New City Neighbors Community Spotlight
Date: February, 2025
News 12 Covers VCS Annual Meeting
Date: June 27, 2023
Rockland County to Donate Surplus Computers
Seven Local Organizations to Benefit
New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day signed a Resolution authorizing the donation of surplus computers to seven local organizations. Rockland County Division of Purchasing Director Paul Brennan issued a Public Notice and Request for Expressions of Interest for surplus computers which was distributed with the assistance of the United Way of Rockland County.
“This is yet another outstanding initiative put in place by our Purchasing Division and it’s Director Paul Brennan,” said County Executive Day. “This surplus equipment will be of incredible benefit to these organizations and the Rockland residents they serve in numerous ways. I’m proud that after recently upgrading the computers used by county employees, we could provide these computers to organizations in Rockland which could put them to such good use.”
The following organizations will be receiving surplus computers:
| Creative Response to Conflict, Inc. | 15 Computers |
| Cyber Rescue/Rockland BOCES | 150 Computers |
| Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, Inc. | 14 Computers |
| Meals on Wheels Programs and Services, Inc. | 5 Computers |
| VCS Inc. | 12 Computers |
| Salvation Army | 100 Computers |
| Strong Tower Christian Center/Centro Cristiano Torreon Fuerte | 3 Computers |
The organizations will utilize the computers in the following ways:
- After school programs, supplemental education and homework assistance.
- Telehealth visits for clients.
- School based programs on computer repair and refurbishing the computers to donate to families in need.
- Job training and community outreach.
- Providing clients with online access for job searching, resume preparation and communication with potential employers.
- Administrative support.
The surplus computers hard drives were wiped using software which adheres to U.S. Department of Defense standards.
Rockland County, NY - VCS Hires First Chief Operating Officer
VCS Inc., a nonprofit counseling and mental health treatment center with a social justice anti-racist mission, just celebrated its 50th Anniversary. While turning the corner to another half century, VCS is proud to announce that Elizabeth Alvarado will be joining the VCS team as Chief Operating Officer on March 8th, 2021.
Elizabeth Alvarado LCSW-R, brings an abundance of skill, experience and heart to VCS. She earned her Master’s in Social Work at Fordham University and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Fordham and The NYU Silberman School of Social Work.
Ms. Alvarado has been working in New York since 2007 at several health care institutions. She has been a social work supervisor at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Director of Programs at Isabell Home and Community Services, and Director of Social Services at Metropolitan Jewish Health Services to name a few.
To meet the growing needs of Rockland County’s Spanish speaking community VCS established PUENTES to provide counseling and connections to other programs at VCS completely in Spanish. Ms. Alvarado’s vast array of skills and experience will bring much to bear in furthering the growth and smooth operations of this vital department.
Ms. Alvarado has certification in Gerontology and specialties in: Bereavement, Grief and Trauma, Advanced Care Management, Individual, Couples and Group therapy and Senior Leadership. She is also certified to supervise graduate school, social work interns and is Bi-lingual (English/Spanish).
Services for Older Adults and their Families at VCS offers several support groups, multilingual information and assistance connections, and counseling for older adults – all free of charge while funding is available from the Rockland County Department of Aging. Ms. Alvarado’s leadership, expertise and compassion will facilitate the growth and operations in this essential area of service.
In her new capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Alvarado will help the senior management team develop and expand the general counseling services of this well-established agency that strives to provide hope and social justice for individuals and families through counseling and community change. She brings a depth of professional skills that will enhance our operational profile and VCS is excited to have her join the team.
Article in Moving Forward contributed by VCS Executive Director, Sarah Goforth
Team VCS Wins Largest Team and 1st & 3rd Place Runners
at NAMI Rockland 5K Run/Walk for Wellness,
Rockland Lake State Park, September 15, 2019
VCS Services for Older Adults and their Families
in the Rockland County Office for the Aging Moving Forward Publication - January/February 2019
Making a Difference
New City Neighbors Features PUENTES
July 2018
Spotlight on VCS Counseling Services
New City Neighbors Magazine
July 2016