and Dr. Alana Pudalov, DSW, director of
wellness for BGCNW.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) recently announced it has received a $250,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Foundation, which will be used to provide mental health and wellness services in afterschool programming for up to 200 children ages 5 -12, and up to 200 youth ages 13-18 from low-income families.
By implementing a nationally recognized prevention and education curriculum, continuous expert training for staff and having qualified mental health counselors on site, the Wellness Center program improves mental health for children and youth, identifies red flags for those needing intervention and provides age-appropriate, on-site counseling for the highest needs.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York state that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health.
Maria Scigliano, program officer at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation said, “The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is proud to award the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester funding to expand critical mental health services to youth in their afterschool programming. With the expansion of these services, youth will be better equipped to address stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges they may face in a safe and nurturing environment….”
A key factor that sets up the program for success is infusing it in an environment where youth already feel safe and supported every day. The Boys & Girls Clubs are nationally known for their excellence in programming for children and youth. Over 90% of the BGCNW staff are club alumni so there is a unique factor of trust. The organization is celebrating its 85th year of serving the community.
The program uses a three-pronged approach to infuse mental health services throughout its afterschool programs serving up to 400 children, youth and junior staff.
Director of Wellness Dr. Alana Pudalov, oversees the Wellness Center program, working in conjunction with her colleague, Bryant Srour, she identifies bilingual graduate students in social work and psychology to support group counseling services.
“As the Director of Wellness, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our wellness center on individuals of all ages, from Pre-K students to adults. By fostering a deeply supportive environment rooted in trauma-informed care and positive psychology, we empower children, teens and adults to build resilience, develop emotional well-being and thrive in both academic and personal settings. Our holistic approach ensures that each individual — whether a young child learning self-regulation, a teen navigating stress, or an adult strengthening their sense of well-being — feels seen, supported and equipped with lifelong wellness skills,” said Pudalov.
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, established in 1939, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving local youth, ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 40 northern Westchester communities.
