Shining a spotlight on National Child Abuse Prevention Month, approximately 40 employees of RisE, a Regeneron Pharmaceuticals employee interest group, recently spent an evening creating 60 “comfort bags” for children and teenagers in the foster care system who are assisted by MHA’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.
 
Why comfort bags? The image of a child in foster care packing their belongings in a garbage bag is all too real, shared Jackie Boissonnault, LMSW, Director of Children’s Advocacy at MHA. A real piece of luggage – in this case, a large duffel bag – can provide a sense of permanency, ownership and familiarity during periods of vulnerability and transition.

After learning more about what matters and would bring joy to youth in the child welfare system, RisE participants curated a thoughtful array of gifts for the comfort bags. Among the items were pillows, stuffed animals, cozy blankets, fun socks, playing cards, stress balls, journals, snacks, water bottles and more.  Luggage tags were even included so recipients could make the bags – many of which were donated by a local teenager as part of her Mitzvah project – their own. RisE volunteers arranged stuffing stations for young children, adolescents and young adults, with organized checklists for male, female and gender neutral youth.

Children and teens assisted by our CASA program receive vital support from trained community volunteers who advocate to the court on their behalf. CASA volunteers monitor and report on the physical health, behavioral health and education needs and often have long-lasting, meaningful relationships with the youth they work with - and their families. The CASA program, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, supported 132 children and 64 families last year. 
 
RisE, founded by Regeneron staff member and MHA Board Member Jeanette Fairhurst, provides participants with opportunities to learn how to build resilience in themselves, their colleagues and others in their personal lives. The group also explores the science behind resilience.

We are grateful for the support of RisE and community members who make a difference each day. Looking to get involved and make an impact? Learn more here.

     
Are you looking to make an impact in your community through volunteer work? The next training cycle for our Host Visitation volunteer program is about to begin!

For the nearly 600 Westchester County children in foster care, frequent and ongoing contact with their families is critical. Visiting reduces the trauma that children experience by being separated and increases their chances of living in a permanent home. Host Visitation volunteers, or Visit Hosts, are professionally trained community volunteers who support families by supervising and supporting them as they visit one another. 

Visit Hosts guide parents as they cope with their own feelings, respond to the unique needs of their children and build on the strengths in each family. Coached visitation helps parents plan for meaningful visits in a natural and community-based environment whenever possible.

Upcoming training takes place on: Wednesday, May 29th, June 5th and June 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

To learn more and apply, please contact Jackie Boissonnault at 914-345-5900, ext. 7518 or at boissonj@mhawestchester.org by May 24th.