Cassandra Sheets

Utica, New York (February 2024) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) participated in this week’s Stand Up for Recovery Day on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024. Recovery advocates across New York State gathered in Albany to call upon the Governor and Legislature to address the ongoing need for additional resources to promote and support recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions.

The day began at 8:30 am with advocates gathering and advocacy groups dispersed to meet with legislative representatives. These were leaders of the recovery movement, individuals and family members living in recovery, and professionals like those from CFLR encouraging local, state, and national governmental officials who are decision-makers about the Recovery Movement.

“Stand Up for Recovery Day reminds us that courage isn’t just about facing adversity, it’s about standing tall together in the pursuit of healing and hope for the recovery community. We utilized our voices when meeting with the constituents to stand up together to speak up for the needs of the community,” said Katie Burns, Recovery Coordinator with CFLR.

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

Utica, New York (January 2024) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is seeking nominations for 2024 Amethyst Award. Nominees for the Amethyst Award are members of our community who have helped others by inspiring them with the message of hope and recovery in the fields of mental health and chemical dependency, as well as treatment and prevention. The Amethyst Award was inspired by the Amethyst stone which has become a symbol of recovery. If you know someone you feel is worthy of the Amethyst award, please submit a nomination today.

Nominations can be submitted on CFLR, Inc.’s website, www.WhenTheresHelpTheresHope.com or using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AmethystAwardNominations Nominations will be accepted through February 15, 2024. The awards will be presented at Center for Family Life and Recovery’s 2024 April Awareness Breakfast, “Celebrating CommUNITY Connections,” to be held on April 2^nd at Hart’s Hill Inn, in Whitesboro and is open to the public. Ticket information is available on CFLR’s website and by calling the Utica office: 315-733-1709.

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

Rome, New York (January 2024) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, together with the City of Rome, will host “Winter Bash” at Kennedy Arena, 500 W. Embargo St. in Rome, NY, on February 22^nd from 11am-2:30pm.

This fun youth event will include many free activities for local youth and their families, including crafts and a DJ on site. There will also be free open ice skating from 1-2:30pm. Families can enjoy free hot chocolate and popcorn, concessions will be available for purchase.

 “The City of Rome is excited to partner with the Center for Family Life and Recovery for their second annual Winter Bash. Last year’s event was a lot of fun and we hope this becomes a mainstay for families during midwinter break,” says Sarah Lokker, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator, City of Rome – Department of Community & Economic Development. “Mental health is something that should be more widely discussed and exposing families to the fantastic resources CFLR and their partners can provide makes for an easier conversation. The Winter Bash allows for families to ice skate, partake in crafts and other activities, making for a fun day at Kennedy Arena!”

“This event is something fun for area kids and their families to do during the February mid-winter break,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. “Youth in Oneida County need more opportunities to get out in the community, have fun, and build positive memories, and we think this event will do just that!”

“Winter Bash” is a result of a grant received by the Oneida Country Suicide Prevention Program and utilized by the Center for Family Life and Recovery to provide outreach to youth and their families. For more information on the grant, visit

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

Utica, New York (January 2024) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR), January was declared National Mentoring Month in 2002 to highlight the importance of mentoring and CFLR is seeking volunteers to become mentors. The CFLR mentoring program, Compeer, is focused on creating lasting friendships for individuals who have a mental health disorder. The Compeer Program trains community volunteers who are matched to a youth or adult “friend” (a person referred to the program) to make a difference in their lives on their Mental Wellness journey!

The Compeer mentoring program needs caring volunteers as the waitlist grows. “We are seeing a need for positive friends and mentors in individuals’ lives now more than ever,” said Ashley Neuschel, Community Educator at CFLR.  “We currently have 22 adults and 10 youths with unique interests and needs, waiting for their perfect friend.” Volunteer requirements are simple; mentors must be over the age of 18, willing to undergo a background check, attend an orientation training, and able to commit four hours per month as a mentor to your friend for the year.

If you think you have what it takes to be a friend and mentor, call the CFLR offices at (315) 733-1709 or visit the Compeer Program on our website. Neuschel will answer volunteer candidates’ questions and help with the volunteer application process.

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