What they reported doing
- #1 primary $6.30MA STATE-FUNDED PRESCHOOL APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK STATE AND THE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES AND CHARTERED BY THE NY STATE BOARD OF REGENTS, THE TOWARD TOMORROW SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL PROVIDES A CONTINUUM OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN A LANGUAGE-BASED, EDUCATIONAL SETTING AT THREE SITES. ALL TEACHERS HAVE MASTER'S DEGREES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS ARE CERTIFIED BY THE NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. STUDENTS CAN BE PART OF THE STATE-FUNDED PRESCHOOL AND/OR RECEIVE RELATED SERVICES SUCH AS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY, AND COUNSELING.
What they call their work
What they do
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Structured Jewish Text Study Programs 2 activities
- Offer adult course on JudaismProvides a weekly course on Jewish tradition, culture, and spirituality for adults of all faiths and backgrounds, held Tuesdays from 7:00–8:30 PM between October 13 and December 15.
- Run Millstone Scholars program for middle school studentsOffers a cohort-based program for seventh and eighth graders to study Jewish texts, leaders, and foundational ideas through weekly in-person seminar-style classes. Focuses on exploration of the Hebrew Bible, modern Israel, and Jewish contributions to America to deepen Jewish identity.
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Community Choral Rehearsals & Performances 1 activity
- Facilitate guided singing sessions for adultsOffers guided singing sessions open to adults with no prior experience, focusing on music from Broadway, films, pop, contemporary, and oldies genres.
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Jewish Holiday and Shabbat Community Events 1 activity
- Host annual Summer Kumzitz eventOrganizes an annual Summer Kumzitz featuring Israeli music led by an award-winning composer and artist, with drinks and desserts provided to attendees.
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Literary Events & Workshops 1 activity
- Host creative writing workshops with materials and refreshmentsConducts creative writing workshops that include distribution of handwritten letters, copies of The Paper House, and stationery packets to participants, along with tea, coffee, and light snacks during sessions.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Offer beginner pyrography workshopProvides a hands-on beginner pyrography workshop where participants learn wood burning fundamentals and create personalized wooden items using provided materials.
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Early Childhood Education & Development Programs 1 activity
- Operate state-funded special education preschoolProvides language-based instruction and related services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children with disabilities at three sites. Serves 55–60 children ages 2.9 to 5 with delays in communication, cognition, social development, or motor skills through full and half-day self-contained or integrated classes, evaluations, and therapy services.
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Holocaust and Genocide Remembrance Education 1 activity
- Organize Jewish heritage journey to PolandPlans a spring 2027 trip to Poland for participants to explore Jewish history, culture, and remembrance as part of a structured heritage journey.
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Community Wellness Movement Classes 1 activity
- Organize free summer walking eventsHosts free, registration-based group walking events on Friday mornings during the summer to promote physical activity, social connection, and community engagement, with logistical details provided in advance to registrants.
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Racquet Sports Facility and Programming 1 activity
- Provide introductory pickleball classesOffers beginner-level pickleball classes covering rules, scoring, basic shots, and simple strategy in a relaxed environment.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELISE DOWELL | BOARD MEMBER/CEO | 29 | $297K |
| HEATHER HOGAN | DIRECTOR | 40 | $137K |
| CARYN SYMONS | DIRECTOR | 40 | $123K |
- ALISON SINGER — BOARD PRESIDENT
- BRIT STEINBERG — BOARD MEMBER
- DOBORAH YANKWITT — BOARD MEMBER
- GAYLE GLICK — BOARD MEMBER
- HAGIT REINDEL — SECRETARY/TREASURER
- JAMES LASSER — BOARD MEMBER
- LIYAN LIN — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHELLE GANER — BOARD MEMBER
- RACHEL MOSELEY — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- Barbara Josselsohn Partner — Author and presenter of a creative writing workshop hosted by the organization.
- Beth Styles Partner — Guides singing sessions as a featured vocalist.
- Friedland family Partner — Supports the Summer Kumzitz event.
- J2 Adventures Partner — Travel partner providing trip details and co-leading the virtual information session for the Jewish heritage journey to Poland.
- Julia Swyers Partner — Instructor for the beginner pyrography workshop at JCCMW.
- Morah Jessie Tutors Partner — Partner organization in the Millstone Scholars Program at JCCMW.
- Tamid Westchester Partner — Rabbi Scott Weiner, the instructor of the course, is the founding rabbi of Tamid Westchester, indicating a collaborative relationship in program delivery.
- Tikvah Partner — Partner organization in the Millstone Scholars Program at JCCMW.
- White Plains Hospital Medical Center Partner — Co-sponsors the J-Walk program and provides medical experts to participate in and support the walking events.
- White Plains Hospital Medical Center Partner — Provides medical expertise and sponsorship for the J-Walk program.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Hands-On Creative Learning for Skill and Confidence Buildingmethodology: hands-on creative educationBy engaging participants in beginner-friendly, hands-on creative workshops that transform everyday objects into art, the organization builds confidence and skills because tactile, achievable creation fosters personal agency and self-efficacy.
- Inclusive, Multisensory Jewish Education Modelmethodology: inclusive_interfaith_educationBy using literature-inspired writing, music, heritage travel, and inclusive teaching practices, the organization fosters engagement with Jewish culture and learning among diverse participants because multisensory and emotionally resonant experiences deepen connection and lower barriers to entry.
- Individualized Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilitiesmethodology: language-based special educationBy offering both self-contained and integrated classroom models supported by specialized staff, the organization meets diverse developmental needs because individualized placement and language-based instruction improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities.
- Integrated Health and Community Activity Programmingmethodology: health-integrationBy embedding health education within community physical activities like walks and partnering with medical professionals, the organization promotes wellness because integrating clinical expertise into familiar, social settings increases accessibility and adherence.