Briarcliff Manor Not-for-Profit Benefits Area Schools

Rafael Mora, a social worker at Roosevelt School in Ossining, likes to tell the story of a physically challenged student who outgrew her walker. Her father was on dialysis and her family was struggling to pay the bills. There was no way they could afford a new walker. It looked like the girl would have to use a wheelchair, which would dramatically limit her mobility.

“This is where For All Seasons stepped in and bought the girl an appropriately-sized walker.” said Mora. “You just could not believe the smile on that girl’s face!”

While the Department of Social Services could have done the same thing, Mora pointed out, “They would have taken six months. For All Seasons took six hours.”

What is For All Seasons?

For All Seasons, a 501 (c)(3) corporation, is comprised of ten women from Briarcliff Manor, all active in the community and local schools, who decided they wanted to do more to help their neighbors. After several group outings, some silliness and an occasional glass of wine, For All Seasons was born.

Working with the social workers and school officials in the Ossining (and on occasion, Briarcliff Manor) schools, For All Seasons tries to “fill in the gaps” and supply local children with the sometimes overlooked necessities.

Said one woman (they prefer to remain anonymous–no names are attached), “We try to meet the needs that are not being met by traditional social service organizations. We sponsor a backpack drive for back to school and a holiday gift drive in December, but perhaps the most successful and most rewarding undertaking is the camp drive, sending many deserving children to summer camp.”

She added, “We are fortunate to live in an incredibly supportive and generous community.”

Another member revealed, “By working closely with the social workers, we are able to pinpoint the children’s specific needs–be it an SAT review course, a prom dress or a prescription co-pay.”

Celeste Theis, a social worker at Claremont School, also in Ossining, told of a child who required therapy in Tarrytown but the mother didn’t have a car to take him to his appointments.

“Public transportation was onerous–taking them hours to get to and from the therapist’s office. For All Seasons stepped in and supplied cab fare," she explained. "A very simple, immediate solution to what could have been a huge problem."

But not every request is filled. For All Seasons has very specific procedures in place to make sure their resources are used as wisely as possible. Members vote on specific requests and discuss how to best fill as many needs as funds allow.

Theis added, “For All Seasons has been a Godsend for us. The organization steps right in–providing things that there is no funding for.”

Mora said, “This is a great safety net for the children in the Ossining schools. I have been working with For All Seasons for eight years and it is a blessing to associate with such excited and motivated people.”

For All Seasons was recently nominated for a “Volunteer Spirit Award” from the Volunteer Center of the United Way.

To learn more about For All Seasons, email fas10510@gmail.com.