Masthead

DECEMBER 2013

In This Issue:

Sanctuary Network Conference Gathers Over 250 Attendees!

Jack McLaughlin, Chairman of ANDRUS Board of Directors, Sarah Yanosy, Director of Sanctuary Institute, Dr. Sandra Bloom and Mimi Clarke Corcoran, President and CEO of ANDRUS.

Over 250 attendees joined the ANDRUS Sanctuary Institute
in White Plains this month for the annual Sanctuary Network Conference. The conference brings together organizations from across the country that practice the Sanctuary Model for an inspiring two days of workshops. The goal of the conference is to share new ideas, work through challenges and connect agencies together.

"Sanctuary continues to develop a track record of success," President and CEO of ANDRUS, Mimi Corcoran, said. "It's a model for how we can transform the way we approach children and families where a cycle of negative responses to challenging situations becomes ingrained and self-perpetuating. Our approach is a game-changer and can play an important role in a broader national discussion. The goal is to change how we view and react to children who are dealing with stressors. It is wonderful to see professionals and organizations gather together to share their successes and challenges while creating new opportunities to expand the reach of the model. "

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

The holidays at ANDRUS are full of cheer and merriment and we have so many friends that help us! The season can be hard for some of our children and staff, but we always do our best to make it a special time of year. Individuals and groups from the surrounding community organize toy drives, fulfill children's 'wishes' and create holiday parties for our children to attend.

A big Thank You to:

The Edgemont School District          Bronxville High School
Holiday Caper Program                      GAP
Yorktown Leos                                    Church of the Virgin Mary
Andrew Malcolm                               Yonkers Motorcycle Club
Marine Corps League Toys for Tots   Consumer Reports
The Children's Collective                   Dorf & Nelson, LLP
The Pajama Program                       PACE University students

Today Show Charitable Drive PS 22

... and more caring individuals!

ANDRUS Hosts Health Fair in Collaboration With Mercy College

ANDRUS Community Based Programs in collaboration with Mercy College's Nursing Program hosted its first health fair for children and families on December 8 at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. Over 65 children and families joined our staff and nurses from Mercy to learn about diabetes, dental care, fire safety, emotional well being, prenatal care, nutrition and more. In addition, all guests were invited to take part in relaxing yoga and mediation classes as well as other engaging and educational activities.

"We are thankful for the support of the local Fire Department, Hudson River Healthcare, Stanley Pharmacy, Nueva Alma Yoga and wellness studio, Cornell Cooperative, National Cancer Society, McDonalds and Costco for helping to make the event a success" said Corine Lurry, Director of Community Based Programs, "The fair provided families with a wonderful opportunity to receive information and screenings on both physical and emotional health while learning the importance of the two for optimal well being. We hope to reach more of the community with similar events in the future."

About ANDRUS

ANDRUS provides support and treatment for 2,500 children and their families throughout Westchester suffering from emotional illness and trauma. The agency offers prevention, assessment, educational, treatment and research programs that help children and families achieve healthy, stable lives. ANDRUS has grown from its origins as an orphanage into a premier non-profit mental health, social service and special education provider and resource for Westchester.