Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Thoughtful and Helpful Holy Thursday

April 23, 2025

Despite being on vacation from school, several of our high school students came to Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) on Holy Thursday to help with a Giving Back Program. The students made 200 toiletry bags that were filled with items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, a facecloth, a brush, socks, cookies, etc. Also included in each bag was a special bracelet that had a positive message on it to remind each person how valuable they are.

At a previous Giving Back program, the high schoolers asked if they could donate bags to Hope’s Door in Hawthorne, NY. The mission of Hope’s Door is ‘to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing.’ They offer counseling, advocacy and legal services for victims of domestic violence and trafficking.

Two staff members from Hope’s Door came to CIS-DF to speak with the students about their different services. Shannon Luke, a Youth Educator and a Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate and Dednika Louisthelmy, a Youth Educator and Counselor, offered their availability to the students. The students were extremely interested in hearing about the various programs. Our hope is to educate and empower as many people as possible. Account continues on next page.

Shannon and Dednika were so thrilled to be able to fill their cars with the 200 toiletry bags. They told the students that the bags would be used for people who come to shelter to help them get through the initial time at their shelters. They explained that very often clients come with ‘the clothes on their backs.’

We are so proud of our high school students. They not only gave up their day-off but they helped so many people because of their caring about others. A special thank you to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for allowing us to have such an important program.

Equipping People for the Future

January 30, 2025

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, held a workshop entitled, “Construyendo su aldea en el 2025: Abogando y fortaleciéndose en el nuevo año” (“Building Your Village in 2025: Advocating and Growing Stronger in the New Year”). The workshop was presented by Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor. In light of the possible changes that may take place for immigrants, we wanted everyone to be equipped with as much information as possible.

Betsy spoke about the importance of coming together to support one another. She provided everyone with a list of resources that are available to them both in Dobbs Ferry and in Westchester County. The participants were also encouraged to talk about their culture and their traditions to the younger generation. She spoke about the importance of keeping their stories alive.

Everyone left feeling empowered and grateful for the information that was shared. We look forward to Betsy returning soon.

CIS Hosts Parenting Workshop

January 31, 2024

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, offered a workshop for parents of toddlers. Betsy Suarez, LMHC, presented: “Effective Strategies: How to Get Your Children to Listen to You More Consistently.”

Our clients from CIS as well as some of the asylum seekers from neighboring towns joined us for the workshop. They discussed achievable goals when raising young children and different ways of achieving the goals. As a group, they discussed what worked with their child and what needed improvement. Betsy assured them to be patient with themselves. She reminded them that no one is an expert.

While the parents were attending the workshop, our social work intern kept the toddlers entertained with puzzles, coloring and different toys. It was very evident that toddlers have an enormous amount of energy!

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

November 15, 2023

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

We hear so much about intergenerational programs and the wonderful effect it has on both the young and the elderly.

Several of our high school students from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, visited some of the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The students loved speaking with the residents and helping them create colorful wreaths. They especially enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to one of the residents who turned 102 years old that day! The residents had smiles on their faces from ear to ear. They kept remarking how wonderful, respectful, and helpful the high schoolers were.

They had such a wonderful time that the students will be visiting again in December when they will build gingerbread houses together.

Hailing the Cabrini Immigrant Services Nutrition Program Graduates

April 11, 2023

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, celebrated with our students who completed the course, ‘Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’ – Part 2.

Lucy Diaz, a Nutrition Program Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, presented the program. The students had already completed Part 1 of the nutrition program and returned to learn even more information. A Certificate of Completion for the course was given to the students. In addition, they received an insulated bag filled with many useful goodies.

Congratulations to all our ‘graduates’ of the nutrition program. We are so proud of you.

Fun February Festivities at CIS-Dobbs Ferry, NY

March 2, 2023

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, had two special programs for our Cabrini Kids during President’s Week. The schools were closed for the mid-winter break, and we thought it would be nice to have our Kids involved in some activities. The children come to CIS for many different programs such as the Afterschool Homework Program.

We held a STARS for Kids program for children in Grades K-2. Deborah Mosley, our trained storyteller, told the story, The Good Egg by Jory John and Pete Oswald.

The book was about a dozen eggs that lived together in one egg carton. The moral of the story was that even though each egg was different and unique, they could all get along. Following a discussion of the book, each child created his or her own egg. They shared with everyone what the name of their egg was and a bit about the character.

The children came up with some great names, “Princess Egg,” “Silly Egg,” etc. They were so excited when they received a copy of the book so they could tell the story to their parents and siblings.

We also hosted a President’s Day program for our students in Grades 3-5. They answered some questions such as the first thing they would do if they were the president, how they would make the country better, etc.. The students then went up to the podium and gave their “Presidential Address.”

They also had President’s trivia questions and a word search. We discussed the importance of voting. In fact, each student had a chance to vote. They voted on their favorite symbol of America: the Statue of Liberty, the American Flag or the Capitol. They placed their ballot in a box and then they received a sticker which read, “I voted!” After a first round tie, the Statue of Liberty won as the favorite symbol. We discussed the feelings of winning, losing and acceptance.

The day ended with everyone enjoying some pizza and punch.

An Employee of Distinction

January 12, 2023

Vincent Zucchetto, Social Worker at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2022 Employee of Distinction Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Zucchetto graciously accepted the award on December 17, 2022 at a celebration held in his honor. This prestigious award is given to an employee who excels in their profession and who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirm.

Sandi Schreier, Director of Social Services, spoke about Mr. Zucchetto’s dedication, professionalism, and willingness to learn new skills that will help Cabrini’s residents. In her letter of recommendation to LeadingAge New York, Ms. Schreier wrote: “Vincent stands out amongst the staff in many ways. He is very supportive, and has really helped to create a kind and loving environment for the residents that he serves. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to make things easier for the staff.

It has been a real privilege to have Vincent on our team. He brings an undeniable calm and comfort to the care of the residents and to the staff, always speaking with respect and genuine affection. We commend him and recognize him as a shining star.”

Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester added in her remarks at the reception: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations, Vincent, on your well-deserved recognition!

Christmas Brings Celebrations

January 3, 2023

It was a very busy Christmas season at Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY. We celebrated the completion of our third Nutrition Program. The students attended an 8 week program, presented by Lucy Diaz, a Nutrition Program Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County. The course, ‘Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’, taught the participants about how to read and understand labels on different food and drink items, food safety, reducing salt and sugar intake, etc. We celebrated with our students who completed the course. In addition to the students receiving certificates, CIS was also presented with a certificate thanking us for working as partners to bring the nutrition program to the Westchester Community.

We had a special Christmas Dinner for several of our Moms. We enjoyed so many homemade dishes from different countries. The Moms had a Secret Santa. Each person got up and said some beautiful words about the person for whom “Santa” brought a gift. The evening also included some singing and dancing! The Moms enjoyed having some special time together.

Our Cabrini Knitting Group also celebrated the holidays. Special dishes from Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico and Chile were shared. The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the conversations, especially about all the different items that they have knitted over the past months. The group loves being together and so they decided not to take a Christmas break. They will be returning to CIS next Wednesday.

Cabrini of Westchester Celebrates New Dialysis Den

March 10, 2022

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the opening of a new Dialysis Program with a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The ceremony was attended by our sponsors, The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, several contractors that helped to implement the program, board members, staff, residents and special guest, Senator Andrea-Stewart-Cousins.

Expected to begin servicing patients by the end of March 2022, the Dialysis Program will allow residents of the nursing home to receive dialysis on site and eliminate the need for transportation to other locations. In conjunction with Dialyze Direct, the program will serve only residents and short-term patients of Cabrini of Westchester with a goal of improving the quality of life for those who need this service.

The dialysis suite will accommodate a total of 8 patients daily under the supervision of a registered nurse with special training. Treatments will be given five days a week for an average of 2 ½ hours and will be worked around meal times, rehabilitation appointments and activities so that recipients’ daily schedules will not be interrupted.

“We are pleased to add this vital service to Cabrini’s programs and services which will vastly improve the lives of those residents in need of dialysis treatment,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester. “By not having to travel for treatment, residents will experience reduced recovery time allowing them to maintain regular schedules that include meal times, daily activities and rehabilitation. We are excited to implement the program and look forward to working with Dialyze Direct to ensure the best outcomes for the elders that we are so privileged to serve.”

Giving Back…to Help Others Heal

February 24, 2022

Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, held a Giving Back Program to help benefit ‘First to Heal,’ a new organization that assists women who are victims of domestic violence and their minor children.

We are so grateful to the St. Faith’s House Foundation for their grant, which allows us to purchase the needed toiletries. We had some of our Cabrini Kids, who are now in high school, return to help with the project as well as some of our current Kids. They were so willing and eager to help fill 100 bags with the different toiletries. We filled the bags with shampoo, conditioner, a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste, body wash, deodorant and Chap Stick.

A special thank you to Tom Costello, from The Joy of Sox in Pennsylvania. He sent us 100 pairs of socks which we were also able to add to our packets. In addition, a special card was added to the bag which had a positive message such as, “You are beautiful inside and out” “Courage is gorgeous.”

The program was organized by our Social Work Intern, Sarah Flaherty, a senior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. We are so grateful to all who gave of their time to help so many people.