April  4, 2014

Daunting!

 Written By Brian Doyle, Chief Executive Officer

            The statistic that you see on the other side of this page related to the number of children who have been sexually assaulted and who have received support from Family Services is indeed daunting.  Horrifying. It is sometimes incomprehensible just how much pain and injury is inflicted on children, women and men every day.  Unfortunately, in much of the work we do, Family Services employees encounter all of the damage that is done by domestic and sexual violence, gun violence and other crimes, not to mention the neglect of children as caused by parents and care givers many of whom, themselves were never given the benefit of positive and effective parenting.

 It would be easy to despair in the face of such negativity but I am heartened and often inspired by the continued efforts put forth by the professional and dedicated employees of Family Services who day in and day out seek to support individuals and their families, helping people to recover, heal, and strengthen themselves toward a better tomorrow.   

Of course Family Services employees, by no means, do this work alone. 

They have numerous partners within the community including other sister agencies as well as partners in government and other sectors of the community including the donors and volunteers who continue to support Family Services.

While much of our work is responding to the damage done by abuse, neglect, crime and poverty we will continue our efforts in advocating for measures that are aimed at preventing that harm in the first place-those measures that can and should be undertaken to nurture children toward development into healthy, confident and loving adulthood, including work in strengthening families by teaching woefully needed parenting skills to parents at risk of losing their children to foster care. While we do that work now in programs such as the After-school Program, the Teen Resource Activity Center, Ulster Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Family Education Program we hope to see a widening effort at a proactive approach toward building a healthy individuals and community.  That is one reason why we have spent considerable efforts over the past year meeting with State Officials in the legislature, the Governor's Office and the Office of Children and Family Services advocating for statewide increases in prevention funding.

We were pleased to hear our County Executive's recent State of the County address in that Marcus Molinaro committed to a new initiative whose "mission will be to strengthen community and family interaction with our young people in an effort to prevent crime, improve quality of life and empower young people to lead productive lives and achieve greater success for themselves and their families".  I, along with others have been asked by the County Executive to participate in shaping this mission in recommending those who will participate.  I welcome that opportunity and I commend the County Executive for his foresight. 

So, as spring begins there is a renewal of hope and that hope is not unfounded. That hope has basis in all of the talents and energies of so many people who call the Hudson Valley our home.  

Featured Story
Michael's Story*

(*Names have been changed to maintain the confidential of the client)

            When Michael first started coming to the Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP), he was 8 years old. In a session with his mother and father, they told the therapist that Michael had recently disclosed sexual abuse by his favorite uncle, Bob, during a camping trip. As mandated reporters, the incident was reported to Child Protective Services.  

 Michael's mother, Sarah, shared that Michael had come home from school the month before, following a school assembly on "Good Touch, Bad Touch." Sarah said that Michael, shoulders slumped and head hung, broke the news and tried to swear his mother to secrecy. Michael did not want his father to know because Bob was his father's brother, and Michael thought his father would not believe him.             Michael told his mother that his uncle had been abusive on past visits over the years, and that the uncle had always blamed Michael for the abuse, and made Michael promise not to tell anyone. Michael said that he still loved his uncle. He was afraid that Uncle Bob would be mad, and that Michael would not get to go on special camping trips with him anymore. Sarah explained to Michael that Michael's father, Ralph, would have to be told, as well.  Sarah reassured Michael that he was brave and the family would get support from therapists so that everyone in the family could heal.

Sarah and Ralph described Michael's upsetting behavior, which they noticed in the weeks prior to his disclosure of abuse. Ralph explained that Michael had been increasingly physically aggressive with his younger sister and that he had been getting into fights at school. Sarah stated that Michael was also acting uncharacteristically impatient, and that he had said, "I hate my life" on a few occasions.

Sarah and Ralph worked through their feelings of confusion, anger, guilt, and grief at the abuse their child suffered.  At the same time, Michael and his sister participated in play therapy to learn about healthy relationships, and how to express their emotions. Kevin also learned how to cope with the trauma he experienced and how to self-soothe when he felt scared or unsafe.

At one of the last meetings before the family completed their treatment at the Crime Victims Assistance Program, Sarah addressed the group. Sarah & Ralph spoke about how important CVAP had been to their family.  Michael was opening up to his family and trusting them again. 

Ralph told the group about the loving notes Michael had left on Sarah's pillow before bedtime over the last few years. The notes stated that Michael loved his mother and they asked if she loved him back. They were misspelled and filled with "yes" "no" check boxes that Sarah checked off and returned to Michael's pillow.  These notes were special gifts that Sarah treasured.  Sadly, Ralph had never received one of those notes.  Recently, after tucking Michael in, Ralph walked into his and Sarah's bedroom. On his pillow was a folded piece of paper.

"Daddy," it read. "You are the best one in the world. Check here if you love me as much as I love you, "Yes"  "No".

Staff & Volunteers
 Intern Experience with Family Services After school Program
  

                My experience working as an intern for Family Services has been anything but what I expected. Last spring, during my junior year of college, I was looking intently for an internship to complete during my final year. I have toyed with the idea of trying to become a guidance counselor or school psychologist and I wanted to try to work with high school level students. I got barely any response from the high schools in the area that I tried to get in touch with but it was around that same time that I got into contact with Family Services. I was offered a position as an intern with the elementary after school program and I figured I would give it a shot, at least for the fall semester, just to get myself some kind of experience and get my feet wet.  I had no idea how rewarding and challenging my time with the after school program would turn out to be.

                I have returned for a second semester to Family Services to finish up my required fieldwork time for graduation and there are a number of reasons for that. First and foremost are the kids. I'm lucky enough to get to work hands on with the Krieger ASP as an after-school teacher for the "Gummy Bears", one of our groups of students. Obviously, some days are better than others but overall working with the kids is great. As I mentioned before, I had entertained the idea of trying to work with high school students for a while but my experience at Krieger has opened my eyes to the possibility of getting involved in elementary education. Besides the students, I have also been afforded the opportunity to work for and with some wonderful people. My co-workers and supervisor have shown me how important and how challenging it can be to work in this field but also just how rewarding it can be.  

 

Family Services Staff shows support for Literacy Connections

 

Pam Tarquinio, Chris Pels, Kathy Peluso, and Jessica Wallach comprised two teams, the Kind Hearts and the Gould Spelers, for Literacy Connection's 23rd Annual Community Spelling Bee.

 
Congratulations to Rick Mitchell, Secretary for the Family Services Board of Directors for receiving the prestigious 2014 Dutchess County Distinguished Citizen's Award


Employment Achievement Award: Jessica Wallach

Jessica is the embodiment of above and beyond.

Jess is a rock.

Jess is consistent.

Jess takes initiative.

Jess follows through.

When Jess says she is going to do something, you can consider it done.

Jess participates.

Jess smiles all the time.Jess is that rare combination of street smart and book smart. And, rumor has it that she wields a mighty snow shovel!

Recent Events

  Family Services' held their 2nd Annual Spring Fling Fitness Event 

 

  On Saturday, March 22, 2014, local community children and their families enjoyed a terrific morning of fun, physical activity and wellness at the Family Services 2nd Annual Spring Fitness Fling at the Family Partnership Center. Statistics tell us that only one in three children are physically active every day and in fact, children now typically spend more than seven and a half hours per day in front of a screen (TV, video games, computers, etc.) It is critically important that we encourage and provide opportunities for children to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

     

   

Marist College holds Prom Dress Giveaway at the Family Partnership Center

   

On March 3rd Marist College's Student Government Association brought multiple prom dresses and makeup bags to give to our local young girls for their upcoming prom. Thank You to the outstanding students that collaborated with Family Services to provide this opportunity to the youth we serve.  

   

In This Issue
By the Numbers

212: Number of children who were victims of sexual assault served by our Crime Victims Assistance Program  in 2013. 

Quick Links



Leadership Partner

Family Services' 2013-2014 Leadership Partner
http://www.health-quest.org/


Upcoming Events
3rd Annual Visions of Hope & Healing Art Show 

Opening Reception

Tuesday, April 8th

at 5:00 pm

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center

12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie NY

Family Services' Crime Victims Assistance Program invites you to attend a special evening featuring artwork created by survivors of crime. We will also be recognizing dedicated professionals who have made exemplary contributions towards our goal of making sure each victim is treated with dignity and respect.The event will be held in honor of Crime Victims' Rights week.
 
Honoring

Rosie (posthumously), New York's First Courtroom Dog

with her Owners Dale and Lu Picard

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

this award will be accepted by:

 Susan Spear, Hudson Valley Regional Director

on behalf of Senator Gillibrand

Detective Jason Ruscillo, Hyde Park Police Department

Family of the Year
Thursday, April 24, 2014 

Family Services is pleased to announce the honorees for the 2014 Family of the Year Awards for their contribution to the community.

The families and the categories for which they are to be honored at this year's Family of the Year Dinner on April 24th at The Grandview are as follows:

 

Judge Albert and Julia Carlson Rosenblatt

The Lifetime Achievement Award

  

Joseph and Andrea Kirchhoff

The Quality of Life Award

 

For the past 27 years, Family Services annually hosts the Family of The Year Award Dinner to commend individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and whose ideals reflect those of Family Services by providing hope, improving lives, and strengthening community. The dinner features an award ceremony for the honorees, a live auction, and raffle.

 

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Jean Calyer of Family Services at (845) 452-1110 or email [email protected].

   

 

 

   

Our Leadership Team
Brian Doyle 
Chief Executive Officer 
[email protected]

Joan Crawford
Deputy Executive Director 
[email protected]

Natalie Borquist
Chief Financial Officer 
[email protected]

Sharon Doane
Director of Forensic Services and Crime Victims Assistance Program 
[email protected]
 
Leah Feldman
Director of Domestic Violence Services of Dutchess County 
[email protected]

Christopher Pels
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
[email protected]
 
   
Our Partners
Community Voices Heard

 www.cvhactionheard.org  

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

 www.ccedutchess.org

 

Dutchess County Department of Health  

www.dutchess.gov 

 
Dutchess County Healthy Families

www.healthyfamiliesnewyork.org 

 

Dutchess Outreach 

 

Hudson River Community Health Care

 

Hudson River Housing -    
   

John Flowers Community Events

 

Marist Liberty Partnership Program

www.marist.edu\campuslife\libertypartnership

 

Mental Health America - Living Room Program


New Day Repertory Company, Inc.

 

Planned Parenthood


R.E.A.L.Skills Network, Inc.

 

Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library

 

St. Francis Turning Point

 

Youth Mission Outreach

 www.youthmissionoutreach.org
 
   
Family Services |  http://www.familyservicesny.org
Family Partnership Center
29 N. Hamilton St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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