Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Memorable Day!

October 30, 2024

On Wednesday, October 23rd, the residents and staff of Cabrini of Westchester enjoyed a visit from the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart’s General Superior, Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva and General Councilor, Sr. Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta. Accompanied by Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial of the Guadalupe Province, Sr. Eliane and Sr. Gilda arrived in time to attend Mass that was celebrated in Cabrini’s chapel followed by lunch with the Sisters who are residents of the home. A veritable feast was enjoyed by those in attendance as well as lively and entertaining conversation.

After lunch, Sr. Eliane, Sr. Gilda and Sr. Diane made their way to visit the Cabrini Immigrant Services program located at a store front in Dobbs Ferry, NY, just a few minutes’ drive from the nursing home. As the Sisters arrived, a group of women fondly known as the “Knitting Group” were gathered around a table to greet and interact with the Sisters. The group meets weekly not only to work on improving their English, but sometimes, they knit various items such as blankets and face cloths which are then donated to local charities.

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After the adults left for the day, it was time for the Children’s Literacy Program! Several young ones from both pre-K and Kindergarten arrived ready to get to work creating a craft that was based on the children’s book, “Bad Apple,” by Edward Hemingway. The literacy program is intended to assist the children with their reading skills improving their English and exposing them to creative arts. Sr. Eliane and Sr. Diane helped the children with the craft project while Sr. Gilda made her own. Lots of fun and laughter were had by all in attendance!

Thank you Sr. Eliane, Sr. Gilda and Sr. Diane for a memorable day!

Our Pets are a Blessing to Us!

October 10, 2024

“Francis of Assisi was a man of humility and because of this, God gave him the grace to communicate with animals,” said resident Father Michael Banks, OFM, Cap, during blessing of animals at Cabrini of Westchester. “There are many stories about St. Francis and his ability to convene with all sorts of animals including preaching to the birds who flocked around him to listen.”

Cabrini of Westchester is the home to several birds including parakeets that live in an aviary on the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit, and cockatiels and a conure that live in a large aviary in the building’s main hallway. Since October 4th was the Feast of St. Francis and it is customary to bless all animals in his name, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, arranged to have the birds blessed by not only Fr. Banks, but also by resident, Fr. Bill Arlia, OFM Cap, on Monday, October 7th.

After sharing the story, “When Francis Met the Wolf of Gubbio,” where St. Francis tamed a wolf from terrorizing the people of Gubbio, Fr. Michael bestowed a blessing of the birds on the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit. A special visitor named Oshi, a pet dog owned by one of the resident’s family members, was also blessed. The group then processed to the cockatiel and conure aviary where Fr. Arlia blessed them with holy water as well.

Preparing for the Change of Season

October 2, 2024

September brings many changes besides the leaves changing colors. Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, wanted to help our clients prepare for the Fall Season so we held two programs.

On September 13th, we held a Women’s Workshop entitled, “Si, Puedo.” (If I can.) Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor, presented the workshop. Betsy spoke about self-care and building healthy boundaries so that we do not get burned-out. September seems to be a hectic month as children return to school, some return to work, women have to prepare for the upcoming holidays, etc. Betsy shared ways of helping the women reduce stress and to not feel guilty about taking time for themselves.

On September 18th, a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program was held for our children in Grades Kindergarten to 1st. Wendy Mages, Ed.D., a professor at Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY and a trained storyteller, presented the book, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. The book is about students returning to school for a new school year. We discussed some of the ‘jitters’ that students feel when they go to a new school, like the Kindergarteners or when they return to school but are now in a new class. Some said that they were worried about making friends or if the other students would like them, etc. After the discussion, the students drew self-portraits and then wrote positive statements such as “I will be kind.” They also colored in a picture of a backpack. They wrote and drew their hopes and goals for the school year.

We are looking forward to the Fall season and all the beauty that it brings.

Joining Hearts in Prayer for Peace

July 17, 2024

On Wednesday July 10, residents and staff at Cabrini of Westchester welcomed a number of our local faith leaders and clergy to an Interfaith Prayer Service. Our

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intention was to gather to raise our voices in prayer in response to the divisiveness and lack of civility at times in our country and the lack of peace in our world. Various faith leaders offered prayers, meditations and readings as we responded to the call for us to come together and celebrate our wonderful diversity as well as our unity, as people of faith.

Since we gathered, the attempt on the life of former President Trump is another important reminder for us to do all we can to ensure our words, tone and actions emanate from a place of peace, civility and non-violence. We pray for an end to such terrible violence and for those injured or killed at the hands of violence. May our loving God encourage us and help us in our efforts.

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.”

A “Healthcare Hero” at Cabrini of Westchester

May 16, 2024

to Simone Faulkner-Smith, Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteers at Cabrini of Westchester, as she was included as an honoree in the Schneps Media annual “Healthcare Heroes” recognition list! On May 1st, Simone was one of 50 health care professionals from New York who were recognized for serving their patients and advancing their fields at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. The award, presented by The Carmelite System, celebrates the contributions and commitment of the healthcare community.

Simone was recognized for her remarkable efforts in working with 1199 SEIU and Westchester Community College to create a Nursing Assistant Apprentice Program at Cabrini of Westchester. This program was designed to positively impact staffing as the nation experiences shortages in nursing staff. Due to the success of the program, four separate groups received training and took the nursing assistant exam. Out of the 48 individuals who went through the program, over half have become Cabrini employees which significantly helps to ensure that we have the staff necessary to care for our resident population. ~

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.

International Children’s Day

November 29, 2023

International Children’s Day!

November 20th was International Children’s Day. St. Cabrini Nursing Home wanted to celebrate the day, so they invited the toddlers from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, to join them in some entertainment. We enjoyed great music by Lou Patrick, a singer and entertainer. It didn’t take long for the toddlers to get into the music. There was so much dancing and clapping of hands. The Moms also enjoyed the dancing.

As part of the Toddler Literacy Program at CIS, the children made turkey handprints which were placed on a paper along with a Thanksgiving poem. The toddlers went to every resident at the party and gave them a copy of their handprint and poem as they wished them a Happy Thanksgiving. The residents left with tremendous smiles on their faces and the children left exhausted but thrilled to have such a fun afternoon.