Jawonio, located in the Mid-Hudson Region of NYS celebrates its developmental disability, mental health and medical services beginning with 6 families in 1947.
New City, NY — 2.9.22 Today, Jawonio, the 75-year-old non-profit disability and mental health services provider for children, adults and families announced their 75 th Anniversary with a new video entitled “Celebrating 75 Years”.
The Celebration Launch video can be found here .
“For the past 75 years, Jawonio has had the honor of providing lifespan services for thousands of children, adults & their families with disabilities, mental health challenges and chronic medical conditions. We will never waver from our mission which is dedicated to advancing the independence, well-being and equality for people with special needs,” said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO. “We are grateful for the opportunity and privilege to serve the Rockland and Westchester communities, and, to be the incredible place where miracles happen every day”
Jawonio, with a workforce of close to 1000 professionals in Rockland, Westchester and Orange Counties, provides lifespan services from infants through end of life with a variety of services including early intervention, special education preschool, summer education, vocational and employment services, residential and day services and recovery based mental health services and care management.
Jawonio began with 6 families who each had a dream that their child would be able to learn, grow, play and enjoy their lives just like every other child. First, incorporated as the Rockland Center for the Physically Handicapped, “Camp Jawonio” in 1949 was the first sleepover camp for children with disabilities in Rockland County.
Today, Jawonio supports 3500 individuals and their families, and in October, 2020 moved into a brand new 75,000 square foot state of the art facility for their staff, programs and services.
Jim Johansen, former President of the Board of the Jawonio Foundation said, “There is no other place that has given so much to families and no other staff, past and present, who has been as talented, dedicated and provided the supports for our most vulnerable. Jawonio is the place where miracles happen every day.”
Diana Hess, Chief Development and Communications Officer stated, “The excitement and enthusiasm for this 75th anniversary will be the guiding light this year for all fundraising efforts including a golf outing, virtual fundraisers and an annual gala. We are also launching new donor opportunities to give via new monthly and planned giving programs. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary with the community and look forward to providing services for infants through end of life for decades to come, because so much good happens here.”