A special section of the Sullivan County Democrat June 2013 • Section C
CDCO-127512
MMPC-125021
Make your Donation today! Support those who need our help!
COMMUNITY UNITY Serving All of Sullivan County P.O. BOX 609 Monticello, New York 12701
D.R.E.A.M. The Dream Tank P.O.Box 159 Kiamesha Lake, New York 12751
The Federation for the Homeless 845-794-2604
RISE Rape Intervention Services & Education 845-794-3300 ext. 2442
COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
The Recovery Center 845-794-8080 ext. 118
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Congratulations to this year’s honorees and to Community Unity and the receiving organizations, who do such effective work in Sullivan County
THE VALLONE AND DESABATO FAMILIES ALONG WITH THE STAFF AT GERSHOWITZ TRANSPORTATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK
COMMUNITY UNITY FOR THE COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION
THE SULLIVAN COUNTY
Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth
COMMUNITY.
Philip Coombe III, CFP ® Catherine Bender, CFP ® P.O. Box 333 6872 Route 209 Wawarsing, NY 12489 Phone (845) 647-4800 Email: pcoombe@coombefinancial.com Website: coombebender.com COOM 125030
Route 42 • PO Box 110 South Fallsburg, N.Y. 12779 (845) 434-0511
Music xpresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
A Trusted Community Bank Since 1913.
JEBA-125035
(845) 482-4000 www.jeffbank.com BLOOMINGBURG • CALLICOON • ELDRED • JEFFERSONVILLE • LIBERTY • LIVINGSTON MANOR LOCH SHELDRAKE • MONTICELLO • NARROWSBURG • WAL-MART • WHITE LAKE • WURTSBORO
ROLL-125029
THEY HAVE SHOWN TO
Thank you all for another year of continued support and Bill Sipos, Chairman commitment to our community. This organization is so blessed with such wonderful volunteers who give their time and their energy to help those faced with hard times and blessed again with such wonderful supporters in the business world and the community who help us help others. Our organization is completely 100% volunteer. No one has a salary. We give of ourselves because it makes us happy; it makes us feel good; and it is as good for us as for the people we help. We make a difference in the lives of others and, in doing so, make a difference in our own lives, as well. We, as an organization and as individuals, are always moving forward, often times with baby steps, but always maintaining forward motion. It is easy to look at what is wrong with this world and turn away in despair: the need is so vast and we are so small. Sometimes seeing the bigger picture is not so positive. Some-
COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
Friends and Neighbors,
times you need to narrow your focus and see what is in front of you: Can I help this person? Can I change this situation? Can I make a small change in my life, a small amount of energy and time, and change something right here, in my hamlet? In my town? In my county? In my community? That answer is yes. It may be a baby step, but like a very small pebble thrown in a very small puddle, your actions and your energy will spread out and you will have no idea of its far reaching consequences. We have had a busy year and our organizations still strain under the effort of moving forward, of staying alive, of helping that next person. No matter the strain, no matter how difficult, We are committed to making a difference in Sullivan County, our community. If you want to help yourself, feel better about this world and this time, we can always use volunteers. We as Community Unity and we as individual organizations always need help, and sometimes the people who are helped most, are the people helping. Feel good about yourself. Feel good about your world. Come join us. We’re waiting for you.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it it the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
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COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
D.R.E.A.M. Tank
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he D.R.E.A.M. Tank, the newest member of Community Unity, is a realization of a long-time dream of the Honorable Josephine V. Finn, Village Justice of the Village of Monticello. Judge Finn dreamed of a place where young people could gather and learn the skills needed to succeed in this world; a place that would provide a healthy, fun alternative to the streets and the gangs which have stolen too many of our youths. Wise to the ways of kids, Judge Finn enlisted a small, yet very talented roster of Creative Consultants/ volunteers that offer the participants experiences they would never find elsewhere in Monticello. Eric Young provides a creative outlet, painting and working to beautify the community, allowing them to invest in the local parks and community; Mr. Young also brings the participants on outdoor adventures, exposing them to fishing, camping and hiking. Porfirio Vega, a transformed exgang leader (now family man) is also an ardent supporter of the D.R.E.A.M. Tank. Mr. Vega is a talented artist and youth activist. To participate in these activities though, the kids also have to participate in comprehensive workshops focusing on etiquette, self-actualization and mentoring: A Touch of Class encompasses social graces, decorum and dress for suc-
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cess. Positive Imaging works on self esteem, self motivation, positive thought and more. The young people have participated in several artistic activities including Windows on Broadway and Art in the Park. The Windows on Broadway program offered young people the chance to beatify a window of Broadway, Monticello’s vacant store with beautiful artistic pieces created by the students. Art in the Park was a program centered around the Town of Thompson Park which let students use nature’s artistic structure to create nature scenes. The project earned a 2nd Place from Sullivan Renaissance in 2010. Noted local musician Cecil Allen also lent his talents to help youth get involved in music by teaching them how to play the guitar and the bass. Put it all together and the program molds character, resurrects motivation and transforms attitude. The program has already earned kudos from local law enforcement and the Monticello School District for providing a safe, healthy alternative for kids and for fighting back against gangs. We and the D.R.E.A.M. Tank mutually look forward to our collaboration and the vibrancy and energy the D.R.E.A.M. Tank will bring to Community Unity.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Walter Stein, Chairman (Supervisor Family Services CACHE) Charles Olsen, Vice Chairman (Attorney) Jesse Hinson, Member (Community Educator at the Recovery Center) Eric Groper, Member (Attorney) Ella Snowden, Member (Unit Secretary Catskill Regional)
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Thank you for all your contributions to our community Thank you for
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COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
Federation for the Homeless
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he Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless has operated as a safety net for individuals and families in crisis since 1987. The Federation Kitchen, located at 9 Monticello St in Monticello is the only soup kitchen in Sullivan County. It is open M-F serving breakfast and lunch and provides over 40,000 nutritious meals each year. The Kitchen also operates a biweekly food pantry which last year provided 8138 pantry bagseach bag provides 3 meals a day for 3 days, which is the equivalent of 73,242 meals. Over twenty-five volunteers assist in the Kitchen- preparing meals, serving and cleaning. Without them the Kitchen could not function and we offer them our grateful thanks. We serve approximately three hundred people each year who are homeless, living in overcrowded conditions with family or friends or are in danger of losing their housing. Families are stabilized by providing direct service, referrals, advocacy, case management and other alternative means. Our approach addresses any emergency need immediately, such as food, and helps families and individuals avoid the trauma of being homeless. Since Sullivan County does not have a shelter, families are placed in motels until permanent housing can be secured. Our skill and experience allow us to
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make rapid progress when assessing the possibilities for our clients, as ninety percent of those assisted do not require re-housing. Along with assisting clients in securing employment or (if disabled) SSI, yet another of our community supports is a program designed specifically to stabilize housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Federation also serves as a "warming station". In addition to our homeless population, many of our senior citizens and others on fixed incomes are among those especially affected during the coldest winter months. The Federation provides a place for residents to go for a few hours of the day, which in turn helps in lowering their heating costs.
Whatever you can do or dream, begin it. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Board of Directors Kathleen A Kreiter, Program Administrator Sam Wohl, Chairperson Cesar Loarca, L.C.S.W., Vice Chairperson James Lyttle, Treasurer Rhetta Eason, Secretary Frank McGreevy Carl Silverstein Kathy LaBuda Ida Crawford-Douglas Betsy Smith Norton Hyman Vicky Simpson Cindy Zingher Luisa Emordi-Parker Dawn Ryder Lynn Skolnick Steve White
Honored Guests
Recovery Center to honor ‘A Lifetime of Achievement’
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he Recovery Center will be honoring Bill Sipos on Friday, June 28, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 45 years of helping and supporting those in need in our community. The dinner will be held at Mr. Willy’s and tickets are still available. “I would like to share this award with the deserving children of this county, all of whom we would like to give the opportunity to attend camp,” Sipos said. Last year the Recovery Center was able to send 53 of the 100 applicants to summer camp and this year, Sipos and Community Unity hope to send even more. By buying a ticket to the dinner or making a donation, the Recovery Center will hopefully increase the number of Sullivan County children who can attend the camp. It costs $120 per child per day to attend. For additional information, email mr.willys@ yahoo.com or call 845-754-7499 or 807-1111. Checks may be made payable to Recovery Center Camp Fund and mailed to Bill Sipos, 31 Norris Rd., Forestburgh, New York 12777.
Les and Amy Kristt, above, were honored by Community Unity last December for their countless hours of dedicated service to the underprivileged in our midst. Also honored were Anthony Rodriguez, Kathy Kreiter and Lori Rubenstein, who passed away tragically last year.
Congratulations Les & Amy for your award from Gene and the entire staff at Kristt Kelly Office Systems
COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
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Bill Sipos, left, chats with Sullivan County Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh during last year’s Community Unity Christmas Party. Sipos founded the organization nearly a decade ago and is its chairman.
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Dr. Gary Berson DDS, FIOI
Thank You For Making A Difference!
SUSB-125124
A Donation Has Been Made In Your Honor To Community Unity For All You Do! Thank You, From Your Staff
Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Exclusively Serving the Jewish Community Jewish Owned & Independently Operated
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COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
RISE
Hope, Healing and Empowerment for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Pictured is the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2013 at DeHoyos Park in Monticello during their Chicken Barbecue fundraiser for RISE, which netted $3,000. Standing from left to right are Laura Stabbert, Nick Vallone, Carissa Tambascio, Aileen Sullivan, Nora Shepard, Sara Thompson Tweedy, Dylan Johanson, Eileen Hogan, and Roman DiCio. Sitting from left to right, Jackie Mootz, Stacey Kuhn, Wendy Vogler, Paola Aguilar, Meg Blaut, LeighAnne Pfriender, and Jaimie Stickle. Missing from photo: Liz Hayter and Darren Lesser along with Program Coordinator Patricia Pomeroy.
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ape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County advocates for anyone who is or has been a survivor of sexual abuse. Founded in 1987, RISE provides an array of services to survivors of sexual abuse and offers prevention education, advocacy and assistance to survivors, and accompanies them to the hospital, police or district attorney after an incident. RISE also offers confidential individual, family or couples counseling as well as support groups and professional training sessions. Through education and advocacy, RISE seeks to increase awareness of sexual assault, encourage support for survivors, and prevent violence in our community. Our staff creates a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where survivors of
any race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, class or sexual orientation are welcomed and supported. The program maintains a 24-hour crisis helpline. The RISE program is funded by grants, in part provided by the Sullivan County Rural Health Network and through fundraising and donations.
RISE is committed to preventing sexual assault through community education and awareness. In the past year RISE provided services to more than 100 children in Sullivan County. The services include individual counseling, peer support groups, and prevention education groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research estimates that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by the age of 18. It is critical that we educate and empower our youth to be safe. Through schools, businesses, private and public forums, professional trainings and other community settings, RISE staff and volunteers work to engage community members in strength-based, positive discussions about the widespread reality of sexual violence and aim to
When it is darkest, men see the stars. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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The 3rd Annual RISE Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® fundraiser was held on April 20, 2013. More than 300 men, women, and children walked a mile on Broadway and around the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello at the 3rd Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® to help raise funds for Catskill Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Rape Intervention Services & Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County. The event, which is the international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence, featured a speaking program and reception after the walk, and yielded more than $25,000 from walkers, fundraisers and event sponsors. Guest speakers included Fred Kuriger, CEO for CRMC; Jim Farrell, Sullivan County District Attorney; Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senator John Bonacic. Many of the men wore women’s shoes to support the event. The event takes a light-hearted approach to a very serious subject and increases awareness of how sexual assault impacts individuals and families right here in Sullivan County. The event is always a great time that raises funds and awareness for an important cause. This year’s event exceeded all of our expectations. We went from 125 to 300 walkers. Our committee
COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
replace misunderstanding and ignorance with compassion and knowledge.
worked very hard to make it a success. RISE is grateful for the event Co-Chairs, Barbara and Richard Sush, for all of their hard work, along with the rest of the committee who worked tirelessly for months. Raising the funds for this program is important, but the awareness this event creates is even more significant. We appreciate all of the support we received, and thank all of the sponsors, fundraisers and walkers who participated this year. The 2013 Leadership Sullivan Class selected RISE as the recipient of their class project. The Leadership Sullivan class held a chicken BBQ fundraiser immediately following the walk at DeHoyas Park in Monticello. RISE would like to thank the Leadership Sullivan Class for their hard work and support. They raised more than $3,000. The funds raised will go towards purchasing new clothing and toiletries for survivors of sexual assault, who receive treatment after a rape in the emergency room and whose clothing is taken as evidence. Individual bags with undergarments, sweat suits, and shoes will be prepared and available at anytime that a male, female, or child victim is in need. In addition to raising funds for our program, the Leadership Sullivan Class brought awareness to our community about the services that RISE provides and educated the community on the prevention of sexual
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Not everything that can be counted counts; and not everything that counts can be counted. – George Gallup
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COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
RISE
continued from page 12
violence in Sullivan County. RISE is grateful for the support that we have received from local businesses and community members. In June 2012, Judy Delaine Knight, owner of By Delaine in Narrowsburg N.Y., pledged to donate a portion of her store’s profits to RISE. All of the merchandise in the store is made by artisans across America, many of whom are local. Knight has adopted a ”Women Helping Women” premise, encouraging local women to knit and crochet scarves, which are sold out of her store to help supplement their incomes, and $10 for each scarf sold will be donated to RISE. Additionally, the shop proudly displays RISE information and brochures. In October 2012, Jeff Bank employees presented a check for $1,250 to RISE, after they selected RISE as the recipient of their 3rd quarter Community Support Program donation. RISE relies heavily on volunteers to help with community outreach and the 24 Hour Rape & Sexual Assault Helpline. RISE volunteers receive extensive training and support. The program could not operate without our dedicated and compassionate volunteers. RISE would like to recognize and thank all of our volunteers who work hard to keep our program thriving.
By helping the public understand the social norms that permit sexual violence to be as widespread as it is, and by engaging bystanders to proactively work together to build a safer world, we can become a society that condemns sexual violence in all of its forms. RISE provides free educational and or training programs to schools, community, and professional organizations. One of RISE’s goals is to help each victim recognize that they are a survivor and not a victim. As community members, friends, and family members we can start by believing anyone who reports a sexual assault. RISE is committed to improving the health and safety of our community through prevention and education. It takes all of us to prevent sexual violence. For more information about RISE or the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, contact Sarah Dittmar at 845-794-3300 ext. 2442 or visit the RISE page at www.crmcny.org. RISE 24 Hour Rape & Sexual Assault Helpline is 845-791-9595. To learn more about the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® national organization, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-7943300 or visit www.crmcny.org.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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COMMUNITY UNITY • We Do Better, Together
T
he Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Sullivan County, Inc., better known as the Recovery Center, was organized in 1977, in response to a growing need for alcohol and drug abuse services in the community. Our mission is to work with all sectors of the community towards the prevention, intervention, and treatment of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and gambling addictions. Our services include: A 16-bed Crisis Services Unit (including detoxification); A 30-bed Halfway House with discreet units for men (21 beds), and women (9 beds); A 7-bed Supportive Living Facility for men; Shelter-Plus-Care (S+C) apartment placement with case management, support services, vocational readiness, and retention program services provided; The Supported Housing Program (SHP) which provides apartments
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and services to individuals and their families with co-existing mental illness and chemical dependence issues; An Out-Patient Clinic for adolescents/adults/families with services and assistance provided in both English and Spanish; A Day Rehabilitation Program with gender-specific services; An Enhanced Out-Patient Program for the treatment of co-occurring disorder diagnoses; Day and Evening adolescent programs: DATA and STOPS; HIV/AIDS support services; The Safe Summer Camp Program for at-risk children; and An array of Prevention-InterventionEducation and Training services. Through the years, the Recovery Center has assumed a lead role, within Sullivan County, embracing a public health, hands-on approach in prevention, to delay both the onset and progression of substance-related problems within our community. In 2010, the agency obtained grant funding from the Veterans Administration to provide in-patient alcohol and substance abuse services to homeless veterans. In 2011,
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Some men see things as they are and ask, “Why?” I dream things that never were and ask, “Why not?” – Robert F. Kennedy
COMMUNITY UNITY
Recovery Center’s community-based coalition, Sullivan County CareCorps, was selected as one of eleven coalitions funded through New York State’s Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant (commonly known as the SPFSIG) to target underage drinking under the auspices of Prevention First-NY!
Recovery Center Officers Izetta Briggs-Bolling, Chief Executive Officer Jean Gallucci, Chief Fiscal Officer
Board of Directors Christopher DuBois, Esq., President Peter Rhulen, Vice-President Mark McCarthy, Secretary Robert Brown, Treasurer Mattie Anderson Ed Corley Michael Dollard Gregory Goldstein Kathy LaBuda Anne M. Parker-Gaboury Veronica Uss
The Recovery Center, and its many community partners, continues to work strategically to target substance abuse issues in an effective and culturally-sensitive manner within Sullivan County.
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Congratulations Les & Amy
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Supporting the efforts of Community Unity Irving, Alan & Staff
Thank You For All You Do To Help The Community
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