Spring 2015 - Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York

N EWSL ETTER
A Publication for Friends of Little Flower Children and Family Services of NY
Spring 2015
Little Flower’s Young Chefs Compete
in Long Island’s Junior Iron Chef
Saturday, March 14, Russell and Samantha, two of Little Flower’s
young chefs suited up in their culinary uniforms and gave it their all
at the 3rd Annual Long Island Junior Iron Chef competition.
We are all so very proud of Russell and Samantha, Team Tiger Lilies,
for taking 2nd Place, surpassing other high school teams on Long
Island. We are proud to announce that Russell and Samantha also
took home the Public Presentation award for outstanding
presentation and professionalism—they were the only team to win
two awards that day!
Russell and Samantha competed in the
Middle School competition which
required a vegetarian breakfast themed
original recipe. Their winning dish was
a Harvest Hash—a sweet potato and
chickpea hash, topped with a poached
egg, tortilla and sriracha cream sauce.
The team developed the recipe
by testing various vegetarian
hashes and tweaking them to
reflect their own style. Russell
and Samantha practiced
working on the recipe for about
a month prior to the
competition and did a few run
throughs. Not only did they practice the technical aspects of the
recipe and cooking but they also worked with their team supervisor,
Jennifer Quinlan, on presentation, proper culinary terminology and
how to represent themselves and talk to the judges.
We are so very proud of Russell and Samantha for their hard work
and courage and look forward to hearing about and tasting their
future successes!
Bishop DiMarzio Visits the Campus
Little Flower was honored by a visit from Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of the Brooklyn Diocese
at our Monsignor John T. Fagan campus in March! Our youth from the Culinary Café provided a five
course lunch for His Excellency that was followed by a tour of the campus including mass at the
Msgr. Bernard Quinn Chapel. We thank him for spending the day with us reveling in our long and
proud history and experiencing our accomplishments of today!
Message from the Executive Director - Grace G. Lo Grande, LMSW-MPA
Dear Friends,
Exciting things and big changes are
happening at Little Flower! One of the
highlights for me this past season was
renaming the campus in Wading River the
Msgr. John T. Fagan Campus – a fitting
remembrance of Fr. John’s legacy to Little
Flower. I think he would be very proud of
what the agency has become and the
direction we are going.
Of course, I am always so proud of the accomplishments of our
youngsters. Our young chefs in the Culinary Arts program competed
in the Junior Iron Chef competition for the second year in a row and
once again came out winners! And several young ladies from our
Foster Care program, thanks to a special leadership training series,
developed their very own business plan!
We are able to offer computer labs, financial training, scholarships
and much, much more because of the many donors who continue to
support our work. They also help to make holiday and birthday
celebrations a reality for so many. The interesting and creative ways
they support our efforts are greatly appreciated! A special thanks to
Hudson City Savings Bank for their time and expertise in helping our
youth learn how to manage their finances. A huge round of applause
to the leadership and creative members of Juice Pharma for their
efforts to raise awareness and financial support for Little Flower with
their holiday snowflake creations. And due to the support and
kindness of so many of our in kind donors, we were able to celebrate
another great holiday season full of fun and laughter!
Little Flower has begun the process of becoming a Sanctuary certified
agency, which will allow us to process and manage trauma more
efficiently. This is an exciting and new journey for us – one the staff
are eager to begin. For some, their journey takes them on the road
to retirement. One of our most dedicated and loved staff, Effie, a
secretary from our Foster Care department, says goodbye after 15
years and hello to retirement.
I, myself, am also looking forward to beginning my own adventure into
retirement later this year. I consider myself fortunate to have worked on
behalf of children, families and individuals with developmental
disabilities for nearly 49 years. For the past 18 years, I have been
privileged to work at Little Flower and every day I am mindful and grateful
for the astonishing support of the Board, dedicated donors and our
amazingly, committed staff who enable Little Flower to fulfill its mission!
Thank you all for your support over the years and I look forward to
hearing about Little Flower’s continued success!
Sincerely,
Grace G. Lo Grande
Executive Director
Volunteer Spotlight - Sarah Sutherland
Some of the unsung heroes that come to the
aid of those we serve are our volunteers.
Volunteers make significant contributions of
their time, talent and resources, which allow
us to better serve the children, families and
developmentally disabled adults to whom we dedicate our work.
Their efforts are not only needed, but are greatly appreciated!
One such individual who dedicated a considerable amount of her
time to the young adults in our foster care program is Sarah
Sutherland. Sarah spent every Thursday for close to six months
babysitting a young child so the mother was able to attend the
Fostering Leadership 4 Young Women workshops. Sarah also
participated in last year’s Career Day, providing information and
insight into the culinary world to youth from the Preparing Youth for
Adulthood program.
Even though she worked full time, Sarah was interested in
volunteering in Brooklyn; she wanted to give back to the
community and do something worthwhile with her spare time. After
doing some research and making inquiries, she came upon Little
Flower. It seemed like a perfect fit considering that Sarah lived right
down the block from our offices!
Our Kids
I AM ME
PYA Mobile
Resource
Labs Are Up
and Running
Six of Little Flower’s foster youth participated in a six month
pilot Leadership and Professional Development program
conducted by our partner, a new nonprofit, Fostering
Leadership 4 Young Women.
Little Flower recently
unveiled two mobile
resource labs at its
Queens and Brooklyn offices. The labs were developed with the
support of long-time donors, the Dreams R Us Foundation.
Little Flower’s Exploring Your Future component is a career
readiness program geared toward foster children and those who
have recently aged out of foster care, between the ages of 14-21.
Exploring Your Future strives to level the playing field for foster
youth through training, practical experiences, group presentations
and discussions. The mobile resource lab consists of laptop
computers and other materials so that foster youth in Brooklyn and
Queens may research training and program opportunities, apply for
jobs and internships on-line, and practice resume writing. Some
may even be able to take on-line courses toward a degree or
certificate program.
“We are very excited to have the resource lab up and running and
thrilled to be able to provide our young adults with an additional
outlet to help them in their journey to completing their education
as well as securing positions in the workforce. We are extremely
grateful to the Dreams R Us Foundation for their continued support
and for partnering with us as we work to provide many tools to our
youth so that they may lead fulfilling and productive lives” said
Executive Director, Grace G. Lo Grande.
The program was designed to inspire and empower young
women in foster care through a multi-faceted program
addressing the diversified phases of their life. The program
aims to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders while instilling
confidence, strength and valuable mentorship.
The young ladies began the program by delving into selfdiscovery, self-awareness and clarity. They then moved onto
bolstering their self-esteem. The girls underwent intense
resume and interview preparation as well as etiquette
lessons. The last segment focused on business etiquette,
branding oneself and internships.
By the end of the program, the girls developed a business
plan and made a formal presentation to Little Flower staff and
professionals in the community. Their business plan, I am
Me, focused on Personal Branding, which included
developing a mission, target market analysis, goals,
competitor analysis, costs and profit and loss. Their team
consisted of Project Managers, a Designer, Brand
Coordinator, Merchandise Manager and Treasurer.
We are extremely proud of how far the girls have come and all
they accomplished and can’t wait to see the incredible
projects they will work on in their futures!
A moment that she is most proud of during her time with Little
Flower was during Career Day. One of the young ladies who
attended the event was very interested in becoming a chef
someday. Sarah was ecstatic to share her own stories with the
youth and was fortunate to have the ability to bond over
conversations of the culinary arts.
Since volunteering with Little Flower, Sarah has become a yoga
instructor and opened her very own yoga studio in the Kansas City
area. “It pained me to leave New York, knowing that I would have
to give up the treasured time I spent with the young ladies.” She
said she would still be a volunteer with us if she hadn’t moved. But,
overall, “I am very grateful for the time I was allowed to spend with
Little Flower.”
Sarah embodies the true spirit of an amazing volunteer who not
only provided a great service to Little Flower but also to the youth
she spent time with!
B2H Goes to Radio City Music Hall
The children of the Bridges to Health program (B2H) experienced one of the most
magical events in New York City during the holiday season—a show at Radio City
Music Hall! The respite outing was made possible from the success of last year’s
Bridges to Fun Chinese Auction fundraiser.
Everyone who attended had a blast and it was even more mesmerizing for some of
the littles ones as it was their first time in the city! Thanks to the supporters who
helped in making this special day a reality for the children in our care!
Corporate Partners
Staff Spotlight
JUICE Pharma’s Holiday Snowflakes
Efigenia (Effie) Robles
Lynn Macrone and her team at JUICE Pharma, a full service, creative communications
company specializing in healthcare promotion, created a Holiday e-card and shared it
with the JUICE mailing list. The e-card invited you to share a special and one of a kind
“snowflake” over the holidays in support of Little Flower. For every snowflake that was
“sent” JUICE would make a donation to Little Flower. The open rate for the promotion
was 12% -- higher than the industry standard! As a result of the snowflake popularity,
Juice presented Little Flower with a check for $10,000!
Lynn and her family have been donors and champions for Little Flower for many years.
Lynn’s mother, Isabelle Macrone, was a member of the board of directors and Lynn
herself was on the board at one time. We are very honored and fortunate to have the
support of such an involved and giving family and company who care so much about
those in our care!
Hudson City Savings Bank
Recently Hudson City Savings Bank donated $5,000 to Little Flower as a
contribution to their educational program “Money & Banking Basics.” The
program developed by Hudson City volunteers covered such areas as counting
back change, budgeting, basic banking, and tips for a good job interview. Each
lesson was geared to providing the students with invaluable financial skills
needed for living everyday life and to help prepare them for adulthood.
Hudson City volunteered to teach the class as they desired to give back to their
community in a practical hands-on way. Being one of the oldest and largest savings banks in the tri-state area, teaching the financial
literacy class was something that Hudson City was excited and truly passionate about. Efigenia Robles, Effie, as she is affectionately known around the
office, was a secretary in the Foster Care department at both the
Brooklyn and Queens offices. Effie has been with Little Flower for
over 15 years and this past December she said her final farewells
to Little Flower and hello to retirement!
Effie’s career with the agency began in October 1990 as a Unit
Secretary in the Brooklyn office, which at the time was a block
away from where the current Brooklyn office is.
As Effie’s time at Little Flower was winding down, she reflected on
how much has changed since her arrival at the agency.
• The name of the organization changed from Little Flower
Children Services as well as its logo.
• The position she was originally hired for no longer exists
within the agency and much of the work is now computerized,
excluding field work.
• Little Flower opened the Queens office about 17 years ago.
• The Union was established during her career.
When asked about one of the most memorable moments while
working at Little Flower, Effie remembers the summer of the
massive blackout. She remembers walking down 11 flights of
stairs of the Brooklyn office, with another employee to help one of
their co-workers down to the first floor where her family was
waiting for her.
About five years ago Effie
decided that it was time for
her to leave Little Flower,
which didn’t last for long.
Five months into retirement,
Effie, while visiting her
parents went on an interview
and during a break, called
Little Flower’s human resources. She was told that the position
(administrative secretary) she vacated a short while ago just
became available that very same day. She was asked if she was
interested in returning to Little Flower and replied, yes!
One of the reasons Effie continued to work for Little Flower was
because of the enjoyment she felt working with the different
departments and staff. She especially enjoyed interacting with the
foster children and their families.
The staff she worked with will remember her as “old school,” which
to them meant that she always
accepted, resolved and completed
any task on her plate, no matter
whether it was her job or not.
Her message to all of her
administrators, supervisors and all
the staff she with, “Thank you and
God bless you all.”
If you were to speak to the volunteers they would tell you they learned as much from the seven students, as the students did from them.
It was extremely rewarding for both sides. The program is continuing on this spring for a new semester.
Sanctuary Is Here
Special thanks to volunteers: Patricia Collica, Branch Manager in Center Moriches, Jonathan Fogarty, Branch Manager in Bridgehampton,
Linda Lombardi, Assistant Branch Manager in Riverhead and Melissa Michaud, Customer Service representation in Stony Brook.
How Are You Feeling Today? What is Your Goal for Today? Who Can You Ask For Help?
Birthdays on the Campus
Little Flower youth may not be able to experience childhood in the typical way and may have to deal with a lot more than the average
child. But, that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the simple things that every child looks forward to, in particular—their birthday.
Our partners in the community have made sure that that is not the case.
These three questions are heard during every community meeting throughout Little Flower on a daily basis lately. Whether a department
staff meeting or a cottage meeting with staff and youth at the residential treatment center in Wading River, everyone is asking these
questions in an effort to create a safe and inviting atmosphere of communication and sharing, all the while developing skills of
containing intense feelings and provocative issues that need individual attention and privacy.
Community meetings are the cornerstones of Sanctuary--a trauma informed organizational change model focusing on trauma recovery
and safety for those in our care and our staff. The Sanctuary model is trauma informed instead of trauma reactive – it looks at ‘what
has happened’ to a person, not ‘what is wrong with them.’ The Community meeting is just one item of the Sanctuary Tool Kit, a set of
practical and simple interventions that reinforce the language and philosophy of the model.
One of our long-time donors, David Silva, recently started sending personalized birthday cards and gifts
to each child on their birthday and hosts larger birthday parties throughout the year.
Edible Arrangements in Westhampton provided some of our youth with what became known as “food for
their souls.” Youth received a special arrangement for their birthday, made with love and compassion
and adorned with balloons.
These heartwarming efforts from the community demonstrate to the kids that there are people who care
about them and wish to see them happy. It also serves as a reminder that they are not forgotten!
Thanks to everyone who helps make birthdays a little brighter for our youth!
Little Flower is excited to undertake this organizational shift toward the
Sanctuary Model. We believe the model’s emphasis on care for the
client and the worker will lead to better outcomes for those we serve and
the Little Flower community at large. As we roll out Sanctuary over the
next couple of years we will keep you informed of how we are all
adapting to this new way of thinking and reacting!
Holiday In-Kind Donors
Recent Events
THANK YOU!
This past holiday season was a tremendous success because of the generosity and support of so many!
We appreciate all of the donors who sent and delivered wonderful presents to our children. Thank you all for making the holiday a
little brighter for those we serve and keeping the magic of Christmas alive!
Ms. Dolorese Albanese
Allen School of Health Sciences
American Physical Society
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Amodeo
Andrew Stype McKenzie
Ms. Nancy Arnold
Ms. Barbara Atwood
Mr. & Mrs. Sal Aversano
Ms. Nattalia Balkaran
Ms. Christine Barget
Mr. Ralph Bartone
Ms. Phyllis Bauer
Bellport High School
BeyGood Foundation
Ms. Lisa Blake
Bosti Elementary School
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Boudreau
Boyle Road School
Ms. Donna Brandt
Ms. Kathy Brennan
Ms. Jennifer Brookes
Brooklyn College Health
Programs/Immunization
Requirements Office
Ms. Maynelle Brown
Brownie Troop 3633
Care More
Ms. Kate Carpluk
Ms. Ashley Catalano
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Catalano
Ms. Marie Catalano
CDF Inc.
Centereach Fire Dept. Station 3
Central Brooklyn Lions Club
Children's Museum of the East End
Christ Lutheran Church
Mr. Rob Cividanes
Cohen Children's Hospital
Cub Scouts Pack 104
Ms. Kerry David
Dawnwood Middle School
Department of Motor Vehicles
di Domenico + Partners LLP
Mr. Matthew DiDomenico
Diocese of Rockville CentrePastoral Center
Ms. Jessica DiVisconte
Ms. Shantell Dorner
Drive Medical Design & Mfg.
Mr. Edmond Easton
Ms. Tiffany Easton
Ms. Christine Edelstein
Ms. Mary Lee Eyester
F.J.C. Elementary School
Faith Alive Ministries
Ms. Anne Fasano
Ms. Sunny Foglia
Gadge USA
Gamma Omega Delta Fraternity,
Incorporated
Gir Scouts Troop 3118
Girl Scouts - Plainedge
Mrs. Nikki Goldberg
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran Preschool
Ms. Kim Greco
Ms. Emma Greiner
Harnessing Happiness Foundation
Ms. Kimberly Hart
Hilton New York J.F.K.
Ms. Marianne Hurley
Inc. Village of Port Jefferson
Indian Hollow Primary School
Island Bead and Jewelry
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.,
Queens Chapter
Ms. Billie Jo Jaeger
Mr. Tonio Jennifer
Ms. Lisa Jordan
Ms. Myrna Kaplan
Ms. Sally Kennedy
Ms. Christine Killorin
Knights of Columbus
Ms. Dawn Kogler
Ms. Elizabeth Kohen
Ms. Deborah Konchalski
LaCoste Boutique Manhasset #326
LaCoste Boutique Paramus #328
LaCoste Boutique Short Hills #356
Ms. Marianne Ledwidge
Legacy LaCross
Ms. Lauren Leggio
Mr. & Mrs. Rich Leone
Letip Bohemia
Lift Westhampton Beach Gym
Ms. Christine Longo
Ms. Theresa M. Lukan
Ms. Rosemary Lyford
Ms. Cheryl Lykes
Ms. Christine Mangels
Mr. Robert Manning
Ms. Jennifer Manocherian
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Marino
Ms. Keri Masick
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Mauceri
Mrs. Cecile McBride
Mr. Stephen McDonald
Mr. Thomas McGarry
Mr. Joseph D. McGowan
Ms. Kelly McNulty
Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown
Ms. Marie Miceli
Mr. Christopher Moore
Mt Sinai Elementary School Student Council
Mt. Sinai Rogues
Mrs. Christine K. Muchowski
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy M. Murray
National Grid
National Labor Relations Board
New Mind Jaycees Organization
New York Blood Center
New York City Dept. of Education Catholic Teachers Assoc.
Noble Risk Management
Ms. Jimmey Noto
NY Monte Carlo Club
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Oats
Mr. Brian Olshefsky
Our Lady of the Cenacle
Miss Christy Painter
Pepsi Cola
Mr. Koullis Pilias
Ms. Mary Ann Piliero
Platina Handcrafts Club
Pluser
Ms. Veronica Politoski
PS/IS 266
Mrs. & Mr. Shea Pugliese
Mrs. Laurie Purcell
R.S. Jones Restaurant
Ms. Rachel Ramai
Raphael Vineyards
Mr. John Ray
Ms. Monica Raynor
Razing Hair
Ms. Latoya Remy
Renee D Zumba Mooves
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Reynolds
Ms. Vicky Reynolds
Ms. Maria Rignola
Ms. Kay Rizzotto
Rocka Billy Barbers East
Ms. Celeste Roth
Ms. Lexxi Saal
Sachem East High School
Ms. D Saffran
Santa's Helpers
Sayville Happy Hookers
Mr. Stephen Sikorski
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sileo
Dr. & Ms. Sejal Singh
Ms. Laurie Skidmore
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Smith
South Bay Diner
Ms. Hayley and Hannah Squicciarini
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
St. James Lutheran Church
St. Philip Neri "Hoops"
St. Regis Council Knights Of
Columbus #4651
St. Rose of Lima School
St. Thomas More
Stony Brook Hospital
Ms. Jaclyn Swass
Ms. Andrea Tarazi
Mr. Jeffrey Tetrault
The Chai Center
The County Court Employees
The Upkaar Shabha Temple
Toys From Bellerose
Ms. Colleen Track
Troop 3310
Unified Court System Suffolk County
Vail Electric And Technology Corp
Ms. Carole Vargas
Mr. Michael Varrone
Mr. Ronald Vilca
Mr. George C. Vlachos
W. T. Clarke High School
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Walker
Wantagh Homemakers
Mr. & Mrs. David Weinstein
Westhampton Beach Rotary
Mr. Dwain R. White
Ms. Mary Wider
Mr. & Mrs. James F. Winship
Ms. Sally Wolfe
Zan's Kosher Deli in Lake Grove
Memorial Mass
and Dedication
Ceremony
Little Flower held a dedication
ceremony Saturday, November
1, 2014 to officially name the
Wading River campus the Monsignor John T. Fagan Campus.
The celebration included a
dedication with distinguished
guests including: Senator
Kenneth P. LaValle and
Riverhead Town Council
member John Dunleavy.
Everyone was invited to stay
and attend mass in the campus
chapel in honor of Little
Flower’s history and in memory of those who helped pave the
way for our success.
“This is a special day in Little
Flower history—honoring one of
our greater leaders, Father
John, who was inspired by our
founder, Msgr. Bernard Quinn;
both men worked for change in
the lives of the most vulnerable
members of society. It is even more special because we are
joined by several generations of the Fagan family in celebrating
the life and work of one of their own,” said Executive Director,
Grace G. Lo Grande.
PYA Career day
Tuesday, November 4, 2014,
Little Flower hosted the second
Career Day for youth in foster
care. The format was slightly
different this year, as there
were two sessions of panel
presentations, including more time for the youth to meet and
speak with the presenters one-on-one.
In attendance were representatives from
fields such as: advertising, courier services,
culinary, education, health and wellness,
information technology, insurance, medical
and television/communications. We were
honored to have board member Len
Scioscia, Cook Maran & Associates,
present as he guided the youth through the
world of insurance!
Thanks to all of our speakers for spending the day educating and
guiding our youth and for pointing them in the right direction to
pursue the career of their choice!
Special thanks
to Juice
Pharma for
their time and
generous
support!
LI HOGS
Foster Care Holiday Party
The Monsignor John T. Fagan Campus
roared to life Sunday, November 30,
2014, with the arrival of the Long
Island Harley Owners Group for the
Annual Toy Run!
Little Flower’s foster youth were treated to a special day filled
with fun filled activities Saturday, December 13, 2014.
For over 25 years, the LI HOGs have
brought holiday cheer and goodies for
those we serve on the campus and this
year was no different.
Thanks to the HOGs and
volunteers for their time and
generosity and for helping
Little Flower kick off the
holiday season!
The holiday party was a great success thanks in part to the
support of: Compassionable Hearts and Loyal Without Limits,
Neverland Balloons, face painters—
Amanda Orzechowski and M’Shari
Whaley and all of our volunteers!
NoN-Profit org.
US PoStage
Paid
fLUSHiNg, NY
PerMit No. 1045
2450 N. Wading River Road
Wading River, NY 11792-1402
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Monsignor John T. Fagan Awards Dinner, 6 PM – 9 PM
Guastavino’s, 405 East 59th Street, New York City
Honoring: Liza Huber Hesterberg, Founder of Sage Spoonfuls with the Humanitarian Award and Patrick J. Clarke with the Service Award
Get your tickets now at: www.littleflowerny.thankyou4caring.org/pages/awards-dinner-registration
Friday, July 24, 2015, Bridges to Fun Chinese Auction
Napper Tandy’s, Smithtown, New York
Help raise funds for Bridges to Health (B2H) Respite Program and provide our youth with opportunities to experience childhood the way
every child deserves.
Get your tickets now at: www.littleflowerny.thankyou4caring.org/bridges-to-fun-chinese-auction
Monday, September 14, 2015 Annual Golf Classic
Engineers Country Club, Roslyn, New York
Honoring: Jack O’Connor, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
For information on sponsorships and foursomes, contact Lucia Gajda at: 718-875-3500 ext. 5022 or at: gajdal@lfchild.org.
Help Little Flower Help Others
If you would like to make a donation to Little Flower
Please make checks payable to: Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York.
Kindly mail to: Little Flower, Development Office, 2450 N. Wading River Road, Wading River, NY 11792-1402
Donations can also be made online at www.littleflowerny.org and click on “donate now” button.