Family Services fills the gaps for the needy-Poughkeepsie Journal

December 30, 2012-Family Services in Poughkeepsie has helped individuals and families throughout the Hudson Valley for more than 130 years through direct services, advocacy and collaboration.
"Multiple victims of crime and domestic violence were supported, empowered and strengthened through our victims assistance programs; parents in danger of losing their children to foster care have successfully developed the parenting skills needed to keep their family together and healthy through the Family Education Program and the Family Partnership Center has remained an anchor for services in the community," said Jessica Wallach, Coordinator of Program Development and Outcomes Management.

But the non-profit can use a hand around the holidays. As part of that mission, the nonprofit is also participating in Holiday Helping Hand -- the annual fundraising campaign sponsored by the Poughkeepsie Journal and the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region -- and purchases gift cards and utility vouchers for 52 individuals and families in its Crime Victims Assistance and Dutchess Youth Career Works programs.
As of Thursday, $38,397.17 has been raised to help local nonprofits such as Family Services brighten the holidays of Dutchess residents next year.Funds raised last year benefit this year's programs.

"These clients might otherwise have little or nothing for the holidays," Wallach said. "We serve an underserved population who are struggling with self-sufficiency. Through these gifts and vouchers, we're empowering them to help themselves, but also to brighten their holidays."

Family Services has participated in Holiday Helping Hand since 2007 and serves more than 7,000 families in Dutchess and Ulster counties through its youth recreation and employment programs, after-school programs, supervised visitation programs, child care at Dutchess County Family Court, victims assistance, family education and its accountability program for offenders of crime, as well as collaborating with community and funding agencies through federal, state and county government."The excitement of the holidays most often reminds us of children, but their families are also in need," said Diane Hart, director of Community Impact at United Way. "Thankfully, organizations such as Family Services help to fill this gap whether through a small gift or assistance paying for utilities such as heat."
Loren Hoffman: 845-437-4800, lhoffman@poughkeepsiejournal.com, Twitter: @LoreHoffyPJ.

Help Us Provide Thanksgiving to Ulster County Families

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The Family Education Program of Family Services provides home and group-based parent education to families in Ulster County. We have many traditions that we share with families and one tradition that is very important to us is to make a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner for the families we work with. The entire staff of our program cooks traditional Thanksgiving dishes as well as some of our own secret family recipes. It is our way of acknowledging the day to day struggles our clients face and providing them with a nurturing experience that they may not have the resources to create for themselves.

This year we do not have the funds in our budget to purchase the items we need for this event. We are asking our neighbors, friends, local business owners, and corporations to donate a little something for our dinner. The items we need are as follows:

Turkeys
Hams
Green beans (canned or frozen)
Stove Top Stuffing Mix
Canned yams
Fresh potatoes
Apples
Pie Crust
Butter
Onions
Carrots

Gift cards to grocery stores are also welcome to help us purchase spices, appetizers and condiments. Please consider making a donation this year so that we can continue this fun and nurturing Family Education tradition. For more information or to make a donation please contact Denise Parent at 845-331-5641 x221.

Family Services' Youth Council Launches Prom Project 2011

The Family Services Youth Council would like you to help make Prom Project a reality!

Image by hcplebranch via Flickr

Prom Project is one of our latest goals that we are striving to make a success. It is a way to show the teens of today's high schools that they can look beautiful and have a night to remember, no matter what their situation is.  We are looking for the donations of gently used and clean prom gowns. A dress to wear on a special occasion to make the lucky girl feel like a princess on the night of nights.  Any accessories, shoes, or make up would also be greatly appreciated. 

Once late March rolls on in, we will open our doors and let the wonderful young women come and get a free dress. Donating just one dress can help give a teen joy and hope not to mention the smiles. Of course, it isn't just the ladies who find themselves in rough times. Any donated tuxedos, suits, or even dress shirts and pants for our handsome gentlemen make a difference.  Please get a hold of Katherine Raynor by phone, (845) 452-1110 x3344, or by email, kraynor@familyservicesny.org, if you would like to make a donation or if you have any questions.

The Family Services Youth Council is also looking for new members who want to make a difference or help with the project. We have lots of future projects planned and your help could make a world of difference. The Youth Council is a way for youth to help their peers and make a difference in the community. Contact Katherine at the above information if you’d like to join or wish to find out more information. Membership is free. Meetings are the first and third Tuesday of every month at 4:30 in the Family Partnership Center.  If you would like to get a dress for your prom please call and make an appointment and you will be fit into that perfect dress.

IRA Holders Can Still Make 2010 Charitable Distributions

If you're over 70 1/2  you can still make a 2010 charitable contribution from your IRA this month, January 2011. GuideStar offers this information and links for more details:

IRA Holders Can Still Make 2010 Charitable Distributions: "Persons aged 70� or older can again enjoy tax savings by making charitable gifts directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), thanks to a provision of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was signed into law December 17, 2010. The act also allows charitable distributions made from an IRA in January 2011 to be declared as 2010 gifts, should the IRA holder wish to do so."

By making a donation to Family Services, you are "Providing Hope. Improving lives. Strengthening Community." Thank you for all your support.