![Madraigos Newsletter 2014
[CoverStory Page For 1 & 2]
THE MADRAIGOS PHILOSOPHY: PROACTIVELY ENHANCING LIVES
Shlomo Goldstein*is a regularJewish teenagerliving in Long Island.Typical school.Normalfamily.
Ordinary personality.
But his parentsstill worry.How do they know thathe will notfall in with the wrong crowd? A few of his
longtimefriendshavealready gonein a less than positivedirection. The pervasivenessof themedia and
the internetcan providemany risksfor young peoplegrowing up in a turbulentworld. Wherecould he
turn for guidance?
Enter Madraigos.Hisparentscan rest assured Madraigos willprovidehim with a positive environment
and a healthy social network.Madraigos ensuresthatShlomo willneverfall through thecracks.
Madraigoswas foundedwiththe purpose of providingawide arrayof innovativeservicesandprograms
gearedtowardshelpingteensandyoungadultsovercome lifeseverydaychallengesone stepata time.
The goal isto provide all of itsmemberswiththe necessarytoolsandskillstoempowerthemtolive a
healthy lifestyle.
Madraigosrecognizesthatitis importanttosolve problemsbefore theystart. While the organization
has developedastellarreputationforitsextensiveworkwith troubledyouth,Madraigoshas placedan
additional emphasisonexpandingitscore servicestobenefitthe entire communityasawhole.The
organization nowoffers more programmingandworkshops - notonlyforat-riskyouth,butto teach
youngpeople howto maintainpositive relationships,overcome academicissues,anddeal withfamily
dynamics.
"The Madraigos philosophyis straightforward,"saysRabbi DovSilver,Founder andExecutiveVice
Presidentof Madraigos."Tohelpeveryteen andyoungadultaddresshis orherindividual needs and
challenges ateverylevel. Madraigosrecognizes thatacookie-cutterapproachisineffectiveanda tailor-
made program iscrucial."
It all begins onRoshHashanah,when hundredsof youngadults andfamiliesgathertogetherin upstate
NewYork foran inspiringretreatpermeatedwithunity,hope,andinspiration. Participantsinternalize
the truth that life isaboutsomuch more than justthemselvesandworktoimprove charactertraits.
Theylearnto breakout of comfort zonestoreach outto others.Together,they learnhow toask for
helpandalsohelpothers - evenwhenitfeelsuncomfortabletodoso.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-1-320.jpg)
![[Page 3]
OUR RESOURCES: FOR THE COMMUNITY,BYTHE COMMUNITY & IN THE COMMUNITY
The popularperceptionisthatMadraigosis onlyforyoungadultsdealingwith severeproblemssuchas
substance abuse.The truthisthat while Madraigosdoesworkhard to helppeople fight suchbattles,the
organizationhas incorporated additional programmingfocusedmore onawarenessandeducation.
Madraigosnow providesall teensandyoungadultswiththe ability tosuccessfully navigate the choppy
watersof youth.Those whorequire more care are referredto experts whocanhelpthemfurther.
Featuringastate-of-the-art4,000 square-footfacilitystaffedwithprofessional social workers and
therapists,alongwithsocial workinterns, Madraigosprovides teenagerswithapositiveenvironment.
At the clinical office,underthe guidance of trainedtherapistsandstaff, Madraigos worksaroundthe
clock oncrisisintervention,case management,referralsandtherapygroups. Afterextensive research,
Madraigoshas concludedthat these groupsprove beneficial foreveryoneandare mosteffective in
engagingteensintherapeuticdialogue.Therefore, Madraigosconductsamultitude of therapy groups
for teenagers,parents,siblings,andfriendsof people inrecovery aswell asteensandyoungadultsin
our communitydealingwithmore commonobstaclessuchasfear,loneliness,andrelationshipissues.
Groups are set upto deal withpeople accordingtotheirneeds. Those whotake partinthese groupsget
the encouragement,comfort,andresourcestheyneedtodeal effectivelywiththe situation.
These are verychallengingtimeswhere the boundariesare blurred.The stressesyoungpeopleface
todayare in manywaysmore difficultthanthose facedbyearliergenerations.The therapy groups help
themgainthe strengthandsupportto tackle the hurdlesof life.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-4-320.jpg)
![[Page 4 & 5]
PREVENTION, INTERVENTION & MORE: HOW IT ALL WORKS
CONNECTING INSIDE SCHOOL
Madraigosworks closelywith community educatorsto provide individual andgroupsupportservicesin
local schools, withthe goal of helpingyouth buildinterpersonal skillsandemotional strengths,
empoweringstudentstoachieve bothsociallyandacademically.
"The Madraigos School-BasedServicesProgramprovidesstudent supportandservices toa diverse
groupof local YeshivosandDay Schools throughoutthe LongIsland andQueens vicinity,"explains
Executive Director, Rabbi JoshZern.The impactmade bythisprogram runsdeepandis alreadybeing
viewedasa model toemulate byotherJewishcommunitiesacrossthe world."
The importance of outreach for prevention,aswell asforintervention,cannotbe overstated.That'swhy
Madraigoshas expanded theirclinical andeducationalservices, toincludeworkshops,therapygroups,
and more. Social workinterns,trainedandsupervisedbyMoshe A.Yachnes, L MSW, Clinical Director,
provide directservices tothe schools. Unlike atraditional school guidancecounselor,Madraigos interns
are young,trendyandcan easilyrelate tothe studentsona personalizedlevel.Internsfacilitate dialogue
and buildrelationshipswithstudentswhooftenview themasabigbrother,bigsister,or close friend.
Madraigosinterns are recruiteddirectly fromsocial workprograms suchas Fordham, Wurzweiler,
Adelphi, LIUandotherlocal institutionsof highereducation. These internsleadprograms forstudents
inlocal schools discussingSubstance AbuseAwareness,Teens&Technology andCyber-
Bullying. Studentsare givenanoverviewof the risksand warningsigns aswell as what theycoulddoto
avoidfallingintoapatternof self-destructive behavior.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-6-320.jpg)
![Madraigosinternshave beenspecificallytrained indeterminingwhomaybe at risk. If warningsignsare
observed,theywill alertthe school faculty andencourage the studentto attendourafter-school
program at The Lounge.In extreme cases,student maybe referredtoatherapistor rehabilitation
center,if necessary.
"It isour hope that everyteenandyoungadult,regardlessof background,be giventhe opportunityto
succeed,"notesMoshe Yachnes."AndatMadraigos,it takesplace bothinside the classroomand
outside aswell."
--
[Page 4 & 5]
CONNECTING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
Madraigosis knownforits manypioneeringprograms.Butitshostingof The Loungeis a longtime
cornerstone thathelpedthe organization's transformation.Thisisanafterschool program heldon
differentnights of the weekforboysandgirls designedtogive adolescentsaplace torelax - with
activities andafullyequippedweightroom thatpromote healthandwell-beinginasafe,supervised
environment. Withprogramscreatedtoaccommodate all differentkindsof youngpeople inour
community, The Lounge placesaprimaryfocuson bothpreventionandintervention.
A place where warmrelationshipsare established,friendshipsare fostered, The Lounge, iswhereyoung
people inourcommunitycome tounwind aftera longschool day.Ping-pongandpool tournaments,
refreshments,andgoodconversationscharacterize the atmosphere of camaraderie andlaughter
experienced onatypical evening.
The Lounge is a safe haventhat allowsyoungpeople tohave funina structuredenvironment,while
havingheart-to-heartdiscussionsabouthealthywaysof dealingwiththe challengesof life. The
MadraigosLounge has beenfantasticallysuccessful inengagingmembersof ourcommunity.Thisyear it
was decidedtotake the growthto the nextlevel byexpandingthe servicesthe Lounge provides.
Workshopsdealingwithtopicssuchas'How to deal withloneliness'and'Overcomingfamilial
differences'proactivelysolve problemsbeforetheygrow intosomethingmore substantial.
The young adultswhocome to The Lounge enjoy meaningful discussiongroupsandworkshopsrunby
our licensedcounselorsandinterns.These talksare enjoyableforthe participantsandopendialogues
abouthot topicssuch as: the reasons behindwhypeopledodrugs;the dangersof the internetandthe
behaviorsitcan leadto; healthywaysof dealingwithemotions,stress andpeer-pressure;andawhole](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-7-320.jpg)
![hostof obstaclesyoungpeopleface today. Forall teens andyoungadults - no matterthe school and
background Madraigos isthere for them, everystepof the way.
YehudaAlcabes,LMSW, Lounge Director, has beentrained asa substance abuse counselor. He,along
withsocial workinterns,leadsthe discussiongroups. The incredible relationshipsestablishedatthese
programsnot onlyprevent potentialproblems fromdeveloping,butenableinterns tofindoutwhomay
be at riskforaddictionandself-destructive behaviorandfollow throughwithappropriate intervention.
In the Madraigosclinical office,workshopsandtherapygroups are tailored tothe interestsand
requirementsof the individualswhocome to The Lounge. Many of these adolescents alsohave social,
academic,or familyissuesthatexacerbate the problem. Madraigosworkstirelessly withthe teensto
helpgive themtoolsand skillstoaddress theirunhealthybehavioranddeal with the underlyingissues.
Thisall takestime,moneyandenergy - but the outcome isalwaysworthit.Justask the hundredsof
youthwho've come throughour doorsoverthe years.They're guaranteedtoagree.
--
[Page 4 & 5]
STAYING CONNECTED: INTERVENTION & FOLLOW-UP
What happenswhensomebodyisalreadydrowninginthe murkyunderworldof substance abuse?They
needa proveninterventionprogram.Andtheyneeditquickly.
The Madraigos crisisteamfieldshundreds uponhundreds of phone callsfromindividualsandfamiliesin
crisis,andworkswithmany newfamilieseachyear. All familiesreceive caringandcomprehensive
supportand guidance duringtheirmostdifficulttimes.
Madraigosoffersno-fee comprehensive assessmentsforindividualsandfamiliesstrugglingwith
social/emotionalandmental healthissues. Clientswalkawaywithclearresourcesandthe nextstepsto
addresstheirneeds.
Throughtheircase managementprogram, Madraigoscrisisteammaintainsongoingcontactand
supportwiththeirclients,theirfamilies andthe therapistsand agenciestowhichtheirclientsare
referred. Madraigostrainedstaff members continue tooffersupporttotheirchargesevenafterthe
rehabilitationprocessends.Madraigosstaff will askthemhow they're feeling.Seeif theyneedanything.
Or justto have a talk. Madraigosis there fortheirclients,everystepof the way.
Constantlyworkingwiththe communitytoassesstheirneeds,Madraigos alsorunsa wide range of
supportgroupsfor targetedpopulationsstrugglingwithspecificissues. SupportGroupsare knownto
helpclientsformunique bondswithothers andfindthe helptheysodesperatelyneed. Everygroupis](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-8-320.jpg)
![appropriatelymatchedwithaprofessionallytrained clinicianhighlyexperiencedinthe specificarea
requiredbythatgroup.
The 24 Hour SupportLine putsa professional onlyaphone call away, whenpeople needitthe most.
Trainedrespondersfieldcallsonavarietyof issues;theyassessandidentifythe specificneeds atthat
moment;andtheyprovide directionandsupporttoaccessthe appropriate resources. The 24 Hour
SupportLine isa lifeline,anytime.
Parallel programsrunin The Lounge gearedtowardintervention. The programstructure inthe Lounge
isthe same forthese youngadultsas thatof the Lounge'spreventionprograms - dinner,therapeutic
group,and activities.Butthe emphasisandseriousnature isremarkablymore pronouncedwithmore of
a therapeuticelement.
People wanttomake changesto improve theirlives,butitdoesn'thappenautomatically.Ittakesa
passion;a yearning;adesire.Inotherwords? It takesMadraigos.
[Pages6 & 7]
MADRAIGOS AROUND THE YEAR
Girl'sNightOut (GNO) SummerProgram
Madraigosheldtheirsecondannual summerprogramfor the girlsin the communitywhospendtheir
summersworkingincampdeserve abreak.Aftera longdayof runningaroundwiththe kidsinthe hot
sungivinga lotof themselves,theycouldrelax andunwindwithMadraigosGirlsNightOut(GNO)
summerprogram.Archery,goingoutto restaurants,bowling, baking,andhorsebackridingare justa
fewof the fun things Madraigos didthissummer.ThroughGNO,positive relationshipswithyoungadults
inour community are established. Relationshipscontinue throughoutthe year.
Cross River Bank Golfand Tennis Outing
One of the highlightsof thisyearwasour4th Annual CrossRiverBankGolf & TennisOutingtoBenefit
Madraigosheldon August19th
, the 3rd
consecutive selloutevent atTrumpNational Golf Clubin
Westchester.The golf andtennisoutingwasa'hole-in-one'withovertwo-dozengolfersflyinginforthe
eventfromall overNorthAmericaand hundredsof locals participatingaswell. Businessassociatesand
friendsenjoyedagreatday of funand networking. Everyone inattendance was givenVIPtreatment
withhundredsof dollarsinpremiumgiveawayitemsincludingDr.Dre Sports Beats,Hawke shirts,and
Weatherproof jackets. A wonderful dayculminatedwitha four-star, livelydinnerandacocktail party,
whichattractedover250 guests. GillesGade,CEOof CrossRiverBank,commented Itwas an honorfor](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-9-320.jpg)
![medical clowningorganizationanditstroupe of good-heartedmedical clowns, helpeddeliverthe toys
creatinga magical and joyousexperience foreveryone involved.
GourmetGlatt Bowl-A-Thon
Our annual Bowl-A-ThonatWoodmere Lanes,asignature Madraigostradition, drew over100 local
sponsorsformthe Five Townsto a sell outand overflow crowd. SponsoredbyGourmetGlatt, a diverse
groupof bowlersfromall overthe Tri-State areaand beyondwere treatedtogiveawaysandraffleswith
superbprizes,suchastrips to the DominicanRepublicandunique sportsmemorabiliaitems.David
Jaison,a mentalist,wasalsothere towow the crowdas he performedforthe participantsthroughout
the night. All inall,the Madraigos Bowl-A-Thonwasastrikingsuccess.
East Coast Bike-A-Thon
It iswithgreat excitementthat Madraigos gearsup forour upcomingfirst-everEastCoastBike-a-Thon
happeningSummer2014. Several enthusiasticparticipantswill cruise roundtrip fromWoodmere,Long
Islandto Baltimore,MDand back bybicycle.Theirblood,sweat,andtearswill goalongway toward
raisingmuch-neededfunds forMadraigos...enablingustocontinue doingourincredible andimportant
work.To the brave bicyclerswhodecide tojointhe ride:We salute you!
Pesach Retreats
Madraigosis pleased toannounce we are teamingupwith Mark DavidHospitalityatthisyear'sPesach
retreatinNaples,Florida. All fundsraisedatthe Pesachretreatwill be donatedtoMadraigosandwe are
honoredto have beenchosenas Mark David'scharityof choice. The eventwill be ahuge boostfor
Madraigos,enablingusto continue ourvital workand activitiesthroughoutthe year.We are extremely
grateful toMark David,the Schachterfamily, RobertFrucherof Leisure Time Tours, AlanBergerof
PassoverGrandGetaways,and Jake Strauss of FlakeyJake's.Theirsupport- combinedwiththeirability
to create fantasticPesachprogramming - isa tremendousasset forMadraigosand all the individualswe
help.
[SEE SIDEBARSTATS FROMLAST YEAR - UPDATE THEM]
--](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-11-320.jpg)
![[RearCover]
SEE PREVIOUSYEARS PROGRAMBREAKDOWN
ADD ANYNEW PROGRAMS
ADD QR CODE FOR WEBSITE
CONTACTINFO](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/069afc85-9b25-4561-83f2-e15f8f20a56f-151117204924-lva1-app6892/85/Madraigos-Newsletter8-12-320.jpg)
Madraigos Newsletter8
- 1. Madraigos Newsletter 2014 [CoverStory Page For 1 & 2] THE MADRAIGOS PHILOSOPHY: PROACTIVELY ENHANCING LIVES Shlomo Goldstein*is a regularJewish teenagerliving in Long Island.Typical school.Normalfamily. Ordinary personality. But his parentsstill worry.How do they know thathe will notfall in with the wrong crowd? A few of his longtimefriendshavealready gonein a less than positivedirection. The pervasivenessof themedia and the internetcan providemany risksfor young peoplegrowing up in a turbulentworld. Wherecould he turn for guidance? Enter Madraigos.Hisparentscan rest assured Madraigos willprovidehim with a positive environment and a healthy social network.Madraigos ensuresthatShlomo willneverfall through thecracks. Madraigoswas foundedwiththe purpose of providingawide arrayof innovativeservicesandprograms gearedtowardshelpingteensandyoungadultsovercome lifeseverydaychallengesone stepata time. The goal isto provide all of itsmemberswiththe necessarytoolsandskillstoempowerthemtolive a healthy lifestyle. Madraigosrecognizesthatitis importanttosolve problemsbefore theystart. While the organization has developedastellarreputationforitsextensiveworkwith troubledyouth,Madraigoshas placedan additional emphasisonexpandingitscore servicestobenefitthe entire communityasawhole.The organization nowoffers more programmingandworkshops - notonlyforat-riskyouth,butto teach youngpeople howto maintainpositive relationships,overcome academicissues,anddeal withfamily dynamics. "The Madraigos philosophyis straightforward,"saysRabbi DovSilver,Founder andExecutiveVice Presidentof Madraigos."Tohelpeveryteen andyoungadultaddresshis orherindividual needs and challenges ateverylevel. Madraigosrecognizes thatacookie-cutterapproachisineffectiveanda tailor- made program iscrucial." It all begins onRoshHashanah,when hundredsof youngadults andfamiliesgathertogetherin upstate NewYork foran inspiringretreatpermeatedwithunity,hope,andinspiration. Participantsinternalize the truth that life isaboutsomuch more than justthemselvesandworktoimprove charactertraits. Theylearnto breakout of comfort zonestoreach outto others.Together,they learnhow toask for helpandalsohelpothers - evenwhenitfeelsuncomfortabletodoso.
- 2. Thisphenomenal programisjammedwithengagingspeakerscomprisedof Rabbisandtherapists,as well asyoungadultswhohave made it through recovery. Inaddition,the life-changingworkshopsleave a positive,lastingimpactoneveryone involved. "I getemailsandphone callsall yearlongfromyoungadultstellingme thatthe past RoshHashana they spentwithMadraigoshas beencarryingthemthroughoutthe entire year,"saidRabbi Silver."The unity and growthparticipantsexperience fromthisupliftingprogramisindescribable." But that's justthe beginning.Eventsare heldthroughoutthe yearto continue the momentum including a SukkahParty,ChanukahParty, PurimChagigah,as well as otheryear-roundevents andtournaments. Thisis the powerof the Madraigos experience,whichpropels teensandyoungadultstoever-greater levelsof self-actualizationandpersonal growth. The realityisthat everyone haschallengesinlife.The teenage andyoungadultyearscanbe especially difficultforanyone - butyoudon't have tobe 'at-risk'to ask forhelp.Madraigosnow offersanexciting array of new servicesthathelpthe communitytobe proactive andnotsimplyreactive. Madraigosworks hardall yearlongbut Madraigos cannot achieve itsloftygoalsalone. Generous friendsand supportershelpimplement Madraigos programsandeventsthatfocuson both preventionandintervention. Whenacommunity tacklessubstance abuse, unhealthy behaviors,and addiction,theyreachoutto Madraigos for guidance. The teens,youngadultsandtheirfamilies overcome life challenges andlive apositive,healthylifestyle. Considerbecomingapartnertoday. Fastforward to the present. Shlomo Goldstein*is still doing well in school,enjoying lifetogetherwith his family and hasfound a wonderfulgroup of new friends.Hisfutureis now morepromising than ever. He is very thankfulforMadraigos and theincrediblededication of its supportersforgiving himthe confidenceand toolsto successfully navigatelife'supsand downs. *Name changedto protectprivacy --
- 3. A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: RABBI DOV SILVER Dear Friend, It isa humblingthoughtthatMadraigoshasbeeninvolvedwiththousandsof familiesbothnearandfar. We are livingina generationthatismovingaheadrapidlyandwitheverymovementforwardwe must turn our headsaroundto make sure we are ALL movingforward.Unfortunately,thisisnotthe case for manyteens,youngadults,andtheirfamilies.Somehow,manyof usgetderailedandare wandering withoutdirectionand hope. Madraigosmissionistomake sure each and everyspecial soul hasthe opportunitytoadvance and achieve greatness.Throughourcuttingedge programsandservicesdevelopedwithclinical excellence, we are makinga difference inthe livesof the countlesspeople whocome throughourdoors. This philosophyservesasablueprintasMadraigoscontinuestoexpandandgrow. Madraigosis "a dreamcome true a dreamof so manypeople whohave workedtirelesslywithselfless dedicationandgenerosity. These twomaincomponentshave keptthe Madraigosdreamalive.We celebrate ouraccomplishmentsandrecognizethe dauntingpathof ourfuture. I invite youtoplease join our mission. Afterall, itisourownchildrenwhowill be the beneficiaries. Thank youfor yourinterest. Rabbi Dov Silver FounderandExecutive Vice President --
- 4. [Page 3] OUR RESOURCES: FOR THE COMMUNITY,BYTHE COMMUNITY & IN THE COMMUNITY The popularperceptionisthatMadraigosis onlyforyoungadultsdealingwith severeproblemssuchas substance abuse.The truthisthat while Madraigosdoesworkhard to helppeople fight suchbattles,the organizationhas incorporated additional programmingfocusedmore onawarenessandeducation. Madraigosnow providesall teensandyoungadultswiththe ability tosuccessfully navigate the choppy watersof youth.Those whorequire more care are referredto experts whocanhelpthemfurther. Featuringastate-of-the-art4,000 square-footfacilitystaffedwithprofessional social workers and therapists,alongwithsocial workinterns, Madraigosprovides teenagerswithapositiveenvironment. At the clinical office,underthe guidance of trainedtherapistsandstaff, Madraigos worksaroundthe clock oncrisisintervention,case management,referralsandtherapygroups. Afterextensive research, Madraigoshas concludedthat these groupsprove beneficial foreveryoneandare mosteffective in engagingteensintherapeuticdialogue.Therefore, Madraigosconductsamultitude of therapy groups for teenagers,parents,siblings,andfriendsof people inrecovery aswell asteensandyoungadultsin our communitydealingwithmore commonobstaclessuchasfear,loneliness,andrelationshipissues. Groups are set upto deal withpeople accordingtotheirneeds. Those whotake partinthese groupsget the encouragement,comfort,andresourcestheyneedtodeal effectivelywiththe situation. These are verychallengingtimeswhere the boundariesare blurred.The stressesyoungpeopleface todayare in manywaysmore difficultthanthose facedbyearliergenerations.The therapy groups help themgainthe strengthandsupportto tackle the hurdlesof life.
- 5. Madraigoshas alsogone the extramile toobtaina previouslyunavailable resource forour community - the NY State sponsored OASASGrant. Thisspecial grantwas awardedto Madraigosby the State of New York.It providespeople inrecovery withfundsthatcan be allocatedtowardtherapy, Rabbiniccounseling,careercounseling,grouptherapy sessions,medical andtravel expenses,andotherrecovery-relatedneeds. By awardingthisgrant,the state has recognizedthe vital workof Madraigos,makingusa referral force that helpsstrugglingyoungadultsgainaccesstoin-patientcare andrecovery. The OASASGrant also enablesMadraigostosave youngadults and theirfamiliesthousandsof dollarsonrehabilitation; Madraigoscollectivelysavedourcommunity hundredsof thousandsof dollarsin rehabilitationcosts for thisyearalone. Madraigoshas leveraged industry connections tonegotiate areducedfee forpeople inrecoverywho cannot affordtopay the tensof thousandsof dollars typicallychargedbyarehabilitationcenter.Thanks to Madraigos, those that needaverysignificantdiscountcannow afford these desperatelyneeded services.Helpingourcommunity...ithappensinsomany differentways. --
- 6. [Page 4 & 5] PREVENTION, INTERVENTION & MORE: HOW IT ALL WORKS CONNECTING INSIDE SCHOOL Madraigosworks closelywith community educatorsto provide individual andgroupsupportservicesin local schools, withthe goal of helpingyouth buildinterpersonal skillsandemotional strengths, empoweringstudentstoachieve bothsociallyandacademically. "The Madraigos School-BasedServicesProgramprovidesstudent supportandservices toa diverse groupof local YeshivosandDay Schools throughoutthe LongIsland andQueens vicinity,"explains Executive Director, Rabbi JoshZern.The impactmade bythisprogram runsdeepandis alreadybeing viewedasa model toemulate byotherJewishcommunitiesacrossthe world." The importance of outreach for prevention,aswell asforintervention,cannotbe overstated.That'swhy Madraigoshas expanded theirclinical andeducationalservices, toincludeworkshops,therapygroups, and more. Social workinterns,trainedandsupervisedbyMoshe A.Yachnes, L MSW, Clinical Director, provide directservices tothe schools. Unlike atraditional school guidancecounselor,Madraigos interns are young,trendyandcan easilyrelate tothe studentsona personalizedlevel.Internsfacilitate dialogue and buildrelationshipswithstudentswhooftenview themasabigbrother,bigsister,or close friend. Madraigosinterns are recruiteddirectly fromsocial workprograms suchas Fordham, Wurzweiler, Adelphi, LIUandotherlocal institutionsof highereducation. These internsleadprograms forstudents inlocal schools discussingSubstance AbuseAwareness,Teens&Technology andCyber- Bullying. Studentsare givenanoverviewof the risksand warningsigns aswell as what theycoulddoto avoidfallingintoapatternof self-destructive behavior.
- 7. Madraigosinternshave beenspecificallytrained indeterminingwhomaybe at risk. If warningsignsare observed,theywill alertthe school faculty andencourage the studentto attendourafter-school program at The Lounge.In extreme cases,student maybe referredtoatherapistor rehabilitation center,if necessary. "It isour hope that everyteenandyoungadult,regardlessof background,be giventhe opportunityto succeed,"notesMoshe Yachnes."AndatMadraigos,it takesplace bothinside the classroomand outside aswell." -- [Page 4 & 5] CONNECTING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Madraigosis knownforits manypioneeringprograms.Butitshostingof The Loungeis a longtime cornerstone thathelpedthe organization's transformation.Thisisanafterschool program heldon differentnights of the weekforboysandgirls designedtogive adolescentsaplace torelax - with activities andafullyequippedweightroom thatpromote healthandwell-beinginasafe,supervised environment. Withprogramscreatedtoaccommodate all differentkindsof youngpeople inour community, The Lounge placesaprimaryfocuson bothpreventionandintervention. A place where warmrelationshipsare established,friendshipsare fostered, The Lounge, iswhereyoung people inourcommunitycome tounwind aftera longschool day.Ping-pongandpool tournaments, refreshments,andgoodconversationscharacterize the atmosphere of camaraderie andlaughter experienced onatypical evening. The Lounge is a safe haventhat allowsyoungpeople tohave funina structuredenvironment,while havingheart-to-heartdiscussionsabouthealthywaysof dealingwiththe challengesof life. The MadraigosLounge has beenfantasticallysuccessful inengagingmembersof ourcommunity.Thisyear it was decidedtotake the growthto the nextlevel byexpandingthe servicesthe Lounge provides. Workshopsdealingwithtopicssuchas'How to deal withloneliness'and'Overcomingfamilial differences'proactivelysolve problemsbeforetheygrow intosomethingmore substantial. The young adultswhocome to The Lounge enjoy meaningful discussiongroupsandworkshopsrunby our licensedcounselorsandinterns.These talksare enjoyableforthe participantsandopendialogues abouthot topicssuch as: the reasons behindwhypeopledodrugs;the dangersof the internetandthe behaviorsitcan leadto; healthywaysof dealingwithemotions,stress andpeer-pressure;andawhole
- 8. hostof obstaclesyoungpeopleface today. Forall teens andyoungadults - no matterthe school and background Madraigos isthere for them, everystepof the way. YehudaAlcabes,LMSW, Lounge Director, has beentrained asa substance abuse counselor. He,along withsocial workinterns,leadsthe discussiongroups. The incredible relationshipsestablishedatthese programsnot onlyprevent potentialproblems fromdeveloping,butenableinterns tofindoutwhomay be at riskforaddictionandself-destructive behaviorandfollow throughwithappropriate intervention. In the Madraigosclinical office,workshopsandtherapygroups are tailored tothe interestsand requirementsof the individualswhocome to The Lounge. Many of these adolescents alsohave social, academic,or familyissuesthatexacerbate the problem. Madraigosworkstirelessly withthe teensto helpgive themtoolsand skillstoaddress theirunhealthybehavioranddeal with the underlyingissues. Thisall takestime,moneyandenergy - but the outcome isalwaysworthit.Justask the hundredsof youthwho've come throughour doorsoverthe years.They're guaranteedtoagree. -- [Page 4 & 5] STAYING CONNECTED: INTERVENTION & FOLLOW-UP What happenswhensomebodyisalreadydrowninginthe murkyunderworldof substance abuse?They needa proveninterventionprogram.Andtheyneeditquickly. The Madraigos crisisteamfieldshundreds uponhundreds of phone callsfromindividualsandfamiliesin crisis,andworkswithmany newfamilieseachyear. All familiesreceive caringandcomprehensive supportand guidance duringtheirmostdifficulttimes. Madraigosoffersno-fee comprehensive assessmentsforindividualsandfamiliesstrugglingwith social/emotionalandmental healthissues. Clientswalkawaywithclearresourcesandthe nextstepsto addresstheirneeds. Throughtheircase managementprogram, Madraigoscrisisteammaintainsongoingcontactand supportwiththeirclients,theirfamilies andthe therapistsand agenciestowhichtheirclientsare referred. Madraigostrainedstaff members continue tooffersupporttotheirchargesevenafterthe rehabilitationprocessends.Madraigosstaff will askthemhow they're feeling.Seeif theyneedanything. Or justto have a talk. Madraigosis there fortheirclients,everystepof the way. Constantlyworkingwiththe communitytoassesstheirneeds,Madraigos alsorunsa wide range of supportgroupsfor targetedpopulationsstrugglingwithspecificissues. SupportGroupsare knownto helpclientsformunique bondswithothers andfindthe helptheysodesperatelyneed. Everygroupis
- 9. appropriatelymatchedwithaprofessionallytrained clinicianhighlyexperiencedinthe specificarea requiredbythatgroup. The 24 Hour SupportLine putsa professional onlyaphone call away, whenpeople needitthe most. Trainedrespondersfieldcallsonavarietyof issues;theyassessandidentifythe specificneeds atthat moment;andtheyprovide directionandsupporttoaccessthe appropriate resources. The 24 Hour SupportLine isa lifeline,anytime. Parallel programsrunin The Lounge gearedtowardintervention. The programstructure inthe Lounge isthe same forthese youngadultsas thatof the Lounge'spreventionprograms - dinner,therapeutic group,and activities.Butthe emphasisandseriousnature isremarkablymore pronouncedwithmore of a therapeuticelement. People wanttomake changesto improve theirlives,butitdoesn'thappenautomatically.Ittakesa passion;a yearning;adesire.Inotherwords? It takesMadraigos. [Pages6 & 7] MADRAIGOS AROUND THE YEAR Girl'sNightOut (GNO) SummerProgram Madraigosheldtheirsecondannual summerprogramfor the girlsin the communitywhospendtheir summersworkingincampdeserve abreak.Aftera longdayof runningaroundwiththe kidsinthe hot sungivinga lotof themselves,theycouldrelax andunwindwithMadraigosGirlsNightOut(GNO) summerprogram.Archery,goingoutto restaurants,bowling, baking,andhorsebackridingare justa fewof the fun things Madraigos didthissummer.ThroughGNO,positive relationshipswithyoungadults inour community are established. Relationshipscontinue throughoutthe year. Cross River Bank Golfand Tennis Outing One of the highlightsof thisyearwasour4th Annual CrossRiverBankGolf & TennisOutingtoBenefit Madraigosheldon August19th , the 3rd consecutive selloutevent atTrumpNational Golf Clubin Westchester.The golf andtennisoutingwasa'hole-in-one'withovertwo-dozengolfersflyinginforthe eventfromall overNorthAmericaand hundredsof locals participatingaswell. Businessassociatesand friendsenjoyedagreatday of funand networking. Everyone inattendance was givenVIPtreatment withhundredsof dollarsinpremiumgiveawayitemsincludingDr.Dre Sports Beats,Hawke shirts,and Weatherproof jackets. A wonderful dayculminatedwitha four-star, livelydinnerandacocktail party, whichattractedover250 guests. GillesGade,CEOof CrossRiverBank,commented Itwas an honorfor
- 10. CrossRiverBank to hostthisOuting,the 3rd consecutive sell-outevent, andhelpsupportsucha worthy cause as Madraigos." We are lookingforwardtoanotherfantasticOutingthisyearonAugust18,, 2014. Rosh Hashana Program Settingthe tone forwhat has,thankG-d, beenafantasticyear,the Rosh Hashana Retreathadits largest turnoutever.Hostedat the HudsonValleyResort,the retreatprovided325 attendeeswithmeaningful prayerservicesandstimulatingclasses.Thought-provokingdiscussiongroupsandlecturesfeatured world-classspeakers,Rabbi DavidClymanof AishHaTorah,Rabbi YaakovHorowitz,Founderand Directorof Project Y.E.S.,Rabbi AryehLightstone,Rabbi MayerPasternak, andlicensedfamilytherapist, ElishevaLiss,LCSW. MenachemPoznanski,LMSWand Yudy Weiner,LMSW,CASAC ran clinical programs. At thisyear's upcomingRoshHashanait will be emphasizedthatto be a 'whole'person,one mustestablishahealthyrelationshipwithG-d,oneself,andwithotherpeople. Thisideaisknownasthe 'Triangle of Care.' Derivedfromthe renowned12-StepProgram, this Triangle of Care driveseverything Madraigosdoes.ThisinfluencesMadraigos'programs,servicesandinitiativesyear-round. We are lookingforwardto our upcoming7th Annual RoshHashanaRetreat. Yom Kippur Program To continue the inspirationof RoshHashana,MadraigosfollowedupwitharivetingYomKippur program.Ruki and Kal Renovopenedtheirheartsandtheirhome in Lawrence towelcome the over180 attendeeswhoparticipatedinpowerfullymovingservices. Simchas Bais Hashoeva Event Ascendingtohigher'madraigos'of simchaandunity, the MadraigosSimchasBeisHaShoevaprogram was alsoa smashingsuccess.Warmlyandgenerouslyhosted atthe home of Yaakov andSori Gade,150 attendeeswere treatedtoa joyful kumzitsledby Rabbi Motti Miller, Deanof Students atRae Kushner YeshivaHighSchool. Ossie'sToy Drive Thispast Chanukah,mastermindedbyEphraimKutner, Chairmanof the Board, Madraigosteamedup withThe Ossie SchonfeldMemorialToyFund,Chai Lifeline andChaiyanu, anorganizationinIsrael that supportsfamiliesof childrenwithcancer.Together,these organizationsheld atoydrive,resultingin thousandsof childreninthe US and Israel receivinggiftsforChanukah. LevLeytzan,New Yorkspremier
- 11. medical clowningorganizationanditstroupe of good-heartedmedical clowns, helpeddeliverthe toys creatinga magical and joyousexperience foreveryone involved. GourmetGlatt Bowl-A-Thon Our annual Bowl-A-ThonatWoodmere Lanes,asignature Madraigostradition, drew over100 local sponsorsformthe Five Townsto a sell outand overflow crowd. SponsoredbyGourmetGlatt, a diverse groupof bowlersfromall overthe Tri-State areaand beyondwere treatedtogiveawaysandraffleswith superbprizes,suchastrips to the DominicanRepublicandunique sportsmemorabiliaitems.David Jaison,a mentalist,wasalsothere towow the crowdas he performedforthe participantsthroughout the night. All inall,the Madraigos Bowl-A-Thonwasastrikingsuccess. East Coast Bike-A-Thon It iswithgreat excitementthat Madraigos gearsup forour upcomingfirst-everEastCoastBike-a-Thon happeningSummer2014. Several enthusiasticparticipantswill cruise roundtrip fromWoodmere,Long Islandto Baltimore,MDand back bybicycle.Theirblood,sweat,andtearswill goalongway toward raisingmuch-neededfunds forMadraigos...enablingustocontinue doingourincredible andimportant work.To the brave bicyclerswhodecide tojointhe ride:We salute you! Pesach Retreats Madraigosis pleased toannounce we are teamingupwith Mark DavidHospitalityatthisyear'sPesach retreatinNaples,Florida. All fundsraisedatthe Pesachretreatwill be donatedtoMadraigosandwe are honoredto have beenchosenas Mark David'scharityof choice. The eventwill be ahuge boostfor Madraigos,enablingusto continue ourvital workand activitiesthroughoutthe year.We are extremely grateful toMark David,the Schachterfamily, RobertFrucherof Leisure Time Tours, AlanBergerof PassoverGrandGetaways,and Jake Strauss of FlakeyJake's.Theirsupport- combinedwiththeirability to create fantasticPesachprogramming - isa tremendousasset forMadraigosand all the individualswe help. [SEE SIDEBARSTATS FROMLAST YEAR - UPDATE THEM] --
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