WILC & PILS November 2021 Newsletter

November 2021

Greetings from everyone at WILC & PILS! We are thrilled to be sharing our latest newsletter after a few months’ hiatus. Be sure to check out our website for updated happenings at our centers, and we’ll continue to keep you informed with our monthly updates going forward!

Recent Recognition

We are proud to announce that on behalf of the Westchester Employment Network, the Westchester County Office of the County Executive, and The New York State Education Department's Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation, Westchester Independent Living Center has received an award honoring the contributions of Gichel Walter, Director of WILC's Minority Outreach Program, in furthering employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Each year, WEN recognizes select businesses that have incorporated the talent of persons with disabilities by making them a part of their workforce. The award was presented in a pre-recorded event at the annual Westchester County National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on October 18, 2021.

Congratulations Gichel and thank you for everything you do!

November is American Diabetes Month

If you have diabetes, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy). Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Examples of moderate-intensity physical activities include walking briskly; doing housework; mowing the lawn; dancing; swimming; bicycling and playing sports. One can aim for 20-25 minutes of activity every day. Before starting any physical activity, check with your health care provider to talk about the best activities for you.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Giving Tuesday – November 30, 2021

Please support us on #GivingTuesday! WILC was incorporated in 1981 as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency. WILC is funded as a Center for Independent Living by both federal and state government agencies. WILC is also funded by county government agencies, fee for service contracts, grants, and donations. No matter how big or small, your gift will make a huge impact on our commitment to assist and encourage persons with disabilities in our community. Please click here to donate now.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3, 2021

Did you know that December 3, 2021 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day that has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992? The goal of this day is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity, and welfare of disabled people. As well as raise awareness about the benefits of integrating disabled persons into every aspect of life, from economic, to political, to social and cultural. Disability Day is not concerned exclusively with either mental or physical disabilities, but rather encompasses all known disabilities, from Autism to Down Syndrome to Multiple Sclerosis. Not all disabilities are visible or immediately apparent – such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, disconnect, disrupted routines and diminished services have greatly impacted the lives and mental well-being of people with disabilities around the world. Spreading awareness of invisible disabilities, as well as these potentially detrimental— and not always immediately apparent— impacts to mental health, is crucial as the world continues to fight against the virus.

WILC has been assisting people who are living with a disability to live more independent lives for nearly 40 years. We are a peer-driven, community-based organization that empowers people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives in the community through advocacy, training and referral to resources that promote independent living. WILC supports and celebrates persons with disabilities every day, not just on this designated holiday!

Westchester Independent Living Center’s Holiday Table Project

The holidays are often lonely. Having to eat alone, especially as the health and financial danger of the Covid-19 pandemic continues, is making the holidays lonelier for many, especially consumers who have challenges with their emotional and mental health. However, WILC’s Holiday Table Project is here to help!

Imagine being able to invite guests to dine with you whether you cook and it’s in person or order out and it’s over Zoom. WILC will help pick up the tab with a $150 gift card using our Food Insecurity Prevention Program (FIPP) funded by the Cares Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act.)

If you’d like to know more about our Holiday Table Project, please contact WILC’s Peer Advocate – Mental Health Specialist, Jeff Zitofsky at (914) 682-3926 x 2123 (Voice) or

[email protected]

Career Opportunities

We currently have an opening for a full-time Transition Specialist in our Open Doors Transition Center Program based out of our Putnam County office in Brewster, NY.

The Transition Specialist assists individuals to transition out of institutional settings by educating them on community-based services and assisting in the development of a discharge plan that will facilitate their move back to the community. They also provide follow along assistance for 1-year period post discharge. Click here if you wish to apply for this position.

Upcoming Webinars

How to Know if Your Child is Making Progress

Please join us for a Zoom Webinar featuring:

Fiona Rattray- Parent Training & Information Center Specialist