Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Blood Pressure: Learning to Watch for the Signs

February 4, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a workshop entitled: “Hipertensión: ¿Qué la causa? ¿Cómo se trata?” (Hypertension: What causes it/How to treat it). Amy Della Rocca, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Sarah Townley, a Family Nurse Practitioner, presented the workshop.

The workshop began with an explanation of what high blood pressure is and how it affects the body. They highlighted the serious health risks associated with hypertension, including stroke, kidney disease, and loss of vision.

Amy and Sarah spoke about ways to reduce stress, which affects blood pressure. Everyone participated in a meditation that showed one way of helping to calm yourself. Additional stress reduction ideas were practicing yoga, engaging in regular physical activity, and speaking with someone you trust.

The workshop concluded with everyone having her blood pressure checked. In addition, participants received information about local resources that are av ailable to them. Our presentors also offered their availability to our clients.

Sharing Culture Through Conversation and Cuisine

January 22, 2026

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

Bringing JOY at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC

January 13, 2026

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On December 20th, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC held our annual gift distribution and Christmas celebration. We enjoyed delicious food, lively games, and abundant laughter with our beautiful community. The event helped ease financial and emotional stress for participating families while creating positive holiday memories for children. We were able to distribute toys, coats, and gift cards to 69 families (119 children) in need. Many of the parents in attendance expressed deep gratitude for the support in a year where purchasing gifts would have been particularly difficult.

We are deeply grateful to our generous donors, volunteers, and staff who made this event possible. Thank you for the opportunity to demonstrate the joy, strength, and unity of our community in these challenging times.~

Bright New Beginnings

January 8, 2026

The program was presented by Joely Caro, an intern from Westchester Community College.

The program began with reflections about 2025. Everyone received a journal/notebook to write their personal reflections down. Following, they reflected on their goals for 2026. After sharing with one another, the painting and sipping, (coffee and orange juice) began.

The picture chosen was a beautiful sunset. It was chosen to symbolize a new

beginning. With the setting of the sun, a new day begins anew.

The clients were so grateful to have some time to stop and reflect after the hecticness of the holidays. Everyone was so proud of their ‘works of art.’

Christmas Clowns Bring Smiles to Kiddos

December 12, 2025

The Knitting Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF) have been Santa elves as they have crocheted clowns that will be donated to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. The very colorful clowns will bring big smiles to the faces of the children who are patients in the hospital.

Before donating the clowns, a special blessing was held. Everyone prayed over the crocheted clowns and asked God to send special blessings and healing to the children who will be receiving them. In addition to the clowns, a few more octopuses were crocheted and will be donated to the NICU at the hospital.

We are so proud of our Knitting Group as they continue to bring God’s love to so many people. They are happy knowing that they are helping children who will not be home for Christmas.

Honoring Cabrini-Cornell Nutrition Workshop Grads

December 12, 2025

On Friday, December 5th, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC held a graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of our Nutrition Workshop. Over the past two months, sixteen participants from various countries, including El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, completed nine nutrition workshops in collaboration with Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension.

Throughout the program, participants learned to read food labels; teach their children to eat in healthier ways; to practice food safety and take proper care when washing fruits and vegetables.

Each participant received a diploma and a gift from Cabrini and Cornell as a token of appreciation for their dedication and perseverance throughout the program. The graduation was a joyful event where everyone shared a pleasant time together and prepared healthy recipes such as fruit salad, green salad, rice, and guacamole.

Recharge, Refresh, Re-energized!

December 3, 2025

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.

Thanksgiving with an International Flair!

November 20, 2025

The Knitting Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a special Thanksgiving luncheon. The group wanted to celebrate all the blessings that they had and continue to receive.

The meal started with a special prayer given by one of the clients. In addition to thanking God for the gifts of faith, friendship and family, she also thanked God for the gift of CIS-DF and the staff. A Thanksgiving meal followed the prayer. Special recipes were prepared with a flavor from the different countries. Everyone was so proud to bring in dishes from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.

Lorraine Campanelli, the Director, told the members of the Knitting Group that they too are a blessing to CIS-DF. She told them of the good that they do for so many people through their special projects. It was a blessing that we could all be together, celebrate and be thankful.

So Much for Which to be Thankful

November 20, 2025

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!

10th Annual NYC Chili Bowl!

November 13, 2025

Last weekend, the 10th Annual NYC Chili Bowl brought neighbors together for an afternoon of good food and community. All proceeds from the event supported the CIS-NYC Food Pantry, helping us continue to provide fresh, healthy food to families across Upper Manhattan.

We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event possible and to all who came out to support our work. Community efforts like this help ensure that our pantry can keep serving our neighbors during a time of rising food costs and reduced federal assistance.