Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Dual Celebrations at Cabrini of Westchester

June 22, 2021

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11th with a special liturgy led by Pastoral Care Director, Fr. Thomas Vadakemuriyil in the Cabrini Chapel. We were fortunate that several Missionary Sisters and Cabrini Lay Missionaries were present. They were able to recite their vows and commitments in front of the few that were physically gathered in the chapel and the residents who were watching the Mass from their rooms via television.

A festive luncheon, prepared by Cabrini’s Food Service Department, was held in the Board Room for those Missionary Sisters that reside in the nursing home.

As a happy coincidence, Sr. Alfonsina Gomes celebrated her birthday on this day! Sr. Alfonsina lives in the Cabrini convent and ministers to the residents as a Pastoral Care Associate. After the Mass concluded, Sister was serenaded to the tune of “Happy Birthday” and a birthday cake was served at the luncheon!

A wonderful Feast Day was had by all!

Welcome Back, Families!

March 18, 2021

been an exciting week at Cabrini of Westchester as we welcome back visitors! Family members are now able to visit their loved ones up on the residential nursing floors with social distancing in place and mask wearing.

Due to visiting restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been more than a year since this has taken place. It is wonderful to see some new and familiar faces in the halls of the nursing home once again!

Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC Honored with Trustee of the Year Award

October 22, 2020

Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, long time board member of Cabrini of Westchester, was honored with the Trustee of the Year award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. This prestigious award is given in recognition of trustees who have served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirmed. Sr. Catherine would have been presented with the award earlier this year, but due to the social distance restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was presented to her on October 20, 2020 after a special Mass in Cabrini of Westchester’s chapel.

Sr. Catherine’s extensive career includes teaching and serving as principal in several schools, administering a retreat center and serving as a Trustee at Columbus-Cuneo-Cabrini Hospitals in Chicago. She has also held the position of Provincial of the Missionary Sisters and remains on the Boards of Cabrini of Westchester and Mother Cabrini High School in New Orleans.

Sr. Catherine has always demonstrated a deep commitment to Cabrini of Westchester’s residents, clients and staff and has provided guidance as a trustee in many areas including her expertise in by-laws of the corporation, the effects of canon and civil law, and most importantly, the essence of the mission of the organization.

“It is my privilege to present this award to Sr. Catherine on behalf of LeadingAge, the Board of Trustees, the residents and employees to thank her for all she has done for Cabrini of Westchester,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester. “Sister is an inspiration to us all and I am grateful for her steady and committed presence.”

Upon receipt of the award, Sr. Catherine shared the following: “Coming to Cabrini of Westchester for meetings and to see the residents is high spot in my life. You have been as supportive to me as I have been to you. Thank you very much for this award.”

Happy Birthday, Mother Cabrini!

July 23, 2020

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 170th birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini with several festive activities for both residents and staff. A special Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel and was televised throughout the nursing home for the residents to participate from their rooms.

A rolling ice cream cart delivered a tasty treat for residents and staff to satisfy sweet cravings! As an added touch, gift cards were raffled off to staff on each shift from a donation previously given in honor of employees.

A display in the lobby provided everyone the opportunity to give Mother Cabrini a gift on her birthday, either a monetary one or a donation of non-perishable food, which will be delivered to the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry of which many of Cabrini Immigrant Services’ clients benefit. A box of food was collected and $200.00 in donations were received that will benefit many families in our community. Thank you to all that participated and contributed to this happy day!

Magical Moments!

July 16, 2020

Magical Moments are taking place at Cabrini of Westchester! Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the month of July, family members are able to make an appointment to see their loved ones through the window up close and personal, while speaking via iPads from either side of the door.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the regulations put into place by the New York State Department of Health, visitors have not been allowed to enter St. Cabrini Nursing Home since March. Although regular updates have been given to all families since the pandemic began, and many have had the opportunity to FaceTime with the residents, these Magical Moments have been so special because the residents are able to see and communicate with their loved ones in person – something they haven’t been able to do for nearly four months!

The residents and families have been grateful to all the staff who make these reunions possible. We look forward to the day when these families move on from virtual hugs to actual hugs! That day can’t come soon enough!

Celebrating Jobs Well Done!

July 2, 2020

On Tuesday, June 30^th, a caravan of at least 30 cars paraded through the grounds of Cabrini of Westchester in Dobbs Ferry, NY, while the song “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” was blasted for all to hear! The cars were decorated with signs of appreciation in honor of the members of the 1199 Service Employees International Union who are employed at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. As the cars made their way to the front of the building, staff members emerged out of the doors while dancing, singing and wearing huge smiles.

Organized by the administration of the 1199 Union, the parade was to thank the dedicated employees who tirelessly care for the residents of the home, most especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the parade, organizers arranged for New York State Senate Majority Leader and friend of Cabrini of Westchester, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, to attend and address the group with words of thanks. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, you showed up to work every day and proved that you are beyond essential. I came here on behalf of myself, the Senate and every elected official throughout Westchester County and the State to say thank you for being our backbone, our constant and our heart.”

As festive as the atmosphere was, it was apparent that there was a special individual that was missing from the celebration. A moment of silence was held in memory of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Barbara Holmes, who succumbed to the COVID-19 virus in May. Barbara was employed at Cabrini for almost 41 years and was a passionate advocate for both residents and co-workers. It seemed appropriate that Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester announced that the monthly Values in Action Award will be renamed in Barbara’s honor, since she was the epitome of Cabrini’s core values of pride, dignity, compassion and respect.

Honoring Health Care Heroes and Heroines

May 21, 2020

Cabrini of Westchester has had a busy two weeks! Not only was National Nurses Week celebrated from May 6th through May 12th, but National Skilled Nursing Care Week was recognized from May 10th through the 16th!

It is so important to recognize Cabrini of Westchester’s nurses at all times, but most especially during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Each nurse is being challenged to deliver high-quality care under extraordinary circumstances. The nurses who care for the residents have risen to the occasion and have been able to manage their responsibilities with dignity and grace under pressure.

In order to celebrate their commitment, Bonnie Burke, Administrator, Winnie Josephs, Director of Nursing, and Ade Edano, Assistant Director of Nursing, delivered “goodie bags” containing a small token of gratitude to each outstanding nurse. Each bag contained embroidered back packs and other Cabrini items as well as a copy of the book “St. Frances Cabrini: A Passionate Life,” written by Mark Davis. A raffle was held each day of the week for all nurses, making them eligible to win gift certificates to a variety of stores.

Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, National Skilled Nursing Care Week recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled. The 2020 theme was “Sharing Our Wisdom”. To celebrate, Sheri Gottlieb, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and her staff, strolled the hallways of with an ice cream treat for each resident. Other activities included a word game contest amongst some of the residents, a rolling snack cart and on Mother’s Day, flowers were handed out to all of the female residents. More celebrations are planned in the near future!

100th Birthday Celebration at Cabrini of Westchester

May 7, 2020

On May 2, 2020, family and friends of Cabrini of Westchester resident, Sr. Miriam Anne Brennan, Sister of Charity, gathered at a social distance to celebrate her 100^th birthday!

Cabrini staff arranged for Sr. Miriam to appear in a window near her room while her loved ones waved, displayed banners and extended their well wishes from the parking lot outside the building.

Sr. Miriam’s good friend, James Landy, was in attendance and said, “While not the gathering we had planned, and that Sr. Annie deserves, it’s great that she can see us acknowledge this wonderful milestone.”

Staff contacted CBS News to ask for coverage of this event and it was aired at 6:00 pm that evening! (see the link below) Happy Birthday, Sr. Miriam!

To view the news clip:Nun Receives 100th Birthday Surprise While Confined To Room Due To Coronavirus

Not All Superheroes Wear Capes

April 8, 2020

These are just a few of the phrases that can be seen as staff make their way down the main hallway at Cabrini of Westchester. Large poster boards have been set up with encouraging and heartfelt messages to let all the staff know how grateful the administration is for their dedication and hard during the Coronavirus pandemic

In an effort to keep spirits up, Cabrini of Westchester’s caring team have been entertaining the residents who are restricted to their rooms in order to keep them safe and planning appreciation gestures for the tireless staff.

Sheri Gottlieb, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, and her staff have [devised] creative ways to engage the residents who can no longer gather in groups. They are televising bingo to the residents’ rooms. Other activities include hallway exercise and word games. And, with the help of the social workers, the staff is using Facetime and SKYPE for residents to communicate with their loved ones.

Daily Mass is another comfort that is broadcast from the chapel. The Pastoral Care Department, led by director Fr. Thomas Vadakemuriyil, has planned meaningful and spiritual ways to celebrate Holy Week so that residents can participate during this solemn time.

The Administration, Missionary Sisters and Trustees have expressed their gratitude. Each employee has been given a $10 gift certificate to the Cabrini café, Girl Scout cookies were distributed to all staff with an announcement of a bonus payment to be made during this crisis. Trustees have ordered individually wrapped snacks for all to enjoy. More of these gestures will take place while staff are valiantly working to keep each resident safe during this uncertain time.

Cabrini of Westchester is committed to staying vigilant and proactive to ensure the health and safety of each resident and to provide all necessary and compassionate care. Thank you to each member of our staff who strives daily to provide truly loving care to every single one of our patients and residents. ~submitted by Susan Herceg, Cabrini of Westchester

Celebrating Love

February 19, 2020

Rose Room at Cabrini of Westchester was full of Valentine’s Day excitement and a lot of love on February 13, 2020 where a “Sweethearts Luncheon” was celebrated with nine residents and their spouses. Organized by Sheri Gottlieb, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and her staff, couples were amazed by the festive décor that included hanging hearts, red tablecloths and beautiful centerpieces.

The lovebirds dined on a special menu that included a choice of Beef Tenderloin, Grilled Salmon or Lemon Chicken for an entrée, followed by Triple Layer Mousse Cake for dessert, prepared by Chef John Hammer and Cabrini’s kitchen staff.

Most of the couples in the room have been married at least 50 years or more! What a special way to honor the love and commitment of these wonderful couples!