Oritani Bank invests in the health of medically fragile children with funding for a new infirmary at a YCS group home

Living with a chronic illness like diabetes or sickle cell anemia is very difficult for a young child. When that child is also challenged by developmental delays and trauma from being separated from their loved one, the task is enormous. There is help. The clinical and medical teams at the YCS Holley Childcare and Development Center in Hackensack focus on treating all the child’s needs. The Center is a mid-term therapeutic residential facility that cares for approximately 62 children in 4 distinct units - depending on the child’s physical/mental health issues. Holley Center’s comprehensive services are unique in the state.

With major financial support of the Oritani Bank Foundation, YCS was able to completely renovate the infirmary and purchase new medical equipment.

According to Oritani Bank CEO Kevin Lynch, the bank’s connection to the Holley Center is decades old, when Oritani Bank founder, Colonel Alfred Holley, donated the land where the Holley Center now sits. “Our bond with the children of the Holley Center started then – and continues to this day with our support for this Infirmary. We are proud to be a part of this project that will touch the lives of so many children,” said Mr. Lynch.

In a welcoming statement at the infirmary’s dedication, YCS President Richard Mingoia acknowledged all the donors, Oritani Bank Foundation, the Renee Guller Bequest (represented by NCJW Bergen County Section), and the Hackensack Rotary.

“Every child at the Holley Center has already suffered greatly. This infirmary gives medically fragile and frightened children a place to heal. A place where doctors and nurses they know can take care of them – in their own “home,” said Mr. Mingoia.

Speaking on behalf of the medical team, Dr. Peter Cardiello, YCS pediatrician said, “Today we stand in a truly transformed Infirmary. Our examination equipment is top-of-the-line, our electronic health system uses the latest technology, and our convalescence space is warm and friendly. We cannot thank you all enough,”

Holley head clinician, Mechelle Copeland explained the importance of the infirmary to the donors at the event. “While the children are with us, we are all family. When a child wakes up in the middle of the night scared and sick, they come to the infirmary knowing that someone they trust will be there to take care of them,” said Ms. Copeland.

Prior to the dedication, YCS staff visited Oritani Bank in Washington Township to accept a donation of 400 teddy bears. The Oritani Bank Foundation purchased the cuddly, stuffed animals with donations made by their employees. The bears will be given to children when they are admitted into a YCS therapeutic group home. Each year, YCS cares for more than 400 children at the homes.

About YCS

Youth Consultation Service (YCS) is a private, non-profit, social services and behavioral health agency that has been caring for vulnerable children and their families since 1918. YCS operates approximately 65 programs including therapeutic homes, special education schools, home-care and community-based services across the Garden State. (ycs.org)