Author Archives: Judy Grover

Supporter Spotlight: Jennifer Milacci

January 23, 2018 | Leave a reply

Ten years ago, Jennifer Milacci, then expecting her second child, was looking for volunteer opportunities that championed issues close to her heart. “I was drawn to organizations that helped children and families,” Milacci recalls, and that’s when she learned of The Child Center of NY. Milacci quickly became a board member, and, in the years since, her acuity in sales and marketing has come in handy for our organization.

We talked with Milacci about everything from her invaluable work on our Annual Gala committee to an upcoming shopping event at her own apartment to a particularly poignant memory of a dodgeball tournament that included her daughter.

How were you were first introduced to The Child Center of NY?
In mid 2007, I came to learn of The Child Center through the Robin Hood Foundation. Robin Hood had a process by which they introduced individuals interested in potentially serving as board members ‎to their underlying grantee organizations, of which The Child Center was and remains. Continue reading →

Dreams Revisited

November 30, 2017 | Leave a reply

The Child Center of NY Celebrates Anniversary of “Dreams Take Flight” Initiative

A year ago, The Child Center of NY launched “Dreams Take Flight,” a public awareness campaign to encourage kids and adults to let their dreams soar — literally!

The initiative was introduced to create awareness of The Child Center’s multifaceted, innovative work by taking what some might consider a mere time-passing activity — making a paper airplane — and turning it into a learning and sharing opportunity. Continue reading →

I Was Kevin’s Therapist

November 28, 2017 | Leave a reply

By Jennifer Triana, LCSW
School-Based Clinical Supervisor, Long Island City High School

School-based mental health services: I was Kevin's Therapist

Kevin is a shy, kind, and very intelligent 17-year-old from Queens. On a gorgeous, sunny day this spring, he dons a shiny blue cap and gown with a white stole that reads LIC HS 2017. We make eye contact as he walks down the aisle in Queens College auditorium, knowing how far he has come to achieve this moment.

I began working with Kevin in April 2016, when The Child Center of NY’s school-based mental health clinic at Long Island City High School opened. He was 16 years old but had only enough credits for freshman standing. We met when he was referred by his school guidance counselor for chronic absenteeism and depressed mood.

Continue reading →

Staff Spotlight: Controller Cheryl Moody

June 21, 2017 | Leave a reply

Cheryl Moody is The Child Center’s new Vice President, Controller.

What brought you to The Child Center of NY?

This agency particularly impressed me with the level of service it provides its clients, and especially with its leadership team. In my 20-plus years in the nonprofit sector, I have come to the realization that my heart and passion is here, rather than in the for-profit world. During my initial meeting with Steve and Jaime, I learned that the organization not only had an excellent leadership team, but that the staff also pride themselves in providing the much-needed support to our clients and administrative support throughout the agency. This was later confirmed as I have begun to know my colleagues better, and I’m extremely proud to be among them. I already feel deeply embedded in The Child Center of NY and in ensuring its continued success. Continue reading →

Backstage at ExpandEd 182’s “Beauty & The Beast, Jr.”

June 1, 2017 | 1 Reply

Performers from the Quest ExpandEd program at P.S. 182, Samantha Smith Elementary School, took the stage last month with a production of “Beauty & the Beast, Jr.,” an outstanding adaptation of Disney’s beloved “tale as old as time.”

ExpandEd’s annual musical productions are a favorite of the P.S. 182 and Jamaica community, as well as The Child Center family: Shows historically play to a packed theater, and this year’s performance was no exception. What shouldn’t go unnoticed, though, is the enormous amount of effort that takes place behind the scenes — for almost the entirety of the school year. Continue reading →

Staff Spotlight: Tabatha Ferrer, School-Based Clinical Supervisor

June 1, 2017 | Leave a reply

In the seven years she’s been at The Child Center of NY, Tabatha Ferrer, LMSW, has been a volunteer, group leader, activity specialist, program coordinator, program director, and now a school-based clinical supervisor, splitting her time between Queens United Middle School and Edward Bleeker J.H.S. 185.

Tell us a little about yourself — your childhood, your interests as a child…

I grew up in Queens with both parents and a younger sister. I am the second youngest out of five. As a child, I was active and outgoing. I did dance in and out of school, attended afterschool, and participated in many more activities. I loved playing outside, whether it was jumping rope, playing tag, or going to the park. I thought I would be an actress or lawyer.

Continue reading →

Join the Sustain Our Sanctuary Campaign

April 13, 2017 | Leave a reply

Our organization is a vital partner with government in providing services in the community; government relies on our expertise in creating and delivering programs, and we in turn rely on government contracts for many of the services we offer. Through this partnership, government obligations are met and our mission is moved forward.

In fact, New York City outsources almost all human services to nonprofits, investing about $4 billion annually in programs that serve 1.5 million New Yorkers each year Continue reading →