Lenore Sylvan, a resident of Syosset, is retiring from her many volunteer positions as a child advocate as she and her husband are relocating from the Syosset area.

Sylvan was a teacher in the Glen Cove School District for 25 years before retiring in 1993. After retirement, she volunteered for many organizations to help children. Before long she was involved with the Child Care Council of Nassau, Island Harvest and the National Council of Jewish Women.

In 1997, Sylvan dedicated a Children's Garden to the Children of Nassau County. Sylvan, along with residents and local businesses within Jericho-Syosset School District lines, formed a Child Care Partnership under the auspices of the Child Care Council of Nassau. As chairman of this partnership, she has assisted the partnership in compiling a myriad of accomplishments, including the updating of outdated zoning codes making it easier and less costly for new child care facilities to be established.

Through Child Care Council, Sylvan was able to start the Jericho Syosset Woodbury Partnership and also the Grandparents as Caregivers group.

Sylvan spearheaded the volunteer staffing of Family and Children's/Children's Center at Family Court in Westbury by providing direct child care, and advocating for financial support on both the local and state level.

Due in large part to her efforts, Family and Children's Association recently received a $25,000 Community Impact Iniative grant from the United Way of Long Island to support the Children's Center child care programs.

"Lenore's commitment to the Children's Center at the Westbury Family Court has been unparalleled," said Richard P. Dina, Family and Children's Association president and CEO. "Her efforts have helped the center become an alternative to crowded courtrooms and noisy waiting rooms - a safe, secure, and nurturing haven for children under 12, all under the watchful eyes of the agency's trained, professional staff and caring volunteers."

Residents of Syosset and its surrounding communities have benefited from Sylvan's volunteer efforts for years.

Sylvan was named a Distinguished Woman Humanitarian for her efforts as partnership chairperson for the Jericho-Syosset-Woodbury Child Care Partnership, devoting her considerable talents to increasing resident awareness of reputable and qualified early child-care facilities in the area. She works to increase parent awareness of what an early child-care facility should offer and is vice president of the Child Care Council of Nassau County.

In 2001, Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs named Sylvan Women Trailblazer of the New Millennium. "After a long struggle, Lenore was a driving force in the opening of an enlarged Children's Center at Family Court of Nassau County. The new center was able to provide 15 -18 children at a time with fun and TLC while their parents dealt with court matters," explained Jacobs.

In 2002, Sylvan, was named volunteer of the year by Family and Children's /Children's Services. A daily presence at the center, Sylvan wears a variety of volunteer "hats" - such as direct child care provider, advisory board member, and volunteer recruiter. In fact, Sylvan recruited Family and Children's Association to supervise the program.

Sylvan was also named a Woman of Distinction in the Town of Oyster Bay and was honored by Senator Carl Marcellino.

"Lenore is unparalleled in her dedication and commitment to the children of this county," said Legislator Jacobs. "Her efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on not just the lives of Nassau's children, but everyone."

"Her commitment to the center is unparalleled," said Terry Wood. "Lenore is always uplifting to be around - she loves children and is dedicated to seeing the center well run."

"I am reluctently retiring," said Sylvan. "The only reason I am able to do this is because of the great confidence that I have in the people that are taking over my positions. They have the same love and dedication for children and families that I do so I know the programs will continue to thrive."