Metformin.
“The purpose of this study is to determine if adding Metformin to a healthy lifestyle program would help children and teens control weight gain caused by certain medications,” said Dr. Fornari. He explained that a large percentage of some anti-psychotic medications for children and adolescents cause weight gain, which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes as well as cardiovascular, neurological and digestive conditions.
Dr. Fornari cited “the courage” of Dr. Reena Nandi, the Guidance Center’s Director of Psychiatric Services, Executive Director Andrew Malekoff and other Guidance Center colleagues for playing such a central role in this study. He also said that the Guidance Center is “the most productive of all of our partners.”
He also told the audience that this is the largest pediatric psychopharmacological study ever funded by PCORI, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
“We are proud to partner with such a prestigious and patient-outcome drive study,” said Dr. Nandi. “We’re eagerly awaiting the results, which could have a dramatic impact on the health of children and adolescents.”
The luncheon couldn’t have been so successful without the hard work of our co-chairs, Jan Ashley, Amy Cantor and Alexis Siegel. “For several years, these three dedicated Guidance Center supporters have taken on the formidable task of organizing this exciting and informative event,” said Malekoff. “Their dedication to our mission is unwavering.”
We are also grateful for the support of our sponsors, without whom we couldn’t host such a terrific event. They are: The Children’s Medical Center at NYU Winthrop Hospital; Ruth Fortunoff Cooper; Americana Manhasset; Nancy Lane; Andrea Leeds; Signature Bank; Amy Cantor; Fara Copell; Klipper Family Foundation; Tracey Murray Kupferberg, CBR; Power Travel; Raich Ender Malter & Co. LLP; Alexis Siegel; Linda Cronin; Ann Dorman & Kenneth Adler; Joan Grant; Carol Marcell; Nanci Roth; and Carol Wolowitz.
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and
compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 17, 2018 | Press Releases
Includes Book Signing by author of Creative Mind: A Diary of Teenage Mental Illness
Roslyn Heights, NY, April 17, 2018 — On Friday April 13th, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a program featuring Long Island author Nicole Nagy.
Nagy’s book, Creative Mind: A Diary of Teenage Mental Illness, is a moving first-person account of her mental health challenges and also of the roadblocks she faced when trying to access timely and affordable treatment.
Nagy, a graduate social work student at Stony Brook, has also become a Project Access advocate, fighting alongside the Guidance Center for timely, affordable access to mental health and addictions care. The April 13 program featured Nagy’s discussion of her journey to healing and also addressed the battle to overcome stigma.
Nicole Nagy signs her book for Guidance Center Associate Executive Director Regina Barros-Rivera.
“In her book, Nicole writes with an authentic, courageous voice as she talks about her experiences with depression and anxiety,” said Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center. “With this book, Nicole has helped lift the fear of stigma by so honestly sharing her story. In addition, her advocacy for people struggling with mental health issues is very powerful. The battle for access to care is a matter of civil rights for millions of people.”
Even with excellent health insurance, Nagy said that getting access to treatment was very difficult. “It took weeks to get an appointment after I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt,” she said. When she was finally able to get the help she needed, she “learned to own and manage my illness and love myself.” Her goal is to share her story with everyone she can and give them hope.
The April 13th event included insights from an outstanding panel: Nancy Manigat, Chief Program Officer of CN Guidance & Counseling Services; author and psychotherapist Sean Grover; Kerry Lynn Eller, a social worker at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center who has experienced the difficulty of accessing mental health care in her own family; and the Reverend Gideon L. K. Pollach, rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
“Nicole’s story shows that having mental illness and being successful are not mutually exclusive,” said Eller. Grover talked about the need for adults to remember what it was like being a teenager and to “tap into our humanity,” while Pollach spoke of the need for communities of faith to fight for parity for mental health and addictions treatment.
Left to Right: Andrew Malekoff, Sean Grover, Nicole Nagy, Kerry Lynn Eller, Nancy Manigat, and Reverend Gideon L.K. Pollach.
Manigat, Chief Program Officer of CN Guidance & Counseling Services, applauded Nagy for being an advocate, and also spoke about the importance of the Project Access study, which surveyed 650 Long Islanders about their experience trying to find mental health care. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center on this very important study with the goal of improving access to lifesaving services for individuals living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder,” said Manigat. “Through our participation with Project Access, we were able to provide significant data which helped identify obstacles to care. At CN Guidance and Counseling Services, we believe in every individual’s ability to recover – and access to care is a necessary component of treatment. We are enthusiastic about the potential for change to come through the results of this survey.”
For more information about Project Access, email Guidance Center CEO Andrew Malekoff at amalekoff@northshorechildguidance.org. You can order Creative Mind on Amazon.com.
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 6, 2018 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, March 29, 2018 — North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff was honored today at the Fair Media Council’s Folio Awards as Best Columnist. His winning column was “Looking for a Path Back to Civility,” which ran in Newsday’s Opinion section on September 17, 2017.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Board Members Jo-Ellen Hazan and Rita Castagna; Frank Castagna of Castagna Realty Co.; and Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
Here is an excerpt from the column:
Most people I talk to agree that civility is on the decline. Everyone seems to have his or her own horror stories, whether it is inconsiderate neighbors or co-workers, aggressive driving or just plain rudeness.
Highways have become the Wild West. Hardly anyone comes to a complete stop for a stop sign. The yellow traffic signal has evolved from its original meaning, slow down, to speed up. And, of course, there are tailgating, middle-finger salutes and rampant road rage.
Today, there is so much talk about putting an end to bullying in schools. Yet, we live in a world of adults who don’t think twice about trampling personal boundaries through rude, intimidating and obnoxious behavior.
If we cannot reverse the trend, we can at least slow down and teach our children, after we remind ourselves, the importance of putting a pause between impulse and action. Perhaps it is somewhere inside of that sacred space that we can find our way back to a civil society.
“I’m honored to receive this prestigious journalism award, especially for this piece that I’ve come to realize has such universal appeal,” says Malekoff.
“It’s more important than ever for responsible, credible voices to take a leading role in the public conversation to ensure we have an informed public and a smarter democracy,” says Jaci Clement, CEO and Executive Director of Fair Media Council. “Winning a Fair Media Council Folio Award illustrates North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s commitment to bettering the community by raising awareness, and cements its role as a Long Island leader.”
James Kinney, Partner at Mazars USA and Chair of the Board of Directors of Fair Media Council; Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center; and Jaci Clement, CEO and Executive Director of Fair Media Council.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Mar 29, 2018 | Press Releases
Nancy Lane among the dynamic women chosen for the annual women’s roll of honor
Roslyn Heights, NY, March 28, 2018 — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Town of North Hempstead named North Shore Guidance Child & Family Guidance Center’s Board President Nancy Lane to its 25th Annual May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor.
Nancy Lane, President of the Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, in front of the May W. Newburger Honor Roll
“Nancy Lane has been an invaluable asset to North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center for more than 30 years,” says Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director. “She first became involved in one of our parent initiatives in 1985, and was drawn to the Guidance Center’s mission of providing mental health care and substance abuse treatment for all in need in Nassau County, regardless of their ability to pay. In 1986, Nancy joined the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, and from 1988 through 1992 served as the President of the Board of Directors. Today, she once again is our Board President. Her devotion to our mission and deep knowledge of what we do and of the community we serve make her a dynamic, effective and passionate leader.”
Left to right: Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Guidance Center Board Nancy Lane, Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink Jr. and Town Councilwoman Dina M. De Giorgio
Nancy her husband Dr. Lew Lane have lived in Port Washington, Manhasset and Sands point for 37 years. They have two children: Manhasset residents Alexandra Lane and her husband Randy Cohn, who have a son, Josh; and Drew Lane and his wife Kristen Stokes, who live in Manhattan and have a daughter, Audrey. Nancy volunteered at her children’s school, Buckley Country Day School, for 13 years while her children attended the school. Before becoming a mother, Nancy volunteered at the Port Washington Library. As you can see, Nancy has been a true hero to the town of North Hempstead for nearly four decades.
Guidance Center Board Vice President Jo-Ellen Hazan (left), Board President Nancy Lane (center) and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth (right).
Many of the Guidance Center’s previous board and committee members have received this honor over the years, including Susan Isaacs, Lilo Leeds, Joan Saltzman, Amy, Hagedorn, Sondra Pardes, Irene E. Hylton, Jane Schwartz, Heather Schwartz and current board vice president Jo-Ellen Hazan.
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Mar 28, 2018 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, March 27, 2018 — Grab your friends and get ready for a fun afternoon filled with your favorite card (or tile) games, shopping and a fabulous luncheon!
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, is pleased to announce that its Spring Luncheon 2018 will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Glen Head Country Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Clubhouse, which includes a beautiful ballroom, cozy living room area and spacious card room, is the perfect venue for a wonderful afternoon.
The keynote speaker is Victor M. Fornari, MD. Dr. Fornari is Director of the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and Professor of Psychiatry & Pediatrics at the Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He will be discussing the latest developments in the field of children’s mental health, providing useful information to parents with children of all ages.
The day will open with Mahjong, Canasta and Bridge. Next will be a delicious luncheon buffet and most informative and engaging presentation by Dr. Fornari. Throughout the day, guests will be able to visit unique shopping boutiques from some of Long Island’s trendiest and most charitable small business owners, including Chintz Giraffe, Dale’s Novelty Knits, Dash, Designs That Donate, Meryl Roesch Sunglasses and RFC Fine Jewelry, among others. Items for sale will include apparel, purses, jewelry, accessories and more. There will also be plenty of opportunities to participate in raffles for luxury prizes.
Registration is now open and sponsorships are available by visiting the Guidance Center’s website, www.northshorechildguidance.org or calling 516-626-1971, ext. 309.
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and
compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Dec 12, 2017 | Press Releases, Project Access
Family members share stories about difficulty accessing mental health and addictions care as results of year-long study are detailed at press conference
Roslyn Heights, NY, December 11, 2017 — If you’ve tried to get help for a family member or loved one who was struggling with mental health or chemical dependency issues and had trouble finding a provider who takes your insurance, you are not alone.
Today, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (also known as the Guidance Center) released the results of Project Access, a year-long study in which approximately 650 Long Islanders were surveyed about their experiences and frustrations in trying to obtain help. The results were announced at a press conference at the Guidance Center’s Roslyn Heights headquarters on Monday, December 11.
“This report verifies what we have long known: Insurance companies and the government are not living up to their responsibility to provide people with quality, affordable and timely mental health and addictions care,” said Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center. “Even though they are legally bound to have adequate networks of care, they fall far short of that mandate.”
A few key findings:
- Almost half of the participants said that it was more difficult finding help for mental health or substance abuse problems than finding help for physical illnesses, especially when they were in crisis.
- Nearly 40% said that their insurance company did not have an adequate number of providers.
- Two thirds told us that their insurance company was not helpful to them in finding a suitable provider for themselves or a loved one.
- Almost 40% of participants reported that stigma and affordability were impediments to seeking care.
- And, almost 25% of participants reported that they felt their attempts at accessing care were futile.
The problem of access is often complicated by a family’s reluctance to seek help for a mental health or drug problem, as opposed to physical illnesses like cancer or diabetes. Despite progress, stigma still looms large.
Kerry Eller spoke of the difficulty in finding treatment for her family member who has mental health and chemical addictions issues. “When my sister’s condition began to worsen, it put our entire family into crisis,” said Eller. “We knew she needed professional help to get her through this incredibly difficult time. It was extremely challenging to access appropriate treatment for my sister. The insurance company was not helpful with connecting us to in-network providers; they would give us referrals but when we would call, we would often find out that they no longer participated with our plan. It was exhausting and heart breaking to have to endure one failed call after another.”
Janet Susin, the President of Queens/Nassau NAMI, spoke of the trouble she faced getting her son care for schizophrenia. “At our first visit to the ER, their first question wasn’t ‘How is he doing’ but rather ‘Do you have insurance that covers mental health care?’ The reality is that there are not enough psychiatrists, particularly child psychiatrists, and very few are willing to take insurance. We need to do something to rectify that situation.”
State Senator Todd Kaminsky, who also spoke at the press conference, said, “The Project Access report is a damning indictment of where we are with mental health and addictions care in our state today… We’re not in the 19th or even 20th century. We have to do better!”
State Senator Elaine Phillips told the audience, “With Project Access, we now have the data when we write to our government and state agencies. We need to demand change so people get the support they deserve!”
For her part, Rebecca Sanin, President/CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, spoke of the great disparity in obtaining mental health care as opposed to care for physical illnesses. “Imagine if cancer patients faced delays and inadequate coverage; we would be up in arms as a region,” she said. “Project Access shows that two-thirds of respondents said insurance companies were not helpful and that it required multiple calls and contacts to access care. This is unconscionable. When a person is in crisis, the window to engage in treatment is small, and it may never open again if they are turned away.”
“We are calling on the New York State Department of Financial Services to launch a thorough investigation of this issue,” said Malekoff. “It’s incumbent upon all of us to advocate for change. Access delayed is access denied. People’s lives are at stake.”
The study is supported by the Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund of the Long Island Community Foundation.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Dec 11, 2017 | Press Releases, Project Access
Roslyn Heights, NY, November 27, 2017 — It’s a scenario that is far too common: Someone makes the difficult decision to seek out professional help for a mental health problem for themselves or their loved one and is faced with a myriad of roadblocks, including a lack of providers who take their insurance and demand cash only—or even if they find a therapist in their plan, the provider has an enormously long waiting list or is not accepting new clients at all.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center (also known as the Guidance Center) led an effort to assess these problems with Project Access, in which approximately 650 Long Islanders were surveyed about their experiences in trying to obtain help. The results will be announced at a press conference at the Guidance Center’s Roslyn Heights headquarters on Monday, December 11 at 10 a.m.
Expected to be speaking are New York State Senators Elaine Phillips and Todd Kaminsky; Janet Susin, Past President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Queens/Nassau; and Rebecca Sanin, President of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.
“This report verifies what we have long known: Insurance companies and the government are not living up to their responsibility to provide people with quality, affordable and timely mental health and addictions care,” says Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center. “Even though they are legally bound to have adequate networks of care, they fall far short of that mandate. It’s incumbent upon all of us to advocate for change. Access delayed is access denied. People’s lives are at stake.”
A few key findings:
- Almost 50% of respondents indicated that it was more difficult finding help for mental health or substance abuse/addiction problems than finding help for physical illnesses, particularly when they were in crisis.
- Nearly 40% of respondents said that their insurance company did not have an adequate number of providers.
Exacerbating the problem of individuals finding appropriate providers for mental health and addictions care is stigma and the shame it generates, notes Malekoff. “If someone’s child has cancer, they won’t hesitate to call the doctor, but because of the stigma surrounding mental health, it makes it very difficult for them to reach out. Clearly, as this study reveals, despite any
progress made in eradicating stigma, we still have a long way to go with respect to public education and mental health awareness.”
The aim of Project Access is to raise public consciousness, stimulate interaction among stakeholders and motivate New York State, through the Department of Financial Services, to carry out a thorough investigation of commercial health insurers with respect to access to care.
After reviewing the research, Project Access committee member Dr. Ilene Nathanson, Chair of the Social Work Department at LIU Post, concluded, “If the definition of insurance is protection then the gross inadequacies of our insurance system are laid bare in this study. Delays, unaffordability, outright inaccessibility – all courageously endured by human beings in need of mental health care. It is time that the insurance industry stepped up to the task of protecting.”
The study is supported by the Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund of the Long Island Community Foundation.
For previews of the research prior to the press conference, contact Andrew Malekoff at amalekoff@northshorechildguidance.org.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Oct 10, 2017 | Press Releases
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Lets the Light Shine In With Tour of Historic Whispered Wishes Headquarters
Also announces capital campaign for major windows renovation project
Roslyn Heights, NY, October 5, 2017 — The past came to life on October 3rd as North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a luncheon at its Roslyn Heights headquarters, known as “Whispered Wishes,” featuring a visit by one of the home’s former occupants.
Whispered Wishes today, which is the Guidance Center’s main headquarters.
Mary Jo Balkind, the granddaughter of one of the building’s early owners, financier and industrialist Charles C. Auchincloss, lived in the Guidance Center’s headquarters during WW II when she was a young girl. She enthusiastically shared many stories of those years with the luncheon’s guests, which included board members, donors and New York State Senator Elaine Phillips.
“It was a working farm,” said Balkind, who lived in the home with her grandparents, mother and siblings. “We had pigs, cows and chickens, along with a tennis court and stable. It was a great place to live.”
Another interesting point of history: Balkind’s sister Rosie was best friends with future First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, who visited the home often as a young girl.
Buck and Leslie Balkind with Buck’s mother Mary Jo Balkind and her drawing of the original estate’s layout.
The history of the building—one of the oldest in the East Hills area—is quite fascinating, said Howard Kroplick, Town Historian for the Town of North Hempstead. Whispered Wishes, formerly named “Builtover” by Charles Auchincloss when he purchased the home in 1905, was originally part of a 46-acre property owned by the Willets and Taber families, early settlers of Long Island.
Well-known architecture firm Peabody, Wilson and Brown was hired by Auchincloss to update the original home and turn it into a 25-room Georgian Revival mansion. He also hired the famed Olmstead Brothers, who designed Central Park, as architects for the grounds in 1917.
Kroplick stated, “This is a building that does so many wonderful things for the community. It should be cherished and preserved.”
John Grillo, Senator Elaine Phillips, Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff and Board President Nancy Lane.
Gold Coast historian Paul J. Mateyunas gave the audience a tour of the home, pointing out its numerous original features, from fireplaces to sconces to cast iron heating grates to a call box for the servants. “This is an amazing example of preservation,” said Mateyunas.
Since the Guidance Center purchased the home in 1983, preserving its beauty and structural integrity has been of utmost importance. Executive Director Andrew Malekoff told the luncheon guests that the Guidance Center is embarking on a crucial renovation project to keep the “warm and welcoming” feeling for all of the Guidance Center’s clients.
“We’re very grateful to Senator Phillips for helping us secure $100,000 toward the windows project from the Dormitory Authority of New York State,” said Malekoff, noting that the cost to replace all 120 windows will be approximately $1.2 million.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy with Rosie Balkind in front of the home’s barn.
For her part, Mary Jo Balkind is thrilled that her former childhood home is a place where helping children and families in need of mental health services is paramount. “I’m so thankful that the Guidance Center has preserved the beauty of this house. They’ve also preserved the spiritual essence of the building. There is the most wonderful atmosphere here; from the moment you walk in you can feel it. It makes me so happy that the Guidance Center is here.”
To learn more about the windows renovation project, please contact Director of Development Lauren McGowan at LMcGowan@northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971, ext. 320.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Sep 22, 2017 | Press Releases
Daniel Gale’s Gail Holman, Guidance Center Board Member Tracey Kupferberg and Guidance Center Board President Nancy Lane
Roslyn Heights, NY, September 22, 2017 — On Tuesday evening September 19th, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a fundraiser for its Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court. The event, which was held at Tesoro’s Ristorante Cucini Italiana at 967 Old Country Road in Westbury, featured wonderful entertainment by musician and soul crooner Paul Loren, along with cocktails and a delicious buffet.
The event raised over $12,000 for operating the Children’s Center, which provides care and early learning to almost 2,000 children annually, ages 6 weeks – 12 years, while their parents or guardians are conducting court business.
“The Children Center is not a babysitting service,” explains Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Director of The Leeds Place (under which the Children’s Center operates). “It is an early learning center. Often this is a child’s first exposure to an early learning environment. Every aspect of the Center promotes learning by which the children can explore new things in a safe, structured and professionally supervised setting.”
Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff, Children’s Center volunteer Allison Cacace, event co-chair John Zenir, Leeds Place Director Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust and event co-chair Bob Mangi.
Dr. Taylor-Walthrust also thanked all of the Children’s Center volunteers. “We have only two full-time staff members, and we are required to have two adults present at the Center for it to be open. We could never provide the level of service that we do without these dedicated volunteers.” She also acknowledged Laurie Joseph-Yehuda and Rene Joseph, the daughter and widow of the late Honorable Burton S. Joseph, founder of the Children’s Center, who were also in attendance. Laurie is a new member of the Children’s Center Advisory Council and Rene painted a beautiful mural on the wall of the Children’s Center many years ago.
Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center, thanked event co-chairs Bob Mangi, Esq. and John Zenir, Esq., P.C., as well as Allison Cacace, a volunteer for the Children’s Center who was instrumental in coordinating the event for the second year in a row. “This fundraiser is critical for the Children’s Center, as funds for it have been drastically cut over the years, though we have been able to keep it open full time,” says Malekoff.
The fundraiser was sponsored by an array of local law firms and other businesses, including Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP, DiMascio & Associates, LLP, Gassman Baiamonte Gruner, P.C., Mangi & Graham, LLP, the Pessala Family, and In Memory of Hon. Burton S. Joseph.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Sep 13, 2017 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, September 12, 2017 — On Tuesday evening September 19th, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will host a fundraiser for its Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court. The event will be held at Tesoro’s Ristorante, located at 967 Old Country Road in Westbury, and will feature entertainment by Paul Lauren, musician and soul crooner. The event, which will feature cocktails and a buffet, will run from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For registration info, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org/events, or email dmartin@northshorechildguidance.org or call 516-626-1971, ext. 309. Tickets are $125 each.
The Children’s Center provides care and early learning to almost 2,000 children annually, ages 6 weeks – 12 years, while their parents or guardians are conducting court business. Dr. Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, Director of The Leeds Place (under which the Children’s Center operates), says that the Center focuses on early childhood education.
“The Children Center is not a babysitting service,” explains Dr. Taylor-Walthrust. “It is an early learning center. Often this is a child’s first exposure to an early learning environment. Every aspect of the Center promotes learning by which the children can explore new things in a safe, structured and professionally supervised setting.”
The fundraiser is co-chaired by Robert C. Mangi, Esq. and John M. Zenir, Esq., P.C. and is sponsored by an array of local law firms and other businesses, including Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP, DiMascio & Associates, LLP, Gassman Baiamonte Gruner, P.C., Mangi & Graham, LLP, the Pessala Family, and In Memory of Hon. Burton S. Joseph.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 16, 2017 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, May 15, 2017 —North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will be holding its 21st annual Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf & Tennis Classic on Monday, June 19, at The Creek in Locust Valley, and the competition is heating up!
This year’s honoree is Dan Donnelly, chief executive officer, Donnelly Mechanical Corporation, and longtime supporter of the Guidance Center. Donnelly, a Garden City resident, has created a whole new approach to this year’s event, with four teams competing for the Krevat Cup: one from Garden City, with Donnelly as the team captain; one from Manhasset, with Mike Mondiello as captain; NYC captain Troy Slade; and East Coast team captain Michael Schnepper. As in the great tradition of the Davis Cup and the Ryder Cup, the “Krevat Cup” will be awarded to one of four competing teams.
“The reason I love Garden City is because it’s a kids’ town,” said Donnelly. “Nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our kids. That’s why my fellow GC-ers and I are competing (well, that and they love golf and tennis). But our team could definitely still use some help! Reach out to the Guidance Center- it’s a great cause- and tell them I sent you. Go Team Garden City!”
“This is going to be a phenomenal event,” said Mondiello. “The Creek is an amazing golf course. The location can’t be beat. The energy is high. And after golf, the outdoor beach club cocktail and dinner time will make it a truly classic and classy event! Team Manhasset is ready to bring home the Krevat Cup! ”
“The goal is to raise no less than $200,000 this year, all of which goes to support the important work of the Guidance Center,” says East Coast captain Michael Schnepper. “So for those in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and beyond, join my team! Let’s not let Garden City and Manhasset rule the roost.”
The New York City captain is equally pumped up for his team’s performance. “It’s not too late to sign up and show Long Island what NYC is all about!” says Slade.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is the preeminent nonprofit, children’s mental health agency on Long Island, dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth to age 24) and their families. For more than 60 years, the Guidance
Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all regardless of their ability to pay.
For those interested in joining a team, it’s not too late! Contact Diana Martin, dmartin@northshorechildguidance.org, 516-626-1971, ext. 309.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 10, 2017 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, May 10, 2017 — What’s your favorite room in your home? For some, it may be difficult to choose just one. But John Grillo, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s former board president, says there’s no doubt which room his father Johnny would have chosen: the garage!
In honor of his father’s memory, John Grillo, in addition to contributing and helping to raise funds for the renovation of the Guidance Center’s garage, made a separate significant gift to officially name it “Johnny’s Garage.”
On May 8, several staff, clients and community members joined together to dedicate the garage to the senior Grillo, whom his son describes with great affection. “Johnny’s Garage is dedicated to my father, a man who was always fixing something. He was military trained during WWII as an aircraft and auto mechanic, but was equally comfortable around anything with an engine. It made absolutely no difference whether it was manufactured in 1925 or 1999. He was truly a mechanic’s mechanic with an unrestrained passion to repair things….anything.”
Grillo shared his experiences watching his father working on a 1957 Jaguar XK-120, which hadn’t run in more than 15 years: “He charged the battery, removed and replaced the spark plugs, installed a new set of points, a new condenser and rotor, drained and changed the oil and oil filter, checked the spark, adjusted the timing, cleaned out some very gunked up carburetors, sprayed some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders, turned the engine over, and then vroom…..five hours later this classic car was running like a top.”
He proudly noted that his father was happy to help anyone in need. “All of our friends, neighbors and relatives knew that if they had a problem, just go see Johnny Grillo and he’d fix it. I think his confidence and belief in himself was the major ingredient in his magnificent tool bag.”
Also that evening, the garage was “christened” by the Guidance Center’s Parent Support Group, where clients utilized the garage as a painting studio and created vibrant canvases of sunflowers.
“We’re so grateful to John Grillo for his longtime support of the Guidance Center,” said Executive Director Andrew Malekoff. “John is clearly like his Dad in that when there is a need, he’s right there to help provide a solution. His service to our mission has been unwavering.”
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 28, 2017 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, April 28, 2017 — On April 27, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center held its Annual Spring Luncheon at Glen Head Country Club, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Cynthia Pizzulli, a renowned psychotherapist, lecturer and adolescent parenting expert. The event was attended by 200 people and made more than $63,000 to support the important work of the Guidance Center.
Guests began the day playing Mahjong and Canasta and then shopped at the event’s many boutiques, featuring some of Long Island’s trendiest and most charitable small business owners. Fine Jewelry, housewares, and designer purses were just some of the many items for sale.
At the delicious luncheon buffet, attendees were riveted by Dr. Pizzulli who spoke about the pros and cons of social media for teens. “I have good news,” said Dr. Pizzulli. “Your tweens and teens are not doomed because they use social media. The key is to teach them healthy boundaries, so they don’t act impulsively and post anything too personal or inappropriate.”
Dr. Pizzulli was introduced by Jaci Clement, who moderated the discussion following Dr. Pizzulli’s presentation.
Clement is a media expert with more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry. She is executive director of the Fair Media Council, a New York metro area media watch organization. In supporting our message of removing stigma, Clement said, “The more we can do to raise awareness of mental illness, the faster we can retire the stigmas associated with it and people can get the help they need and deserve. The Guidance Center has built an exceptional legacy of caring for this community, and that’s something that can only be accomplished when the people involved are pure of heart and steadfast in spirit.”
Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director of the Guidance Center, said, “I was very impressed with Dr. Pizzulli’s presentation and also the questions from the audience. We all need to be aware of both the benefits and dangers to our children and teens of social media, and she provided excellent guidance to help parents navigate this new world.”
The event was a huge success due in part to the support of some very generous sponsors including: Jill Berman, Amy Cantor, Rita Castagna, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, Flushing Bank, Joan Grant, iThrive, Klipper Family Foundation, Jack & Dorothy Kupferberg Family Foundation, Andrea Leeds, Marion & Irving Levine, Power Travel, Raich Ende Malter & Co. LLP, Cynthia Rubinberg, Alexis Siegel, Signature Bank, South Oaks Hospital, Lisa Strauss, Baker Tilly and Carol & Arnold Wolowitz Foundation.
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and
other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 26, 2017 | Press Releases
Roslyn Heights, NY, April 20, 2017 —On April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will be holding its Annual Spring Luncheon at Glen Head Country Club. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Cynthia Pizzulli, LCSW, PhD, who will offer wonderful insights about social media and its effects on our children today. Dr. Pizzulli is a renowned psychotherapist, lecturer and adolescent parenting expert. She will present The Reasons Why Social Media is Not the Problem You Think It Is. She will dispel the myths about social media being the cause of mental health problems among today’s youth; define the actual causes of emotional distress experienced by tweens/teens in this electronic age; and identify some tools parents can use to encourage healthy adolescent development.
The Luncheon will open with Mahjong, Canasta, and Bridge. Then it will transition to a delicious luncheon buffet and most informative and engaging presentation by Dr. Pizzulli. Throughout, we will feature shopping boutiques from some of Long Island’s trendiest and most charitable small business owners. There will also be plenty of opportunities to participate in raffles for luxury prizes.
After Dr. Pizzulli’s presentation, she will be interviewed by Jaci Clement, a media expert with more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry. She is executive director of the Fair Media Council, a New York metro area media watch organization. Ms. Clement speaks around the country on the importance of being a media savvy consumer. She has created a media literacy program and brought it into the classroom, believing strongly that news literacy and literacy skills must develop simultaneously to enhance children’s deductive reasoning and critical thinking abilities.
Registration is now open and sponsorships are available by visiting our website, www.northshorechildguidance.org or calling 516-626-1971, ext. 309.
About Us:
As the pre-eminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 13, 2017 | Press Releases
Regina Barros-Rivera designated as leader who is
“Great In Our State” in children’s mental health
Roslyn Heights, NY, April 13, 2017 — North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is pleased to announce that Regina Barros-Rivera, our Associate Executive Director, has been chosen to be honored at the 2017 “What’s Great in Our State—A Celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness” reception for her leadership role in the organization. She will be presented with the award on Tuesday, May 2nd, from 2-4:30 pm at the Huxley Auditorium in the New York State Museum in Albany.
The award is very competitive. Only three individual honorees and two programs are selected statewide for successfully addressing the issues of children’s mental health, including successful intervention on behalf of children and their families.
According to Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director and CEO of the Guidance Center, Ms. Barros-Rivera’s contribution to the organization is critical to the Center’s success. “We count on Regina’s leadership in the overall clinical operation, from providing direct care to families to creating innovative programs that have healed thousands of children, teens and families,” he says. “One of her many contributions is the Latina Girls Project, which Regina created as a result of the high incidence of suicide among this population. With the Latina Girls Project, these girls and their families are given the social, emotional and psychological support they need in a bicultural and bilingual context. This program has saved lives and staked hopeful paths for these girls.”
“I am honored to be part of an organization that supports services to children and families in dire need who have limited access to comprehensive quality-of-care clinical services,” says Barros-Rivera. “Alone we cannot provide the much needed care for our children and families but as part of a collaborative of caregivers and the community, we can take on challenges that will give our children and families emotional safety and stability.”
About Us:
As the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children (from birth – age 24) and their families. Our highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy. The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental
delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; and family crises stemming from illness, death, trauma and divorce. For more than 60 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
