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VCS Inc. Names Julie Prevost Executive Director
VCS Inc., a leading non-profit organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and support in the lower Hudson Valley region, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Julie Prevost as its new Executive Director, effective June 1. Prevost had been serving as Interim Executive Director since September 2024.
“With a deep commitment to expanding our reach, share our expertise, and strengthen partner-ships to deliver the support people in the community need to thrive, Ms. Prevost will continue guiding VCS Inc. towards meaningful impact and growth,” the organization said in a press release.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Julie as our Executive Director,” said Derek Nelson, Board President of VCS Inc. “Her leadership and dedication during the interim period have been instrumental in ensuring continuity and strengthening our programs. We are confident that her vision and expertise will further our mission to serve the lower Hudson Valley region.”
Ms. Prevost expressed enthusiasm for the role. “I am honored to step into this position and continue collaborating with our dedicated staff, board members, and community partners. Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and I look forward to advancing our initiatives and expanding our services to reach even more individuals in need.”
For more information about VCS Inc. and its programs, visit https://vcs-inc.org/ or follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.
NYS Office for the Aging Honors 100 Older Adults for Service
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) last week honored 100 older adults for their extraordinary volunteerism as part of NYSOFA’s annual Older New Yorkers’ Day celebration in Albany, during Older Americans Month.
New York’s 59 county and municipal offices for the aging and their partners nominate older adults who have made their communities stronger, vibrant, and welcoming, through their remarkable volunteer and civic contributions. Rockland County Honorees include Tom Gilbert and Elena Lavalas.
The theme of Older Americans Month 2025 is “Flip the Script on Aging” to focus on changing how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
“Every year it’s an absolute privilege to recognize older New Yorkers who have made their communities a better place through their tireless dedication to serving others,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “Older adults make a positive impact on every community across our state through their knowledge, economic capital and civic engagement.”
NYSOFA honors 59 county offices for the aging and the Association on Aging in New York for providing and advancing vital services to older adults across the state.
Looking at the positive impact of NYSOFA’s honorees, and the nearly 1 million other older volunteers helping communities across New York, it’s clear to see older adults are vital to strengthening communities and local, regional, state and national economies. In fact, older adult volunteers in New York contribute 474 million hours of community service at an economic value of $13.2 billion, according to NYSOFA.
The honorees are recognized for support of charitable causes, work with local health care and human services organizations, grassroots civic contributions, volunteer work with emergency management corps, local fundraising activities, and more. Awardees also include volunteers for two statewide NYSOFA-administered programs: The Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (or HIICAP) and the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. These volunteers assume specialized roles that demand many hours of training, intricate problem-solving, and coordination with local organizations to help older adults.
This year’s honorees have collectively volunteered more than 3,000 years of service, raised 243 children, 420 grandchildren, 122 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Fifteen are veterans.
ROCKLAND’s HONOREES
Tom Gilbert has made remarkable contributions to his community through his unwavering dedication to volunteering. He selflessly rearranges his schedule to assist others, whether it involves taking them to doctor appointments or picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy.
He teaches religion to fifth graders, performs with the Tappan Players and sings in the Clarkstown Senior Show. At 85 years old, he is a father of four, grandfather of eight, and great-grandfather of six. Gilbert is retired as a credit manager from T-Fal.
Originally from New Jersey, he has lived in Rockland County for 45 years and has shared the past 33 years with his significant other, Glenda. For the past eight years, Gilbert has been involved with the Rockland County Office for the Aging as a driver, providing transportation services for older adults. His clients, who often request him specifically, jokingly remark that they are younger than him and should be the ones driving him to his appointments.
“My motto is ‘Pay it Forward,’” he says. “The people I assist are so thankful, and their gratitude inspires me to continue to help others. By spreading kindness and lending a hand wherever I can, I hope to foster positive change in the community.”
Elena Lavalas is a mental health professional and nurse who has applied her skills for the good of her community. After moving to Rockland County, Lavalas worked at Rockland Psychiatric Hospital, receiving a professional certification in gerontology/mental health in 1985. She later joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and served as first-vice president, acting CEO/president, and board member. Lavalas also directed field executive services for Rockland County Girl Scouts and consulted for the Child Care Resources Council of Rockland. As a dedicated peer advocate, she teaches NAMI’s “Family-to-Family Class” and co-facilitates support groups. She volunteers with Birthright, teaches CPR, and serves as vice president for The Friends of Finkelstein Library. Lavalas’ lifelong commitment includes roles with Haverstraw Head Start, Rockland County Office of the Aging, and more.
Montefiore Nyack Hospital Hosts Job Fair
Montefiore Nyack Hospital will host an employment hiring fair on June 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cafeteria Conference Room on the ground floor of the Hospital at 160 North Midland Avenue in Nyack, NY.
Registration is not required. Career opportunities include clinical positions, such as nursing, radiology and personal support workers; allied health professions, including registered respiratory therapists, Central Sterile and surgical techs; and support services, such as administrative, environmental services, and food and nutrition services.
Representatives of Montefiore Nyack’s Human Resources team and various departments will be on hand to offer information on the hospital’s programs and the application process. Career seekers are advised to bring several copies of their resume. Applications will be available onsite for career seekers who do not have a resume.
For those who unable to attend, visit the hospital’s Careers website or contact the Human Resources Department at 845-348-2155.
Montefiore Nyack Hospital offers competitive salaries, robust benefits, and excellent opportunities to achieve your professional goals with flexible opportunities for per diem, part-time, and full-time employment.
