In The News
Jean Calyer cited for dedication, versatility
POUGHKEEPSIE
– Jean Calyer, an executive assistant and development associate, has
been named 2012 Employee of the Year at Family Services, Inc., CEO Brian
Doyle announced.
Calyer was cited for her work in fundraising, including the annual Family of the Year event, and for her support of the work of the board of directors and the agency’s administration throughout the year.
Whitney
Bonura, chair of the agency’s Employee Recognition Committee, said
Calyer was selected because despite having to cope with some serious
family issues, “Jean was absolutely dedicated to ensuring the agency
fundraiser was a success.”
Doyle noted Calyer had been selected by a vote of her peers and said she said was “well deserving” of the award.
“I
can gladly attest to the many ways in which Jean provides invaluable
support to me, the board of directors, its various committees, the
agency’s challenging development efforts as well as others who seek her
assistance,” he said.
Ulster Co.
Prescription Drug Task Force Launched
March 21 Kick Off Meeting Draws 40 from All Community Sectors
STONE RIDGE—The Prescription Drug Task Force of Ulster
County held a kick off meeting on Thursday, March 21 at SUNY Ulster, drawing
more than 40 people interested in supporting the task force’s goal of
mobilizing all sectors of the community to reduce the epidemic of
prescription drug abuse. Participants included doctors, pharmacists,
school personnel, nonprofit agencies, mental health providers, law enforcement
and local youth.
"The Centers for Disease Control declared prescription
drug abuse a silent epidemic that is stealing thousands of lives and tearing
apart communities and families across America" said Cheryl DePaolo,
Director of the Ulster Prevention Council. "Ulster County is
mobilizing the community to take action against this national health
crisis".
According to a 2009 study by
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 16 million Americans ages
12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant,
or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being
surveyed.
In a survey administered by the Ulster Prevention Council in
2012, 2.9 percent of the county’s 8th graders, 11.7 percent of 10th graders and
18.5 percent of 12th graders reported having abused prescription painkillers in
their lifetime and 3.6% of students grade 7-12 had abused prescription
painkillers in the previous 30 days.
The Prescription Drug Task
Force is a joint initiative of the Ulster County Departments of Health and
Mental Health and the Ulster Prevention Council. The next meeting will take
place on April 18, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the Ulster County Department of Mental
Health at 239 Golden Hill Dr. in Kingston.
For more information on the
Prescription Drug Task Force of Ulster County call 845-458-7406.
Ulster Savings helps Family Services fix buildings
$5,000 grant will help agency in asbestos removal, drainage repair
POUGHKEEPSIE -- The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Family Services in support of their capital improvement efforts.
The gift will assist Family Services with an asbestos removal project in Poughkeepsie.
“For over 130 years, Family Services has provided critical services to those in need,” said MaryRose Warcholak, executive director of the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation. “These capital improvements will allow them to continue their work in the community, and we are happy to lend them our support.”
Brian Doyle, chief executive officer of Family Services, said the grant would help the agency carry on its vital work with crime victims.
“This generous gift will help us significantly in enhancing the center where we serve victims of domestic violence and other crimes, people who are vulnerable and who need a safe and supportive environment,” Doyle said.
For more information about the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation, contact MaryRose Warcholak at (845) 338-6322, ext. 3626.
Family Services forms Homicide Survivors Support Group
January 7, 2013 -- After a homicide, family members and friends of victims are left reeling, shoved in front of police, lawyers and court rooms, with no time to heal.
"A lot of people are going through the criminal justice system at the same time they are trying to grieve, so they don't really get to grieve," said Kathy Peluso, crime victims program coordinator for Family Services. "And when that's over, they're left with an empty feeling. What do I do now?"
Kathy Peluso's sister was murdered 24 years ago. She dealt with her sorrow and found courage in a support group on Long Island. Finding nothing of its sort between Albany and New York City, Peluso will play host to a new monthly gathering at the Family Partnership Center. The group will meet on the first Monday of every month at Family Services’ North Annex Building at 29 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie from 6 to 7 p.m.
"You're life is forever changed. It’s not the same life as before, but you can live again and there's hope and there's people that can help," said Peluso.
In 2011, there were 770 homicides in New York State, with seven occurring in Dutchess County. Five more local victims were added last year. Even though the group is Poughkeepsie-based, it's open to all adult family members and friends living throughout the Hudson Valley.
"What they want most in the world, we can't give them, and that's their family member back," said Marjorie Smith, a bureau chief at the Dutchess County District Attorney's office. "We can help them so that their last memory isn't the bad memory, but to help them remember that this is really about the person that you lost as you loved them. Not the person who was murdered at such a place and time."
"If you hold it in and keep it in, it just builds and builds and builds," said Peluso.
Rather than talking to those who haven't walked in their shoes, members will be able to peek freely and privately to those who have and learn how to take their next steps, just as Peluso did 24 years ago.
"That person coming into the group," continued Peluso. "Seeing other people who are smiling and living happily again, see there's hope for them."
Anyone interested in attending can find out more info by contacting Kathy Peluso at 845-452-1110 ext. 3138.
Family Services’ Crime Victims Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to victims of crime, including advocacy, trauma therapy and rape crisis services. Family Services’ Domestic Violence Services of Dutchess County (DVSDC) provides non-residential services to victims of domestic violence, including advocacy, counseling and safety planning. Services of both programs are free, confidential, and accessible. Services for victims at Family Services can be accessed 24 hours a day: Crime Victims’ hotline at (845) 452-7272 and DVSDC hotline at (845) 485-5550.
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