F O R  I M M E D I A T E  R E L E A S E Contact: Irene Villaverde (914) 654-5235

CNR ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY SLATED FOR APRIL 2
Day of Service to Benefit Children and Adults
with Developmental Disabilities

NEW ROCHELLE, NY, March 26, 2008 – On April 2, 2008, members of The College of New Rochelle’s (CNR) faculty, staff and students from the Main Campus and five NYC campuses will participate in the College’s Annual Community Service Day coordinated by the Office of Campus Ministry. Members of the CNR community will provide one-on-one service to residents of the Richmond Community Services (RCS) Intermediate Care Facility Program located at 919 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY.  The residents, ages 8 to 38, are all developmentally disabled, physically challenged, and non-verbal.
   
In response to the College’s mission of education for service, each year members of the CNR community are invited to spend a day dedicated to helping those in need. “Service for any person of faith is not an option but a response to a Divine call to help the other in need in order to foster greater peace and justice,” says Helen Wolf, director of Campus Ministry at CNR. “Hosting Community Service Day is a wonderful way for us to respond to that call.”
   
CNR volunteers will perform a number of tasks at the facility, including reading to residents, facilitating arts and crafts sessions, and assisting with music therapy. Other projects will include gardening, cleaning and organizing closets, painting, and providing clerical assistance.  Evening students and others unable to participate during the day can take part in Community Service Day that evening on CNR’s Main Campus by volunteering for Campus Ministry’s monthly Midnight Run, preparing food, clothing, and blankets for distribution to the homeless in New York City.
   
Richmond Community Services, in partnership will all members of the community, supports children and adults with developmental disabilities, particularly those with complex health needs, to create lives rich with choice, opportunity, dignity, respect, independence and full membership in their communities. Through individualized services, life-enhancing strategies, education and advocacy, RCS strives to help them to achieve their highest quality of life. RCS’ residential services provide places to live in the Westchester Community where residents can grow and connect with people who live together as “a family of friends.” Their community day programs offer developmentally disabled adults recreational choices and an opportunity to enhance their skills.