Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Cabrini University Staff and Students Advocate in Harrisburg for Immigrant Rights

Abel cr in Harrisburgimage002Attending a recent Advocacy Day in Harrisburg is Abel Rodriguez, Director of the Center on Immigration at Cabrini University and some University students.  The day was organized by the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC).  Next semester, we’ll coordinate a group to DC to advocate on immigration issues.

Cabrini Immigrant Services, NYC and Cabrini University rally on May Day for Immigrants

Cabrini Immigrant Services Marches in New York City

On May 1st Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC staff and Justice for Immigrants members joined immigrant rights, labor, faith and allied organizations for a May Day action in support of immigrants and workers. Thousands came together in New York City to stand up against anti-immigrant and anti-worker policies and to demand that President Trump end his attacks on immigrant, refugees and Muslim communities. Activists, community leaders, City Council Members and even the Mayor were present to show their support for our immigrant brothers and sisters. To stay up to date on how CIS-NYC continues to stand up for immigrants every day follow us on Twitter or Facebook or check out our website!

 

Cabrini University Students and Staff Rally in Washington, D.C.

On Monday, May 1, Cabrini students and staff took time away from preparing for finals to make their way to the nation’s capital for a march and rally in solidarity with workers and immigrants. Earlier in the semester students had made protest signs with slogans like, “No Human Is Illegal,” and “Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants,” and these signs were hung on a barricade constructed on the University Commons for a Border Solidarity Mass celebrated on April 19 to commemorate Pope Francis’s visit to the US-Mexico border the year prior.

Cabrini students took those signs and joined thousands of other protesters in DuPont Circle to protest anti-immigrant sentiments and policies, representing the namesake of the Patron Saint of Immigrants. Chants worked their way through the crowds, alternating between English and Spanish: “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!” “¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” We arrived at Lafayette Square, named for an immigrant hero of the Revolution and cheered facing the White House for the hope that we can be better together.

Walking back to the van we passed through the MLK Memorial, with tired legs and hoarse voices, reading his words: “Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” And “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Following in the Footsteps of Mother Cabrini

An essay by Lorraine Campanelli, Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY:

Since President Trump signed the Executive Order about Immigration, fear has entered the immigrant community in Dobbs Ferry, NY and the surrounding Rivertowns. Dobbs Ferry went from a town with bustling streets to a town where you see a few individuals walking freely. The Village officials have made a statement that it is a safe place that welcomes all no matter their race, creed, status, etc. But still, there is fear, fear of the unknown, fear of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Raid.

Immigrant families 3At Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, we work with both adults and children. I remember the Thursday after the election at our afterschool homework program. The children expressed great fear about what may happen to our country and also to their home countries. Some children did not want to go to school for fear that their Mom and Dad may not be at home when they return. The majority of our children are American born but their parents are undocumented. Thus, the parents can be deported but not the children.

We did an impromptu prayer service to help them express some of their concerns. Each child received a picture of a vigil candle and was asked to write what their hopes were for the country. Some wrote that they hope their parents will be allowed to stay in the US; some hoped for an end to wars and bullying; while others hoped for enough food and housing for all people. Some children who are Pakistani had additional fears because of not only where their family is from but also that they are Muslim. One of the children hoped that our country would not bomb Pakistan because a lot of his relatives live there. These children are in Grades 1-6. A lot of stress for such small children. We talked about their hopes and fears. We prayed that God will continue to watch over all of us.

The adults also have tremendous fear. I think their greatest fear is for their children.   If they are arrested with the intent of deportation, they will not be able to see their children. The children will more than likely be put into the foster care system. When you look into their eyes, you see the fear, you see the tears. They are also afraid that they may lose their jobs because employers may be fearful to have someone work for them who is undocumented. Housing has also become an issue for some.

We have many people who are trying to become US citizens. Some, do not have any documentation nor do they qualify in any way to become a citizen. Some may have Immigrant families 2the necessary documentation but do not have enough of a command of the English language to pass the interview part of the exam. In most cases, they must have an interview, read and write in English and learn 100 questions about US civics.   We assist the clients in learning English and preparing for the naturalization exam.

Staff and tutors have attended rallies to voice our support for immigrants. I have been speaking at forums and at colleges.   I am on a team that is going throughout the county informing people of their rights as well as letting them know what services CIS offers.   When I speak about CIS, I always begin with the fact that St. Cabrini was an immigrant and how she was told to return to her homeland. I explain that in the Catholic Church, St. Cabrini is the Patroness of Immigrants and I tell the people to turn to St. Cabrini.

CIS continues to welcome all in the name of St. Cabrini. We are a safe place for our clients to come. Our clients feel comfortable coming to CIS and they know that they will be accepted for who they are.

I ask that you please keep us and all immigrants in your prayers. We ask St. Cabrini to intercede for us.

U.S. Bishops Chair says New Executive Order on Migration Leaves Many At Risk

Dr. Donald B. Taylor, President of Cabrini University, shared the following message with the campus community this week: “Being the only university in the world named for the Patron Saint of Immigrants, it is important to share with you the excellent statement issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration regarding President Trump’s recent executive order.”

The complete text appears below:

U.S. Bishops Chairman on Migration says New Executive Order Still Leaves Many Innocent Lives

at Risk

March 6, 2017

WASHINGTON—The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, says that President Trump’s latest Executive Order still puts vulnerable populations around the world at risk. In a statement issued after the announcement of today’s travel suspension, Bishop Vásquez says that while we seek to maintain our values and safety, we must also exercise compassion in assisting and continuing to welcome the stranger. 

Bishop Vázquez’s full statement follows:

“We remain deeply troubled by the human consequences of the revised executive order on refugee admissions and the travel ban. While we note the Administration’s efforts to modify the Executive Order in light of various legal concerns, the revised Order still leaves many innocent lives at risk.

The removal of one of the original seven predominantly Muslim countries temporarily barred from entering the United States is welcome, but we are disappointed that the revised order maintains the temporary shutdown of the U.S. refugee admissions program, continues the more than 60 percent reduction in the number of refugees who can be resettled into the United States this year, and still temporarily bars nationals from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops have long recognized the importance of ensuring public safety and would welcome reasonable and necessary steps to accomplish that goal.

However, based on the knowledge that refugees are already subjected to the most vigorous vetting process of anyone who enters the United States, there is no merit to pausing the refugee resettlement program while considering further improvement to that vetting process.

The United States has long provided leadership in resettling refugees. We believe in assisting all those who are vulnerable and fleeing persecution, regardless of their religion, including Christians, Muslims, and all others. We believe that by helping to resettle the most vulnerable, we are living out our Christian faith and “welcoming the stranger” as Jesus has challenged us to do.

Today, more than 65 million people around the world are forcibly displaced from their homes. Given this extraordinary level of suffering, the U.S. Catholic Bishops reaffirm their support for, and efforts to protect, all who flee persecution and violence, as just one part of the perennial and global work of the Church in defense of vulnerable persons. Resettling only 50,000 refugees a year, down fr om 110,000, does not reflect the need, our compassion, and our capacity as a nation. We have the ability to continue to assist the most vulnerable among us without sacrificing our values as Americans or the safety and security of our nation.”

No Ban! No Wall! Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY Resistance

“On Saturday, February 4th, Cabrini Immigrant Services of Dobbs Ferry partnered with a diverse coalition of community organizations to host the Westchester Resistance Rally in White Plains.

The protest, at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was organized by State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who represents Dobbs Ferry among other Westchester towns and villages, and also included New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The event was organized in opposition to policies issued via executive order by President Donald J. Trump.

Senator Stewart-Cousins convened local leaders, elected officials and Westchester community members who came together in support of human rights and in opposition to policies banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries and the construction of a multi-billion dollar wall between the United States and Mexico.

“As President Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘The history of liberty is a history of resistance,’ ” said Stewart-Cousins. “The organic demonstrations of people all over the world underscore the importance of American ideals and values.”

The event followed weeks of protests and rallies since the Presidential Inauguration.

Meanwhile, on February 4th, while other Cabrini staff members were protesting in White Plains, Lorraine Campanelli, Director of CIS, was a panelist on the “Forum on Immigration” at the Yonkers Public Library, presented by The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, The Westchester Black Bar Association and The Regional Immigration Assistance Center. Lorraine spoke about the many services available at CIS-DF. “It was an honor to hear from attendees that Cabrini is well respected and is highly recommended by so many other agencies,” said Lorraine Campanelli who has been asked to join “the team” as they travel to different regions of Westchester County.

Previously, on January 28th, Concerned Families of Westchester rallied in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY to protest President Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda. The staff from Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, along with several tutors and their spouses were in attendance

Cabrini University to Host Forum on Childhood Obesity and Hunger

childhealthprogram-2017-1On Feb. 17, Cabrini University will host a one-day symposium addressing childhood obesity and hunger, two leading public health issues in the nation.

From 9am to 4:30pm in the Grace Hall Atrium, Convergence of Childhood Obesity and Hunger: Moving to Action—a follow-up to 2015’s Convergence of Childhood Obesity and Hunger: A Forum for Response—will provide attendees with collaborative discussions that help them analyze trends within and links between childhood hunger and obesity and identify ways the community can help resolve issues of childhood obesity and hunger.

Speakers will include:

  • Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Director of the AAP Institute on Healthy Childhood Weight, and Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the Center for Child Health and Policy at Case Western Reserve, whose presentation is titled Building the Foundations of Child Health: Addressing the Triple Threat of Obesity, Food Insecurity and Hunger
  • Eric Mitchell, Government Relations Director, Bread for the World, whose presentation is titled Putting Us on Track to End Hunger by 2030
  • Kim Fremont Fortunato, Director of Community Affairs, Campbell Soup Company, and President, Campbell Soup Foundation, who will be discussing Positive Social Change for Healthy Communities
  • Garrett Broad, PhD, Assistant Professor, Fordham University, and author of More Than Just Food: Food Justice and Community Change, who will speak to More than Just Food: Food Justice and Community Change

Service providers, teachers, and leaders from local organizations, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in health, education, social work, public policy, and nutrition, would benefit from attending. Continuing education credits are available; registered dieticians, Certified Health Education Specialists, social workers, and others should enquire about specific credentials.

Registration is $40, $20 for students; day-of registration and breakfast will begin at 8:15am.

For more information or to register, please visit the Child Health Forum web page or contact Maria Elena Hallion, PhD, at 610.902.8388 or mehallion@cabrini.edu.

White Plains Hospital, Cabrini of Westchester Receive Top Marks For Pulmonary Patient Care

cabrini-of-westchester-short-term-rehabilitation-cr-bigger-jpgA partnership between White Plains Hospital and Cabrini of Westchester has created a network recognized as one of the nations’ top in lung care, and was recently cited as a best practice in transitions of care for pulmonary patients at the recent PointClickCare SUMMIT, a national conference for healthcare professionals.

Recognizing the need for chronic lung disease care, Cabrini of Westchester established a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program to serve as a step-down program for patients being discharged from area hospitals. In order to reduce re-hospitalizations, last year White Plains Hospital partnered with Cabrini of Westchester to develop a system of patient transition.

As a result of the partnership, Cabrini of Westchester’s Pulmonary Program has enabled White Plains Hospital to decrease its pulmonary-related readmissions from 24 percent to 16.8 percent in the first year of operation, and has increased quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“An estimated 250 attendees at the presentation were clearly enthused to learn about how they could adopt this best practice in their healthcare communities,” said Karen Hanney, case management/utilization administrator at White Plains Hospital. ”We are gratified that by sharing the Cabrini/White Plains Hospital experience, we were able to provide theaudience with a deeper knowledge of the latest available tools, tips and best practices to enable them to deliver quality care to the growing, medically complex senior population,” she said. Hanney and Lorraine Horgan, vice president of external affairs at Cabrini of Westchester, presented their data from their pulmonary partnership at the PointClickCare Annual SUMMIT in Orlando, Florida earlier this month.

PointClickCare is a national electronic health record organization specializing in post-acute care settings. The SUMMIT drew attendees from all over the country, representing PointClickCare customers, partners and industry experts who gathered to learn about the newest care innovations, best practices and share in the latest insights on emerging technology trends while networking with peers.

Cabrini University is Named College of the Year by National Hispanic Institute

Cabrini University Named College of the Year by the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) during the organization’s annual Celebración event in McAllen, Texas.

Brian Eury, University Chief of Staff and VP of Community Partnerships and External Relations, accepts the award on behalf of Cabrini.

Brian Eury, University Chief of Staff and VP of Community Partnerships and External Relations, accepts the award on behalf of Cabrini.

Cabrini received the award for being one of the organization’s strongest partners and for recognizing the importance and impact of NHI’s mission on the University’s campus.

In 2014, Cabrini established its partnership with NHI when Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D. began his tenure as President of Cabrini.

“The partnership between Cabrini and NHI was a natural fit, built upon a common mission to cultivate leaders and make a college degree more accessible,” said Taylor. “We are honored to receive this award and look forward to our continued work together.”

For the past three years, Cabrini has hosted NHI for its annual Collegiate World Series, a five-day program that provides high-achieving Latino students from across the U.S., Mexico, and the Dominican Republic insight into the college admissions process, financial aid, and strategic planning for personal and professional success.

“As the University continues on its pathway to become a Hispanic Serving Institution, our work with NHI has created a solid foundation to build essential relationships with the Hispanic community,” said Taylor.

As NHI’s showcase event, Celebración is a four-day experience for high school and undergraduate students to introduce them to community social entrepreneurship as part of their continued involvement in leadership training. The event culminates with an awards ceremony. ~ from a Cabrini University press release

Cabrini of Westchester Holds Raffle to Benefit Flood Victims

In recognition of The Jubilee Year of Mercy, the administration and staff of Cabrini of Westchester have been organizing monthly acts of Mercy to benefit various organizations and plights. For the month of September, Department Heads and their staff created themed baskets, which they raffled off in the lobby.

Family members, visitors, residents, patients and staff participated in the fun event each hoping to be the lucky winner of one of the 16 the beautifully packaged, fun-filled baskets ranging from a meditation basket, food baskets, an electronic basket and a basket of cheer, to name a few!

The event created a lot of excitement and, more importantly, raised close to one thousand dollars for a wonderful cause. Working in collaboration with Cabrini High School in New Orleans, Cabrini of Westchester donated the proceeds of this fundraiser to Denham Springs High School in Baton Rouge of which 80% of the faculty and students were victims of the recent floods in Louisiana.

 

Cabrini of Westchester Honors Employees for Service

On June 23, 2016, Cabrini of Westchester held a Service Awards Ceremony in honor of its outstanding employees who were celebrating five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty and even forty years of service to the organization!

The ceremony was held in St. Cabrini’s Chapel and Fr. Edwin Robinson, Pastoral Care Director, bestowed blessings on all of the honorees. In her remarks, Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO, extended her gratitude to the awardees for their many years of service and acknowledged that it is their presence and dedication that makes Cabrini the special place it is not only to work but to live.

Each of the awardees received a pin with a precious stone depicting their years of service to Cabrini of Westchester. Fellow staff and administration gathered at a festive outdoor barbeque to acknowledge their colleagues’ accomplishments, passion for providing compassionate care and dedication to the mission of Mother Cabrini.

Additional service recipients were Susan Monteleone and Wellington Ramirez for ten years of service and Lisa Irving, Emmanuel Okoampah, Sr. Sheila Moroney, PBVB, for five years. Congratulations to the 2016 Employee Service Award Recipients and thank you for all that you do and for being such a cherished part of the Cabrini family for so many years!

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