The Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday, May 10 celebrated Jewish History and Heritage Month with a special video ceremony, in conjunction with the Westchester Jewish Council, honoring two organizationsfor their important community work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Board Chairman Ben Boykin presented a proclamation to DOROT Westchester, the Westchester chapter of the New York City-based organization. For more than 15 years, DOROT Westchester’s team of social workers and volunteers has served hundreds of older adults
in the county with an array of outreach programs to keep them from becoming isolated. During the COVID pandemic, the organization
moved quickly to establish telephone and online outreach, bringing learning, intergenerational and other programs online, and providing tech tutorsto help older adults adjust to new ways of staying connected.
“This year has been exceptionally challenging for everyone,” said Cippi Harte, DOROT Westchester’s director. “Older adults have been at great risk for COVID-19 and have been isolated for more than a year. Our efforts to keep them connected and engaged have been, in my
humble opinion, remarkable. On behalf of my community of outstanding social workers, tireless volunteers, generous donors, and the more than 400 older adults we serve in Westchester County, a very big thank you to the Board of Legislators and Westchester Jewish Council for honoring us during Jewish History and Heritage Month.” The board has declared May 11, 2021 DOROT Day in Westchester
County.
County Legislator Nancy Barr presented a proclamation honoring Hillels of Westchester, a local, grassroots organization that supports Jewish life for students on college campuses including Manhattanville College, Pace University-Pleasantville, Purchase College SUNY, Sarah Lawrence College and Westchester Community College.
“It is my distinct honor to accept this recognition on behalf of the board, students, staff and loving community surrounding Hillels of Westchester,” said Rachel E. Klein, executive director of Hillels of Westchester. “Thank you Legislator Barr, thank you Elliot Forchheimer and the Westchester Jewish Council for the nomination and for your championship of Hillel and the entire Westchester community.”
Every day, by campus or by Zoom, the talented Hillel staff pursue our mission to inspire every Jewish college student, and every student to enrich the world by helping them practice values-based, compassionate, and challenging adulting through a Jewish lens,” Klein added.
“Hundreds of young adults who choose Westchester for college have been positively impacted, their trajectories changed, their lives enriched because Hillel connected them with the vibrant Westchester community.” The board has declared May 12, 2021 Hillels of Westchester Day in the County of Westchester. (submitted)
