ANDRUS

05/29/2026

What an extraordinary morning we shared at Andrus' Insight Breakfast Series: One Health, One Community in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Together, we explored a simple but powerful truth: healing does not happen in isolation. It happens through connection, movement, nourishment, nature, empathy, and community.

The morning began with a thoughtful reflection from Mary Grace Pagaduan, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, who introduced the One Health lens and guided our conversation throughout the event. Guests enjoyed delicious farm-fresh egg bites made with ingredients from the Andrus Hope Space Farm, prepared by Chef Ariela St. Vill, who reminded us that food is more than nourishment; it is medicine, care, and connection.

DaveEarly, Andrus Board Member and Licensed Mental Health Provider, explored how mental health is truly whole-body health, while Stacey Roberts, LCSW, CEO of Greater Mental Health of New York, offered powerful insights into how the body carries and remembers our experiences. Our Recreation Therapist, Jessica Amato, got everyone moving with outdoor icebreakers and shared how movement can be a powerful tool for regulation, confidence, and joy.

We were inspired by Dr. Debra Argentina, Ecology Teacher at Andrus, who highlighted the importance of outdoor learning and growing well-being through connection with nature. Meg Cardi, LMSW, and Natalia Valdes, MA Valdes, Animal Caretaker at Andrus, shared how animals help foster empathy, trust, and healing relationships. Nate Hill, Executive Director of the Metropolitan New York Library Council, reminded us of the importance of the places that hold us and the role community spaces play in our wellbeing.

The conversation was beautifully framed by Dr. Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, PhD , President and CEO of Andrus, who reminded us that healing is not a single service or intervention. It is an ecosystem shaped by relationships, movement, nourishment, nature, animals, community, and belonging.

At Andrus, One Health represents a new way of thinking about wellbeing, one that recognizes that healthier people create healthier communities, and healthier communities create a healthier world.

Thank you to our speakers, elected officials,guests, partners, board members, staff, and supporters for helping us imagine what is possible when we grow wellbeing together.

05/17/2026

Please join us tomorrow evening for the final conversation in our free Screenagers series as we explore screens, connection, and helping our children thrive. This event is open to everyone.

This free virtual event begins at 7:00 p.m. Simply register, and we will send you the Zoom link.

We look forward to sharing this important conversation with you tomorrow evening.

Join us on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 7–9 PM via Zoom for our final virtual screening of Screenagers: Under the Influence.

This screening is part of a powerful four-part series hosted by Andrus, bringing families, caregivers, educators, and community members together for meaningful conversations around youth mental health and today’s digital world. The first three screenings sparked thoughtful discussions, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding of the challenges young people face today.

Whether you are looking for support, seeking understanding, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to join the conversation. These are important discussions to have together.

This free event will explore va**ng, drugs, and alcohol in the digital age and is open to everyone.

🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eDnaymGt

Questions? Contact Ashna Vohra at [email protected]

Zoom link will be shared to your email the afternoon of May 18.

CommunityConversation

05/17/2026

The Orchard School Spring Concert was filled with music, dance and so much talent and personality! 🎶

Students performed for family, friends, and staff, sharing their voices, confidence, creativity, and personality throughout the afternoon. Every performance brought energy and heart, making the concert a wonderful celebration of community and self expression.

Events like these remind us how powerful music and the arts can be in helping young people connect, grow, and shine in their own unique way.

There is so much talent at Orchard school, and we are so proud of every student who participated!

05/11/2026

Join us on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 7–9 PM via Zoom for our final virtual screening of Screenagers: Under the Influence.

This screening is part of a powerful four-part series hosted by Andrus, bringing families, caregivers, educators, and community members together for meaningful conversations around youth mental health and today’s digital world. The first three screenings sparked thoughtful discussions, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding of the challenges young people face today.

Whether you are looking for support, seeking understanding, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to join the conversation. These are important discussions to have together.

This free event will explore va**ng, drugs, and alcohol in the digital age and is open to everyone.

🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eDnaymGt

Questions? Contact Ashna Vohra at [email protected]

Zoom link will be shared to your email the afternoon of May 18.

CommunityConversation

05/10/2026

What a wonderful day yesterday at the Run Your Y 5K in Yonkers! Team Andrus was proud to join the community in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.

Thank you to all of the vendors, organizers, and supporters, especially One Paso and the Yonkers Running Project, for making it such a fun and meaningful event.

Special congratulations to Emmanuel Nyarko, who came in first for Team Andrus with an incredible 21-minute finish, and to Mary Grace Pagaduan for earning 1st place in her age group!

A great reminder of the power of movement, connection, and community.

05/04/2026

Celebrating the work happening every day to support families across New York.
Our Healthy Families New York Assistant Director of Grant Programs, Cara Stanley, recently represented at the Rockland County Lactation Coalition’s bi-annual meeting, held at the Rockland County Department of Health. Cara truly lives and breathes this work, consistently going above and beyond to strengthen outcomes for the families we serve.
Since its founding in 2017, the Rockland County Lactation Coalition has brought together community members and professionals committed to supporting parents and helping babies thrive. We’re grateful to be part of a network so deeply rooted in care, education, and collaboration.
Planning is already underway for our annual World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebration.
📅 Save the date: August 5, 2026
📍 Haverstraw Bay Park
📣 Get involved
We welcome community partners, families, and supporters to join us. More details coming soon.

The Rockland County Lactation Coalition (RCLC) held its bi-annual meeting at the Rockland County Department of Health. Since its founding in 2017, this dedicated group of community members and lactation professionals has supported families and helped babies thrive.

Planning is underway for our annual World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026 celebration! Save the date: August 5, 2026, at Haverstraw Bay Park for this special event-more details coming soon.

📣 Get involved!
Interested in joining the RCLC or participating in WBW 2026 planning? Email: [email protected]

Learn more about the RCLC: rcklnd.us/lactation

05/02/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to recognize that healing happens in connection, community, and care.
At Andrus, we see every day how trauma-responsive support can change the trajectory of a life. From our school-based mental health clinics to community programs and campus-based care, our work is rooted in helping children and families feel safe, supported, and seen.
This month, we invite you to be part of it:
Learn about our programs.
Share our mission.
Support the work.
Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities.

https://andrus1928.org/

05/01/2026

Spring is here—and so is our Newsletter! 🌱

From One Health to national leadership through the Sanctuary Institute, Andrus is helping shape what healing looks like—today and for decades to come.

Read the full newsletter on the Andrus website here:
https://andrus1928.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Andrus-newsletter-2026-02-spring.pdf

04/30/2026

At Andrus’s Hope Space Farm, healing looks a little different.

Today, on National Therapy Animal Day, we celebrate the animals who do some of our most meaningful work.

From gentle Alpacas to curious goats and sheep calming companions, our therapy animals help children feel safe, build trust, and reconnect in ways words sometimes cannot. Through these everyday moments, feeding, grooming, simply being together, healing begins.

This is One Health in action.

Mind, body, and environment working together to support growth, connection, and hope.

04/30/2026

Incredible evening at the Business Council of Westchester Hall of Fame Awards, celebrating 25 years of leadership, impact, and the individuals shaping the future of Westchester County.

On behalf of Andrus, we extend our sincere congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees:
Carl Petrillo - Corporate Citizenship - YonkersContacting Company
Steven Mines - Entrepreneurial Success - The Mines Press
Lisa Cordasco and Rosemary Cordasco - Family Business Success - New Crystal Restoration
Corine E. Lurry-Mabin - Minority Business Success - Andrus
Ronnie Ram - Small Businness Success - Inspiria Outdoor Advertising
Beata Mastalerz - Women in Business Success - Northwell Phelps Hospital
Douglas Thornton - Chairman’s Recognition Award - Accredited Limousine Service

We are proud to stand among such an inspiring group of leaders and grateful to the Business Council of Westchester for hosting a truly outstanding celebration. Special thanks to Dr. Marsha Gordon for her continued leadership.

It was especially meaningful to have our Andrus Board Member James Schutzer present the award to Dr. Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, PhD as a Business Council of Westchester Hall of Fame honoree in the Minority Business Success category!

It was a powerful evening of connection and recognition, and we look forward to continuing this shared work in the years ahead.

We cannot wait to celebrate our Andrus Centennial with all of you!!