October 2021- On Sunday, October 17, twenty-five (25) youth and care givers from Saint Dominic’s Family Services (SDFS) participated in the CYO Open Arms Track and Field Meet at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ossining, New York.

One of the event goals was to promote the services offered to children in the Bronx and surrounding boroughs that enhance and meet the behavioral health needs of the population of children and young adults of SDFS ranging from 0-21 years.

“CYO welcomes everyone with ‘open arms,’ so when this opportunity presented itself to support a fellow agency serving children, our volunteers enthusiastically supported this event,” said Seth Peloso, director of Catholic Youth Organization New York.

Participants who were unaccompanied by care givers were assigned CFTSS respite workers as chaperones. All our youth enjoyed several activities and received medals of participation.

Close to $10K was generated through this fundraising event spearheaded by the Friends of Saint Dominic’s which obtained sponsorship for our runners, as well as matches from individuals and corporations.

“I couldn’t have spent a better day watching the children from Saint Dominic’s and CYO show the true meaning of sportsmanship and friendship,” said Tom Rooney, donor of Friends of St. Dominic’s. “The children, parents and volunteers showed a true sense of community.”

Thank you to all donors and the Catholic Youth Organization of New York.

September 2021- On September 21, 2021, Saint Dominic’s Family Services hosted their first annual Summerfest. This event was a celebration of/for staff. Hundreds of employees from Rockland, Orange and Bronx Counties, gathered on the main campus, Blauvelt, and enjoyed a sunny day full of games, music, food and prizes. Staff favorites included a photo booth and Old Time candy truck!

Saint Dominic’s President/CEO, Dr. Diane Aquino, played on her bongo drums as the disc jockey played hits from the past and current. Employees danced along until the end of the event.

A special thanks to the St. Dominic’s Planning Committee for their fantastic work assuring a memorable day for all!!

September 2021- On September 10, 2021, Mr. Donald Gelestino, President, Champion Elevator, and his staff, visited Saint Dominic’s Developmental Disabilities Program. This visit included the dropping off of gifts for residents, touring the agency’s Developmental Disabilities Day Habilitation Program and interacting with residents. The program was introduced by both Ms. Debra Archambault, Sr. Program Vice President, and Mr. John Kayser, Program Coordinator. Dr. Diane Aquino, Saint Dominic’s President/CEO, and Ms. Joan Daly, Coordinator, Friends of St. Dominic’s, were present for this visit as well. Mr. Gelestino has long been a supporter of Saint Dominic’s and we are grateful for his ongoing support.

July 2021- After a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the annual Golf Tournament, hosted by the Friends of Saint Dominic’s, returned.

The tournament’s 28^th edition took place at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, NJ, on July 26. Hundreds of golfers attended to support the mission of Saint Dominic’s Family Services, including former NHL hockey player, Stéphane Matteau, who is best known for scoring the series-winning goal for the New York Rangers in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. Golfers also played the 27-hole course for a chance at several prizes. 

In order to win a prize, a golfer would need to get a hole-in-one on one of six specific holes. Three holes had cash prizes, two had car prizes, and one had a car and cash prize. Ultimately, nobody managed to get a hole-in-one but there were some close calls.  

At the end of the day, a ceremony was held inside of the Country Club’s buffet room, recognizing those who had helped put the event together. Several people, including the chairperson of the golf committee, Ron Sylvestri, and Vice Chairmen Dave Meberg and John White Jr., went up to a podium and delivered remarks to the audience.  

Saint Dominic’s president and CEO, Dr. Diane Aquino, provided a few words as well, reflecting on the history of Saint Dominic’s and thanking everyone who attended. The Country Club also provided dinner and dessert during the occasion, as well as breakfast and lunch during the morning and afternoon. 

At the end of the day, the tournament raised more than $366,000. NYC District Council Carpenters Charity & Relief Fund, Forest Electric, Building Contractors Association, and Structure Tone, were the largest donors.

Saint Dominic’s Family Services is still actively recruiting for the summer and the 2021-22 school year at its two special education bilingual preschools in the Bronx, N.Y. Children from ages 2.7 to 5 years are eligible for enrollment at either TORCH or TORCH Annex at no costs. 

Both schools are approved by the New York State Education Department and TORCH is acknowledged by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). TORCH is also an evaluation center where children are assessed based on areas of strength, developmental delays, and educational needs.  

Among the services that the schools provide are small class sizes, free meals, and speech and occupational therapy. There are also off-campus activities such as field trips, which have transportation provided by New York City. 

Both schools offer a six-week summer program. 

Contact Information 

Email: torchintakes@sdfs.org; Phone: 917-716-8228 

TORCH- 2340 Andrews Ave, Bronx, N.Y. 10468  

TORCH Annex- 2195 Valentine Ave, Bronx, N.Y. 10457