Sometimes it takes individuals in need to see the need in others.
That is what participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities who attend WellLife Network's Day Habilitation programs found out when they raised money to provide holiday meals for less fortunate families on Long Island.
Participants of the Astoria, Station Road and Long Island City Day Habilitation Programs raised more than $250 in support of WellLife Network's Smithtown food pantry. With a matching grant, provided by senior executive staff, the total became $500. Through the sale of baked goods and healthy snacks, some 80 families will receive a nourishing and satisfying meal this holiday season. With contributions from our Board of Directors and generous vendors the total grew to more than $4,500.
"We wanted to help people who are hungry. People should not be hungry during the holiday," exclaimed Maria, a participant at the Station Road program. "We want everyone to have a great holiday!"
The WellLife Network Day programs assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in learning basic life, socialization and prevocational skills through structured activities and volunteering in the community.
Serving More than 5,000 Long Islanders
The check was presented to Carolyn Dornstauder, Program Director, and Rebecca Costa, Vice President, Long Island Operations on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. This WellLife Network pantry is one of four located in Suffolk County. Each year, some 5,000 people receive groceries and toiletries from our pantries in Huntington, Smithtown, Wyandanch and Coram.
The event was covered by Kristin Thorne from Channel 7, WABC Eyewitness News.
Partners Make a Difference
Working in cooperation with Long Island Cares and Temple Beth David, WellLife Network will provide a traditional holiday meal for a family of our, including: turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and a delicious apple pie for dessert.
Here's How You Can Help
Join the WellLife Network who takes care of one another by clicking here to make a donation today!
Today, we had the privilege of hosting WellLife Network’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast—in honor of all the veterans who have defended our country, our values and our liberty.
“We wouldn’t be here without our veterans”, said Alan Weinstock, CEO of WellLife Network, as he awarded each veteran with an honorary pin in recognition of their service, “so it’s fitting that we not just recognize and honor our veterans today, but each and every day.”
WellLife Network is proud to live out that mission through the implementation of Operation Vets, a nationally recognized program that now employs more than 30 Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans across New York City and Long Island. Thanks to their ongoing service and sacrifice, they remain on the front line of social change here in our community as they help WellLife Network deliver essential services to more than 25,000 New Yorkers each year.
WellLife Network is also proud to serve veterans directly who are faced with mental health challenges and addiction recovery challenges. Whether it’s through providing counseling, housing or mental health support, we consider it one of our greatest privileges to take care of the veterans, and their families, who have sacrificed so much.
We recognize the value and skills that veterans continue to bring to WellLife Network and to our surrounding community. This Veterans Day, we salute them for their service.
Please join us in welcoming Ann Marie Barbarotta, WellLife Network’s new Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Barbarotta will provide senior executive leadership and oversight across WellLife Network’s robust portfolio of over $110 million health and human service operations, focusing on the areas of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, Residential, Family & Youth and Addiction Recovery Services. She will help to define and advance the organization’s strategic initiatives for innovation and programming in a changing and challenging health care environment. “One of the goals I have set forward is to help WellLife Network compete more effectively and with sustainability in the health and human services arena,” said Ms. Barbarotta.
An Avid Supporter of Our Values
“I avidly support the values of WellLife Network – compassion, caring and person-centered services that promote quality, efficiency and accountability,” said Ann Marie. “Our participants come first - they are our reason for being in business. I also have the deepest respect for our staff whose spirit of innovation and culture of caring promotes the success and independence of each individual and family we serve. I am inspired by their dedication.” “We are thrilled to have someone with Ann Marie’s credentials and experience,” said Alan Weinstock, CEO, WellLife Network, “She brings to us a solid background in the health and human services sector, with a specialty in performance improvement; data and financial analysis; and innovation development."
A Lifetime Commitment to Health & Human Services
Ann Marie comes to us from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, where she served for more than 36 years in varying capacities. Most recently, she was the Executive Director responsible for a 322 bed psychiatric center and all community-based programs. She provided administrative leadership and direction of all facility operations, programs, policies in one of the largest New York State Office of Mental Health facilities. She also served as Deputy Director of Operations at Manhattan Psychiatric Center and gained experience in Quality Improvement at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. Ann Marie earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare.
Balancing Family and Work
Ann Marie believes in balancing work and family responsibilities. She is an avid beach goer, enjoying an ocean swim and walking on Long Beach’s magnificently renovated boardwalk. Sundays are special at Ann Marie’s home as family gathers for savory Italian meals, celebrating their heritage and creating new traditions. Ann Marie Barbarotta will be located at our Executive Offices in Flushing and can be reached at 718.559.0569.
In the aftermath of a crisis, whether it's a hurricane or mass shooting, survivors are faced with severe emotional trauma and loss. In the midst of a crisis though, finding access to mental health professionals and starting the journey toward recovery can be overwhelming and expensive.
At WellLife Network, we believe survivors and first-responders shouldn't have to wait to get access to the counseling and mental health support they need — when they need it most.
That's why we are proud to announce our partnership with The American Red Cross.
Together, we are sending WellLife Network mental health professionals to the front-lines of local and national crises so that vulnerable children, families and first-responders can get the mental health support they need to recover.
When it comes to ensuring the wellness of our city and nation, we all have a role to play.
As one of the region's largest nonprofits dedicated to the wellness of individuals faced with mental health challenges, we're uniquely equipped to mobilize and send emergency response teams at a moment's notice, but we need your help.
You can ensure our teams have the resources they need to respond by clicking here and making a donation today.
100% of your contribution will go directly toward our crisis response efforts.
Together, we can help bring hope to those who need it most.
“When walking around the executive offices, one can see and feel the energy and enthusiasm the 27 SYEP individuals have added,” said WellLife Network President Sherry Tucker. “In addition to their contributions in getting time-sensitive, important projects completed, they have reinforced the value of the positive impact initiatives like this can have on the office culture. We look forward to speaking with the participants about their experiences, sharing opportunities in healthcare and encouraging them to ultimately join the WellLife Network family as full-time employees.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides New York City youth with paid summer employment for up to six weeks in July and August. As an approved partner of the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), WellLife Network is proud to provide eight unique work sites for SYEP youth across New York City. The internship experience encourages participants to enhance their communication skills, develop leadership qualities and improve awareness of career paths through practical, hands-on experiences in the health and human services field.
The youth provide clerical assistance and office support in various WellLife Network administrative and operational departments, including: Human Resources, Entitlements and Eligibility Services, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Accounts Payable, Medical Records and Care Coordination. Pythagore, who entered demographic information in our system, commented, “I'm learning the workings of WellLife Network and of general office work. This has been a great experience.”
WellLife Network also partnered with the Henry Street Settlement and the Police Athletic League to develop appropriate and nurturing placements for the youth. SYEP is funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
For more information about the SYEP program go to: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/summer-youth-employment-program-syep.page
At WellLife Network’s recent Inaugural Annual Dinner, guests were introduced to three outstanding program participants who were recipients of the first WellLife Network "Be Well for Life" Inspiration Award. Their poignant stories were highlights of the evening. Rafael R. is a truly amazing individual, whose life story reflects a lifelong struggle with mental illness, substance abuse, and incarceration.
Rafael’s parents were addicted to drugs. His father passed away when he was 20 years old from HIV. His mother was an alcoholic and diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He began experimenting with drugs at an early age and was besieged by the ravages of drug addiction. He lost his job and housing simultaneously and lived in his car until it was repossessed on a cold winter night. He was eventually forced to enter the shelter system, an alternative fraught with danger and conflict.
One day Rafael received news of an apartment vacancy that would be his own. Rafael rejoiced, “God heard my cries and my prayers – WellLife Network was giving me an apartment which I now call home”. Despite the difficulties of his earlier life, he exhibits a determination and a commitment to overcome the past and create a new future. “I thank God for my blessings and to WellLife Network for giving me a new start,” said Rafael.
On May 18th, WellLife Network welcomed more than 120 guests to its inaugural Benefit Dinner at Mutual of America headquarters in Manhattan. Bill Ritter, WABC News anchor, was the evening’s special guest and host as we rallied together to raise more than $200,000 for individuals and families faced with disabilities, mental health challenges and addiction.
Honoring Leaders in Government
The capacity crowd paid special tribute to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. with the WellLife Network Community Renaissance Award. The Honorable Diaz was recognized for his visionary leadership and deep commitment to the Bronx community that has changed countless lives and built a lasting legacy. His passion for making The Bronx and all of New York a better place to live exemplifies the highest ideals of family and community. Accepting for Hon. Diaz was Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene. She commented, “We are especially thankful to organizations such as WellLife Network who help to make wonderful things [housing, education and training opportunities] possible in the Bronx.”
Recognizing Corporate Partners
CSD Housing, LLC was presented with the WellLife Network Corporate and Philanthropic Leadership Award for its profound commitment and inspired leadership in restoring lives and strengthening communities through the construction of affordable and state-of-the-art housing complexes. Alan M. Weinstock, CEO, WellLife Network, presented the award to Mike Newman, President, CSD Housing, LLC.
Inspiring the Community
The memorable evening also included the presentation of the WellLife Network "Be Well for Life" Inspiration Award to three WellLife Network program participants who overcame extraordinary challenges and barriers. Their poignant stories were highlights of the evening. Their awards read, “For all you have accomplished. For all we know you will achieve.” One participant proudly stated, “WellLife Network saved my life and helped me to develop a purpose and direction!”
Looking Toward the Future
Sherry Tucker, President and CFO, WellLife Network spoke of the challenges facing the health and human services arena, including the need to seek out new sources of program revenue. She also highlighted that the uniqueness of WellLife Network is in its ability to accept the most challenging cases in carrying out its mission “to help all in need live more independent and fulfilling lives.”
“The inaugural celebration of WellLife Network is a testament to the work we do, each and every day, in changing lives, giving hope, and bringing dignity and independence to thousands of our fellow New Yorkers. The mission of WellLife Network was best related by Alan M. Weinstock, "Our enduring partnership with the WellLife Network Board, government, the philanthropic, business, and voluntary sectors, staff and volunteers and many generous individuals, strengthens our resolve to continue our shared commitment to serving people who face barriers to economic and personal independence and helping them to achieve success."
To learn more about upcoming WellLife Network event opportunities or to enquire about next year's benefit dinner, please contact us at info@welllifenetwork.org.
For New Yorkers faced with mental health challenges, intellectual disabilities and addiction, health and human service agencies continue to seek out viable solutions that impact individuals and communities both in meaningful and lasting ways.
Since 1980, PSCH has led the industry in their pursuit of wellness, recovery and independence for those in the community.
Today, that commitment continues with the launch of WellLife Network–one of the region’s largest nonprofits dedicated to the wellness of New Yorkers faced with disabilities, mental health challenges and addiction.
For more than 80 years, WellLife Network, formerly known as PSCH/Pederson Krag, has been an integral part of the New York City and Long Island community, providing hundreds of critical support services to more than 25,000 individuals and families each year. Our multidisciplinary approach and centralized referral process ensures each individual we serve receives the right services and the right level of care, with an individual treatment plan guided by principles of wellness, safety and recovery.
Today, WellLife Network extends to more than 300 locations throughout all 5 boroughs and Long Island. Our dedicated team of more than 1,800 staff, volunteers, interns and consultants deliver around the clock care to New York’s most vulnerable citizens and leading-edge trainings and workshops for leaders, educators, families, students and clinical and non-clinical staff in the local community.
Whether you are directly impacted by a disability, mental health challenge or addiction, an advocate or a professional committed to your continued education and professional growth, WellLife Network is here for you.
For help and a free consultation, please call (866) 727-WELL.
To subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter and receive the latest news about WellLife Network, our critical support programs already at work in your community or read about ways you can get involved; subscribe by clicking here.
At WellLife Network, we believe you have the right to wellness.
Join the network today by subscribing to our e-newsletter and help bring wellness to those in your community.
