Mayor Mike Spano today announced his selection of Yonkers volunteers for the sixth annual nationwide Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, spotlighting the impact of national service and thanking those who serve in their communities. Mayor Spano this week honored six local volunteers, specifically those who donate their time to a variety of charitable organizations in Yonkers, sponsored by Volunteer New York!. All of the awarded honorees contribute to Yonkers non-profit organizations, assisting those in the local community.
“Despite COVID-19’s devastating impact, in Yonkers alone, we had 150 Senior Corps volunteers who contributed nearly 6,700 hours,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Our volunteers play a vital role in our community and ensure Yonkers continues to remain a vibrant place to live work and play. As the Mayor of the City of Yonkers, I truly appreciate everyone and recognize the contributions that are made every day.”
Mayor Spano recognized the following volunteers for their years of service in Yonkers:
Ed Condon, Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) – Ed Condon has volunteered with Yonkers Partners in Education for 4 years. He serves as a Graduation Coach to three young men at Roosevelt High School by providing mentoring and academic guidance. During the pandemic, Ed assisted his senior students virtually with their college applications, essay writing process and provided check-ins through text. Ed also serves on the YPIE Volunteer Advisory Board, which aims at assisting and engaging YPIE volunteers, recruit new volunteers, and enhance the overall volunteer experience. On average, Ed volunteers 15+ hours each month for YPIE.
Yonkers Partners in Education Program Director Stacy Winitt stated, “Ed ensures that his students know they can rely on him as a resource for summer opportunities, a sounding board for academic goal setting, and a caring adult who has their best interests at heart. His steady, caring presence makes a world of difference for our students.”
Sonia Elliott, Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY) – Sonia Elliott advocates for grandparent and relative caregivers as a GrandPower Advocate. She has been an Advocate with the GrandPower Project of the Family Service Society of Yonkers for 6 years. Sonia educates the public and elected officials about the needs of kinship caregivers in Yonkers and Westchester County. She advocates for greater services, changes in laws and regulations to ease the burden of raising grandchildren and help caregivers keep the children within their families and out of the foster care system. During the pandemic, Sonia packed and distributed food at a local pantry as well as assisted with harvesting fresh produce for the pantry.
Family Service Society of Yonkers Program Director Carolyn Fluckinger stated, “Sonia is generous with her time. If there is a need for a GrandPower Advocate to be present at a hearing, a meeting with a legislator or an event she makes herself available while juggling her parenting responsibilities with advocacy assignments.”
Laura Whitney, Westcop – Laura Whitney has been an AmeriCorp Foster Grandparent volunteer since 2018. She is a Yonkers resident and volunteers at Day Care centers in Yonkers. During the pandemic shutdown, Laura continued to volunteer with the Foster Grandparents Program at various Daycare centers throughout Yonkers. Although she received the same stipend as those who remained home, Laura learned to use technology and reported to her Center each day from Spring 2020 through 2021 and is currently still volunteering.
Westcop Program Director Donna Bell stated, “Laura loves serving the children in her community and represents AmeriCorp Foster Grandparents with professionalism, enthusiasm, pride, and a generous attitude. Laura always receives positive reviews from the Directors and teachers at her stations (Day Care Centers) because she is great example of what it means to be a volunteer.”
Dot Berman, RideConnect of Family Services of Westchester – In 2018, Dot began volunteering with the RideConnect of Family Services of Westchester by offering free transportation to seniors 60 and older who needed rides to doctors’ appointments, the hairdresser, cultural events, or shopping expeditions. Since that time, she has given nearly 600 rides. Even at the height of the pandemic when very few seniors were taking rides, there were several dialysis clients who needed to get to their appointments 3 times per week or more and Dot was right there to drive them. Additionally, she was a part of the Shop & Drop program which was aimed at helping seniors and those in need with their groceries. Dot became a food pantry distribution volunteer and drove throughout the county delivering nearly 400 much needed food and other essentials.
RideConnect of Family Services of Westchester Program Director Marietta Manoni stated, “We are truly grateful for Dot. She is an amazing volunteer and our riders love her and often ask for her by name.”
Lew Koflowitz, Volunteer New York!/RSVP of Westchester – Lew Koflowitz has been serving on the RSVP of Westchester Advisory Committee at Volunteer New York! since 2018. Throughout his tenure with RSVP, he has shared his wisdom and enthusiasm for volunteering with his fellow committee members and has been a worthy addition to the group. During the pandemic, he encouraged the members to stay connected and provided tips on how to reduce social isolation. Aside from serving now as the chair of the Westchester Advisory Committee at Volunteer New York, Lew is the editor of the organizations bi-annual newsletter, You’re Invited: RSVP
Volunteer New York!/RSVP of Westchester Program Director Wendy Armstrong stated, “I turn to Lew regularly for sage advice and assistance in making decisions on topics related to running the program. He has indeed risen to the occasion.”
Elizabeth Rodriguez, Hudson River Museum – Elizabeth Rodriguez is a veteran Museum Docent who leads school groups at all grade levels, as well as adult groups, on thematic tours through exhibitions and collections. She also collaborates in training Junior Docents on how to lead tours for the public in different areas of the Museum. Throughout her 10 years as a Docent, Liz has supported and expanded access for youth to Museum resources. She continues to work with her fellow docents and Museum staff on how to connect to diverse and marginalized communities.
Hudson River Museum Assistant Director Saralinda B. Lichtblau stated, “The Hudson River Museum continues to benefit from her experience in the field and continued passion for reaching out to and lifting up young people, particularly those who have traditionally been excluded from the opportunities afforded those in mainstream society.”
The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, joining mayors across the country to shine a spotlight on the positive impact of national service and thank those who serve in their communities. The four honorees were selected through their partnership with RSVP of Westchester through Volunteer New York!. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people aged 55 and older who give their time and share their expertise to help solve local community concerns.
