The Andrus Fall 2023 Newsletter

Reimagining Better Care

A Message From Our President & CEO Heath Bloch

Andrus recently announced a new collaboration that will transform the level of behavioral healthcare we are able to provide to the children, families, and adults we serve.

Teaming up with Westchester Medical Center (WMC), we are reimagining healthcare for Westchester County and the state of New York.

Naomi Ekweribe, Heath Bloch, Joshua Ratner, Corine Lurry-Mabin, Steven Dickstein, Kenneth Oclatis, and Stephen Ferrando

This innovative partnership is premised on the idea of more effectively coordinating care, providing seamless connections to Andrus and WMC.

In practice this partnership means, for example, that children who are treated in our community or school-based clinics, or in our residential program, who may require hospitalization, will have the same team of doctors/psychiatrists in the hospital as those who are overseeing their care at Andrus. Our care, through this partnership, puts the client relationship front and center, and includes continuity with prescribed medications and healthcare plans.

At the same time, Andrus will be supporting educational opportunities for physicians affiliated with WMC to practice psychiatry under the lens of community-based, trauma-informed care.

For too long the healthcare system has accepted breaks in care that lead to poor outcomes. This partnership is a key element of our one, integrated system of care that eliminates programmatic siloes and puts children and families first.

Andrus Town Halls:

The Sanctuary

Commitment to Democracy

In keeping with our commitment to the principles of Sanctuary, Andrus held a series of five town hall meetings this fall to encourage open communication and democratic participation.

These gatherings served as an opportunity for employees to ask questions, interact with leadership, and stay informed about our progress on the strategic plan.

Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Shannon Gramm-Smith, taking questions from the audience

Staff Appreciation Week

Andrus honored our dedicated staff members online and at an on-campus fiesta.

Direct service professional at Andrus for 23 years, Claudette Quick was a featured staff member on Andrus social media.

Campus clinicians Julianna Rush, Lauren Vidal, and Meg Cardi enjoying the fiesta.

Andrus Annual Pop Tennis Rally

Wally Green and Mitch Kutner return for this year's rally.

In August, Mitch Kutner, the President of the International POP Tennis Association, and Olympic table tennis champion Wally Green joined Andrus for the second annual POP tennis rally with our youth.

From left to right, Heath Bloch, Wally Green, an Andrus student, and Mitch Kutner

Healthy Families New York: Community Shopping Spree

Healthy Families New York and the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Troop #1573, provided donations for a community shopping spree at the Andrus downtown Yonkers location.

Aisha Jones, Andrus family resource specialist, ready to help distribute donated clothing

A Special Thank You to our Partners in Care

Endeavor Therapeutic

In partnership with Andrus clinicians, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. empowers Andrus children through equine assisted psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, fostering progress in emotional intelligence, self-soothing, adaptability, and engagement for vulnerable youth.

Regeneron Day for Doing Good

Heartfelt thanks to Regeneron for selecting us once again for their Day For Doing Good. We had a highly productive day with 31 dedicated volunteers who bottled fresh honey, refurbished our baseball diamond, and cleared a campsite in the woods.

The Sharing Shelf

Our thanks to The Sharing Shelf, for their generous donation of backpacks for Andrus students.

Deborah Blatt, executive director of The Sharing Shelf

Recreation Therapy Update

Bulldog Flag Football

Senior recreational therapist George Pagan (at left) with the Andrus Bulldogs

The Bulldogs celebrated a successful twelve game season. "The will to fight and never give up is on full display," said Coach George P. of this year’s Bulldog team.

He and Head Coach Antoine W. provide opportunities for Andrus players to learn techniques and strategies, as well as to build physical endurance, perseverance, discipline, and self-confidence.