News

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. Plans “Hope in a Bowl of Soup” Event

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. Plans “Hope in a Bowl of Soup” Event

Rome, New York – An event sponsored by the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) called “Hope in a Bowl of Soup” is planned for Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the CFLR Office at 201 West Dominick Street, Rome. The event is an opportunity for people to learn about the recovery efforts from community agencies, and enjoy assorted soups and baked goods, while offering hope and support to community members who are in recovery or still facing struggles.

Soup, often associated with comfort and warmth, is a versatile dish enjoyed by many worldwide. Soup can be seen as a testament to “good food and good company,” as sharing a bowl can create connections and spark conversations. Beyond its comforting qualities, soup is nourishing for the soul. We chose soup for our event’s meal as it can be made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, promoting well-being within our community.

“It has been my personal mission to create a safe and welcoming place for our community members to come to, where they can find support, connection and understanding.” said Katie Rodriguez, CFLR Recovery Coordinator. “This event reflects that commitment. Everyone in our community needs to know they are not alone on their journey!”

“Hope in a Bowl of Soup” is funded through the Erin’s Light Fund and CFLR. Erin’s Light is a recovery support effort in memory of Erin who lost her battle with addiction in 2019. The founding principle of Erin’s Light is every recovering individual needs some love, inspiration, grace, and hope today. Erin’s family, to keep Erin’s legacy alive, continues to champion the recovery of individuals in our community.

Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. The vision of CFLR is to be a leader in creating a world where people have the power to achieve and celebrate recovery. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com.

For more information, call: 315.795.5229 or email krodriguez@cflrinc.org

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News

CFLR and Oneida County Law Enforcement Working Together to Take Back Unused Medications

CFLR and Oneida County Law Enforcement Working Together to Take Back Unused Medications

Utica, New York (October 2024) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is proud to announce its Fall Take Back Day. This initiative, in collaboration with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County Opioid Task Force, Oneida County Health Department, and Utica police departments, provides a convenient way for residents to “Take Back” unused or expired prescription medications, including sharps and pet medications. Free HOPE bags full of resources will also be given away at each event.

This drive-through event makes it easier for people to dispose of these medications safely and securely without having to leave their cars. This event is part of CFLR’s Oneida County Prevention Services program which aims to reduce the number of opioids available in our communities while also reducing the risk of misuse and abuse. Present at this event will be CFLR’s Narcan trainers as well as Deterra bags which are drug deactivation bags distributed in previous Take Back Days.

CFLR Executive Director Cassandra Sheets said: “We are so pleased that this program has been so successful! People are recognizing the danger that these medications pose if not disposed of properly and we are grateful for their participation.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 70% of all opioid overdoses can be traced back to prescription drugs. So far, CFLR’s drive-through take back events have helped keep these dangerous drugs out of our communities and away from those who may misuse them.

The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. will host Drug Take Back Day this Fall:

Date: October 26th, 2024

Location: 321 Main Street Utica, NY 13501

Time: 10 am – 2 pm

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

CFLR Receiving a total of $7,000

CFLR Receiving a total of $7,000

Utica, New York (September 2024) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) has been awarded a total of $7,000 in grant monies from The Rome Community Foundation to support the relief efforts following the tornado in July this year.

“The efforts following the tornado were tremendous in the community of Rome. Every business that could help was outside offering physical and emotional support. We distributed hundreds of bottles of water, snacks, and supplies the days following the tornado. Although this is not what we do in our normal course of business, our staff did not hesitate to jump in to help the community in their time of need. We recognized immediately the devastation this caused could lead to mental health issues in the long term, and CFLR will continue to be there to support the Rome Community,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. “CFLR is grateful to the Rome Community Foundation for recognizing and supporting our efforts, because we truly believe where there is help there is hope.”

In addition to the physical needs, many individuals’ mental health suffered from this event. Services provided by CFLR act as a safety net for these individuals and will continue to provide healthy resources out of their Rome office.

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

Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program Hosting Logo Design Competition

Oneida County Suicide Prevention Program Hosting Logo Design Competition

Utica, New York (September 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 1st.

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 1st, 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.

Click Here for the Logo Design Entry Template and More Information

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

CFLR to Offer Grief Support Group in Utica

CFLR to Offer Grief Support Group in Utica

Utica, New York (Oct 2024) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR), will offer The Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group, an 8-week program beginning Wednesday, October 23rd from 4:30-6 pm in their Utica office, 502 Court St., 4th Floor, Utica, NY 13502. The cost per person is $200.

Experiencing significant loss can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of how to move forward. Center for Family Life & Recovery saw an immense need for grief support in the community and are proud to announce that we now offer Grief Recovery Method grief support groups. This 8-week support program offers a lifeline during this challenging time. These groups provide a structured, compassionate approach to help you process and heal from your loss.

Led by certified Grief Recovery Specialists, these groups offer a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your grief, share your story, and connect with others who understand your experience. The Grief Recovery Method’s proven framework guides you through a step-by-step process designed to address and heal the emotional pain associated with loss. Each session is crafted to offer empathy, understanding, and practical tools for moving forward, allowing you to find comfort and build a supportive community.

“The Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group provides a transformative opportunity for individuals to lighten the burden of grief they carry each day. It’s inspiring to witness participants fully engaged in the process over our eight weeks together, as they courageously explore and express their emotions. Watching them find clarity and healing as everything comes together is truly a remarkable experience”, says Ashley Neuschel, CFLR Prevention Community Educator and Greif Recovery Specialist.

Join a The Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group to gain valuable insights, connect with others on a similar journey, and take meaningful steps toward emotional recovery. You don’t have to navigate this path alone, let us help guide you through the healing process. For further details on The Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group at CFLR, contact Ashley Neuschel at (315) 733-1709 or email her at ANeuschel@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 Mackenzi in CFLR In Action, News