Join Us for a Black History Month Celebration

This event is being brought to our community by Real Skills Network, a positive youth development program run by Tree Arrington, a Family Services Board member.

 

Celebrating Black History Month

Saturday, February 26th  12:00pm - 5:00pm

Lateef Islam Auditorium  Family Partnership Center   

29 N. Hamilton Street  Poughkeepsie, NY 

Featuring:

• Professional Lectures on Black Studies
• Traditional African Dances & Drumming by J&G Consultants
• A one woman theatrical production by Carolyn Evans called "Harriet Tubman"
• Dances by M*Power Cultural Dance & Fitness
• FREE Southern African Cuisine
• Community Discussion led by Michael Gee
• A Showcase of Talent
• Youth Tribute to African American History: Readings by Project Thunder Youth & other local youth
• Spoken Word by Gold
• Interactive Capoeira Workshop with Graduado Azulao

Standing on the Shoulders of Greatness

Employment Opportunity- Crime Victims Therapist

Join Our Dynamic Team!

Family Services’ Crime Victims Assistance Program is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated full-time therapist to provide trauma therapy to adult and child victims of crime.  Job responsibilities include: providing assessment, individual and group therapy; crisis intervention; responding to hotline calls; providing in-services and community presentations on related issues.  Some on-call services are necessary.  MSW or MA with NYS license required.  Experience working with victims a plus.  

Send resume and cover letter to Sharon Doane, Director of Forensic Services: sdoane@familyservicesny.org by 3/4/11. 

Have You Bought Your Raffle Tickets Yet?

photo credit: alykat

You can win a three or four day Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas for two* or an iPad with 3G and wifi -- first and second prize for the Family of the Year raffle.

Tickets: $10 each or three for $25. To purchase tickets contact Jean Calyer at 452-1110 x3135

Drawing: 8 p.m., April 7, 2011 at the Family of the Year Dinner, Grandview. Winners do not have to be present.

*Sponsored in part by Hunt Travel. Airfare to embarkation site in Florida not included.

Officials: 'Bath Salts' Are Growing Drug Problem

Image by Ancient Oils via Flickr

Law enforcement officials throughout the country are reporting that products promoted as bath salts have become prevalent as a drug of abuse. Bath salts have recently appeared in some of the same retail outlets that previously sold synthetic cannabinoid products such as K2 and Spice, and also are available via the Internet. Bath salts are abused as recreational drugs typically by injection, smoking, snorting, and, less often, by the use of an atomizer. Effects include agitation, an intense high, euphoria, extreme energy, hallucinations, insomnia, and making abusers easy to anger. Preliminary testing indicates that the active ingredients in many brands contain MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and/or mephedrone.

 
The abuse of bath salts and similar substances appears to be increasing, especially over the past 12 months. As synthetic cannabinoids are scheduled in various locations, many of their users begin to abuse bath salts. In addition to bath salts, these products are marketed as bath crystals, plant food, and herbal incense. Numerous brands are marketed in all 50 U.S. states and via Internet web sites. Common brand names include Blue Silk, Charge+, Ivory Snow, Ivory Wave, Ocean Burst, Pure Ivory, Purple Wave, Snow Leopard, Stardust (Star Dust), Vanilla Sky, White Dove, White Knight, and White Lightening. In central Pennsylvania, these substances have been offered for sale under the brand name “Blizzard.” The Blizzard brand is described as a white, odorless, fine-grained powder similar in appearance to baby powder or flour. Many other brands are a tan or brown powdery substance.
 
These products are readily available at convenience stores, discount tobacco outlets, gas stations, pawnshops, tattoo parlors, and truck stops, among other locations. Packaging typically includes a disclaimer, such as “not for human consumption.” The various brands are sold in 50-milligram to 500-milligram packets. Prices range from $25 to $50 per 50-milligram packet. These products have been widely available in the United Kingdom for at least several years. This year, a number of overdoses have been reported in the United Kingdom, including some deaths. A ban of bath salt products that contain MDPV went into effect in the United Kingdom on April 16, 2010.
 
Nationwide, male and female abusers of these substances range from teenagers to those in their 40s, often with an extensive history of drug abuse. Some abusers describe the effects as similar to methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine, and one referred to the substances as “complete crank” while others used the term “fake cocaine.”
 
The genesis of this watch was originally posed as a SENTRY ListServ question on December 7, 2010. POC: SENTRY Management Team, www.justice.gov/ndic/sentry or (814) 532-5888

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

After a presentation I had given to an eighth grade class, a female student came up to me and asked me if her boyfriend was abusive if he shoved her into walls during fights.  She also expressed other abuses that were occurring and told me that she never thought he was being abusive because she was the one that always made him angry.

This is an all too common example of teen dating violence.  Many people believe that abusive relationships do not exist among teens, but abusive relationships exist in all walks of life regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, and religion.  In fact, one out of three teenagers experiences abuse in their relationships.  Yet the majority of teens who are physically abused continue to date their partner.  Unfortunately, just like that eighth grade student, many of these teens do not consider what they are experiencing to be abusive.  This is why education about teen dating violence is so important.  In recent years the Battered Women’s Services Youth Domestic Violence Prevention and Education Program had educated over 2,500 students in Dutchess County each year on the warning signs of abusive relationships.  These presentations are provided free of charge in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and community programs throughout Dutchess County, and Battered Women’s Services provides follow-up counseling for any student who wants it.

This January, the US Senate passed a resolution that named February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.  This resolution is a testament to the important work the Battered Women’s Services Youth Domestic Violence Prevention and Education Program has been doing in the community.  The Senate has recognized the alarming statistics that show the severity of teen dating violence.  Statistics such as:

• One in every three teenage girls experience abuse in their relationship.  This is a far greater victimization rate than other forms of violence among teens.*
• Nearly 10% of teens experience physical abuse from their boyfriend or girlfriend.*
• Although most parents (82%) feel they can recognize if their child is in an abusive relationship, many parents (58%) could not correctly identify the warning signs.*
• Many students who are in abusive relationships do not recognize their relationships as abusive.*
• Relationships in which the pattern of violence started during adolescence are shown to have a greater severity of violence.*

Most importantly, the Senate has acknowledged that education is a key piece in the prevention of teen dating violence. 

           The following year, I had met the same student during another presentation as a freshman in high school.  She told me that she had dumped her boyfriend, and thanked me.  

Family Services' Youth Council
members Lindsey Graham and
Hayley Ferris working on the
Teen Dating Violence Awareness
Project at the Family Partnership Center.

For over thirty years the Battered Women’s Services Youth Domestic Violence Prevention and Education Program has done an incredible amount of work towards educating teenagers in Dutchess County about the dangers of dating violence, but there is always more work to do.  If you would like to discuss ways to help address teen dating violence, or if you are interested in having someone come and speak about this topic please contact Katherine Raynor, the Youth Domestic Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator, at 452-1110 x3344, or kraynor@familyservicesny.org.  If you are being abused in your relationship, or if someone you know is being abused, please call our 24-hour hotline to speak to a counselor: (845) 485-5550

For more information about teen dating violence, please visit http://www.loveisrespect.org/

*Please visit http://www.womenspolicy.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10378 for more information on this resolution.

Saturday, Feb. 19, Slavery in the Hudson Valley

Here's an event worth traveling to Albany:

 

“… a weed that grows on every soil” 

a panel discussion and performance about slavery in the Hudson Valley
 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

The New York State Museum
 

Michael Monasterial will present
stories about the life of an escaped
slave in the Hudson Valley

Join us for a panel discussion on slavery in the Hudson Valley with leading scholars and historians. The discussion will be followed by a performance detailing the life of an escaped slave who lived in Mount Gulian, N.Y.

This is program is sponsored by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Museum. Doors open to the Clark Auditorium, Concourse level at 2:30 p.m.

This is a free event celebrating Black History Month.

Win a Royal Caribbean Cruise or an iPad

Bahamas Coat of Arms via Wikipedia

You can win a three or four day Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas for two* or an iPad with 3G and wifi -- first and second prize for the Family of the Year raffle.

Tickets: $10 each or three for $25
To purchase tickets contact Jean Calyer at 452-1110 x3135

Drawing: 8 p.m., April 7, 2011 at the Family of the Year Dinner, Grandview. Winners do not have to be present.

*Sponsored in part by Hunt Travel. Airfare to embarkation site in Florida not included.

Come Thank These Great Volunteers, Feb. 17, 4-5:30, Family Partnership Center

Sue West, President

From Sue West’s Desk

If you live in the Hudson Valley, I’d like you to join me on February 17 when Family Services will be honoring the volunteers who give of their time and talents to make it possible for people in the Valley to help themselves manage some of the toughest problems families have to face.

Every year we hold a reception to say thank you to Family Services’ volunteers. In addition, our employees nominate two volunteers to honor for outstanding service to the community. This year we honor Sarah Beaumont and Dennis Dean.

Volunteering comes from the heart, from the passion a person feels for some issue or the compassion they have for people in need.

Sarah’s passion is helping victims of domestic violence. For four years, starting as an intern, she has volunteered on the hotline, counseled victims, advocated for their rights, educated legislators, provided childcare so mothers attend the Battered Women’s support group, participated in teen dating violence prevention education for middle and high school students, and helped to train new volunteers.  And, that doesn’t count adopting a family at Christmas.

In addition to her time and energy, Sarah brings a special understanding and knowledge of working with women and children with disabilities. She has done all this while finishing college, establishing herself as a young graduate, and starting a career.

Dennis’s passion is Poughkeepsie’s adolescents – providing them not only safety, hot food, and recreation at TRAC every day, but nurturing and mentoring them so that they can learn to be good citizens and parents in the future. You may know Dennis as a TRAC employee, but his commitment far exceeds a paid gig. When funding for TRAC evaporates, as it did last October, Dennis volunteers. As he pointed out, if we closed TRAC’s doors, we would never get them open again. He made the commitment to keep the center functioning with the same high standards established with a paid staff.

I’d like you to join me in thanking Sarah and Dennis and the many other volunteers they represent. They are helping all of us as we cope with crises, challenges, and growing pains. I hope to see you there.

Family Services Volunteer Appreciation Reception

February 17, 2011 (Snow date: 1/24)

4:00 to 5:30 pm

Family Partnership Center Cafeteria

29 North Hamilton Street

Poughkeepsie

No RSVP required

The Family Education Program of Family Services Inc.
Presents
The Nurturing Parenting®Program 

The Nurturing Program® is a twelve week workshop for parents based on four core values:

• Love of Life
• Respect for All Living Things
• Structure and Discipline
• Laughter, Humor and Play

12 Weeks, beginning March 2, 2011
Wednesdays 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Topics include:

• The Philosophy and Practices of Nurturing Parenting
• Ages and Stages of Growth for Infants and Toddlers
• Ways to Enhance Positive Brain Development in Children and Teens
• Communicating with Respect
• Building Self-Worth in Children
• Understanding Feelings
• Understanding and Developing Family Morals, Values and Rules
• Praising Children and their Behavior
• Alternatives to Spanking
• Learning Positive Ways to Deal with Stress and Anger

Groups will be held at 85 Grand St., Kingston  
Transportation will be provided (Kingston area only)

Please call 845-331-5641 for further information.

                                       Funding provided by NYSPEP

FSI Job Opening: Counselor/Advocate

Job Opening: Counselor/Advocate
FSI's Battered Women's Services seeks a caring and competent individual with a variety of skills to work with adult victims of domestic violence. BA in Human Services field preferred, but 3 years relevant experience will be considered.  Counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, community organizing, public speaking, and related work experience preferred.  Experience in domestic violence and bi-lingual (Spanish) a plus. Applicant must be highly organized and committed to the mission of the agency. Position is part-time with benefits. Send a cover letter and resume to Danielle Massa, Program Assistant, at dmassa@familyservicesny.org

Mary Ellen Still recipient of Leadership & Humanitarian Award

Family Services offers our  congratulations to Dutchess County Probation Director Mary Ellen Still, who has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Sara Tullar Fasoldt Leadership and Humanitarian Award. 

This award honors individuals who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, personal commitment, and make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals’ involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.  Based on Mary Ellen's work, she certainly deserves this honor.

Family Services staff know that when agencies work together to coordinate and collaborate, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Mary Ellen Still provides leadership and wisdom to our combined efforts. We thank you for that gift, Mary Ellen.

HVFCU Financial Services Raises Money to Help Community

Family Services wants to publicly thank the people at HVFCU Financial Services for their donation.

And, as much as we love the Poughkeepsie Journal, we have to correct their headline. HVFCU didn't raise this money for Family Services. They raised it to help friends and neighbors who need the services that FSI provides to our kids, victims of domestic violence and crime, young adults in need of job training, teen parents, and people who need some help getting on their feet.

Financial group raises money for nonprofit | poughkeepsiejournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal: "Family Services recently received a $3,400 donation from Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, based in Poughkeepsie.

The money was raised during HVFCU Financial Services’ annual Member Appreciation Celebration, which featured antique appraisals and a silent action fundraiser.

Jeffrey Thatcher, director of HVFCU Financial Services, said in a press release, “It’s important to give back to your community, and this was a way for us to do that.”"

 Thank you, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union! Your donation is greatly needed and appreciated. It will be put to good use.

Walk a Mile with Family Services

What on earth do you have on your feet?!

The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence

There’s an old saying: “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”  Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes.  It’s not easy walking in those shoes, but it’s fun and gets the community talking about a difficult subject--gender relations and sexual violence.

On April 30, 2011, FSI’s Crime Victims Assistance Program will host its first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event at Marist College.

Walk as an individual or get your friends or club to register as a team. Have some fun as you compete in your red high heels. Get your girlfriends to cheer you on. It's for a great cause -- to raise awareness and funds to stop gender violence. More details to follow.

Everyone is welcome.  We are currently seeking sponsors.  Contact Sharon Doane 452-1110 x3127 or sdoane@familyservicesny.org. 

Like us on facebook or check back here for updates about walk registration and how you can participate!

Why is it so hard to fund teen parenting support programs?

Sue West, President

From Sue West’s Desk

There’s plenty of public controversy about teens having, or not having, babies – comprehensive prevention vs. abstinence-only education vs. the route many of our Hudson Valley communities take – no education. Then there’s abortion vs. adoption vs. parenting.

Passion and controversy usually prompt people to reach into their pockets to support an issue. So, I sit here wondering why it’s so difficult to find financial support for Family Services Teen Parenting Program. We’ve had to strip services back to the bare minimum and keep searching for grants, corporate sponsors, and donors to help.

In December I received a long letter from Krisken Lewis-Coward. She’s given me permission to share her story with you. Here are some excerpts from her letter.

My name is Krisken Lewis-Coward. I have been a client in the teen parent program for 5.5 years. I was 15 years old and pregnant when my guidance counselor at Arlington High School […] referred me to the program….[Krisken talks about her Family Services case managers and how they helped her]

…Birthing classes
…Referred my best friend when she became pregnant
…Encouraged me to make some goals and stayed on top of me
…Supported me when I got married and pregnant again
…Helped me find all the best help and information…benefited not only me but my family

My husband and I both work, I also attend school and we take care of our girls the best way we know how and I just wanted to express my appreciation for the teen parent program and its staff. They are great….The case managers all helped me if I couldn’t get to [my case manager] Jessica and they have all grown quite fond of my children.

I just want to encourage you to keep the teen parent program going for as long as possible.… Even though I have aged out of the program I still have a bond with the staff and program and I will continue to be active in volunteering and helping in any way shape or form that I can.

When any teen makes the decision to have her baby, she will need – well, everything! Information, advice, money, handholding, acceptance, cheerleading, celebration, smiles, someone to cry with, a place to live, baby furniture, a compass to navigate through the complex relationships of parents, baby’s father, his and her families, and friends and, and, and…. In Krisken’s case, five and a half years’ worth of support.

Krisken went on to talk about a career working with teens and her hope that she can afford to make a donation to support the Teen Parenting Program soon. She’s only twenty. She has a husband, children, job, and school to juggle. She’s doing well and we’re proud of her successes.

As I reflect on all of this, I have two questions for you. I’d love to read your comments below.

• Why do you think it’s so hard to get funding for teen parenting programs?

• Is there anything you can do to help?

All the best to you on this icy January afternoon,
Sue

Watch Friday Night - Hope Survives: 30 Years of AIDS

On Friday, January 14 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN, Anderson Cooper will host a special one-hour broadcast Hope Survives: 30 Years of AIDS. 

Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, will join Sir Elton John, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Mo'Nique and others to provide insight and perspective on HIV/AIDS in the U.S., with a focus on stigma and the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans and men who have sex with men. Phill will highlight pressing challenges and notable accomplishments, including the role of Greater Than AIDS - a new national movement to unite Americans on HIV/AIDS developed with the Kaiser Family Foundation.

As part of the show, CNN has filmed a montage with celebrities sharing personal "Deciding Moments" that changed how they thought about the disease and inspired them to get involved. As part of the Greater Than AIDS movement, hundreds of everyday Americans have already submitted their "Deciding Moments."

Greater Than AIDS is an unprecedented collaboration among a broad coalition of public and private sector partners united in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States. It is developed by the Kaiser Family Foundation  and the Black AIDS Institute  together with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Ford Foundation, MAC AIDS Fund, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other partners.
 

For more information, visit: www.greaterthan.org

Portrait of Inequality Video

Black Community Crusade for Children


Tomorrow Marian Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund and Geoffrey Canada will announce new research on Black children. in crisis.

This is the challenge. Support Family Services and become part of the solution.

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. 

OASAS Training - Working with Criminal Justice Clients - Feb. 3 &4

Workforce Development - OASAS Training: "Free OASAS-Sponsored Regional Trainings

The Family Partnership Center will be the site of a free two-day OASAS training for substance abuse treatment professionals.

Who Should Attend:

Professionals providing direct care in a substance abuse treatment setting, including clinical supervisory staff.
Professionals providing direct care in a criminal justice setting through drug courts, probation, or parole, including supervisory staff.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services’ (OASAS) Criminal Justice Unit will conduct a 12-hour training entitled “Working with Criminal Justice Clients” on January 18-19, 2011 at Johnson City Learning Center/BOCES, 500 Main Street, Johnson City, NY 13790, and on February 3-4, 2011 at Poughkeepsie Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Training hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. This seminar will cover Criminal Thinking from the perspectives of Cognitive-Behavioral therapies and the parallels between the thinking distortions that support addictive behavior and the thinking distortions that support criminality.

This training meets established standards for 12 hours of Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC Section 2), and Credentialed Prevention Professional/Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPP/CPS Section 1) education and training. Participants are required to attend the full 12 hours of training to receive a certificate of completion. There will be no tuition charge for this training."

For more details and the application form click here.

Hudson Valley Press Online Features the Family Partnership Center and REAL

Everyone likes to be the focus of good news and yesterday was a banner day for the Family Partnership Center and our partners! The Hudson Valley Press Online published two good-news articles that involve the Center.

The Wizards of Poughkeepsie cast on stage

The first highlighted the play "Wizards of Poughkeepsie" performed by youngsters in the Relationship Empowerment Affirmation Leadership (R.E.A.L.) Skills Network at the Family Partnership Center.  Over 800 elementary school children attended the December play which put a hip-hop spin on the Wiz to underscore the importance of college. You can read about the play and the other great programs R.E.A.L. offers here.

The second article identified the range of services available through agencies located in the Partnership Center.  From health care to teen parenting, battered women's services to literacy you can find what you need in a safe, convenient neighborhood center. You can read that article here.

 

NYBDC Foundation Provides Hot Meals for Kids

Image by Ordered Chaos

There's nothing worse than being hungry and many of the TRAC members count on having dinner with us.

Thanks to the NY Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) Foundation for their recent donation. Their contribution will help provide hot dinners for the kids at the TRAC Center.


TRAC - the Teen Resource Activity Center - offers City of Poughkeepsie youth a safe environment after school hours. At TRAC youth have many opportunities, including participation in community service activities, academic assistance, recreational activities, sports, mentors, volunteer opportunities and field trips.

The NYBDC Foundation asked NYBDC directors to identify community organizations that have "a direct and meaningful impact on the communities they serve." Thanks to director Carl Meyer who recommended Family Services.