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!
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!
We share Saturday afternoons with families living in various local motels, getting to know them and their needs. We also help support shelters that are referred to us. We deliver custom boxes to families and individuals that reach out for assistance. We deliver donations ranging from socks to comforters, dishes to pet food, 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.
Fran O’Connor
President
Fran O’Connor has called Jericho her home for 12 years and currently has 2 girls in Jericho Schools. She has been an active member of The Girl Scouts of Nassau County for the past 12 years. Fran has also been a softball coach and a member of the PTA for many years. She is currently working as a Licensed Behavior Analyst and enjoys crafting and spending time with her family. 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. She has been a special education teacher in Freeport, NY for the last 21 years. 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.
Thaina R. Pierre
Board Member
Thaina R. Pierre has been in Jericho for almost 20 years. She is the mother of 3 children. She’s a strong advocate for youths and families facing poverty. She is an Adolescent Medicine Doctor (Teen Doc), who is passionate about her work with adolescents. Thaina is happy to be a member of Jericho Cares.
Ellie Musmeci
Board Member
Ellie lives in Plainview with her husband, son, and rescue pup, Finley. She has a Master's Degree in Elementary and Special Education. Ellie is involved in community organizing and tries to make a positive impact wherever she can.
Janet Healy
Vice President
Janet Healy has spent her life as a teacher and Assistant Principal in Special Education. She has volunteered at nursing home, food pantries and community races. She is married and has a grown son who went to local schools. Janet is looking forward to working with Jericho Cares and the many people they help.
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 member of the school community and has co-chaired numerous events as well as having served on the PTA and SEPTA boards. She loves traveling to see how people live in different parts of the world and learning their cultures. She considers it a privilege to be able to bring her business skills to help Jericho Cares better serve people in the community.
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.
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.