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The  Bereavement Center of 
Westchester
 
BCW

 

 

 

 

 
"We need a grieving room for all of us who are mourning, a quiet, safe place of solace where emotion is sacred and the continual falling of tears generates the energy for our healing. We need a grieving room with thick walls to keep despair outside and hope secure within, and, on the floor, comfortable pillows to remind us to rest."  Molly Fumia  Safe Passage

 

OUR CENTER

 

Our Mission

The Bereavement Center of Westchester is founded on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment. We believe that grief is a natural reaction to loss, but can be a very isolating experience  that is often unrecognized in our schools and culture. While this time of transition may be very painful, with the support of caring people and a safe place to express thoughts and feelings, this can be a time of personal growth as well.

Our History 

In the fall of 1994, Jansen Memorial Hospice approached the junior league of Bronxville for their assistance in launching a bereavement service for a greatly underserved community - children. As a result of this creative vision The Bereavement Center of Westchester opened its door in the fall of 1995. The first "Tree House" our 8 week program for families provided bereavement  support to 8 families in March of 1996. Seven years, as of June, 2003 we have supported over 300 families with 70 active volunteers, and 5 eight week sessions a year at 3 locations. We continue to remain faithful to our mission - bereavement support in a safe and caring environment.

Our Locations      DRIVING DIRECTIONS PAGE

        Main Office:
                        69 Main St.
                        Tuckahoe, NY 10707

                Phone contact 914-961-2818 ext 317

       
        Tree House Locations:
                        Chapel School, Bronxville
                        First Unitarian Society, Hastings-On-Hudson
                        The Presbyterian Church, Mt. Kisco

        School Outreach is Available to all schools in Westchester

BCW Program Staff:

Director - Patricia Donovan-Duff, RN, BSN, CT
Tree House Director - Mindy Farkas, RN, MSN, CT, Assistant Director
Adult Programs Coordinator - Bruce Page, M.A.T, M.Div.
School Outreach Coordinator - Melissa Goldsmith,. LMSW
Tree House Coordinator - Lisa Zeitz, LCSW
Tree House Coordinator - Malaika Gutman-Gates, CSW
Clinical Consultant - Debra Morrison-Dyke, Ph.D

Bereavement Counselors:

Michael Altshuler, LCSW
Julie Aquilato, LCSW
Kathy Kehoe-Biggs, Ph.D.
Carole Geithner, LCSW
Karen Lagotta, LMSW
Emily Laitmon, LCSW
Bonnie Markey, LCSW
Pat Stokhamer, LCSW
Douglass Roy-Reitter, LCSW

BCW Development Staff:

Director, Development and Marketing - Tasha Wynne
Development Assistant - Nadia Trimmer
Administrative Assistant - Moira Lillis

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