Utica, New York (March 2025) – Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. will hold its Annual Awareness Breakfast – “Breaking the Silence: Stories that Defy Stigma” on Tuesday, April 8th at 8:15 am at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro, and is open to the public. This signature event, which coincides with Alcohol Awareness Month, also recognizes the contributions of the community in helping support our agency’s vision to be a leader in creating a world where people have the power to achieve and celebrate recovery. There will also be informational booths from service providers from all over Mohawk Valley and Central NY, providing information on recovery and prevention services.
This year, the Amethyst Award and the Paul Dunn Advocacy Award will be presented to two 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 substance use disorders.
The Paul Dunn Advocacy Award is named after long-time CFLR Board member Paul Dunn as a tribute to his unending commitment to advocacy and recovery efforts in our community. Dr. Marianne Buttenschon, recipient of the Paul Dunn Advocacy Award and Assemblywoman for New York’s 119th District, brings over 30 years of experience in education and public service. Prior to her election in 2018, she served as Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College. A lifelong educator, Marianne earned degrees from Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Binghamton University, and Northeastern University. Marianne’s work focuses on community development, education, public safety, and fighting hunger, as seen in her role with the Utica Community Food Pantry and her efforts to improve local food distribution. Marianne played a pivotal role in passing Erin’s Law, which mandates public facilities to carry lifesaving opioid antagonists like Naloxone/Narcan. This law honors Erin, a young woman who tragically lost her life to an overdose, and is a testament to Marianne’s dedication to public health and safety. She is also a member of various caucuses and organizations working to ensure transparency, fairness, and opportunities for all her constituents in the diverse 119th District.
Ernest (Ernie) Lowenkopf will receive the Amethyst Award. Mr. Lowenkopf received multiple nominations this year. One of his nominators said, “Ernie is deserving of the Amethyst Award because of his outstanding contributions to the field of addiction and mental health. At Helio Health, Ernie consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment going above and beyond to individuals get the services/support they need.” Ernie has spent nearly five years in the human services and behavioral health field, focusing on supporting individuals in recovery. A person with lived experience in substance use, mental health disorders, and justice involvement, he blends personal insight with professional expertise. Starting as an RA at the Rescue Mission of Utica, he developed a passion for helping vulnerable populations and continues working there part-time. Ernie completed CRPA training in 2020 and became a Recovery Peer Advocate with CFLR in 2021. He worked with Insights of Helio Health in various roles, eventually becoming a Counselor 1 Clinic Assessor in February of this year. Ernie also works part-time for CNY Youth Connections and is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T), holding multiple certifications in recovery coaching. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, making people laugh, and spending time with family.
Tickets to this signature event are $40 and are still available for purchase. The last day to register as a sponsor is March 17th, and tickets/sponsorships can be purchased by clicking here.
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
