Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cheers! To One Hundred Years!

May 30, 2024

On Friday, May 24th, Cabrini of Westchester held a festive celebration honoring its centenarians, 5 special women who are celebrating milestone birthdays this year. The esteemed honorees are: Anna Ciccone, 102; Sister Rose Golden, 100; Sister Margaret Hernandez, MSC, 100; Theresa Izzo, 100; and Helen Nathanson, 102.

Bonita Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator addressed the gathering of residents, staff members, family and friends: “On behalf of the Administration, Board of Trustees and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we offer congratulations and well wishes to each of our centenarians as we celebrate a century of your utmost grace, strength and kindness. You’ve witnessed a lifetime of history, yet your spirit remains timeless. We celebrate your remarkable journey, honor your wisdom and anticipate more chapters in your extraordinary story.”

A blessing was offered by Pastoral Care Associate, Christina Tiesi, followed by a presentation from special guest, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Senator Stewart-Cousins bestowed framed resolutions to each centenarian and said, “I am so happy to be here to say happy birthday to you all! I am proud to recognize each of you for having lived over 100 wonderful years and for allowing women like me to stand on your shoulders. We wish you God speed, continued good health and thank you for inspiring us with your strength, your stories and your wisdom.”

Distinguished Honors at Cabrini of Westchester

January 25, 2024

Priteshkumar (Prit) Patel, Physical Therapist at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2023 Employee of Distinction Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Patel graciously accepted the award from Karen Lipson, Executive Vice President of LeadingAge, on January 11, 2024 at a celebration held in his honor. This prestigious award is given to an employee who excels in their profession and who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirmed.

While presenting the award, Ms. Lipson stated “I’m very pleased to present this award to Prit. I read the nominations for all the candidates and I was so moved by the letters of support recognizing Prit that I wanted to meet him in person and offer my sincere congratulations to him. I’m very inspired by your work, Prit, and I’m happy to be here.”

In his nomination letter, David Leyden, Director of Rehabilitation wrote the following: “Prit is one of the most talented physical therapists and human beings I have ever had the privilege of working with. His technical skills and competency as a therapist are outstanding and can only be matched by his unique vision and ability to see past any barriers or challenges a patient may present. He offers them hope and a chance at a better life than they are living. Prit meets his patients at their level and offers the just-right challenge every step of the way.”

At the reception, Bonita Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator stated, “Prit, you are loved by all and not a day goes by that I don’t receive positive feedback about you! You are a true inspiration!”

CABRINI of WESTCHESTER – Among the Very Best!

January 18, 2024

CABRINI of WESTCHESTER – Among the Very Best!

Cabrini of Westchester is proud to be recognized by Newsweek as part of its America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 list. The award is presented by Newsweek in partnership with Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry-ranking provider.

The list comprises the nation’s leading skilled nursing facilities in those 25 states that have the highest number of facilities according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The ratings aim to provide families with a clearer view of the quality of care provided by nursing homes. A total of 750 top facilities in 25 states were ranked, including 58 of the over 610 nursing homes in New York State.

This comprehensive evaluation is based on five data sources: performance data, a national online survey that included thousands of peer recommendations, management of COVID-19, resident satisfaction, and accreditations.

“For fifty years, Cabrini of Westchester has provided high-quality, compassionate eldercare to countless individuals,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO. “Our inclusion on the 2024 Best Nursing Home’s list is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Cabrini’s team provides to the residents each and every day and we are honored to be recognized.

Cabrini of Westchester C.A.R.E.s for Residents

September 28, 2023

Cabrini of Westchester C.A.R.E.s for Residents

Cabrini of Westchester is proud to share that “The C.A.R.E. Channel” (Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment) is now available to all residents for their viewing and listening pleasure! The C.A.R.E. Channel is television programming that combines peaceful scenes of nature with beautiful music. By tuning in to channel 54 on their in-room televisions, the residents can be swept away by the soothing landscapes, panoramas, and vistas as well as the original, instrumental music that has cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal.

The C.A.R.E. Channel has been shown to be a highly effective therapeutic tool that significantly contributes to improved satisfaction and patient outcomes, and helps create a healing environment for patients, families, and staff.

“I love to watch the C.A.R.E Channel,” says resident, Justin Vaccaro. “It is so relaxing and peaceful. The beautiful scenery and music makes me feel great and I’m so happy that Cabrini offers this for all residents.” Story continues on next page.

Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission shares, “We hope the C.A.R.E. Channel will be a blessing for our residents in offering them an opportunity to experience moments of peace and relaxation as they reflect on the visual beauty of God’s creation to the background of delightful music.”

Philip Deans Pays MSCs at Sacred Heart Convent a visit.

September 12, 2023

Recently, Philip Deans, the manager of the Cabrini Apartments on E. 19th Street in Manhattan paid the MSCs at the Sacred Heart Convent a visit.

Philip shared that there are two senior care living apartments that the Missionary Sisters sponsor, one on East 19th Street in Manhattan and the other in Seattle, WA. These serve a low-income population, many of whom are immigrants.

Mr. Deans shared that the Cabrini Apartments in New York City has a waiting list of over 700 people.

Cabrini of Westchester’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was a Great Success!

May 31, 2023

Cabrini of Westchester recognized several deserving honorees at its 25th Annual Sharing in Mission Dinner, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The theme for the event, which was held on May 25, 2023 at the beautiful Tappan Hill Estates in Tarrytown, NY, was “An Evening Under the Stars.”

This year’s honorees included His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Michael P. Hoffman, Founder of Changing Our World and former Cabrini Eldercare Trustee, and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart: Sisters Arlene Van Dusen and Catherine Garry, both Cabrini of Westchester trustees. The honorees were chosen because they reflect the values that Cabrini of Westchester as an organization cherishes: compassion, excellence, commitment and service.

Attendees were delighted to dine under a myriad of twinkle lights and stars projected throughout the room, which reflected the theme. Beautiful coasters with constellations were given to all who attended.

We are truly grateful to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2023 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee for making the evening such a wonderful success.

Thanks to the efforts of so many, the event raised approximately $300,000 to benefit Cabrini of Westchester!

Volunteers Make the World Go Round

April 27, 2023

Wednesday, April 19th was a special day at Cabrini of Westchester as we honored our dedicated volunteers with a blessing ceremony and luncheon. Pastoral Care Director, Fr. Ron Galt bestowed a beautiful blessing upon all during the ceremony and afterward, a luncheon was served in Cabrini’s board room.

Cabrini’s volunteers are people who donate their time, skills and talents to support our programs and services. They lend a hand wherever help is needed, from transporting the residents to and from daily Mass, assisting in pastoral palliative care, working in the Gift Shop, helping with clerical administrative tasks and so much more!

While addressing the group at the blessing ceremony, Bonnie Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator stated, “Our volunteers are Cabrini’s shining light of hope for so many warm and wonderful reasons. Your professional backgrounds and personal life experiences offer us a wide range of skills. The support you give to our grateful staff across many departments is vital to Cabrini’s functioning, efficiency, success and growth as an organization. Every one of you helps to keep Cabrini’s mission of healing, teaching and caring alive and well.”

A Most Fitting Tribute

March 16, 2023

Catholic Sisters Week comes to a close, Cabrini of Westchester would like to honor our sponsors, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We also give special recognition to the 47 religious sisters who currently live at St. Cabrini Nursing Home as residents.

Fr. Ron Galt, Pastoral Care Director, explained, “During Catholic Sisters Week that took place from March 8-14, we had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vocation and ministry of all of our sisters here at Cabrini. A number of them in fact shared some of their stories with us during the daily Mass in the Chapel.”

One of the religious sisters who shared her story was Sr. Mary Frances Mills, OSF, who is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sr. Mary Frances said, “It seems like yesterday that I entered the convent and God blessed me with a full life, one that continues to let me serve our Lord. I retired from active ministry at the age of 81 and since then, my ministry is prayer. I pray every day for all of you and all the world. Being a sister for 66 years means being God’s instrument – it means both giving and receiving God’s love and blessing and I have been very blessed.”

Fr. Ron concludes: “We are truly grateful and blessed to have so many Catholic sisters who are residents here at Cabrini. They bring so many gifts by their presence, faith and love of their vocation and we ask God to continue to guide, bless and be with each of them. Thank you, sisters, for inspiring us and for sharing your faith and love of God.”

An Employee of Distinction

January 12, 2023

Vincent Zucchetto, Social Worker at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2022 Employee of Distinction Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Zucchetto graciously accepted the award on December 17, 2022 at a celebration held in his honor. This prestigious award is given to an employee who excels in their profession and who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirm.

Sandi Schreier, Director of Social Services, spoke about Mr. Zucchetto’s dedication, professionalism, and willingness to learn new skills that will help Cabrini’s residents. In her letter of recommendation to LeadingAge New York, Ms. Schreier wrote: “Vincent stands out amongst the staff in many ways. He is very supportive, and has really helped to create a kind and loving environment for the residents that he serves. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to make things easier for the staff.

It has been a real privilege to have Vincent on our team. He brings an undeniable calm and comfort to the care of the residents and to the staff, always speaking with respect and genuine affection. We commend him and recognize him as a shining star.”

Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester added in her remarks at the reception: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations, Vincent, on your well-deserved recognition!

Tis a wee bit of Irish fun at Cabrini of Westchester!

March 22, 2022

St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated a day early at Cabrini of Westchester! On March 16th, the staff and residents were treated to a festive celebration thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Rivertowns Rotary!

The Rotary’s wonderful members secured donations from a variety of local businesses to provide lunch for the staff, cupcakes and ice cream for the residents and a bagpiper for entertainment! They also did some fundraising to assist Cabrini in purchasing a necessary piece of equipment that will be utilized in the new Dialysis Den. Several of the Rotarians were on hand to present a check to administration for $1500!

We are very grateful to the Rivertowns Rotary for their generosity and look forward to working with them in the future! ~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Director of Development and Public Relations, Cabrini of Westchester