On Sunday, October 5, Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) hosted “From Here to There: A Night of Stories Told by Members of the OCC Family” in the Center’s multipurpose room, bringing together more than 70 neighbors, volunteers, alumni, board members, and longtime supporters for an evening of memory, gratitude, and connection. The event was produced in partnership with Stories on Hudson Productions, a local endeavor dedicated to building community through storytelling.
The program honored individuals and families who have supported OCC for 15 years or longer, highlighting the personal journeys that illustrate why OCC’s work matters. Storytellers included Marilyn Wishnie, OCC board member and retired principal; volunteers Jasmine Bar and Adam Nack; Joyce Sharrock Cole, Ossining Village Historian; Katherine Nolan Brown, Development Director at OCC; and Ossining Police Chief and OCC alumnus Aaron Zimmerman. The evening celebrated the intergenerational relationships that sustain OCC and emphasized the Center’s commitment to welcoming all working families and nurturing children in a joyful, supportive environment. Stories of found family, cross‑generational bonds, and personal resilience underscored how diverse voices sustain and strengthen our community.
“We were moved by the honesty and warmth each storyteller brought to the evening,” said Howard Milbert, Executive Director of Ossining Children’s Center. “This night reminded us that OCC’s strength comes from relationships—people who show up year after year to champion children and families.”
“Sharing these stories helps our community remember why we do this work — to give children a place where they belong and can thrive,” said Marilyn Wishnie, participant and OCC board member.
Ossining Children’s Center provides high‑quality care from 3 months through sixth grade—including full‑day programs, before‑and‑after‑school care, and Universal Pre‑K in partnership with the Ossining School District. For 130 years, a core part of OCC’s mission has been the belief that access to quality childcare is essential to a vibrant, healthy community. To honor that commitment, OCC’S robust tuition assistance program ensures OCC’s doors remain open to all working families, regardless of income.
To learn more about how you can support children and families at OCC visit www.ossiningchildrenscenter.org
