Carmen Miranda had barely traveled further than areas of the Bronx. But in January of 2014 she boarded an airplane for the first time in her life, bound for Nairobi, Kenya. Carmen was asked to participate in the 9th Annual Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, founded by a non-government organization based in Nairobi. Though excited she says she did not fully grasp the magnitude of what she was about to undertake.

As a child and young teen Carmen was faced with a number of challenges in her life. Like many other children, without help and support, these challenges are just too much for a child to overcome. Providing a safe, stable and caring environment is a stepping stone for the overall well-being of a child and can provide hope and present a world of possibilities as that child grows.

With the guidance and support from all those working with her at CMCS, and through her own perseverance, Carmen worked to overcome the obstacles in her path. Carmen stayed in school and channeled her talents. Through a summer employment assignment she began working with Creative Arts Workshops, an organization that helps youngsters ages 4-24 through the use of visual, performing, and technology arts. Those at the workshop took notice of Carmen’s talents, her persistence and her ability to lead and ultimately nominated her to participate in the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb.

Fully on board and with a team of people behind her at CMCS, we helped Carmen navigate the path; securing approval from the proper agencies, filling out necessary paperwork and even taking training hikes with Carmen to help prepare her for the climb.

So in January, after a 24 hour trip with multiple stops along the way, Carmen arrived in Nairobi.

In Kenya she joined 25 others from organizations based in the US, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.

Before moving on to Kilimanjaro to start their climb they spent the first days touring the poorest areas of Nairobi and saw how their local communities too were working to help their youth in need. This was an area that Carmen was familiar with and as a group they began to see what they all had in common, the desire to reach out and help others.

With their touring complete they moved on to the challenge ahead; the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent to the peak was a 5 day climb, with stops along the way for sleep and the need to allow for their bodies to adjust to the altitude. Much of their hiking was done in the early morning hours as the weather was more dependable at that time of day. This was quite a different experience for a young woman from the Bronx.

Carmen explained how difficult it was and how she thought about stopping at different times during the climb. She said she thought about the tragedies and trauma in her life and how she wanted more for herself. This is where she found her strength to push on. She told herself to focus on the positive. She remembers telling herself; “My feet are pointing in the direction of the mountain and that is the direction I am going to climb.”

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Our MissionCardinal McCloskey CommunityServices strives to protect,empower and promoteindependence for at-riskchildren and families andthose with developmentaldisabilities through qualitycommunity-based services.

Our VisionAs a dynamic organization,we will lead, advocate andserve to enhance lives byanticipating and respondingto community needs.

INSIDE THIS ISSUEA Letter from the President & CEO’s Office . . . . . . . . . 2

Grant Announcements . . . . 2

Setting the Stage for A Great Show . . . . . . . . . . 3

CMCS Toy Drive: The Gift of Giving . . . . . . . 4

CMCS Reviews Sanctuary Model Certification . . . . . . 4

The Road to Independence . 5

Starting the Year Off On The Right Foot . . . . . . . . . 6

The “Horizons of Hope Program” at Hayden House . 6

Donor Reception . . . . . . . 7

Ways to GIve . . . . . . . . . . 7

Carmen Miranda — “No Mountain Too High”

From the programs at CMCS as a child to the ascent of Mt. Kiliminjaro.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NewsletterCardinal McCloskey Community Services

SPRING 2014

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n CARDINAL McCLOSKEY COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER

Dear Friend,

Our harsh winter is now over and spring is here! Springtime is the season for awakening, renewal and hope. It is the season for all things to blossom and grow and that is what has been happening here at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services over these past months. We are always mindful that it is you, our friends and advocates that allow us to grow and offer improved programs to those in our care and we are truly grateful.

I do hope you enjoy reading our front cover article about the amazing achievement of Carmen Miranda. To imagine that a young person who has had such a difficult life can embrace a challenge like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is almost hard to comprehend. But Carmen did it! Her accomplishment is a great example of what can be achieved when a person is supported and encouraged to succeed. Here at CMCS we strive to realize the victories for those in our care, no matter how big or small.

Speaking of great triumphs, our 11th Annual “Taking The Stage” Talent Competition was one of our best shows ever. The event was held at The C.V. Rich Mansion and the performances, artwork and literary pieces showcased the many talents of the youth in our care. Our Toy Drive was as abundant as ever thanks to the donations CMCS received from corporations such as Mattel to the single toy brought to us by one of our Day Hab Participants. Again, no matter how big or small.

CMCS was chosen for a second time to take part in Payless’s “Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids” Program. More than 50 members of our foster care and drop-in programs shopped with gift cards for new shoes. Many of them chose new sneakers and happily gave up the heavy winter boots. It was a great day and we look forward to partnering with Payless again.

Keeping in mind that supporting and encouraging those in our care is at the very core of CMCS’s mission, our Supported Employment Program has more than doubled in the past year. This program provides individuals with developmental disabilities

the training and tools they require to obtain employment and, eventually, lead more independent lives. CMCS will continue to expand this program and we are grateful that programs such as this continue to be sustained by all of your efforts.

It is so appropriate that the theme of this newsletter be about renewal and hope. CMCS will launch in April, 2014, our new “Horizons of Hope” Program. This program will serve unaccompanied alien children who have been referred to CMCS. We are confident our new program will help make this most difficult transition to a new life less traumatic for these children.

Everything that you will read in this newsletter has been made possible by you, our friends and benefactors and it is just a snapshot of many programs that you help maintain at CMCS. The faith and trust that you place in us is sincerely appreciated. Together we are ensuring the humanity for many and that preserves the humanity in us all. Again, on behalf of all those we serve I thank you and look forward to partnering with you throughout 2014!

Sincerely,

Beth Finnerty President and CEO

A Letter from the President & CEO’s Office

Beth Finnerty

Grant AnnouncementsIn January, Cardinal McCloskey Community Services was awarded a grant of $100,000 from the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation for our Strategies for Success Program, an educational guidance program for youth in foster care. We have also recently received grants for the Strategies for Success Educational Program from the Charles A. Mastronardi Foundation and the People’s United Community Foundation in the amounts of $10,000 and $2,500 respectively.

In addition, we have been awarded

a grant of $20,000 from the TD Bank Foundation to provide recreational activities for the residents of both Hayden House and our Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) Group Homes.

We received a grant of $7,500 from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area to support improvements that need to be made at our Sunrise Drop-In Center for homeless and runaway youth as well as a $7,500 matching grant from the global arm of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. We are also grateful for the continued support of the Saint Faith’s House Foundation, who granted $10,000 to CMCS to replace

many old computers in our school at Hayden House.

We have received grants to support our general operating costs: the Theodore Cross Charitable Family Foundation has awarded CMCS $5,000; and the Sarah I. Schieffelin Residuary Trust and the Syd & Jan M. Silverman Foundation have both shown their support for our programming through operating grants of $2,000.

Cardinal McCloskey Community Services expresses their gratitude to all of our corporate and foundation grantors for their continued support. With their help and yours, we are able to continue to provide extraordinary care to those we serve. H

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SPRING 2014

Setting The Stage For A Great ShowOn Sunday, November 17, 2013 at The C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains, CMCS held their 11th Annual “Taking The Stage” Talent Competition. This was the first time the performance was held at The

C.V. Rich Mansion and the children on stage were inspiring! Once again, recording artist B. Smyth co-hosted the show and his performance and generosity were

a huge hit. CMCS was privileged to have Ms. Carolina Leid of ABC Eyewitness News co-host with B. Smyth. Both hosts did an incredible job in helping feature the talents of each performer.

The show began with a special performance by CMCS’s Littlest Angels. These adorable stars sang, “The Mack Chicken Dance” by Greg and Steve of BIG FUN and “The World Is A Rainbow” by Greg Scelsa. The show followed with the performances of 18 very talented youth. There were over 30 original art pieces on display and ten literary pieces were listed in the event program. It was one of the best shows ever. The event was judged by several pageant queens and models. Everyone was a winner!

Over 300 people attended and enjoyed a delicious meal at The C.V. Rich Mansion. It was a packed house with family members cheering on all of the participants!

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Anton Zauner, The Grogan Family, The Houghton Family, Mr. & Mrs. John Curran and Mr. & Mrs. John Heinsch. Their support made this wonderful event possible. We also thank all of our volunteers who helped make the event resemble a professional talent showcase.

Our sincere thank you also goes to everyone that supported “Taking The Stage.” We hope to see you back next year for another night filled with fun, family and entertainment! H

Hosts Carolina Leid and B. Smyth listen to the reading of a poem.

Our “Littlest Angels” open the show!

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n CARDINAL McCLOSKEY COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER

CMCS TOY DRIVE: THE GIFT OF GIVINGThe end of 2013 was marked at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services with the

Annual CMCS Toy Drive and it was a fantastic success. There was a wide selection of brand new toys, clothing, sporting equipment, books and other gifts which guaranteed

there would be a holiday present for thousands of individuals in our care.

For the second year in a row CMCS was allowed to use the open office space, rent free, at our Valhalla location to store the gifts that were donated. We would like to thank Mr. Larry Kwiat and Mr. Robert Swierbut of SL Green Management, LLC for their support of our drive. CMCS could not have accomplished moving in and out the tremendous inventory without the space to keep it organized.

As in past years, CMCS is always so fortunate to receive donations from local parishes, schools and organizations. New donors this year were Richard Bernstein Advisors, Initials, Inc. and Westy’s Storage. Our corporate donors included: The Today Show, Mattel, Disney, TOMY

and UpABaby. From the individuals who were able to donate just one toy or book to the organizations that sent hundreds of gifts we are truly grateful. CMCS is only able to hold such a successful toy drive due to the enormous generosity of every donor. Almost 10,000 items were distributed and 3,049 children and disadvantaged adults in

our care received gifts. CMCS was lucky to also have an

army of volunteers! The Iona Prep Varsity Hockey Team sorted clothing and moved hundreds of boxes for us. Our supported employees, Christian

Cordasco, Dean Davidson and Vinny DeMasi also helped every afternoon and their assistance was invaluable. A special thank you goes to our intern, Taylor McElroy, who worked tirelessly throughout the entire Toy Drive. She also stayed through the month of January to complete all inventory and storage for

the beginning of our next drive.The CMCS Toy Drive gets bigger every

year due to the generosity of everyone involved. We truly appreciate every gift and every moment of volunteering. Thank you all! H

CMCS receives Sanctuary Model CertificationWe are proud to announce that we have received our Sanctuary Model Certification. The Sanctuary Model is a method of training and practice adopted

by organizations that recognizes the impact that trauma has on individuals, and organizations, and provides tools and guidelines on how to best communicate and

work in these environments.When we think of trauma we define it as

the experience of abuse or neglect and the understanding that even when the abuse of a person stops, the effect of the abuse

remains. The Sanctuary Model is a blueprint

for change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community. A recognition that trauma is pervasive in the experience of human beings forms the basis for the Sanctuary Model’s focus not only on the people who seek services, but equally on the people and systems who provide those services.

The CMCS staff has undergone Sanctuary training and the daily practices are in place, allowing for a healthier, more compassionate and productive work environment.

For more information you can visit thesanctuaryinstitute.org H

WHAT IS SANCTUARY LANGUAGE? There are four components that guide the way we work and the way that people heal and make progress in their lives-SELF.

S — SAFETY— No one moves forward or works well without safety. This means physical safety, emotional safety, social safety and moral safety. Safety is where we always start and end. If you are not safe, you can not heal.E — EMOTION MANAGEMENT (for all)-Managing emotions is the step that helps us to know what we are feeling and to handle our feelings in a way that does not hurt ourselves or others.L — LOSS/CHANGE (abuse, neglect, separation, getting stuck)- Loss/change is the step that helps us acknowledge and grieve the painful things that have happened to us in a safe way and move to a healthy future.F — FUTURE (how can things get better?)-Future is the step where we look at our choices for creating a better personal future and to make the world a better place.

The Iona Prep hockey team takes a break from helping at the CMCS Toy Drive.

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SPRING 2014

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT – THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE

Work is an essential part of everyday life. It brings a sense of pride, accomplishment, and the means to make your own choices. The skillsets learned are invaluable. Many of our adults and transitioning youth with developmental disabilities have begun their path to employment, with each one on a different road with different turns along the way. However, they all are pointed in a similar direction; a drive toward independence. CMCS recognizes the inherent values that go along with working toward a more independent lifestyle. This is just one of the goals of the Supported Employment Program at CMCS.

Through Supported Employment, job seekers partner with the CMCS vocational team to build essential job skills, along with enhancing existing strengths and

setting professional goals to conquer the employment application process. Those in the program are supported by Job Coaches that help guide them through the decision-making process as they face the real world challenges of securing interviews, understanding job expectations, planning daily commutes and the challenges of managing a pay check and budget. The CMCS program

provides support to help manage these challenges and those who take an active role towards reaching their goals enter into the world of employment better equipped and ready to excel.

Pamela Hines began her path as a quiet, shy and reserved young woman. Pam would stay to herself and barely spoke to people she did not know, but she had the desire to earn a paycheck and be able to build a savings account with the money she would earn. Pam was assigned a Job Coach who helped her build professional working relationships, develop job skills, create a resume and apply for employment. During this process Pam’s confidence flourished as did her ability to speak on her own behalf. Pam currently is employed as a package assembler by Jingle Nog handmade Christmas ornaments. Pam enjoys receiving her paycheck and manages, with pride, the growth in her savings account.

Ivica Frleta is currently employed as a Maintenance Custodian at the CMCS Courtlandt facility in the Bronx. Ivica is best known around the office as a hard worker and an amazing opera singer as he enjoys humming and singing while cleaning. With the encouragement from his Job Coach, Ivica has maintained his employment at CMCS for two years. When speaking with Ivica in regards to his successful transition to employment, he refers back to the beginning of his path. Ivica began Supported Employment as an eager and energetic young man but

he feared he did not have the skills to gain competitive employment. Ivica was assigned a Job Coach who worked to understand his preferences and abilities and began assisting Ivica with creating his resume and building his skill set through mock interviews and Professional Development Training. Ivica gained the confidence to step out into the work force.

If you visit our Courtlandt office you may get to hear Ivica sing as he performs his job reponsibilities.

Supported Employments front line consists of exceptional and motivated Job Coaches who share one goal; to prepare and promote independence for the people we serve. Through this philosophy the Supported Employment Program has flourished and grown. The Supported Employment Program continues to reach out into the community, advocating and promoting independence.H

Participants in the CMCS Supported Employment Program

Ivica Frleta proudly displays his Certificate of Achievement award

Working hard, assembling packaging at JingleNog.

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n CARDINAL McCLOSKEY COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER

Starting the year off on the right foot…On Wednesday, February 19, 2014, the Payless ShoeSource in the Bronx was busier than usual when they hosted Cardinal McCloskey Community Services for the second year in support of our ever growing youth programs. CMCS was again selected by Payless to be chosen as an official partner of Payless Shoe Source’s “Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids,” an international children’s shoe-giving program that works with a select few non-profit organizations that seek to make the most of more than $1.5 million worth of children’s shoes that they graciously donate.

The day was spent with the youth who are in our care, shopping, and enjoying the generosity of Payless and its incredibly friendly staff. This year we were fortunate enough to assist over 50 members of our foster care and drop in programs in finding new shoes; thanks to the contribution of gift cards from Payless. Many of the youth in our programs are accustomed to wearing used and hand-me-down shoes and rarely, if ever, get the chance to pick out their own pair of new shoes. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the youth

and because this event was held just a few short blocks from the CMCS Courtlandt office, many familiar Cardinal McCloskey faces were able to stop by, help pick out some shoes, and spend some time together throughout the day.

From Dora the Explorer and Spiderman sneakers to classic job interview heels,

everyone who stopped by was able to find something that fit their needs and their tastes. Seeing our youth, staff, and members of the surrounding community coming together made for a great day all around and gave many of us the opportunity to remember what we’re working so hard for. H

The “Horizons of Hope Program” at Hayden HouseCardinal McCloskey Community Services was recently approved to receive federal funding to serve Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). These are children in

the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and are referred to us for residential care, educational programming and clinical services while long term placement options are being explored. Effective February 1, 2014, the Horizons of Hope program will operate its residential services out of our Hayden House and draw on the strengths of its existing operation within Hayden’s Emergency Diagnostic Group Home.

Horizons of Hope will house twelve youth ages eight through twenty-one. It is anticipated the UAC population generally consists of adolescents twelve to seventeen years of age with males representing a higher percentage of the overall population, however we will be prepared to provide services to a diverse population of UAC of all ages and genders. Most youth served

will originate from El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala.

While in our care, children and youth will experience a reduction in trauma symptoms and a greater sense of stability and well-being, as they become engaged in the program and the supportive group home environment. Education will be provided by specialized bilingual professionals and all needed medical and mental health treatment, legal advocacy, recreation, acculturation and social activities will also be provided internally and through the community collaborations we have established with service providers. CMCS will facilitate the safe and timely reunification and release of children and youth with family members or approved sponsors, after a limited period in group home. H

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SPRING 2014

Ways to GiveIn these challenging economic times, CMCS is more reliant than ever on private philanthropy. We have several methods for you to help CMCS continue its life-changing work. You can make your tax-deductible contribution to CMCS in any of the following ways:

Check: Please make your check payable to Cardinal McCloskey Community Services and mail it to us in the enclosed envelope.

Credit Cards: We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Please fill out the enclosed envelope, contact us by phone, or visit our secure website: www.cmcs.org

Matching Gifts: You can double your gift to CMCS if you or your spouse work for an organization with a Matching Gift Program.

Real Estate: Gifts of personal residence can be made for an immediate income tax deduction. Or, with a retained life estate, the donor or designee can live in their home for the rest of their life. After that time, the real estate is owned outright by CMCS, without the complications of probate proceedings. This gift allows the donor to receive current income deductions for the discounted value of the property.

Bequest: You can leave a bequest to CMCS in your will or trust. A donation through your will or trust is fully tax deductible, and enables us to provide critical assistance to those in our care.

Securities: You can avoid capital gains tax on securities held long-term and provide an income tax deduction equal to the fair market value at the date of transfer. To transfer securities to CMCS, please contact Kerry Gutekunst at (914) 997-8000 ext. 114 or kgutekunst@cmcs.org.

Please consult with your tax advisor, and thank you for your continued support of CMCS; we could not fulfill our mission without your help!

Donor ReceptionThis past December supporters and friends of CMCS gathered at X20 in Yonkers. The evening gave us an opportunity to reflect on the year and thank those who have helped support our mission of helping others.

The weather did not quite cooperate as the snow fell, giving us a preview of what winter had in store for us. Those who braved the weather enjoyed both the views of the majestic Hudson River and the delicious food prepared by the renowned Peter X. Kelly. Surrounding the room were poster boards that provided stories of the accomplishments of those we all help serve. These stories of inspiration ranged from the youngest in our care who and sang or read poetry at our annual “Taking the Stage” event to those adults with developmental disabilities participating in our Supported Employment program.

President & CEO, Beth Finnerty spoke and helped put everything into perspective as she thanked CMCS’ friends, families, sponsors and supporters on behalf of all those who benefit from our services and programs. She reminded us that the ultimate ‘thank you’ is felt by knowing that there are children sleeping in a safe home as a result of their support, or at-risk families who are learning to find their way through counseling, and by the adults with a developmental disabilities who have entered the workforce and are leading more independent, fulfilling lives.

The dedication of our friends and benefactors enables CMCS to broaden its reach and serve more individuals, with caring and customized services. The evening allows those of us at CMCS to realize how truly lucky we are to have your support. H

On Day 5 as they reached the last area to rest, the group sat. But Carmen did not want to stop, she knew she was close to the summit and she wanted to get to the top. She asked her guide if they could continue, which they did, and they reached the mountain peak just as the sun was rising. Carmen described this moment as simply amazing. She spoke about the strength of the reflection of light off of the glacier as the sun came up and the beautiful images that mother nature carved for her to see. She talked about how emotional a moment it was and how those last steps that took her to the top were personal and all her own.

It was a moment and an achievement she will never forget.

Carmen is now back at home in the Bronx. She is in her second year of college at BMCC where she is studying

Human Services. When classes allow she is still a part of the PYA Program at CMCS. She explained the challenges that awaited when she came home to face the work she had to catch up on as a result of being away. She draws on the lessons that helped her get to the peak; stay positive and focus on what she needs to do in order for her to achieve her goals.

In looking back on her experience and the tours she took in those the poor neighborhoods in Nairobi she spoke about the power of having second chances in life and the things that you can accomplish when someone reaches out to give you that second chance. Reflecting on her trip she said “You don’t realize how good it feels to accomplish something until you put the hard work into getting it done.”

Congratulations to Carmen! H

continued from page 1 | Carmen Miranda

Cardinal McCloskey Community Services115 East Stevens Avenue, Suite LL5Valhalla, New York 10595914-997-8000

NonprofitUS Postage

PaidPermit #1405

White Plains, NY

For more information, please visit www.cmcs.org or contact the Development Office at

(914) 997-8000 ext. 114 or kgutekunst@cmcs.org

Stay-tuned for more information on how to reserve your spot for these upcoming events!

BOARD OF DIRECTORSSTEPHEN SWEENY, Ph.D., CHAIRMAN

JOHN M. QUEENAN, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

CHARLES HOUGHTON, JR., VICE CHAIRMAN

ANTON ZAUNER, TREASURER

GEORGE GROSSMAN, SECRETARY

MSGR. KEVIN SULLIVAN

SR. PATRICIA BRODERICK

EUGENE DESOIZA, JR.

NICOLE GROGAN

BILL HAYDUK

MICHELE LAWTON

JOHN LUNDIN

MICHELLE MEDINA

JOHN MCCOMBE

PAUL MICHELS

HON. ALISON TUITT

BISHOP GERALD WALSH, MSW

ADMINISTRATIONBETH FINNERTY, PRESIDENT & CEO

WILLIAM URSILLO, PH.D., CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

JOSE MERCADO, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

& SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

KAMLESH SINGH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCIAL

& CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

REVA GERSHEN-LOWY, ED.D., SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

VIVIAN BRADY-JONES, CPA, VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

AUDREY ERAZO, VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH

& CLINICAL SERVICES

NANCY MARTIN, VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY & PLANNING

DIANE PRYCE, VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES

BARRY SCHMITT, VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 20144th Annual “Stepping Up for CMCS” Walkathon

8:00 AM – 11:00 AMIona Preparatory School

New Rochelle, NYLike us on Facebook: CMCS Walkathon

Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/McCloskeyCares

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

9th Annual Spring Wine Tasting & Dinner Guillaro Residence in Garrison, New York

Sip. Savor. Support.