CFLR In Action

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
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
02
Dec
2024

CFLR Awarded Two Grants to Enhance Family Treatment Court Services in Oneida County

CFLR Awarded Two Grants to Enhance Family Treatment Court Services in Oneida County

Rome, NY (December 2024) — The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is thrilled to announce the successful award of two significant grants aimed at strengthening its vital role in the Oneida County Family Treatment Court (FTC) System. These grants – the Oneida County FTC Family Support Navigator and the Oneida County FTC Family Peer Coach Services – are both subject to the approval of the New York State Offices of the Attorney General and Comptroller.

The Family Support Navigator program is designed to enhance family units and promote overall well-being by facilitating improved communication and community engagement. This initiative aims to educate families, both adults and children, on crucial topics such as the science of addiction and recovery, Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) communication tools, boundary setting, and how to access community resources. Through this program, CFLR will provide families with the necessary education and tools to foster growth and resilience during challenging times.

In addition to the Family Support Navigator, the Family Peer Coach service will empower families by connecting them with a peer mentor, advocate, and/or life coach. This role is pivotal in empowering families by connecting them with an experienced advocate who can share their lived experiences, provide guidance, and support them in navigating the healthcare and social support systems for their children. By sharing personal experiences and insights, the Family Peer Coach will advocate for the participants of the Oneida County Family Treatment Court, helping them to realize their potential and achieve their goals.

CFLR’s Program Administrator, Colleen Callaghan-Kirkland, and Prevention Director, Francesca Esposito, have worked diligently to secure these grants, which will significantly enhance the support structures available to families involved in the Oneida County FTC. Francesca expressed, “These grants represent a tremendous opportunity to strengthen the support systems for families navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery. By connecting families with compassionate, knowledgeable advocates and providing vital education, we can empower them to create healthier futures. At CFLR, we are committed to fostering resilience, unity, and hope within our community.” Both Colleen and Francesca, have dedicated their efforts toward fostering an environment that encourages family unity and 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 Mackenzi in CFLR In Action, News
28
Oct
2024

Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program Logo Design Competition Extended

Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program Logo Design Competition Extended

Utica, New York (October 2024) – Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program is hosting a logo contest for a new logo for the Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program. They invite 7th-12th graders in Oneida County to submit their creative designs now through November 15th.

Contest Details are as follows:

  • Themes: Hopeful Helpers, You Are Not Alone, Caring Communities
  • Prizes:$500 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place
  • Deadline: November 15th, 2024
  • Submission: Designs in JPEG or PNG format can be sent to ocsupp@cflrinc.org or mailed/delivered in person to 800 Park Avenue 9th floor, Utica.
  • Winner Announcement: On November 21st at 7 PM, at 201 West Dominick Street, Rome 13440, CFLR will select a winner and announce the winner. Save the date and join CFLR in Rome.

For further details on this Logo Contest, please contact Fran Esposito at (315) 733-1709 or email her at FEsposito@cflrinc.org.

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