The WJCS Parent Child Center Celebrates 25 Years in New Rochelle
Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) hosted a joyful celebration of the 25th Anniversary of its ParentChild Center in New Rochelle on October 21. Music, toys, games, block building, and other fun activities were all part of the festivities. Dozens of children, WJCS staff, and Assemblyman Steven Otis were on hand to take part in the quarter-century milestone occasion.
The WJCS ParentChild Center is a free drop-in play group for young children, from birth to four years old, and their parents or caregivers. “It is a thrill to see children develop verbally, emotionally, socially, and cognitively over the course of months of parents and children participating, said Rivka Gorin, Assistant Director of Early Childhood Centers at WJCS. “Children gain skills and friendships, and their parents do as well.”
“All the social, emotional, and language skills that children develop in their early years are vital to their success when they enter school and advance in life,” said WJCS Chief Executive Officer Seth Diamond. “We are proud to have reached the 25-year mark. Hundreds of children and their families have benefitted from the play, social engagement, and enrichment offered at WJCS ParentChild Center.”
Assemblyman Steve Otis, who has helped secure state funding to support the program, said “Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the WJCS ParentChild Center. I have followed this exceptional program for many years and am always wowed by how fully engaged every parent and every child is with the activity of the day. The value of this program will follow these young children throughout their school careers and provide them with the foundation for a bright future. Tremendous credit goes to WJCS, their staff, and the teachers that have worked on the program over the years.”
Located at the Boys and Girls Club at 79 7th street in New Rochelle, the WJCS ParentChild Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to Noon, October through May.