Cassandra Sheets

16
Dec
2024

Center For Family Life & Recovery Promotes Safe Holiday Driving

Center For Family Life & Recovery Promotes Safe Holiday Driving

Utica, New York (December 2024) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) and the National Safety Council are promoting National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the month of December. This effort aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to encourage people to plan safe transportation. New York State is ranked 46th for drunk driving in 2024, with a score of 36.68 out of 100!

Other facts about drunk driving in New York:

  • 32% of traffic fatalities in New York involve alcohol
  • 90 out of every 100,000 New York residents die in drunk driving accidents
  • The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New York is 0.08 or higher
  • The BAC limit for commercial motor vehicle drivers is 0.04 or higher

In 2022, 13,524 people died in drunk-driving crashes, equating to one death every 39 minutes. Another 2,337 deaths involved drivers with BACs between .01 and .07. Impaired driving accounted for 32% of all traffic fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Organization.

CFLR offers services that address this preventable issue:

  1. In-School Prevention Services: Programs like Catch My Breath and Teen Intervene educate youth on substance use and impaired driving risks.
  2. Harm Reduction/Narcan Training: Provides education on overdose prevention and the dangers of substance use behind the wheel.
  3. Medication Take Back Days: Reduces the availability of substances that could lead to impaired driving.
  4. Family Support Navigation (FSN): Assists families in creating safe, substance-free environments during the holidays.
  5. Concealing Secrets: Provides parents an opportunity to learn about how teens and young adults can hide substances and provide more information to be able to prevent teens from driving while impaired.
  6. Community Awareness: Safety First: Harm Reduction Curriculum provides critical education about the dangers of impaired driving.
  7. Compeer Program: Matches individuals with mentors who encourage healthier, substance-free choices.
  8. Impaired Driving Program: Offers classes at various locations, serving Onieda, Herkimer, and Lewis counties taught by IDP instructors approved by the NYS Dept of Motor Vehicles. It enforces impaired driving laws and works to prevent further violations
Posted by Cassandra Sheets in Behavioral Health, CFLR In Action, News, Prevention, Recovery
13
Dec
2024

Center For Family Life and Recovery Helps Dealing with Holiday Stress

Center For Family Life and Recovery Helps Dealing with Holiday Stress

Utica, New York (December 2024) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) recognizes that many find that the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. But there are ways to ease through the season. According to a survey by the American Heart Association, holidays are stressful for many, with 79% of people focusing on creating special moments for others at the expense of their own needs. 63% find the holiday season more stressful than tax season, and 71% regret not taking time to relax.

CFLR provides services to help reduce holiday stress:

Grief Recovery Method: Helps individuals process loss during a season that often amplifies grief.

Mental Health First Aid: Teaches how to identify and manage stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges during the holidays.

Talk Saves Lives: Prevention education program covers suicide and what research has found to be relevant risk factors of suicide and strategies that prevent it

Peer Services: Recovery coaches engage with individuals that are in inpatient treatment settings, treatment courts, family courts, hospital settings, live independently, and more.

  • O.P.E groups: offers weekly mutual aid groups by engaging individuals socially, with a recovery focus, in activities and enhance the 4 pillars of recovery; home, health, community, and purpose
  • Virtual Peer Support: Managing holiday-related challenges like financial pressures or maintaining sobriety can be difficult, but virtual or in-person peer-to-peer support can provide a helpful and compassionate resource.
  • New York State’s EPICS (Enhancing Peer Integration and Community Supports) initiative for treatment court systems: initiative integrates peer services into treatment courts by forming a change team to assess local needs, develop tailored protocols, and provide peer support at all stages.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
10
Dec
2024

Hope and Help Start With Community Support

Hope and Help Start With Community Support

Rome, NY (December 2024) — As the demand for mental health and addiction services continues to grow, the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) remains steadfast in its mission to support individuals and families navigating the challenges of substance use, addiction, mental health issues, and suicide prevention. In a time when one in five individuals is facing a mental health challenge, CFLR is committed to dismantling the barriers that prevent many from seeking help, offering hope, and providing life-changing services to those who need it most, especially during this holiday season.

Over the past year, CFLR has seen an overwhelming increase in the need for its client-centered programs. Research reveals that 55% of individuals struggling with mental health issues have not sought help, often due to stigma, lack of resources, or both. As part of its ongoing mission, CFLR is working to provide a safe and welcoming environment for those facing these challenges and thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the organization has expanded its reach, ensuring more people receive the care they deserve.

The heart of CFLR’s success lies in the donations we are gifted and the stories of the individuals it serves. One such story is Jim’s — an inspiring testament to the power of recovery and the difference that support and compassion can make. Jim, a former client at CFLR, struggled with addiction for years. “I remember watching family and friends party, feeling fascinated,” he recalls. “Sneaking beers and smoking pot turned into a full-blown substance use disorder. I was just watching my life slip away.” When Jim walked through the doors of CFLR, he was searching for hope. Through the guidance of peer advocates and the comprehensive services CFLR offers, Jim began to turn his life around. “CFLR always answered my questions, offered me positive support, and provided me with the tools to become a peer advocate myself. I found the confidence to share my story, which helped restore my self-worth and gave me a sense of purpose.”

Today, Jim is not only sober but he is also employed and giving back to the community by volunteering with CFLR. His journey is just one of many that showcase the profound impact that our supporters can have on individuals and families working to reclaim their lives. “We are grateful to our donors, partners, and community for standing by us,” says Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. “With their support, we continue to break down the walls of stigma and provide a space where healing is possible. We believe that recovery is not just a destination, but a journey — and we are here every step of the way.”

As the need for mental health and addiction services grows, CFLR urges the community to continue its support. Donations — no matter the size — can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most, provide life-saving resources, and create a future where hope, help, and healing are always within reach. Before the end of the year, consider giving the gift of hope by visiting: http://www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com/donate-3/. The generosity of our community ensures that more individuals like Jim can find the support they need to begin their journey of recovery.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in News
03
Dec
2024

CFLR Partners with Fit Body Boot Camp for Food Drive to Support Local Communities

CFLR Partners with Fit Body Boot Camp for Food Drive to Support Local Communities

Rome, NY (December 2024) — The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is proud to announce its successful partnership with Whitesboro & Clinton Fit Body Boot Camp for the Fit Body Food Battle food drive – a heartfelt initiative aimed at giving back to local communities in need just before Thanksgiving and the holiday season. CFLR served as a food drop-off location for the month of November, collecting several hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food donations.

The food drive was organized by Fit Body Boot Camp, a leading fitness and wellness organization with a mission to make fitness fun, accessible, and rewarding for all. With a strong focus on community, Whitesboro and Clinton Fit Body Boot Camps helps individuals achieve their fitness goals while promoting a healthy lifestyle. These generous contributions were dispersed by CFLR's dedicated Recovery team to local organizations, including the Rome Rescue Mission, Camden Life Center's Food Pantry, and Utica Catholic Charities.

CFLR played a crucial role in helping facilitate and distribute the generous donations on behalf of the Whitesboro and Clinton Fit Body Boot Camps, ensuring that the contributions were effectively organized and delivered to those in need. Their dedicated efforts allowed the donations to reach a wide range of individuals and communities, including clients of CFLR, amplifying the impact of the Whitesboro and Clinton Fit Body Boot Camp's commitment to giving back and supporting local causes. Through their collaboration, they not only streamlined the process but also demonstrated the power of teamwork in making a positive difference.

CFLR was honored and would like to thank the owners and members of the Whitesboro and Clinton Fit Body Boot Camps for including our agency in this initiative as we know the donations will provide a vital resource for families and individuals in need this holiday season. As part of its ongoing efforts to make a difference in the community, CFLR remains committed to finding ways to inspire, serve, and support individuals in their recovery and wellness journeys. CFLR’s Recovery Coordinator, Katie Rodriguez expressed, "This food drive aligns perfectly with our mission of providing help, transforming lives, and ensuring that no one goes without the basic necessities, especially during the holiday season. We are grateful to Fit Body Boot Camp for their partnership and to all who generously donated."

The Fit Body Food Battle food drive ran from November 11th to November 25th, allowing community members ample time to participate in spreading food and love to those in need. The donations collected at CFLR will directly benefit those facing food insecurity in the area, making a positive impact on many families as they prepared for Thanksgiving and start preparations for Christmas and beyond.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
21
Nov
2024

Center of Family Life and Recovery Partners with Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching to Enhance Workforce Culture

Center of Family Life and Recovery Partners with Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching to Enhance Workforce Culture

Utica, New York (November 2024) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) is excited to announce a new partnership with Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching. This collaboration aims to foster a thriving and supportive workforce culture that prioritizes professional growth, learning, and development among CFLR’s leadership team.

As part of this partnership, Coach Michael Sgro will serve as the Chief Learning Officer (CLO), bringing his expertise in leadership coaching to the forefront. His role will focus on cultivating an environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and the holistic well-being of staff members.

The CLO will guide our culture to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Acting as both a coach and facilitator, the CLO supports employees in developing necessary skills and a growth mindset to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Additionally, the CLO ensures that learning opportunities are accessible and aligned with the company’s strategic goals, driving individual development and fostering a resilient, forward-thinking organizational culture.

“Creating a healthy workforce culture is essential to our mission at CFLR,” said Cassandra Sheets, MSW, CEO of the Center of Family Life and Recovery. “We are thrilled to partner with Michael, whose experience and passion for leadership development align perfectly with our goals.”

Coach Sgro expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “I believe that a strong culture is the playground for effective leadership to emerge. I look forward to working with the CFLR team to empower them in their professional journeys and to enhance the overall work environment.”

This partnership marks an important step in CFLR’s commitment to supporting its team members and enhancing their professional skills. By prioritizing a culture of learning and development, CFLR aims to strengthen its capacity to serve the community effectively. For more information about the Center of Family Life and Recovery and this exciting new partnership, please visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com.

 About Center of Family Life and Recovery

The Center of Family Life and Recovery is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources for individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health and addiction. Through innovative programs and a commitment to excellence, CFLR empowers communities to achieve lasting recovery. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com

About Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching

Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching specializes in developing effective leaders through personalized coaching and training programs. With a focus on emotional intelligence and organizational culture, Coach Sgro helps teams unlock their full potential.

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in News