UJA-Federation of New York and the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation Award the 2008 Zella Bronfman Award
(New York, NY) — UJA-Federation and the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation presented the annual Zella Bronfman Butler Award to Elise Hahn Felix of Jewish Child Care Association and Patricia L. Grossman of Westchester Jewish Community Services at UJA-Federation of New York’s 7th-Floor Conference Center on December 16, 2008..
The J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation and UJA-Federation of New York have established the annual Zella Bronfman Butler Award to honor two professionals in UJA-Federation’s network of agencies who exemplify the highest standards of service. Those selected for this award each receive $10,000 and are chosen for their compassionate commitment to enriching the lives of children and adults with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities.
The award ceremony featured a performance by the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester's Special Needs Academic and Arts Center's Sunday Funday Teen Theater Troupe of songs from Broadway musicals.
Elise Hahn Felix, recipient of the Change Agent Award, has personally impacted over 500 young adults and their families through her work as director of the Compass Project. The Compass Project is a program for young adults with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and learning disabilities that provides counseling, career assessment and guidance through the challenging transition from high school to college. In addition to her work with JCCA, Elise in conjunction with the Westchester Jewish Community Services developed POINT (Pursing Our Independence Together) which provides programming and a support system for college graduates with ASD to live independently, co-led a Birthright trip last January for college students on the autism spectrum and serves as the co-chair on UJA-Federation’s Task Force on People with Disabilities.
Patricia L. Grossman, recipient of the Direct Service Award, was a pioneer in recognizing the need for specific services for an underserved segment of people with developmental disabilities, mentally ill chemically dependant retarded adults (MIRCA.) At the Westchester Jewish Community Services, she developed treatment programs, provided direct services and trained other professionals to intervene effectively and sensitively with MIRCA-diagnosed individuals. In 2006, under Patricia’s leadership, WJCS initiated the Autism Family Center, which offers resources and supports for families facing the challenges of children with autism spectrum disorders. Most recently, Patricia kicked off an innovative collaboration with the Miracle League of Westchester by developing a baseball team for children on the autism spectrum.
About UJA-Federation of New York
The world’s largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York cares for those in need, rescues those in harm’s way, and renews and strengthens the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world. Funds raised by UJA-Federation sustain the activities of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that improve and enhance people’s lives. For more information, visit UJA-Federation’s website at www.ujafedny.org.