Rochester Woman Magazine Dec 2011

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december 2011

Center for Youth: Helping Those at Risk

SHIFT+CONTROL

Nutts For Mutts:

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DOGS

Saint’s Place

Filling a Community Need rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

w w w. r o c h e s t e rwo m a n m ag . c o m

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REVIVING 5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION. SHEN YUN. For Chinese, the words evoke a sense of wonder, magic, and the divine.

To audiences who have seen it, they recall the experience of a lifetime—a moment so powerfully beautiful it touches the soul.

Discover the glory of a fantastically rich culture, that of classical China, brought to life through brilliantly choreographed dance and mesmerizing, all-original orchestral compositions. Magnificently costumed dancers—the world’s elite— move in poetic arrangements that evoke pastoral beauty, imperial drama, and the glory of an ancient civilization. This season, discover what art was meant to be.

Discover Shen Yun.

“Superb! Every performance was stunning.”

— WNYC

“Brilliant choreography... extravagantly beautiful.”

— BroadwayWorld.com

FOR 5,000 YEARS in China, culture was

“Incredible.”

— MSNBC heralded as a divine gift. Its glory was long the inspiration of countless artists and poets, until this heritage was nearly lost…

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts seeks to revive this once-majestic tradition by creating a production worthy in its beauty of this noble history—something that enriches the lives of audiences in powerful, lasting ways.

Sunday 6:00pm

FEB. 26, 2012

KODAK HALL at EASTMAN THEATRE

ALL-NEW 2012 SHOW

Tickets: (585) 454-2100 www.rpo.org or area Wegmans $50, $60, $70, $90, $130

WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Information: (877) 519-0905 ShenYun2012.com

ShenYun2012.com

Presented by Upstate NY Falun Dafa Association

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24

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48

december

contents ETC

7

Children Awaiting Parents

9

The Generosity Store

10

CURE Childhood Cancer

12

YWCA

15

Wisdom in a Traffic Jam

17

ABW

18

NCMEC

20

Foodlink

22

Cover Story: Saint’s Place

24

Epilepsy Foundation

27

Rochester Children’s Scholarship Fund

28

ABVI

30

UNYFEAT

32

Healthy Woman

35

Smile for a Lifetime

36

Center for Youth

38

Lollypop Farm

41

Animal Behavior

42

Cracker Box Palace

44

Nuts for Mutts

46

Greyhound Rescue

48

SHIFT+CONTROL

SHIFT+CONTROL

ROCHESTER

WOMAN magazine

OUR TEAM...

Publishers

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Graphic Designer Jessica Bates Melissa Meritt Emma Tang

Photography Brandon Vick

Letter from the PUBLISHERS “To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.” ----Anne Morrow Lindbergh Publishing a magazine of this caliber every month brings with it many challenges, but there are also just as many rewards that make all the hard work worth while.

Every month we get to meet many of incredible women in this community and help them tell their stories. Everywhere we go we are showered with compliments on the success of the magazine and how it is such a great community resource.

Contributing Writers Angella Luyk Karen Petote, Esq. Sraddha Prativadi, MD Mark Forrest Patrick, CDTVA

Advertising Sales Kelly Breuer Lorna Lee

We have found that the greatest reward of all is providing a forum with which we can help the many local non-profit agencies tell their story and promote their inspiring messages. Each month we feature one non-profit organization in our For a Good Cause column. This month we decided to take it a step further and devote our entire issue to over 20 local non-profit agencies dealing with not only humans, but our animals as well.

Our cover story features Colleen Knauf, otherwise known as “the Saint Lady”.

Colleen is the founder of Saint’s Place, a wonderful organization that provides clothing, furniture and resources to refugees entering this country and looking for a fresh start. You’ll meet one incredible family who walked across two countries in order to make their way to the United States and the freedom they deserved.

Saint’s Place is instrumental in helping families like this to get a fresh start and begin their life anew in America. Read their story on page 24.

There are many more stories within the pages of our December RWM Gives Back issue, each highlighting great organizations providing much needed services in our community. Please take a moment to get to know them and help support the great work they do. Whether it’s a donation of cash, personal items, or time, we can all find the means to help in our own small way.

As our second year of publishing Rochester Woman Magazine comes to a close, we want to thank all of our readers and advertisers for there generous support. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to continue to do something that we truly love.

From everyone at Rochester Woman Magazine, we want to wish all of you a safe and happy Holiday Season and a successful New Year!

Kell y & Barb 6

december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

Advertise with us...

Unlike any other publication in the Rochester area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Rochester women.

Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication.

The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 300 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

Contact our home office

585.924.4426 10 East Main Street Suite 301 Victor, NY 14564 info@rochesterwomanmag.com Download our media kit at

www.rochesterwomanmag.com Rochester Woman Magazine is printed locally. The magazine is published 10 times a year by InnovateHER Media Group, llc.

10 E. Main St., Suite 301, Victor, NY 14564.

Copyright © 2011 InnovateHER Media Group, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Rochester Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of InnovateHER Media Group, llc. and will not be returned.

Etc... november movies...

The Greatest Gift of All is Not at the Mall

Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.

12/16

12/21

This is not just another mission. The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in a global terrorist bombing plot.

Ghost Protocol is initiated and Ethan Hunt and his rogue new team must go undercover to clear their organization’s name. No help, no contact, off the grid.

A single dad decides his family needs a fresh start, so he and his two children move to the most unlikely of places: a zoo. With the help of an eclectic staff, and with many misadventures along the way, the family works to return the dilapidated zoo to its former wonder and glory.

12/23

12/25

War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man, Albert, who tames and trains him. The film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets.

The Shoe Factory Art Co-op, Rochester’s alternative exhibit space, announces their December art show “The Greatest Gift of All”. The gallery will feature one of a kind, handmade art gifts created by 27 local artists. Unique holiday items such as artistic ornaments, decorative trees, and festive menorahs will be available for purchase. Also on display will be paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, metal works, mosaics, furniture, and kinetic sculpture.

Local artists featured in the exhibit include: Beth Bailey, Pat Bishop, Phil Bliss, Beth Brown, Nancy Jo Gambacurta, Stephanie Cusenz Green, Susan Jenkins, Stacy Jennings, Kathleen Kosel, Scott Lamont, Russ Lunn, Stan Merrell, Doug Steward, Kelly Thompson-Waldt, Colleen Virdi, David Walter, Sarah Wight, Mollie Wolf.

There are also nine guest artists featured.

The show runs through December 24th.

The exhibit will be held at The Shoe Factory Art Co-op, 250 N. Goodman St., Studios 212 and 212A on the second floor.

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5pm and admission is free.

For more information, visit www.shoefactoryarts.com

Rochester Natives Use the Arts to bring Latino History Into the Main Stream Rochester natives Jessica and Jennica Carmona have won the endorsement of famed Puerto Rican author Esmeralda Santiago (When I was a Puerto Rican and America’s Dream) and Felipe Luciano (Founding Member of the original Young Lords Party) for the production of their film, Millie and the Lords. After more than five years of researching, interviewing, writing, editing, and auditioning, the two endorsements will open several doors for the two filmmakers/playwrights and help a great deal in getting the film produced and distributed in the mainstream.

Both Jessica and Jennica graduated from Rochester’s School of the Arts in 1994 with Dance majors, and went on to study Acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. Rochester native Philip Seymour Hofman also graduated from Tisch.

Before heading off to New York City, the Carmona’s studied dance at Little Red Dancing School as well as Borinquen Dance Company. Jessica worked at the Puerto Rican Youth Development and Resource Center on N. Clinton Avenue and studied playwriting at Writers and Books.

The film tells the story of a young Puerto Rican woman growing up in Spanish Harlem, whose life changes drastically when a benevolent high school teacher begins to teach her about the history of the Young Lords Party. Specifically, the film highlights the impact the Young Lords made on fighting racism and oppression against Latinos. “This is like a dream come true”, says Jennica, who wrote the screenplay while working at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in New York City. “Jessica and I always dreamed of combining our love for the Arts together with our commitment to social justice. With the endorsement of Santiago and Luciano, we can actually do that, and inspire others to do the same.”

Says Santiago of the film: “It’s a beautiful concept for a film and I am happy to support her in her dream.”

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december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

::children awaiting parents

Building Families A Family Legacy of

Anthony, a five-year-old boy Jeanne and Ron Hux found listed on the Children Awaiting Parents website is blind and the doctors told the Hux family that Anthony’s life expectancy was going to be very short. Anthony had no response to Jeanne at their first meeting but responded to Ron immediately with a smile. Within 15 minutes, the family had decided to adopt Anthony who is now seven years old and thriving with his new family. With the love and support from Jeanne and Ron, Anthony exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Children Awaiting Parents began in 1972 when Peggy Soule and a group of Rochesterarea parents sat down around a dining room table and began important work on behalf of “invisible” children who were available for adoption but were “hard to place”; teenagers, children with disabilities and sibling groups who refused to be separated. These advocates were convinced that if people could see the children waiting for adoption as individuals, families would come forward to provide the homes that were so desperately needed. Out of this vision and need, Children Awaiting Parents was born. The group developed The CAP Book, a photo listing with narratives about local waiting children, and adoptions in the community soon increased. Under Peggy’s leadership as first Executive Director, the book expanded into a county, a regional, and then a national listing. The grassroots effort also led to the New York State law that mandates photo listing of all children legally free for adoption.

Now, almost 40 years later, nearly 6,000 families have been built with the help of Children Awaiting Parents. Mark Soule, Peggy’s son, carries on the agency’s mission of finding a forever family for those children who have waited the longest for a home. “While the need and means of making children visible has changed since 1972, there can be no question that this form of recruitment works. Families are found,” said Soule. Children Awaiting Parents has jumped into the digital age, with internet listings, You Tube videos and QR codes continuing the important work of making these children visible to the general public and connecting them with families looking to adopt.

The Anthonys of the world are the lucky ones. There are over 100,000 children in the foster care system in the United States who are legally free for adoption. For those children who “age out” of foster care without finding a family, the statistics are sobering. Of all youth aging out of the foster care system, national statistics indicate: * 56% are unemployed and face poverty within two to four years. * They represent 70% of all homeless youth. * They constitute 88% of incarcerated youth and young adults. * 40% receive welfare within two to four years. * 40% do not graduate from high school. * 60% of the teenage girls will have a baby within two years.

Adopt America Network

In addition, it is estimated that each child who “ages out” costs society more than $1 million over a lifetime. From a moral, ethical and financial perspective we need to invest in finding these children permanent homes now, or we will pay the price many times over as a society.

And that child will pay with his/her future.

Children Awaiting Parents has always been an innovator, leaving no stone unturned in reaching out to prospective adoptive families for children who have waited the longest. As an information and referral agency, we are known for focused and personal service. Thus, agencies that place children turn to us to help find families for the children who are most difficult to place. We are a partner with both public and private agencies, a facilitator for families seeking information about the adoption process, an educational resource, and a true advocate for children. Children Awaiting Parents is building families, changing lives and changing the future of our community.

For more information, visit www.childrenawaitingparents.org

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

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::the generosity store

The Store That Gives The Generosity Store is a non-profit gift shop to benefit the School of the Holy Childhood and Golisano Children’s Hospital. The concept came about after a tour of The School of the Holy Childhood. Karen Lynch, now President and CEO of the Generosity Store, along with her husband Dan were so impressed with the facilities, that they knew they had to find a way to help.

Karen, who has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from RIT, has been fundraising in the Rochester area for over 15 years. For more than 10 years, Karen’s role as Associate Director for Advancement for Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) helped grow its annual fundraising efforts to the $7 million mark. While at GCH, Karen’s specific focus was on community outreach and events management.

Knowing The School of the Holy Childhood needed an offsite location to help sell their pies and woodworking, as well as create over-all awareness, that combined with Karen’s affection for Golisano Children’s Hospital the Lynches felt that selling products for the two organizations would make the perfect business and the Generosity Store was born.

“We are so excited to be involved in this unique venture to help both wonderful organizations,” said Lynch. “It’s a dream come true for our family and an exceptional opportunity for the public to obtain unique gifts and delicious pies, while assisting children and adults in our community.”

The store currently sells holiday gifts, furniture, children gifts, pet products, lighting, living and designing accessories, designer collections and much more.

Featured items include handcrafted products made in the woodworking shop of The School of the Holy Childhood and famously delicious pies from their Special Touch Bakery. In addition, the store also features an array of special items for sale in the “Sandy Store” section to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The Generosity Store regularly hosts events and new product launches in which they strive to surprise and delight customers throughout the year, making it a destination that is always evolving.

photo by Tim

Leverett

The store’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with special needs and developmental disabilities by creating an altruistic alliance between charitable supporters and non-profit organizations.

For more information about the store visit www.thegenerositystore.org or www. facebook.com/thegenerositystore for updates and special customer appreciation deals.

The store is open 7 days a week and is located at 39 South Goodman St (corner of Park Ave and Goodman). Phone: 585-442-6779 email: info@thegenerositystore.org.

photo by Tim

Leverett

Volunteers of America Resale Stores

Better Brands for Less Batavia, Brockport, Canandaigua, Elmira, Henrietta, Palmyra, Warsaw, Webster, Rochester (Culver/Main, Lake Ave, Canal St) For store hours or to schedule a donation pick-up, call 585-647-1150 or visit www.voawny.org

::cure

Because children shouldn’t face cancer alone

CURE Childhood Cancer Association was formed in Rochester in 1976 by a group of parents who lost their children to cancer. They wanted to provide support for others going through the same experience, as well as raise money for cancer research.

Today, CURE is the only organization in Rochester focused solely on meeting the emotional, social, financial and educational needs of children with cancer and hematological diseases and their families. Our mission is to “Improve the lives of families coping with childhood cancer or chronic blood disorders by providing emotional, educational and financial assistance.”

CURE is a local organization serving families throughout the greater Rochester area as well as Western New York. We provide support to our families beginning at the time of diagnosis. The services we provide continue through every stage of treatment and beyond, including family support groups and providing free hospital parking for all inpatient and clinic visits as well as emergency financial aid to families.

We provide families with funding for such diverse needs as rent, heating bills, medications and funeral expenses.

CURE also provides much needed support through advocacy programs at the hospital. The Parent Advocate works with the treatment team at the hospital and meets with families soon after diagnosis to provide information and emotional support from the unique perspective of “a parent who has been there”. The Parent Advocate continues to work with families throughout the course of their child’s treatment and visits with them regularly while their child is in the hospital.

Annually, there are approximately 65 new diagnosis of cancer in children who live in and around the greater Rochester area. More importantly, we are currently managing and providing services for approximately 6,000 family members who have been touched, through their children, by this horrible disease.

As cancer treatments have become increasingly effective, more children survive into adulthood. A major part of CURE’s mission now involves providing cancer survivors with resources that will educate them so that they are able to maintain their health and independence, often in the face of recurring health issues.

Through our various programs and services, CURE improves the lives of more than 1,500 children and over 6,000 family members annually.

Programs Include:

• Parking passes, saving families over $85,000.00 annually in parking fees

while visiting the hospital.

• Meal Vouchers providing hot meals to parents while visiting their child.

• Educational materials for children in pre-school through college to help

parents navigate the many aspects of insuring continuity in their child’s

education while undergoing treatment.

• CURE also hosts many free family friendly events offering families

opportunities to get away for a brief time and forget about their child’s

illness For more information on CURE visit www.curekidscancer.com

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december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

A

Powerful Resource

::ywca

in Our Community The YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County has been a powerful resource in our community for over 125 years. Through the efforts of our dedicated women leaders, caring staff, and the many volunteers and donors who give their time and financial support, we have continued to successfully meet the changing needs of women and girls within our community.

Yet, as the year comes to an end, we’d like to recognize one very special gesture that made an incredible difference in the lives of the women and children we serve.

When Susan Roberts, Executive VP and Chief Compliance Officer for Bausch & Lomb, visited the YWCA earlier this year for a tour, she was touched by number of homeless women and children in our community. “There’s so much many of us take for granted,” she said of the experience. “My children mean everything to me. I’m fortunate - I have a home of my own in a safe neighborhood. I send my kids off to a great school in warm clothes and with full “tummies.” I cannot imagine what it must be like to be a mom who is struggling to put food on the table or have a safe place to live.”

Inspired to make a difference, Susan asked the YWCA how she could help. In addition to making a donation, she wanted to inspire others to do the same. At the Empowering Women Luncheon, Susan shared her experience and gave a beautiful bracelet to every donor at the event who pledged a dollar or more a day. Engraved on each bracelet were the words, “YWCA Empowering Women Every Day,” to serve as a reminder of the impact each person can make.

“I think about the difference a dollar a day can make, the difference even 50 cents a day can make,” she said. “That’s less than the cost of a cup of coffee. But it can mean so much to the women of the YWCA.” To help illustrate the impact of the YWCA’s programs and services, two women taking part in the YWCA’s housing and teen programs also spoke at the Empowering Women Luncheon and shared the challenges they had overcome.

Clenita, a college-educated mother of two who worked multiple jobs to care for her family, lost both of her jobs months after she experienced complications with her second pregnancy. “It was the first time since I was 19 years old that I wasn’t working.” she told the crowd, overcome with emotion remembering when she and her sons were evicted. But just one month after moving into one of the YWCA’s affordable housing apartment units, Clenita and her sons not only had a safe place to stay, Clenita found a new job after her YWCA case manager helped her develop her resume and build her self confidence.

Rosetta, who became pregnant during her junior year in high school, heard about the YWCA’s program for young mothers during an in-school suspension resulting from a fight at school. “Before I came to the YWCA, I was headed in the wrong direction,” she says. With senior year, and the responsibilities of parenting, fast approaching, Rosetta realized she needed to think about the future. Working with her YWCA case manager, her grades began to improve. She made the honor roll and became a peer advocate, encouraging other teens to avoid early pregnancy. “I don’t think I would have graduated if it weren’t for the YWCA,” she said, after celebrating the milestone on-time with her class last summer. “Now I can be the first in my family to graduate from college and set a good example for my son.”

In all, Susan’s generous gift helped inspire others to pledge to give a dollar a day or more, raising over $25,000 at the Empowering Women Luncheon, and meeting the matching gift of the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation. As Susan said, “Each one of us has the chance to make a difference. Each one of us has the chance to change someone’s life forever.”

For more information on the YWCA and how you can help, visit www.ywcarochester.org.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

15

SHIFT+CONTROL

::wisdom in a traffic jam

The Many Ways to Support Local Charities Angella, As a business owner I would like to be able to support the many wonderful not-for-profit organizations in our area but writing checks can get expensive. What other suggestions can you offer?

Barb Dear Barb, As business owners we seem to forever run short on cash and time but don’t fret. There are many ways you can support the charities of your choice; and Rochester is very fortunate to have many organizations that can help those in need. You can also make this a joint effort with your employees. This will give everyone a sense of pride and team work. Nothing brings a company together more than giving back together.

Many of these suggestions I offer here are ones that I practice myself: 1) I allow my employees to volunteer at the charity of their choice for four (4) hours per month and still receive their regular pay.

We have volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army, walked for Autism, and collected winter coats to name a few. These are good activities that employees can do that don’t cost the individual anything more than their time. When you pool your resources you can accomplish quite a bit.

3) I volunteer with Junior Achievement where I teach business skills. I am donating my recent book, Wisdom in a Traffic Jam, to be used for course material in the future. Each volunteer is given course materials to teach at all the different grade levels. You choose what grade level you are comfortable with.

4.) Volunteer your time at a local pet shelter to walk animals, or help with the pet adoption outreach.

5.) Volunteer to serve a meal to the homeless, or drive the meals to elderly members of your community who might not be able to get out.

Remember no matter how much you give, it’s the thought behind what you do. Your community has supported you through the years, and now it is time for you to support them. Look for creative ways that your company can give to a local charity. Contact them directly and ask what they need. Reach out to your employees and ask them if they have a charity that is dear to them. You don’t have to devote a lot of time; if you can spare an hour or two a month, they would greatly appreciate it.

Angella Luyk is CEO of Midnight Janitorial Inc, and published author of “Wisdom in a Traffic Jam”. If you have question for Angella visit www.wisdominatrafficjam.com or www.midnightjanitorial.com.

2) Instead of expecting gifts from my employees, we adopt a local family and as a company purchase items from their wish lists. Your area food bank can give you the name of a family, you contact them and they tell you what their children would like for Christmas. Each of your employees agrees to donate a present from the child’s wish list, and a food item. Together you can provide a much needed holiday meal along with a few extras.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

17

::abw

25 Years

Helping Women and Children Overcome Abuse for over

The woman began to cry and asked who I was...I told her my name and that I worked here in the court for Alternatives for Battered Women (ABW). She then began to cry harder and stated that she felt so alone and I must have been an angel sent to help save her life.

This is just one comment, from one client—but it could speak for many of the tens of thousands of people we’ve helped here at ABW over the past three decades.

When most people think of ABW, our 38-bed shelter and 24-hour hotline immediately come to mind; but we offer so much more, and serve three times as many victims of domestic violence with our non-residential programs (counseling, court advocacy, education/ prevention) as we do in our shelter.

To fully appreciate the impact ABW has on our community, it’s helpful to think of what life was like for a victim of domestic violence before ABW was founded, in the late 1970s. A call to the police for help was often met with little more than a perfunctory response—after all, domestic violence happened behind closed doors, it was a family matter, and that was where it belonged. There was nowhere for a victim in fear of her life to go, nowhere for her children to be safe from harm. There were more shelters for stray dogs and cats in our country then, than there were for abused women and children.

And the law? It was seldom in favor of the abused. Even if a victim summoned the courage to call for help, her abuser often browbeat her into not pressing charges, and the cycle would begin all over again.

Fortunately, because of the hard work of agencies like ABW and many other dedicated advocates, that picture has changed through the years. We’re still a long way off from eliminating this horrible problem, but the array of services available for victims is infinitely better, and more effective.

One in four women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime; for men, it’s one in nine. It’s the leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and the number one cause of death for pregnant women. Businesses lose billions of dollars in productivity each year, when their employees miss work due to violence in the home.

Studies show that children who witness violence in the home are two to three times more likely either to become a victim as an adult, or to inflict violence on an intimate partner.

More than 50% of teens report being the victim of violence in an intimate relationship at some time in their young lives. Sadly, technologies such as texting, GPS systems, and social networking make stalking and abuse that much easier for this tech-savvy generation.

It’s a problem that effects us all, and it’s up to us—men and women of all ages, in all zip codes and income brackets—to stand up to this terrible problem, acknowledge its existence, and work every day until it’s eradicated.

For more information on Alternatives for Battered Women, visit www.abwrochester.org

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december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

::NCMEC

Every Child

Deserves a Safe Childhood A quarter century ago, police could enter information about stolen cars, stolen guns and even stolen horses into the FBI’s national crime computer – but not stolen children.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is an organization born out of tragedy. In 1979, six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school and was never seen again. Twenty-nine children were abducted and murdered in Atlanta. And in 1981, six-year-old Adam Walsh was abducted from a Florida shopping mall and found brutally murdered. We were a nation of 18,000 police departments which didn’t communicate with each other. There was no national system to deal with the problem of missing children.

That is no longer the case. Today when a child goes missing or is a victim of sexual exploitation, NCMEC serves as a national resource for information and resources available to law enforcement and parents including: A national, toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800THE LOST, which has handled more than 2.6 million calls; a national network to distribute missing child photos which has disseminated billions of photos; the CyberTipline, www. cybertipline.com, which is the nation’s 911 for reporting suspected child exploitation cases and which has handled more than 1.2 million reports; training for nearly 300,000 police and prosecutors; Team Adam, retired law enforcement experts in missing child cases that we dispatch to help local police with the most serious cases; forensic artists who create age progression photos and facial reconstructions; a Cold Case Unit that works cases others have set aside; a dedicated Sex Offender Tracking team that is working to locate more than 100,000 fugitive sex offenders, and much more.

Today, more missing children come home safely and more is done to protect children than anytime in the nation’s history.

The recovery rate has increased from 62% in 1962 to 97% today.

However, much more needs to be done. There are still thousands of children who do not make it home each year, and more who fall victim to sexual exploitation. An estimated 2,000 children are reported missing every day. And 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be sexually victimized before age 18. Yet, only 1 in 3 will tell anyone.

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december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

What can parents do? Know where your children are and who they are with. Keep up-to-date photos of your children, talk to them about their safety, and teach them it is okay to fight back.

We have found that children who yell, kick and run away during an attempted abduction get away safely. Monitor what your children are doing on the internet, move the computer out of their bedrooms and teach them not to provide personal information online.

NCMEC has a regional office here in Rochester. NCMEC/ NY provides child safety education programs for schools and community groups throughout the state, provides case analysis assistance and conducts training for law enforcement. Last year alone, NCMEC/NY helped in the recovery of 1,682 children, conducted more than 800 public education programs, coordinated child identification programs involving more than 5,000 children and adults and trained more than 200 law enforcement officials.

In addition to the office in Rochester, NCMEC/NY has satellite offices in Buffalo, Utica and Saratoga Springs, which would be unable to operate without support from fundraising events such as the five 100-mile bicycle Rides forMissing Children across New York, our signature annual dinner auctions as well as from individual donations.

We think every child deserves a safe childhood. More tools and information to help parents keep their children safe can be found on www.netsmartz.org.

For more information on how you can help the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and NCMEC/NY, contact www.missingkids.com; esuk@ncmec.org; or call 1-800-THE LOST.

Does someone you know need a doctor?

SHIFT+CONTROL

Dr. Amanda Victory

is accepting new patients.

Call 585.256.3000 Services include: • Childbirth and family planning • Endometriosis and menopausal care

• Cancer screenings

• Minimally invasive surgery • Infertility, menstrual disorders and incontinence

DR. VICTORY WILL BE JOINING:

Southeast OB/GYN Raphael T. Tshibangu, MD, FACOG Eufemia J. A. Mariano, MD, FACOG Rita Clement, MD, FACOG Sylvia Farnand, MSNP Highland Hospital Physicians Office Building 990 South Avenue, Suite 104, Rochester, NY 14620 For more information, call 585.256.3000.

::foodlink

Working

to Build a Hunger Free Community Foodlink has a 34 year history of providing food, education, and advocacy to address the problem of hunger in New York State. Founded in 1978 as the Genesee Valley Regional Food Clearinghouse, Foodlink has demonstrated a profound commitment to hunger relief and prevention, rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it instead to those in need. As a founding member of Feeding America, Foodlink is part of a national network of more than 200 food banks. Foodlink serves more than 450 human service agencies and programs in our ten-county region, distributes over 12 million pounds of food per year, and is nationally recognized as an innovative leader in food banking. Through the distribution of food to our network of agencies, Foodlink accomplishes the twin goals of: Meeting the immediate needs of individuals in our region who lack access to adequate, nutritious food and Supporting the network of human service providers in our community by reducing their food costs and enabling them to focus their funding on direct service activities.

Foodlink’s vision is to build a hunger-free community and sustainable regional food system in which every individual has access to nutritious food and is empowered with the tangible skills to lead a healthy and productive life. The food bank’s network of agencies serve 110,000 meals each week, or a total of more than 6 million meals annually to an estimated 150,000 different people.

Since its founding, Foodlink has distributed over 150 million pounds of food—which translates into $125 million worth of product for our community.

Foodlink’s mission is to provide hunger relief, eliminate the root causes of hunger, improve health and promote economic development. The Foodlink food bank works with area food retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers to acquire, sort, store and redistribute food to member agencies, such as soup kitchens. In addition, Foodlink provides food to hundreds of non-emergency programs including group homes, day cares, and senior centers.

Foodlink’s programs aim to empower individuals to understand their role in the environment and food system, lead healthier lives, and develop the skills needed for gainful employment.

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Freshwise Kitchen raises the bar on institutional food service by providing 3000 hot, nutritious meals to low-income children each day throughout the City of Rochester.

The Farm Education Program at Freshwise Farms in Penfield empowers youth to be excited and informed about their food system through hands-on lessons.

The Backpack Program provides 1300 bags/week of kid-friendly, nutritious food to hungry children take home on weekends and school break Cooking Matters teaches kids basic nutrition and culinary skills through courses led by professional chefs.

GreenWorks workforce development program prepares participants for employment through GED preparation, and job readiness skills development.

Foodlink’s current 90,000 square foot multi-floor, century-old building can no longer meet the needs of the growing organization.

This December, Foodlink will be relocating to a new facility on Mount Read Boulevard. The new building will operate on one floor, in order to streamline operations and provide more efficient storage. This younger facility will reduce current maintenance needs and ensure optimal stewardship of the resources they receive. Most importantly, it will enable Foodlink to increase the amount of food distributed in order to meet the growing need.

97% of all donations go directly to Foodlink’s anti-hunger programs for which they provide an unparalleled return on investment; just $1 provides 5 meals, or $10 worth of food to a family in need.

Foodlink has a history of innovation and stewardship, and the new facility provides the opportunity to continue that tradition for years to come.

For more information, visit www.foodlinkny.org

::cover story

Saint’s Place:

filling a community need

by Karen Petote, Esq.

When I arrived at Saint’s Place, the old Victorian house at 46 S. Main Street in Pittsford on the campus of St. Louis Church, I didn’t know what to expect. A placard at the entrance summed up what was behind those doors and beyond: “Thank you for thinking of others”, the organization’s greeting to those who drop off donations of all kinds for political refugees who flee violence, discrimination and poverty and come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Saints Place is the idea of Colleen Knauf and the ministry of many who, in the Christian tradition, work with all faiths to serve those in dire need regardless of race, nationality or religion.

As I entered the facility, I watched people sorting through bags of donated clothing and household items. Almost every space of that old house, now a processing center for the volunteer organization, is utilized for storage of children’s books, kitchen appliances and cookware, lighting fixtures, toiletries, and anything else one can think of that makes up a home.

I was soon greeted with a smile by Saint’s Place director, Colleen Knauf. We toured each room, from the once-dining room, nowturned-library where Lillian Jabour diligently keeps track of the book inventory, to the kitchen with countless items for cooking awaiting use by someone in need. Evidence of a true system emerged; not one arranged by a computer, but one by real people like Joan Keebler, who works there daily and uses her own life experience of managing her own home to anticipate the needs of each family. “We believe in this,” said Keebler. Lucy Nunn, who began with Colleen over 14 years ago, added, “These families are here legally. They have nothing, and they need everything.” Beverly Mull noted that they are a bit short on appliances and hopes that new donations come in soon.

Next was what must have served as a large pantry at one time, now stocked with plates, flatware, pitchers, cups and bedding. “We get a bio from the Catholic Family Center,” Knauf explained, “It comes with information about each incoming family. We use it to determine what to put in the apartment. We buy them new beds so they have the dignity of a clean place to lay their head after a long and weary trip.” She added, “We have the apartment key before the families arrive and fill their new home.” It is the goal of Saint’s Place for each family to enter their new apartment with everything they need, right down to a toy for each child. “Things of value that are not usable for refugees are still welcome and sold at our annual sale in July,” Knauf explained, “Nothing here ever goes to waste.”

This is real work, I thought to myself, the kind you roll your sleeves up for and put your bare hands on.

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Another placard, this time on the kitchen wall, confirmed this: “Faith makes things possible, not easy”. Yet there is a true sense of joy in that house and everyone talks about their volunteer efforts there with genuineness.

“Our workers are living saints,” explained Knauf. When asked if that is the reason for its name, she replied shyly, “No, when I first started, everyone called me Saint Lady.”

Colleen invited me to take a ride to St John of Rochester Catholic Church to see the 5,000 square foot shopping center. “Did you plan all this?” I inquired incredulously during our ride.

She just smiled, recalling, “I responded to (the needs of ) a Somalian mother of ten the first time. I learned of more (refugees) without sponsors and I cleaned out my closets and rooms of furniture I knew I could get by without.

Then I asked others to do the same,” she recalled. “It just grew from there. I kept asking for donations of every item you can think of. Anyone that would give me space (for storage), I would use it. I convinced Father Peter to let us have the space after the school closed,” referring to Rev. Peter Clifford of St John of Rochester, where Saint’s Place occupies five former classrooms. “It is shopping with dignity,” Knauf said as she indicated the entrance, “It is private, and families can come here the day after they arrive to get anything need.”

::cover story Anything is indeed there. With the help of donors, Saints Place has it all covered from clothes of all sizes and styles, to footwear, backpacks, school supplies, accessories and even cosmetics. Mannequins dressed in fashionable outfits suggest by demonstration to the newcomers what the local styles and trends are like. “We want them to be clothed well so they are not mocked,” explains Knauf. Saints Place has also recently partnered with the Hindu Temple on Pinnacle Road that collects native clothing from its congregation for donations that fit the more traditional tastes of shoppers.

The volunteers at the shopping center location share the same joy in commitment as their distribution center counterparts. Michelle Quinn, Assistant Director, reported over 60 refugees shopped for clothing that week. Renee Strassel and her son, Ben, 16, are regular volunteers. “I remember a very thin girl I had to help fit,” recalls Strassel, “We found her clothes, including a nice pair of jeans, and put them in a bag for her.

She jumped up and down saying I’m rich! I’m rich! It was amazing.”

Cricket McMahen’s husband is very ill, yet she finds time to volunteer.

“I just stopped by today to say Hi”, Cricket explained, but she saw a need and stayed to work. The volunteers hand out food for the refugees, many of whom arrive malnourished with bloated stomachs. When asked how he came to live in Rochester, Caesar Renzha, 44, pointed to the map of Africa on the wall of the shopping center, landed his fingertip on the Democratic Republic of Congo his native country in the south of Africa, and made an imaginary line across the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighboring Uganda. “We walked from here

to here and slept in the bush at night”, explained Caesar, his infectious smile beaming from his six-foot height.

Caesar, his wife and seven children ranging in age from 24 to toddler, risked discovery by national authorities and the danger of being hunted

by African wildlife in desperate search of a better life, and they found it, thanks to Saints Place. They had made it out of the Ugandan refugee camp just one week before. Jean-Paul Renzha, 24, dreams of a job in International Business. He and the other siblings speak at least three languages each. They are kind and engaging young people. Nhadiro, 20, dreams of going to law school. Yvonne, 18, smiles sweetly, “I am very happy to be here. It was bad in Uganda.”

Saint’s Place also offers volunteer tutoring for its families at two locations in the South Wedge where they can practice their English language skills and receive one-on-one academic support.

When asked what advice she would give to others who are trying to find their own life’s work, Colleen Knauf answers without hesitation, “If you see a need, just fill it. You never know what good can come of it.”

Saints Place hours are Monday through Thursday, or by appointment.

Donations may also be left on the back porch of 46 S. Main Street, Pittsford.

For more information, you may visit: www.Saintsplace.org.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

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december 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

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can just be kids

::epilepsy foundation

A Place Where Kids with Epilepsy

Epilepsy is scary. The idea that one could lose consciousness at any moment without warning is truly frightening.

Imagine that you’re eight years old and you find yourself on the floor with all of your classmates standing over you and looking horrified. You have to go to the nurse’s office, miss out on art class (your favorite!), your parents are called and worst of all, your friends act all weird around you.

Now, imagine that you find a place where having a seizure is no big deal. A place where kids with epilepsy can go swimming, rock climbing, and horseback riding. A place where having a seizure doesn’t end with missing all the fun stuff. A place where taking medication three times a day doesn’t seem weird.

It was this kind of place that former Associate Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton had in mind when she founded Camp EAGR in 1991, a place where kids with epilepsy can be just kids.

Ms. Powell explains, “I was asked in 1990 by our then Executive Director what the Epilepsy Foundation needed to address the most.

My immediate response was a camp for children. The children that we were seeing were so isolated and many of their parents were afraid for them to do the most common ‘kid stuff’ such as riding a bike, swimming and other sports. In August of 1991, with 35 kids, a slew of volunteers including a neurologist and nurses, we made Camp EAGR happen.”

This past August, Camp EAGR celebrated its 20th anniversary of helping kids with epilepsy be just kids.

Lauren Stuck, a long-time camper turned counselor, expressed best what Camp EAGR means to kids with epilepsy. She states, “When I had my first seizure at camp, no one stared or freaked out. I was really surprised because I was just used to getting unwanted

attention and being forced to sit out of whatever activity I was partaking in. The activities were amazing and the best part was that I had no one hovering over me or asking if I felt okay. Every year I would return because camp was the only time I could be considered ‘normal’. ” Camp EAGR is the Epilepsy Foundation’s one-week residential summer camp for kids with epilepsy ages 8 to 17. Every child who attends Camp EAGR has the unforgettable experience of a traditional summer camp, makes friends with other kids like them, and learns more about themselves and about others with epilepsy.

Camp EAGR is an amazing experience for both the child and the parent. All parents experience the fear and worry of trying to protect their child and when you add epilepsy into the mix, it becomes an incredibly difficult balancing act. The fear that your child should have a seizure at any moment makes the normal rites of passage such as teaching your child to ride a bike seem utterly impossible. Camp EAGR has helped many parents balance their child’s safety with their need to be a kid.

Lisa Noonan, a parent of a child with epilepsy and a member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton’s Board of Directors states, “As a mother of a child with epilepsy, I understand the fear that parents have of letting their child do ‘normal’ things. The first year that Alex, my daughter, went to camp was incredibly tough for me, but it was the best experience for both her and me. Knowing that Alex was enjoying a great camp experience in such a safe environment was invaluable to me as a parent of a child with epilepsy.”

Someday we won’t have to imagine a place where kids with epilepsy can be just kids – there will be more effective treatments, maybe even a cure. But until that day comes, Camp EAGR will be there for kids with epilepsy each August and give them a taste of the world to come, even if it’s only for a week.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton provides many other services to children and adults with epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities. Visit us at www.epilepsy-uny.org or give us a call at (800) 724-7930.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

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::RCSF

dreams

Funding Opportunities to Fulfill Imagine, for a moment, being a gatekeeper of a place where people can fly. You have the ability allow those who wish to pass through. You can see their dream ahead of them in the depth and colors of the endless horizon. When you open the gate you watch them take flight. It is exciting to see them soar. That is the work of the Rochester Children’s Scholarship Fund (RCSF), finding opportunity for underprivileged students who show academic promise and financial need to achieve their professional dreams.

RCSF assists students in the Rochester City School District who meet federal financial guidelines and demonstrate a desire to excel by providing resources so that students believe in themselves, see possibilities, and engage in a broader life experience. It was initially established in 1916 as the Rochester Memorial Children’s Fund when students worked to help with family finances. A means of keeping students in the educational system, it also served as a living memorial to those serving in World War I. To this day, RCSF makes it possible for students who contribute to their households to work fewer hours and focus more on their studies. RCSF has grown to assist with the purchase of books and school supplies, vocational training courses, and fees attendant with college applications. RCSF’s Support a Scholar program allows students to participate in field trips and after school activities they would otherwise not afford.

Aaron is an RCSF Scholar and a 2006 graduate of Rochester School of the Arts. During his high school years he served as counsel in Rochester Teen Court, in production management for theater and concert events, and as a representative in student government.

Aaron graduated as an RCSF Scholar, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “Gates Millennium Scholar,” a College Board “A.P. Scholar,” and an Urban League of Rochester “Black Scholar.”

Aaron’s hard work led him from the inner city of Rochester to the Ivy Leagues. He attended Harvard University on a full scholarship.

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While at Harvard he served as a trial judge in Harvard Model Congress, as a public service advisor for the Harvard Center for Public Interest Careers, and as an ambassador for the Harvard College Admissions Office. Aaron graduated from Harvard in 2010 with a B. A. in Philosophy, as a Sidley Austin LLP “Sidley Prelaw Scholar,” and as a recipient of several fellowships and awards throughout his Harvard career. He is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Cornell Law School, eagerly awaiting his graduation in 2013 when he can return home to make the Rochester area a stronger, safer, more prosperous, and vibrant community.

Currently, Tori from East High School wants to be a physician.

RCSF has helped her purchase school supplies and visit universities.

She is grateful for the support which has given her the motivation to work even harder. Luis from Dr. Freddie Thomas is interested in business management and is working toward becoming the CEO of a major corporation. Nicole from Wilson Magnet hopes to double major in pre-med and Biology and to continue on to medical school to be an OB/GYN. Over 90% of RCSF Scholars continue on to higher education. In every RCSF story lies the hope for all of us that our futures will be stable and bright when we no longer are capable of doing the work ourselves. This RCSF Board Member believes that it is a privilege to celebrate children with promise and invest in the future of our country.

For more information on the Rochester Children’s Scholarship Fund, visit www.RCSF.info

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rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

29

::abvi

Giving Back

on the road to recovery Each morning Sue DiPiazza wakes up before the sun to begin her workday. As the Customer Service Specialist for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)’s Food Services division, she is responsible for overseeing the preparation of over 1,200 meals each day for area senior centers and child daycare providers.

It is a job that comes with a great deal of responsibility – one that she could never have imagined doing 10 years ago.

For years, Sue has struggled with an addiction to alcohol, a disease that would nearly destroy her life.

In February 2001, with her nine-year-old daughter in the car, Sue was arrested for driving while intoxicated. In addition to losing custody of her daughter, she also served a three-month sentence in the Monroe County jail. After completing her sentence the judge ordered her to enter a rehabilitation program and to live at a halfway house.

She entered Alcoholics Anonymous to help battle her addiction to alcohol. She also sought assistance from Sojourner House, a Rochester-based organization that provides transitional and supportive housing for women and children. It was during her time there Sue was given the structure and support she needed to help turn her life around. She enrolled in Monroe Community College and began working toward earning an associate’s degree in food service.

“I had a felony charge,” Sue explains, “I thought it was going to be tough to find employment.” “I had been doing food service all my life. I thought I might as well go and learn the right way to do it.”

Sue graduated from MCC at the top of her class. After graduation she saw a job posting for a position at ABVI and she decided to apply. “I lived in the neighborhood. I didn’t have my license at the time so I walked over and applied.” Sue was hired in 2005 as a food server with the organization.

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Since that time, Sue has received several promotions and now manages a number of employees. She also holds two degrees, one in food service and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, which she uses every day while working with her employees. One of Sue’s responsibilities is to oversee the agency’s participation in the Work Experience Program, which gives people receiving public assistance valuable work experience. She sees her role as a way of giving back to a community that gave her a second chance to succeed in life.

“People believed in me so I want to believe in others,” she says. “I want to help empower them as well.”

“Sue is one of our most caring and compassionate employees,” said Rosemarie Becker, Senior Vice President of People Resources for ABVI. “She is a tireless advocate for her co-workers who may be struggling for personal independence. She truly makes a difference in our organization.”

Sue is giving back in many more ways. For the past 10 years she has been volunteering at Bethany House, a Rochester shelter for women and children. She also sits on the board of directors at Sojourner House, which is a testament to how far she has come in her recovery.

Sue is happy with the direction her life has taken in recent years, and enjoys the opportunity she has been given to use her life’s experience to help others. “I’m content to be where I’m at right now,” she said, “I know a lot of people can’t say that. I’m really grateful to be here. I love my job at ABVI and I love the people I work with.”

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Families

::unyfeat

Providing Hope for

Facing Autism

Upstate NY Families for Effective Autism Treatment, (UNYFEAT) developed from 4 moms in a coffee shop who needed to share information. Each had a young child with autism. Seven years later, UNYFEAT includes over 900 families. Each has at least one family member with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you don’t know someone personally with autism, you will.

Current numbers according to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) estimate that autism affects 1 in every 110 children making it more prevalent than pediatric diabetes, cancer and aides combined. There is no known cause of autism, no cure, and boys are 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ASD. Individuals with ASD are living beside you, they are being taught in your children’s classrooms, and they are shopping alongside you in the grocery store. They share your dentists, your doctors, and your places of recreation. They are everywhere and their numbers are growing in epidemic proportions.

UNYFEAT is now the leading local 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing hope and programming to the local families facing the challenges of autism. Our community is realizing that individuals with autism are uniquely intelligent and qualified to lead productive and fulfilling lives when given the supports needed to succeed. Community collaborations are essential to showcasing UNYFEAT’s unique and successful style of integration. This raises awareness, provides for vocational success and ends segregation due to lack of understanding and opportunity.

UNYFEAT provides programming opportunities such as a Social Skill Education Program run in collaboration with 3 locations of the Greater Rochester YMCA. UNYFEAT hires special education support staff and pushes into the summer camp program providing the support the children need to find success with their typically developing peers. The “Lose The Training Wheels” collaboration teaches bike riding skills. Other special interest groups have grown to include Lego Buddies, Electronic Kids Club, Sibshops, Girls Power, Karate, Science Club and Exploring Sensations. “Using the children’s shared interests serves as the catalyst for developing social skills. These special interest groups are set up in a way that makes it easier for children with autism to socialize,” adds Program Director Gia Carroll.

And socialize they do. Members meet up at local places such as Jump Club, Zenith Academy of Gymnastics, The JCC, Faith Lutheran Church, The Sandbox, Strong’s National Museum of Play, Martial Arts America and many more. Businesses are gratified to be inclusive and UNYFEAT is pleased to be able to offer members a place where acceptance is primary. With acceptance comes growth and development.

Autism Awareness Training is an integral part of programming. “We are receiving requests from many community agencies seeking training. I think that shows that what we’re doing is working and it certainly is keeping us very busy!” reports Ann Cole, Public Relations Director. UNYFEAT has provided training to area emergency first responders, police, colleges, medical staff, as well as many other businesses. Besides the staff we hire for our programs, we continually seek volunteers to support our efforts. Many of these volunteers are building resumes, seeking community service hours or just seeking a way to give back to the community.

UNYFEAT reaches so many children with direct and indirect programming options. As UNYFEAT continues to grow, we know this community, renowned for its generosity, will continue to support our mission.

Visit us at www.unyfeat.org.

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to your health

The gift of giving . . .

::healthy woman

By Sraddha Prativadi, M.D.

What a wonderful season this . . . filled with light, love, life. It is a season that reminds us to look beyond ourselves and to share with others the blessing that we have been bestowed with. There is an emphasis on giving, the act of presenting something to someone without the expectation of receiving anything in return.

Having the privilege of taking care of women as an OBGYN, I see daily how the amazing, talented, inspiring women that I have the privilege of caring for constantly give of themselves. This is often the rule rather than the exception. I see them persistently giving without expecting in return.

So this holiday season, I would like to invite every woman to give to herself. Give yourself peace. Give yourself happiness. Give yourself love. Give yourself a break.

Give yourself a sane start to the New Year by enjoying the holidays in moderation – moderation of food, sweets, spending, alcohol, stress.

Give yourself a moment of reflection – think of all the positive things, positive developments and positive people that have come into your life this year. Focusing on blessings often invites more of them into our lives.

Give your body the attention it deserves and poise yourself for new levels of physical health in the New Year.

Focus on having six small meals a day every 2-3 hours

Drink 64oz of non-caloric drinks (preferably water) daily

Exercise at least 30 minutes per day. This is “me” time. Take it!

Limit your amount of holiday treats, but enjoy whatever you eat thoroughly!

Give yourself mental peace.

Be mindful of your stress level – be it from the amount of work you take on, the amount of money that is being spent this season or from relationships.

Try to even out your workload by encouraging cooperation among family members This may decrease the physical and emotional stress and create positive opportunities for bonding.

Meditation – Time to still the mind is wonderful and important to connect to our inner voice of wisdom and guidance. Over time this will give you the gift of a centered and grounded life, a priceless gift to yourself.

Start the day with 30 minutes of quiet “me” time. Create positive intentions for the day. End the day with 30 minutes of quiet “me” time. Express gratitude for the blessings of the day.

Give yourself a start to a solid financial year in 2012

Do not overspend this season.

Make a budget and stick to it.

Spend time with family, not money.

So in this season of giving, I would love to see my sister women, those who constantly give of themselves selflessly, to give to themselves. Love yourself. In this self acceptance, you will find the power to make life positive and thriving. In the acceptance of others, you will find what this season is about, gratitude, love, peace and harmony.

You can invoke the spirit of this season of light, life, and birth to inspire a positive direction and carry it through into the New Year.

Your uplifted spirit, healthy body, peaceful mind and a secure financial state are perhaps the best gifts of the season you can give to yourself and those around you. The time is now. Travel through this holiday season with care and find yourself at a strong place in January, ready to build a new you. Love, Peace and Joy! Dr. Prativadi practices at Madonna OBGYN she can be reached at www.madonnaobgyn.com or by calling (585) 698-7077. rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

35

::smile for a lifetime

committed to improving the lives of children,

One Smile at a Time Smile For A Lifetime Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization of local chapters throughout the country that provide quality orthodontic treatment for patients who may not have the opportunity to achieve a beautiful, straight smile without financial assistance. Smile For A Lifetime Foundation helps equip orthodontists with the resources necessary to develop a local board of directors that will specifically select individuals for orthodontic treatment. The mission of Smile For A Lifetime Foundation, is to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in our community in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use the gift to better themselves and their community.

Smile For A Lifetime Foundation was created by Dr. Benjamin G. Burris of Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Get It Straight team learned of this program while attending a continuing education course and were so moved by the reaction of the children awarded that they knew they had to start a chapter for the Rochester area. Smile For A Lifetime Foundation is committed to improving lives of less fortunate children.

The local board of directors is comprised of dental and medical colleagues who also provide needed dental and medical care during and after orthodontic treatment. The board also includes school administrators and other outstanding members of the community.

As the only Smile For A Lifetime Foundation provider for our area, they take applications from area schools and organizations with recommendations from teachers, scout leaders and other mentors.

The board of directors will award one to two cases per month to individuals who would not otherwise receive orthodontic care.

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To become a candidate, interested patients must complete or have completed for them, a Smile For A Lifetime application, they need to have two letters of recommendation, photos of their teeth and smile, and be a resident of the Monroe, Ontario or Wayne County service area. If you know of a child that is in need of these services, please feel free to submit an application which can be found on our website: www.Get-It-Straight.com.

One hundred percent of donations to the local chapter of Smile for a Lifetime stay in the Monroe-Wayne-Ontario county area and helps support orthodontic, dental and surgical needs of our Smile For A Lifetime recipients.

For more information regarding this worthwhile foundation, please visit www.s4l.org.

::center for youth

The Center for Youth

Helping At Risk Youth for Over 40 Years

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::center for youth

The Center for Youth turned 40 this year, and like many 40 year olds, the agency took on life in a new, invigorating way. Aware that we are now mature and that there are higher expectations of us in this 40th year, The Center for Youth turned its attention to working with youth who are at higher risk, with fewer assets, and for whom our services and programs may be a life and death matter. We embraced the social justice mission that we were founded upon and reclaimed our vision for our community.

At The Center for Youth, we recognize that our kids are poorer and more at risk than ever and our families are in crisis. The fastest growing homeless demographic is young adults, ages 16 to 21 years. Ten percent of all 16 to 24 year olds are disconnected from family, home, school, church and community. In Rochester and Monroe County, approximately 2,600 youth, aged 20 and under, are reported missing annually.

The estimates of the unaccompanied youth population in the United States are at 1.3 million at a minimum, and funded residential projects are able to serve only 3 % of this population. In our emergency homeless shelter, more than 40% of our girls report sexual abuse, often at the hands of their own family members; and nearly 100% of our youth self-report being at risk for substance abuse. Here in our own community, at The Center for Youth’s emergency homeless shelter for 12 to 18 year olds, we turned away 150 youth who were age and situation appropriate between April and October 2010. Another 90 were turned away because they were too old.

People often ask if we get discouraged and how we continue to get up every day and face these significant challenges. We do this by focusing on the positive impact that we can and do have as we invest in our youth. We celebrate the power of one as we believe that each of us every day, can make a difference and that when you save one life, you save the world. So we never give up at The Center for Youth because we believe in the resilience of our youth. Our kids are open hearted, loving, and kind. Many

of them are also scared and are raising themselves and doing the best they can at it. Sometimes they fail, they make terrible decisions, they let us down, they disappoint themselves, they make promises that they can’t keep, but often, more than you can imagine, they do a very good job of raising themselves but they need our help. Many of our kids are traveling the road from childhood to adulthood alone.

And so, in this our 40th year of service, The Center for Youth rededicates itself to our original purpose – to put our youth in the center of all that we do, to courageously go into the “hot spots” in our work, and to serve those young people and their families who are most at need. We continue to be grateful to our generous community for their belief in our work and in our determination to make Rochester and Monroe County the place where all youth, no matter their circumstances, are our highest priority.

For more information, visit centerforyouth.net.

Ten percent of all 16 to 24 year olds are disconnected from family, home, school, church and community.

Helping Animals

::lollypop farm

and People for over 135 Years

Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been helping animals and people since 1873. They are committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs, and the prevention of cruelty. Their hope is that there will be a time when our community celebrates the human-animal bond; embraces the mutual benefits therein; and treats all fellow beings with care, compassion, and respect.

Support from the community enables Lollypop Farm to care for nearly 12,000 homeless animals each year and makes possible a variety of programs to address issues that contribute to pet overpopulation and the surrender of unwanted animals.

- The Law Enforcement Department enforces New York State’s animal cruelty laws, investigating cases of neglect, and educating on proper animal care.

- Lollypop Farm offers Humane Education for people of all ages, teaching respect, responsibility and compassion for pets and all living things through workshops, continuing education for teachers, and a children’s summer farm camp.

- S.N.I.P. (Spay/Neuter Incentive Program), with the help of local veterinarians, subsidizes the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats of low-income owners to help prevent unwanted litters.

- Pet Peeves, a free behavior helpline, offers advice to those dealing with dog or cat behavior issues, helping animals and their humans stay together.

- Pet Assisted Therapy brings volunteers and their registered therapy animals to area hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and agencies for people with developmental disabilities.

- R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) pairs children with therapy dogs, who listen attentively and are less judgmental than peers, to allow children to learn and read at their own pace.

Additional programs include: adoption services, fee-reduced or waived adoptions for seniors and military members or veterans, volunteering, foster care, dog training classes, pet loss support, veterinary pet assistance, pet-friendly rental housing listings, farm animal adoptions, and satellite adoption centers.

As a privately-funded organization receiving no government support, Lollypop Farm relies on individual gifts from local corporations, foundations, and community members to care for homeless and abused animals. From in-kind donations of items on our wish list to large gifts naming rooms in our shelter, every contribution truly makes a difference for the animals in our care. Here are a few options for donating to the Humane Society of Greater Rochester:

- General Support – veterinary care including spay/neuter surgeries are covered by your gift to our general fund

- Tribute gifts – honor or memorialize a special person or pet

- Fur-ever Yours Monthly Giving Club – provide a steady flow of financial support

- Autos for Animals – donate your car, boat, or RV

- Emergency Veterinary Assistance & Reward Fund – allows our veterinarians and law enforcement officers to respond immediately to victims of abuse and to arrest those responsible.

Indispensible to the work done at Lollypop Farm are some 800 dedicated and passionate volunteers who give over 40,000 hours each year to the animals and programs at the shelter.

You’ll find volunteers in all areas of the shelter—and beyond. They care for the animals, perform adoptions, bring their pets on Pet Assisted Therapy visits, work the front desk, pitch in at special events, assist customers at the gift shop, educate visitors, help out in our offices, and much more. Recently, a Young Professionals volunteer group has formed and has been instrumental in the success of fundraising events and shelter projects.

To learn more about Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, and to get involved please visit our website at www.lollypop.org or call (585) 223-1330. rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

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pet safe

::animal behavior

Make It A

By Mark Forrest Patrick, CDTVA

Holiday

The holiday season is an exciting time for everyone, from the Christmas tree and blinking lights to the sparkle of the snow and the smell of a fresh tree. When decorating for the holidays it is important to keep in mind everyone’s safety including your pets. If this is your first Christmas with your new companion keep in mind their environment is changing and this is all new to them. The lights will attract your animals to the tree, sounds and moving objects may frighten them. There are several holiday decorations that are harmful and can be fatal to your pet. Here are a few tips to keep this holiday a special and safe one for the entire family.

Be aware of the noises and sounds that your decorations make. The electronic blow up lawn ornaments can be frightening and produce unpleasant sounds. This type of decoration can have a long lasting effect on your pet going into the yard.

Keep your live and artificial tree in a fenced in or blocked off room from your pet. The needles are sharp and indigestible.

Do not allow your pet to drink the tree water. The water may contain fertilizer, tree preservative, oils and bacteria. Place a cover over the water container to eliminate the temptation.

Do not use aspirin in ANY of your holiday plants or flowers. Aspirin may be fatal to your pet if ingested.

Many Holiday decorations can be toxic and fatal to your pet. The following plants if eaten require immediate medical attention from your veterinarian. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia and lilly plants are only a few.

Keep snow globes up where your pets are not able to knock them off and break. Many of the snow globes use anti-freeze in the globe.

Keep electrical cords out of reach of your pets, including lights on the lower branches of your tree. Pets enjoy chewing on electrical cords and lights produce heat and may burn your pet.

R efrain from the glass ornaments due to breakage and glitter. If the ornament falls on the floor your pet may attempt to consume the ornament and/or cut their feet and mouth.

Edible ornaments such as popcorn, cranberries and painted cookies are toxic to your pet if consumed.

Avoid the following decoration types: snow sprays, ornaments with liquid inside and Styrofoam may cause choking.

Tinsel on the tree is dangerous to your pet. It may cause an obstruction if swallowed, blocking the intestines.

Keep burning candles up high away from wagging tails and inquisitive pets. Remember that the flicker of a candle may create an interest for your pet.

Prior to putting gifts under the tree, keep in mind your dog has a keen sense of smell. Do not place chocolates and food items under the tree.

Put the children’s toys away after the gifts are opened. Your pet will be attracted to the new toys and the excitement of the game chase to take the toys away from them.

If your family and friends give your pet a gift for the holidays, inspect the toy prior to giving it to them to play. Is the toy the appropriate size for your pet? Is your pet able to swallow and choke on the toy?

Is the toy stuffed? Does your pet destroy stuffed toys quickly?

Keep in mind that the holiday time can be stressful for everyone including your pet. If your pet puts something into their mouth, Do NOT attempt to chase your pet to remove it. This type of behavior will cause excitement and your pet may swallow the object. Immediately grab a treat or squeaky toy and lure him to you and exchange the toy/treat for what your pet has in their mouth.

As much as possible, keep your pets routine the same. The feeding times should not change and your pet needs a quiet space to relax. If your pet retreats to a quiet space keep your guests away and allow some down time.

From our home to yours have a very safe and Happy Holiday!

Mark Forrest Patrick, CDT VA is Owner/Counselor at Tuxedo’s K9 Training Camp, Inc. Visit his website at tuxedosk9.com

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Rochester Animal Services

Adopt a new best friend B

Rochester Animal Services wants to find new homes for 1,000 loving pets.

WE ARE

Help us win the ASPCA 100K Challenge! Here’s how:

Adopt from the shelter Become a volunteer SAVING MORE Become a foster home Host an adoption event

LIVES

Send us your ideas for increasing adoptions & promoting the shelter Participate in events Join the Verona Street Animal Society

$100K CHALLENGE To find out about Animal Services, the ASPCA Challenge & our strategies for winning call 428-7274 or visit www.rochesteranimalservices.com

B

1596 Ridge Road West - Stone Ridge Plaza - Greece 621-0890 2947 Monroe Ave. - Monroe Clover Plaza - Brighton/Pittsford 242-0808 www.PetsaverSuperstore.com www.facebook.com/petsaver Open 7 Days a Week - Mondays thru Saturdays 9-9 PM and Sundays 10-6 PM

www.cityofrochester.gov/ASPCAchallenge

WE ARE

Cracker Box Palace

::crackerbox palace

providing loving care to animals for over ten years

Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Sanctuary was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2001. Started by Cheri Roloson and her husband Robert Madison, Cracker Box has grown from a small operation with three rescued horses to the largest no-kill farm animal shelter in the region. After outgrowing a smaller farm in Alton, NY, Cracker Box Palace relocated to the historic Alasa Farms property in 2005. Located on the southwest shore of Sodus Bay, Alasa Farms includes an intact historic Shaker farmstead and 617 acres of standing forest, farmland and orchards, trails and creeks.

In 2009 the historic Shaker Main House caught fire and shortly thereafter the owners decided to sell the property. The purchase price for the farm was $1.5 million. The Board of Directors had to buy the property or find another location for nearly 200 formerly abandoned, neglected and abused farm animals. After much deliberation, the Board of Directors took a leap of faith and signed a purchase offer for the property. On February 28, 2011, after 18 months of non-stop fundraising, Cracker Box Palace closed on the property and our partners in preservation, the Genesee Land Trust, concurrently closed on a conservation easement. The historic farm and its many ecosystems will be forever protected and the 182 animals that call Alasa Farms home will never be displaced.

Cracker Box Palace, Inc. is now working to restore the farm and establish a network of hiking and equestrian trails. Alasa Farms has long been a community resource and Cracker Box Palace continues that tradition by providing programming for all members of the community. They provide education on the proper and compassionate care of large animals to school children through school tours, farm camps and volunteer opportunities.

It is our belief that early intervention by teaching compassionate

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animal care can stem tendencies to participate in the improper or cruel treatment of animals later in life. Since animal abuse often precedes other forms of abusive behavior, the example set by Cracker Box Palace can have a lasting impact on the prevention of all forms of abuse.

Future plans include the establishment of a wildlife rehabilitation center and a veterinary clinic, the restoration of the Main House to be used as a bed and breakfast and the expansion of the Large Animal Rescue Team. Members of this team are specially trained in the rescue of downed and injured large farm animals.

Caring for the nearly 200 animals that call Alasa Farms home at any given time commands the most time and resources. Many have come to the farm from unimaginably cruel situations and require veterinary care and time to heal, both physically and emotionally.

Cracker Box Palace provides gentle and compassionate care for these beautiful farm animals and once healed and subsequent to a rigorous interview and inspection process, will arrange for adoption into suitable homes. Those animals that are no longer suitable for adoption can remain on the farm and live their lives out with love and dignity.

Information about Cracker Box Palace can be found on their website at www.crackerboxpalace.org. For further information please contact Cheri Roloson, Farm Manager at 315-483-2493.

Rush Inter Pet, Inc. Pet Cemetery Crematory Funeral Home

For 32 years, we at Rush Inter Pet have offered body transportation, cremation services and urns, keepsakes, memorial headstones, caskets and interments in our beautiful cemetery for any size pet.

Rush Inter Pet Since 1979

139 Rush-West Rush Road, Rush, NY 14543 585-533-1685 www.rushinterpetcemetery.com

rochesterWomanMag.com :: december 2011

45

::nuts for mutts

the people behind the

Dogs

True to their rescue name, these people are nuts about mutts of all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds! Nuts for Mutts Rescue’s motto is that it is ‘all about the dogs’, but without this caring and dedicated group of volunteers, the dogs that come through their doors would probably not have survived. Their rewards are certainly never monetary, but the satisfaction of saving lives and bringing happy, healthy companions to people is enough to keep them going.

Nuts for Mutts Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit dog rescue organization, based in Rochester. Since their incorporation in 2010, Nutts for Mutts has grown to over 50 volunteers strong and has helped over 150 dogs find permanent, loving forever homes. Their mission is to rescue, provide sanctuary, and obtain medical care and ultimately re-home abandoned, surrendered, stray, abused or neglected dogs.

They also work to educate the public on the plight of homeless dogs, the benefits of adoption, the importance of spay/neuter and the proper care of dogs.

The dogs come into the rescue in a variety of ways, such as shelter turnovers and owner surrenders. Dogs are accepted regardless of breed, size, age, or medical status providing that there is a suitable foster home available to care for the dog, as well as financial means to provide for the medical care of the dog. All of the dogs that come to the rescue are placed in appropriate foster homes while they are evaluated and given any needed medical care. The foster volunteers are a wonderful, caring and compassionate lot who open their hearts, homes and wallets knowing that their only compensation will be that mixture of joy and sorrow they will feel when they ultimately hand off that happy, healthy, wagging tail to a smiling adopter who promises to love them forever.

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Nuts for Mutts Rescue has a weekend Adoption Center location at 4259 Culver Road, in Seabreeze, where volunteers bring the dogs to meet people who are interested in adoption. They also participate in local pet related events, such as the Pet Expo. The biggest challenges they face are having adequate foster homes and funds for medical care of the dogs they take in. They are sadly forced to turn away many deserving dogs because there just aren’t enough foster homes or financial resources available to help all of them. Director and Treasurer, Kat Gingello, says that even though taking in and placing dogs is their main function, it is also important to reach out to people and make them aware of what a huge problem animal overpopulation is, even here in Rochester.

“So many people just don’t understand that many thousands of wonderful, loving companion animals are euthanized every year in our area alone, and this problem could easily be eliminated if people would spay and neuter and adopt, not shop!”

For more information about Nuts for Mutts Rescue, check out their website at www.nutsformuttsrescue.com, email them at info@ nutsformuttsrescue.com, or visit them any Saturday or Sunday, from 12-4 p.m. at 4259 Culver Road.

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::greyhound rescue

Make A Fast Friend Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester, NY (GAGR) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for retired racing greyhounds.

Founded in 2002 by Brenda Grammatico (President), Tyler Wood (Vice-President), and Nanette McClary (Secretary), the goal is to bring homes and hounds together.

GAGR feels that every greyhound retired from racing deserves the chance for a real home and a loving family. To that end, they are always busy taking their own greyhounds into the public to do “meet and greets,” to educate the public about what it is like to own a retired racer. The “meet and greets” are done at local Petco stores, Rochester Public Libraries, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, CountryMax stores, The Garden Factory in Gates, and smaller businesses like Beyond Hardware in Penfield. We also do a weekly visit to The Jewish Home of Rochester, where the greyhounds give back to the community by doing dog therapy with their residents—in fact, in 2011, GAGR was named their volunteers of the year.

Greyhound racing is a sport where the dogs chase a mechanical lure on a track until they arrive at the finish line. The racing greyhounds are housed in 2’ by 3’ crates for up to 22 hours a day, and are let out only four times a day to eat, exercise, do their “duty,” and to race. There are 22 greyhound race tracks in the United States, mostly in Florida. There are no race tracks in New York State as it is illegal here. Every year, 20,000 greyhounds are bred for the racing industry, and approximately 12,000 find homes after their careers are over.

The rest are killed or sold for medical research. As an organization, GAGR is racing neutral.

The majority of greyhounds retired from racing are between two and three years old and can live up to 12 years or more, so they have a lot of life and love to give. Greyhounds are gentle and quiet. People often think that ex-racers must be aggressive or exceedingly active. Neither is true. They are quiet, gentle, and docile: 45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes. They don’t need much exercise either. A 20- to 30-minute walk several times a week and a chance to romp in a fenced yard from time to time are sufficient.

Since retired racers have never been in a home environment, there is a period of adjustment where they have to learn about windows (they want to run right through them), stairs (they have no idea how to climb them!), and hard flooring (they only walked on grass, cement, and sand at the track). But it is most endearing to watch them come to the realization that the person that adopted them has given them a second chance at life. Finally they have their own food bowl, soft bed, toys, and a forever home.

GAGR wants every adoption to be a success; therefore, they provide support to the adopter for the life of the dog. There is an extensive adoption process where prospective adopters are interviewed to make sure it is a correct decision for everyone.

The organization has placed close to 600 retired racing greyhounds in the Greater Rochester area since 2002. GAGR is presently headed up by Cindy Bauer, President, Mary Jo Balsis, Vice-President, and Nanette McClary, Secretary. This organization works because of the many volunteers who give back so much of their love and time to find homes for these wonderful dogs.

Are you interested in “Making a Fast Friend” of your own? Please visit our website: www.greyhoundadopt.org or call 877-211-1451 for more information.

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::say what?

Say WHAT?!

Hmmmm. What were they thinking?

We come across a lot of things in the course of our day that just make us stop and say ‘Huh?’ That’s what this section is for. It may be a silly road sign, maybe your pets or your kids did something funny, or yes, maybe you see someone who should have checked the mirror before leaving the house.

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