Greetings!
Five months ago, Astor did the unimaginable - in accordance with New York State Governor Cuomo's Executive Order - within days we closed the majority of our Hudson Valley and Bronx locations, successfully converted over 500 employees to remote work, and since March 16th have provided over 57,000 tele-mental health services to our clients (with 95%+ satisfaction rate), and admitted over 1,500 new clients, all while keeping our Residence (Rhinebeck, NY) open 24/7. The hard work and professionalism of our staff was what got us through this exceptionally difficult time.
Once again, we will pull together as we prepare for the 2020 - 2021 school year and begin the soft reopenings of our programs and schools. This year's "back to school" is like none we have ever experienced and returning to work may give our staff feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, but our hope is the plans we have in place will help ease the transition for them.
I wish you and your family a healthy and safe remainder of the summer and I look forward to reopening for the 2020 - 2021 school year.
Should you find yourself in the position to give, please consider making a donation to Astor Services - every dollar helps us fulfill our mission of providing behavioral health and educational services to children throughout the Hudson Valley and the Bronx.
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Yvette Bairan, MPA, CHC
Chief Executive Officer
Astor Services for Children & Families
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2020 - 2021 School Reopening Plans |
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Astor Services for Children & Families is closely monitoring the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every member of the Astor staff is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the individuals in our care, and our dedicated team members. We are opening our locations in accordance with the NYS Reopening Guidelines. Below are the school reopening plans which are also posted on our website. |
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For information regarding Dutchess County Head Start & Early Head Start locations, please contact Kimberly Fragetta at
(845) 337-2517.
For information regarding the Astor Learning Center, please contact Tiffany Helms at (845) 871-1032.
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For information regarding the Lawrence F. Hickey Center, please contact Celesta Parisi at (646) 581-1590.
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Please note, we are currently conducting "soft openings" at all other locations. |
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Our Client Hotline (866) 278-6701
is available for questions re: site openings.
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As we reopen, it is very important we adhere to the screening policies. We know it has been awhile since many of our staff have been onsite and there might be some anxiety in returning to the office. Our Human Resources Department is available to any employee who has questions or concerns regarding returning to work.
When returning to the office, we know that the process has changed and want to reiterate the importance of adhering to the “new normal” screening. It is to keep ALL safe.
Visitors will need to follow new screening policies as well. Visitors will be asked screening questions prior to arrival, and would be subject to all of our screening once they arrive. Once onsite, they will be required to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, agency-wide in the Bronx and Hudson Valley, Astor has:
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Provided 57,264 tele-mental health sessions
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Admitted 1,595 new clients
Additionally, Astor significantly expanded its service radius due to tele-health:
- 2,000 square miles pre-COVID-19
- 8,000 square miles to-date!
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On Friday, July 24, I hosted another Town Hall Meeting to provide staff with organizational updates that included “back to work" plans, and to answer questions. |
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Diversity Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council |
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Our Quality Improvement, Cultural Sensitivity Team has changed its name to Diversity Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council to better highlight the focus of their work. Additional information from this Advisory Council, including a Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement, will be uploaded on our website along with other work the Advisory Council is engaged in.
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Based on the needs identified by community members, school personnel, and local government, Astor is expanding its collaboration with Ulster County BOCES.
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Hilarie Burton Supports Local Businesses |
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Actress, Rhinebeck resident, and Astor Foundation Board member, Hilarie Burton, sat down with CBS News' Dana Jacobson to discuss leaving the glamour of Hollywood, her new memoir, "The Rural Diaries, which helped Rhinebeck's Oblong Books & Music stay afloat during the pandemic, and her fundraising for Rhinebeck Responds, which is aimed at keeping as many local businesses afloat as possible. Click here to view the segment.
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