ABOUT US
Jericho Cares is a grassroots organization that started in August 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. It started with a backpack drive, a zoom call and a group of women that got together to share voices of kindness and offer support for local families in need. In just a few short months we were able to more fully understand the needs in our community. Simultaneously, we immediately became witness to the overwhelming generosity within and surrounding our community!
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Jericho Cares' mission is to assist families in need. We provide clothes, celebrate birthdays and holidays, and help with food insecurities and other basic supplies. We work with organizations like the John Theissen Children's Foundation, Birthday Wishes of Long Island, North Shore Soup Kitchen and NOSH Emergency Food Delivery, Lasagna Mammas, and more!
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We deliver custom boxes to families and individuals that reach out for assistance. We deliver donations ranging from socks to comforters, dishes to silverware, and cereal to toiletries. The families have enjoyed holiday meals, school supplies and even a visit from Santa Claus. We are building a network where local residents can fulfill the needs of these families within days.
As we extend our reach we are helping to make a difference in more lives....One family at a time.
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Fran O’Connor
President
Fran O’Connor is the President and Founder of Jericho Cares. She takes immense pride in the work of her team of volunteers and the collective impact they continue to make. Currently, Fran works with children with special needs as a SEIT. She earned a Master's in Special Education from the College of Staten Island in her hometown. She furthered her expertise by becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and NY State Licensed Behavior Analyst.
For the past 14 years, Fran has called Jericho home, where she resides with her two daughters, her husband, Tom, and their beloved dog, Brody. Fran has been an active member of The Girl Scouts for many years, has earned her Gold Award, and is now the Service Unit Volunteer Manager for Jericho Syosset Girl Scouts.
Fran is excited to continue growing Jericho Cares' partnerships, outreach and connecting with families across our Island. She is proud to be a part of an organization like Jericho Cares that helps to make the world a better place.
Diane Saunders
Secretary
Diane Saunders has lived in Jericho for the last 32 years. Her three children are all graduates of the Jericho Schools. For the previous 21 years, she was a special education teacher in Freeport, NY. She enjoys spending time with her grown children and granddaughters, reading, and traveling. She has been on the Jericho Educational Foundation, a Girl Scout Leader, and a Catechist at St. Paul the Apostle Church. Diane is proud to be a member of Jericho Cares and work alongside such dedicated women.
Katelyn Slawitsky
Board Member
Katelyn is a life long resident of Jericho and is excited to take on a more active roll with Jericho Cares. She believes it’s very important to help people in need and instills that belief in her own children (3). Katelyn is also a local educator and loves to watch her students grow and become responsible young adults.
Jodi Orbuch
Board Member
Jodi has been a member of the Jericho community for 25 years. Her three daughters are all graduates of Jericho schools. Over the years, Jodi has been an active school community member, serving on many committees and the PTA. She enjoys time with family, traveling, golf, and pickleball. She is proud to be a part of Jericho Cares and is excited to have the opportunity to help her community.
Larry Widom
Board Member
Larry Widom is a former Jericho resident who currently lives in Plainview with his two children.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Hofstra University and is an accomplished businessman who has owned and sold two successful companies. In addition to dedicating his time to Jericho Cares, Larry is a Self-Directed Broker for the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. He is a serial entrepreneur and enjoys trading stocks in his free time. Larry believes in giving back to his community and is excited to help Jericho Cares grow.
Ellie Musmeci
Vice President
Ellie serves as the Vice President of Jericho Cares and is delighted to be part of an organization that supports her community. She resides in Plainview with her husband, son, and rescue pup, Finley Aloysius. She holds a Master's in Elementary and Special Education from C.W. Post University. Before her son was born, Ellie worked as a special education teacher and currently volunteers full-time. She is proud of the work Jericho Cares continues to do for families on Long Island. Ellie especially loves seeing the children's excitement during the Jericho Cares annual holiday events. Ellie is passionate about giving back and is grateful for the opportunities Jericho Cares has given her to volunteer with her young son. She is excited to continue to help grow JC's partnerships and provide even more assistance to our fantastic community! "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Tip Jalichan
Treasurer
Tip Jalichan is a proud mother of two boys in Jericho Schools. Since moving to the area, she’s been an active school community member, co-chairing numerous events and serving on the PTA and SEPTA boards. She loves traveling to see how people live and learn about their cultures in different parts of the world. She considers it a privilege to use her business skills to help Jericho Cares better serve the community.
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Tracy Fitzgerald
Project Manager
Tracy Fitzgerald has lived in the Jericho district for 14 years. Tracy is dedicated to giving back and has advocated for children and poverty alleviation for the past two decades. She served on the audit committee of the New York City chapter of the American Red Cross. She brings her business experience as a chief audit executive, leading internal audit departments across multiple industries for global companies, and as a professional certified coach. In addition to volunteering, Tracy is passionate about traveling the world (23 countries), adopting senior rescue dogs, and having trivia nights with her Jericho Middle Schooler. Dr. Loretta Scott's quote inspires her, "We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Tracy is enthusiastic about expanding the reach of Jericho Cares, One Family at a Time.
Justin De Castri
Board Member
Justin has lived in Jericho for the past nineteen years. He was drawn to Jericho Cares because it would allow him to positively impact the community that he and his family live in. Justin's commitment lies in collaborating with fellow board members and ensuring the continuity of Jericho Cares' essential services for those in need. Justin’s background in technology and business management will bring this experience to improve the lives of others.
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Aria Jafari
Assistant Bookkeeper
Aria Jafari is a high school student at Jericho High School who has been a proud resident of Jericho since he was in 1st grade. He is a well-rounded student who is passionate about community service and business. He actively volunteers for the Chinese Honor Society and has participated in numerous business competitions through his involvement in FBLA. His interests in finance and math have inspired him to bring his skills to Jericho Cares, where his organizational and mathematical abilities help as a bookkeeper. He aspires to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.
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