The Knitting Group from Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) has been hard at work putting smiles on the faces of many children. The group crocheted bunnies for Valentine’s Day. The bunnies were donated to the children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Every stitch was made with love for the children who would be spending Valentine’s Day in the hospital.

Shirley Godoi, our Administrative Assistant, dropped off the bunnies. She was greeted with big smiles and excitement from the nurses on the unit. They were so grateful to be able to give the children a special gift. A note was enclosed with the bunnies telling them that our love and prayers accompanied each one. We’re looking forward to the next project that our Knitting Group will be doing. They love to spread joy and happiness to others.

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF), had a special visit from some high school students who attend The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry. The students are enrolled in a special course entitled: Bring People Together Through Culture, Communication and Community.

The students, along with their teachers, visited with our Knitting Group. The students wanted to meet with our clients to learn about their different cultures, how they arrived in the US, etc. Some of the countries represented by our clients are Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc.

There was a beautiful exchange between our clients and the students. One student asked, “How do you keep your culture alive in this country?” A perfect answer was by inviting the students to taste some of the delicacies that the clients made. The knitting group always shares different foods from their countries while they knit and crochet. They feel that using recipes from their countries is a perfect way to keep their traditions alive.

Our clients gave the students some advice. They told them that they are the future and that they must work to make the world a better place. The visit was a positive experience for our clients and for the students. We hope that the students will be back for another visit. ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a workshop entitled: “Reiniciar y Recargar Energías: Por qué el Autocuidado es Importante (Reset and Recharge Your Energy: Why Self Care Matters). The workshop was presented by Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor. Betsy spoke about the importance of taking care of yourself so you can better care for others. Several ideas were shared about using different ways to help relax the body and calm the mind. Ideas such as keeping a gratitude journal, guided meditations, a walk and calling a friend, were discussed.

Everyone in attendance received hand cream and a lip mask. Betsy showed how to massage the hands using the hand cream. Another important piece that was shared was learning to say, ‘no,’ without feeling guilty.

Everyone left feeling energized. What a perfect way to feel as we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

During this time of giving thanks, Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF), is thrilled to announce that we have a new US citizen. Dara Mersi Martinez passed her US Citizenship exam! She came to the United States in 2011 from Guatemala. Dara is filled with gratitude for all the help she received from her tutors at CIS-DF.

A special thank you to Peter Ricca, one of her tutors, who helped Dara learn the many questions needed to pass the test. Congratulations Dara!

Following the STARS program, several of our high school students came to CIS-DF to participate in a Giving Back Program. The students made 100 bags filled with toiletries and other items which will be given to teenagers whose families frequent The Pantry, which is located in Verplanck, NY. The Pantry provides groceries for residents in the Town of Cortlandt.

One student created the list of items for the bags. In addition to deodorant, lip balm, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc., the teenagers will also be receiving socks, scrunchies, stress balls, lollipops, wristbands and keychains with inspirational sayings. We are sure that that these packets will brighten the holidays for these teenagers. A special thank you to our CIS-DF teenagers for taking time on their Veterans Day off from school to help others.

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades 3-5 on November 11th. In addition to being Veterans Day, it was also National Young Readers Day. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, The Empty Pot, by Demi. A great discussion took place following the story. The students spoke about the importance of having good character. Words such as honesty, compassion, responsibility, etc. were suggested as the ways in which we should act towards one another.

After the discussion, the students created “A Tree of Integrity.” On the trunk, branches and leaves of the tree, the words that were used during the discussion were written on painted leaves. The tree, which hangs in our classroom, is a reminder to always be people with integrity.
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