News

05
Jun
2023

2nd Annual Youth Mental Health Day Scheduled for June 26th

2nd Annual Youth Mental Health Day Scheduled for June 26th

Holland Patent, New York (June 2023) –Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is joining with community partners to host the 2nd Annual Youth Mental Health Day in the Holland Patent Village Green on Main Street in Holland Patent, on Monday, June 26th from 11am-3pm.

Students and parents of all ages as well as school districts are welcome to join in the free activities focused on wellness and self-care. Some activities include a bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, games, popcorn, and more!

In addition, the first 50 families who bring a canned or dry goods donation to the Foothills Rural Community Ministry Food Pantry will receive a free children’s pass to Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo.

“Our Youth Mental Health Day brings awareness to the struggles that our youth are having. By hosting events such as this one, it helps fight the stigma surrounding mental health,” says Fran Esposito, Prevention Service Program Manager with CFLR.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be a leader in creating a world where people have the power to achieve and celebrate recovery. CFLR supports individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues by inspiring hope, providing help, promoting wellness, and transforming lives. To learn more, email Lesley Blaul at lblaul@cflrinc.org or visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com or call (315) 737-2086.

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
31
May
2023

Center for Family Life & Recovery Holding Mental Illness Awareness Workshop

Center for Family Life & Recovery Holding Mental Illness Awareness Workshop

The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) will be conducting an introductory Workshop “Understanding Mental Health” on Saturday, June 10th from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Utica church of Christ, 1330 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY. The Workshop will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to help create mentally-well communities. Information to be covered includes:

  • Mental health disorder signs and symptoms
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Substance use disorders
  • Suicide prevention
  • How to become an advocate

“Removing the sigma of Mental Illness starts with knowledge and understanding”, said Cassandra Sheets, Chief Executive Officer of CFLR. “This Workshop will assist people to gain awareness of mental wellness and provide them with guidance and direction.”

This Workshop is offered free of charge.  All community leaders and interested people are encouraged to attend. For more information call 315-733-1709.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be a leader in creating a world where people have the power to achieve and celebrate recovery. CFLR supports individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues by inspiring hope, providing help, promoting wellness, and transforming lives.

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
09
May
2023

Center for Family Life & Recovery Providing Hope Bags May 9th

Center for Family Life & Recovery Providing Hope Bags May 9th

On Tuesday May 9th from 11am- 1pm in collaboration with Erin’s light and UPD the Center for Family Life and Recovery will be providing “hope” bags to the homeless population in Utica with a focus on the Oneida square area.

#Erinslight is an acronym for Every Recovering Individual Needs Some Love, Inspiration, Grace, Hope, Today. The group was created in honor of Erin who died of an accidental overdose. “Erin believed every person needs to feel loved and appreciated.” Says Kehli, Erin’s Mom. “Erin said if you feel pretty on the outside, you feel more confident on the inside.”

The bags contain items, items such as lipstick nail polish sunscreen nail files also some additional items for the gentleman are toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, sunscreen and a resource guide on who they can reach out to when they are ready. CFLR’s goal is to promote self-care in our Homeless and our substance use disorder populations.

Center for Family Life and Recovery supports individuals and/or families struggling with addiction, mental health and behavioral issues by inspiring hope, providing help, promoting wellness and transforming lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com or call (315) 733-1709.

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
04
May
2023

CFLR to Focus on Prevention During Mental Health Awareness Month

CFLR to Focus on Prevention During Mental Health Awareness Month

Utica, New York (May 2023) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Center for Family Life and Recovery will be raising awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues thru a series of educational events the week of May 7th thru May 13th during National Prevention Week.

During National Prevention Week (NPW), Center for Family Life and Recovery will focus on how schools, the community and families can all take an active role in helping to prevent substance abuse while also promoting positive mental health.

“We have many events planned throughout the community during Prevention Week,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. “We have an ice cream social in Madison BOCES, ‘Science of Addiction’ presentations scheduled in Holland Patent Central School District, a vaping presentation for Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District students, and a ‘Talk Saves Lives’ suicide prevention training for Cornell Cooperative Staff.”

In addition to these events, prevention specialists have a wealth of informational social media posts for both prevention week and mental health month that school districts can utilize as well.

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 or call (315) 733-1709.

Posted by Cassandra Sheets in CFLR In Action, News
05
Apr
2023

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 (April 2023) – The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) is proud to announce its Spring Take Back Day’s. This initiative, in collaboration with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County Opioid Task Force and local police departments, provides a convenient way for residents to “Take Back” unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter 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. These events are 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 for both dates of 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 is working hard to reach its goal of collecting 30,000 pounds (the weight of a school bus) by the end of October 2023. To date, they have collected over 23,000 pounds through their previous take back events. 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 Two Drug Take Back Days this Spring:

Date: April 20th, 2023
Location: 50 Forward Verona Beach (6734 Rt 13)
Time: 9am – 1pm

Date: April 22nd, 2023
Location: Outside of Utica Train Station on Railroad Street
Time: 10am – 2pm

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