INTRODUCING PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT Family & Child Service recently began a new service program funded by the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities called Pathway to Employment. This “person centered” employment program enables individuals with developmental disabilities to learn workplace skills with the assistance of an employment specialist and job coach.

Our first Pathway to Employment participant is Donald, who is 31 years old and lives in a community residence in Latham. He has always wanted to work and be more productive. Donald was referred to Pathway from our service coordination program in December of 2014. He completed his first work tryout at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley in Troy. Donald’s employment specialist, Tobi Bickweat, worked with him on a variety of workplace tasks including mailings, Internet research, reception work and marketing.

Donald is now at the Cohoes Community Center. He is currently working on a number of assignments including food preparation, assisting with the nursery school program and front desk chores. Tobi and Donald currently spend 5-6 hours a week together at the Cohoes location. Donald receives direct, one-on-one instruction where time is spent on mastering work duties. His participation in Pathway to Employment is designed to help him achieve a career or vocation in an integrated, competitive work setting in either independent or supported employment.

The program goal is to expose individuals with a disability to a work environment and to prepare them for employment with job readiness skills. Many individuals have never had the opportunity to learn workplace skills in a “real” work setting. Pathway to Employment is a vibrant program that will provide a new resource for individuals to become more independent through services offered through FCSS. We are in the process of interviewing other individuals for program participation. We will continue to develop the program as our expertise grows.

As Donald works towards his employment goals, he also will have the opportunity to serve as a mentor to future program participants. We wish Donald the best of luck in all his future endeavors!

Volume 71 | Spring 2015

“Keeping Families Strong”

2015 Board of directors

Executive Director

BoB VanZetta, LCSW

PresidenteLaine PiCkett Schenectady City Schools

Vice PresidentMiChaeL C. WeLCh, MDEllis Medicine Family Practice

SecretaryMegan M. haeSSig

Ballston Spa Central School District

TreasurerLori anne harriS

HMS Agency, Inc.

Board MembersPaLMer n. FargnoLi, Jr.Stockade Consulting Group

SCott a. guShLaW

AngioDynamics

DaViD J. haSSoun

United Healthcare

PaM Menton

United Health Group

JereMy noBLe, CPa, MStHorizon Bradco

Cora SChroeter, MBaCongressional Constituent Representative20th Congressional District

JaCqueLine tyo

Honorary Board MemberDeneen M. PaLMateer

GE Energy

EmeritiDougLaS MaCe, Ph.D.Mace Consulting

WiLLiaM reynoLDS

Consultant

246 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305Ph. (518) 393-1369 • Fax (518) 393-3601Email: famchild@familyandchildservice.comwww.familyandchildservice.com

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDAlbany, NY Permit #796

Please remember to designate your United Way, SEFA, and CFC contributions to Family & Child Service of Schenectady and to check the “I want to be acknowledged” box on your pledge card. Our SEFA code this year is 50-00373, and our CFC code is 97397. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Donald and job coach Tobi working together

Service Coordinator Rachael prepares Donald for workDonald on the job

Help us to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our Golf Ball Drop fundraising event by joining us on Friday, September 18th at Stadium Golf Club in Schenectady. The festivities start at 4:30pm with an open golf putting contest, followed by a cocktail hour at 5pm. At 6pm we come together once again to watch 1,000 golf balls drop from a helicopter onto Stadium’s 9th fairway.

TOP PRIZES

• Grand Prize: $1500 Visa Gift Card

• Second Prize: Cash ‘N Jewels featuring a $500 Visa Gift Card and blue topaz/diamond pendant courtesy of Sondra’s Fine Jewelry

• Third Prize: Night On The Town package featuring overnight, dinner, Proctor’s tickets and other surprises

Following the ball drop guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and be entertained by guest emcee Jack Aernecke. Raffles will be awarded throughout the evening and a live auction will immediately precede the announcement of the three top winners at 8pm.

Special thanks to: Fenimore Asset Management Inc., United Healthcare, CDPHP, Sondra’s Fine Jewelry, Lamar Advertising, The Daily Gazette, Janitronics Facility Services, HMS Agency, Inc., Lubbe & Hosey PC, Schenectady Insuring Agency, Siemens Industry, Inc., Trustco Bank, Thermal Environment Sales and Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern NY who have committed to this event to date.

We hope to see you at what promises to be a fun-filled evening on the greens.

10th Anniversary Golf Ball Drop with Title Sponsor Fenimore Asset Management, Inc.and Honorary Media Sponsor Rewind 105.7

Save the Date!!10th Anniversary

Golf Ball DropWhen: Friday, September 18, 2015

Where: Stadium Golf Club333 Jackson Avenue, Schenectady

Time: 4:30pm to 8:00pmBall Drop: 6:00pm

Golf balls are $10 each. Dinner/golf ball for one is $60;

Dinner/golf balls for two are $100.

Contact Michele Shellard at 393-1369 or visit our website at

www.familyandchildservice.com for details

Executive Director’s Message

Spring is an exciting time for all living things to wake up from a long slumber to renew, regenerate and grow. In this issue you will read about Donald who is a participant in our newest program, Pathway to Employment.

In this program individuals with developmental disabilities are given an opportunity to explore vocational skills and interests. Through the support of our staff, participants are given the chance for a new life experience. It is remarkable to witness the progress Donald has made. He has grown in his self confidence, he has improved his workplace interactions, and he has expanded his work skill sets. It is powerful to experience the raw enthusiasm of his accomplishments.

Like Donald, Family and Child Service is growing and reaching for new opportunities to expand our services and skill sets to help support the individuals and communities we serve. We are noted for providing high quality, cost effective, personal care to individuals and families. All of our efforts support the dignity of independence to the extent possible for those we assist.

It is an exciting time for us and for individuals like Donald as we journey on to new heights of efforts, trials and achievement.

Your support is vital to us! It validates the good work we do and acknowledges our efforts! That is a powerful motivation to us, knowing that you care…as much as we care about Donald and all the others we serve!

Take A Look At What’s Been Keeping Us Busy…

Our sincere appreciation to

the United Way, SEFA, and CFC

donors whose steadfast support

and designations provide much

needed funding, enabling us to

help even more people each and

every year.

If you would like to donate,

volunteer or get involved please

visit our website at www.

familyandchildservice.com.

If you would like to make a

donation directly to our Agency

please make a check payable

to Family & Child Service of

Schenectady and mail to

246 Union Street,

Schenectady, NY 12305.

SPRING 2015 APPEAL

Name: Phone:

Address:

Email:

Checks can be made payable to Family & Child Service of Schenectady and mailed to:

Family & Child Service of Schenectady, Inc.

246 Union Street

Schenectady, NY 12305

Or make your secured donation online at

www.familyandchildservice.com

We also accept:

o Mastercard o Visa o Discover _______________ Security Code Number

Account #:

Exp. Date:

Signature:

We thank you for your support!

Former Board Members Deneen Palmateer, Bill Reynolds and Doug Mace accept congratulations and recognition for their dedication and service from Executive Director Bob Van Zetta and current Board President Elaine Pickett at our March 26 reception

FSS participants and staff shared a fun afternoon of bowling at Boulevard Bowl during a cold and

snowy February afternoon

FCSS staff Rich Strohl and Lee Kelpy chat with former Board Member Bill Reynolds

Pathway to Employment participant Donald practices his culinary skills

Bowlers Caiden, Paige, Lena, Christopher and Dante pose for a fun photo on the lanes

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of the donors who supported our Agency throughout the 2014 calendar year. We are truly grateful for their commitment and support of the services we provide to more than 400 clients we serve throughout the Capital Region.

9th Annual Golf Ball Drop Corporate Support

Pop Crush 105.7 FMSondra’s Fine JewelryFenimore Asset Management, Inc.Janitronics Facility ServicesLamar AdvertisingThe Daily GazetteHMS Agency, Inc.Lubbe & Hosey, PCSiemens Building TechnologiesMazzone HospitalityRF PeckSchenectady Insuring AgencyThermal Environment Sales, Inc.Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York

9th Annual Golf Ball Drop Event Support

Jack AerneckeBook House of Stuyvesant PlazaBuca di Beppo Italian RestaurantBurden Lake Country ClubDavid GiacaloneGlenville Health & Fitness CenterImprint ProductsLake George Steamboat CompanyBruce Mowery of North Country HelifliteKerrie Wolf-Piechota

Carla and Ron RodriguesScott’s Hallmark of GlenvilleStadium Golf Club- Greg & Michele HennelTGI Friday’s of Stuyvesant PlazaEileen & Alan TavennerThe Pottery PlaceThe Silver ParrotUnion Café- SchenectadyUnion College Athletic DepartmentWhole Foods of AlbanyProctors Theater

Corporate Support

Fenimore Asset Management, Inc.GE FoundationGE United Way CampaignUnited Health Group Dollars for Doers Program

Grant Awards

Price Chopper’s Golub FoundationRotary Club of SchenectadyStewarts Foundation-Holiday Match ProgramWalmart Foundation-Local Giving Program

In-Kind Donations

Freeman’s Bridge Wine & LiquorHannaford- Niskayuna SquarePrice Chopper-Eastern ParkwayPrice Chopper-Mohawk Commons Shoprite of Niskayuna

2014 Holiday Appeal Donors

Judith AinlayAutism Society of the Greater Capital RegionSuzanne BarberMargaret BeanMichele BorettiGary & Kathleen BuczkowskiDominick & Rita DeSimonePalmer N. Fargnoli, Jr.Paula GargiuloGolub Family Foundation, Inc.Arthur HaberlThomas & Pearl HaliJohn & Cornelia HumeNorma LacombeChristopher & Lisa La PortaBarbara LatvisWilliam & Anne MatherPhyllis McClartyBrian P. McGarryPam MentonRick & JoAnn MenzerFred & Pat MettJohn & Cynthia NobleDeneen M. PalmateerDennis PerhamAlice ReedRon & Carla RodriguesRobert J. Romano

Charles & Virginia SimonRobert StevensonDr. & Mrs. Michael C. Welch

2014 Thanksgiving and Adopt A Family Holiday Donors

Concerned For The Hungry- Schenectady CountyCoretech Industrial Group- Krystal DeLa MaterEllis Medicine Oncology/Radiology- Mary Jane StefanGE Power & Water- Kathleen BoklanKristin KennedyNYS Troopers Employee Assistance Program- Cheri GattNYS Troopers Public Security Office- Paulette UcciNYS Troopers State Police Crime Lab- Major Timothy MunroPotratz Partners AdvertisingPryba, Tobin & Co.- Brenda QuinnDara ShareefPamela Troncone & familyUnion College- Kathy McCannUnion College- Womens’ Hockey Team Coach Ali Boe

Executive Director’s Message

Spring is an exciting time for all living things to wake up from a long slumber to renew, regenerate and grow. In this issue you will read about Donald who is a participant in our newest program, Pathway to Employment.

In this program individuals with developmental disabilities are given an opportunity to explore vocational skills and interests. Through the support of our staff, participants are given the chance for a new life experience. It is remarkable to witness the progress Donald has made. He has grown in his self confidence, he has improved his workplace interactions, and he has expanded his work skill sets. It is powerful to experience the raw enthusiasm of his accomplishments.

Like Donald, Family and Child Service is growing and reaching for new opportunities to expand our services and skill sets to help support the individuals and communities we serve. We are noted for providing high quality, cost effective, personal care to individuals and families. All of our efforts support the dignity of independence to the extent possible for those we assist.

It is an exciting time for us and for individuals like Donald as we journey on to new heights of efforts, trials and achievement.

Your support is vital to us! It validates the good work we do and acknowledges our efforts! That is a powerful motivation to us, knowing that you care…as much as we care about Donald and all the others we serve!

Take A Look At What’s Been Keeping Us Busy…

Our sincere appreciation to

the United Way, SEFA, and CFC

donors whose steadfast support

and designations provide much

needed funding, enabling us to

help even more people each and

every year.

If you would like to donate,

volunteer or get involved please

visit our website at www.

familyandchildservice.com.

If you would like to make a

donation directly to our Agency

please make a check payable

to Family & Child Service of

Schenectady and mail to

246 Union Street,

Schenectady, NY 12305.

SPRING 2015 APPEAL

Name: Phone:

Address:

Email:

Checks can be made payable to Family & Child Service of Schenectady and mailed to:

Family & Child Service of Schenectady, Inc.

246 Union Street

Schenectady, NY 12305

Or make your secured donation online at

www.familyandchildservice.com

We also accept:

o Mastercard o Visa o Discover _______________ Security Code Number

Account #:

Exp. Date:

Signature:

We thank you for your support!

Former Board Members Deneen Palmateer, Bill Reynolds and Doug Mace accept congratulations and recognition for their dedication and service from Executive Director Bob Van Zetta and current Board President Elaine Pickett at our March 26 reception

FSS participants and staff shared a fun afternoon of bowling at Boulevard Bowl during a cold and

snowy February afternoon

FCSS staff Rich Strohl and Lee Kelpy chat with former Board Member Bill Reynolds

Pathway to Employment participant Donald practices his culinary skills

Bowlers Caiden, Paige, Lena, Christopher and Dante pose for a fun photo on the lanes

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of the donors who supported our Agency throughout the 2014 calendar year. We are truly grateful for their commitment and support of the services we provide to more than 400 clients we serve throughout the Capital Region.

9th Annual Golf Ball Drop Corporate Support

Pop Crush 105.7 FMSondra’s Fine JewelryFenimore Asset Management, Inc.Janitronics Facility ServicesLamar AdvertisingThe Daily GazetteHMS Agency, Inc.Lubbe & Hosey, PCSiemens Building TechnologiesMazzone HospitalityRF PeckSchenectady Insuring AgencyThermal Environment Sales, Inc.Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York

9th Annual Golf Ball Drop Event Support

Jack AerneckeBook House of Stuyvesant PlazaBuca di Beppo Italian RestaurantBurden Lake Country ClubDavid GiacaloneGlenville Health & Fitness CenterImprint ProductsLake George Steamboat CompanyBruce Mowery of North Country HelifliteKerrie Wolf-Piechota

Carla and Ron RodriguesScott’s Hallmark of GlenvilleStadium Golf Club- Greg & Michele HennelTGI Friday’s of Stuyvesant PlazaEileen & Alan TavennerThe Pottery PlaceThe Silver ParrotUnion Café- SchenectadyUnion College Athletic DepartmentWhole Foods of AlbanyProctors Theater

Corporate Support

Fenimore Asset Management, Inc.GE FoundationGE United Way CampaignUnited Health Group Dollars for Doers Program

Grant Awards

Price Chopper’s Golub FoundationRotary Club of SchenectadyStewarts Foundation-Holiday Match ProgramWalmart Foundation-Local Giving Program

In-Kind Donations

Freeman’s Bridge Wine & LiquorHannaford- Niskayuna SquarePrice Chopper-Eastern ParkwayPrice Chopper-Mohawk Commons Shoprite of Niskayuna

2014 Holiday Appeal Donors

Judith AinlayAutism Society of the Greater Capital RegionSuzanne BarberMargaret BeanMichele BorettiGary & Kathleen BuczkowskiDominick & Rita DeSimonePalmer N. Fargnoli, Jr.Paula GargiuloGolub Family Foundation, Inc.Arthur HaberlThomas & Pearl HaliJohn & Cornelia HumeNorma LacombeChristopher & Lisa La PortaBarbara LatvisWilliam & Anne MatherPhyllis McClartyBrian P. McGarryPam MentonRick & JoAnn MenzerFred & Pat MettJohn & Cynthia NobleDeneen M. PalmateerDennis PerhamAlice ReedRon & Carla RodriguesRobert J. Romano

Charles & Virginia SimonRobert StevensonDr. & Mrs. Michael C. Welch

2014 Thanksgiving and Adopt A Family Holiday Donors

Concerned For The Hungry- Schenectady CountyCoretech Industrial Group- Krystal DeLa MaterEllis Medicine Oncology/Radiology- Mary Jane StefanGE Power & Water- Kathleen BoklanKristin KennedyNYS Troopers Employee Assistance Program- Cheri GattNYS Troopers Public Security Office- Paulette UcciNYS Troopers State Police Crime Lab- Major Timothy MunroPotratz Partners AdvertisingPryba, Tobin & Co.- Brenda QuinnDara ShareefPamela Troncone & familyUnion College- Kathy McCannUnion College- Womens’ Hockey Team Coach Ali Boe

INTRODUCING PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT Family & Child Service recently began a new service program funded by the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities called Pathway to Employment. This “person centered” employment program enables individuals with developmental disabilities to learn workplace skills with the assistance of an employment specialist and job coach.

Our first Pathway to Employment participant is Donald, who is 31 years old and lives in a community residence in Latham. He has always wanted to work and be more productive. Donald was referred to Pathway from our service coordination program in December of 2014. He completed his first work tryout at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley in Troy. Donald’s employment specialist, Tobi Bickweat, worked with him on a variety of workplace tasks including mailings, Internet research, reception work and marketing.

Donald is now at the Cohoes Community Center. He is currently working on a number of assignments including food preparation, assisting with the nursery school program and front desk chores. Tobi and Donald currently spend 5-6 hours a week together at the Cohoes location. Donald receives direct, one-on-one instruction where time is spent on mastering work duties. His participation in Pathway to Employment is designed to help him achieve a career or vocation in an integrated, competitive work setting in either independent or supported employment.

The program goal is to expose individuals with a disability to a work environment and to prepare them for employment with job readiness skills. Many individuals have never had the opportunity to learn workplace skills in a “real” work setting. Pathway to Employment is a vibrant program that will provide a new resource for individuals to become more independent through services offered through FCSS. We are in the process of interviewing other individuals for program participation. We will continue to develop the program as our expertise grows.

As Donald works towards his employment goals, he also will have the opportunity to serve as a mentor to future program participants. We wish Donald the best of luck in all his future endeavors!

Volume 71 | Spring 2015

“Keeping Families Strong”

2015 Board of directors

Executive Director

BoB VanZetta, LCSW

PresidenteLaine PiCkett Schenectady City Schools

Vice PresidentMiChaeL C. WeLCh, MDEllis Medicine Family Practice

SecretaryMegan M. haeSSig

Ballston Spa Central School District

TreasurerLori anne harriS

HMS Agency, Inc.

Board MembersPaLMer n. FargnoLi, Jr.Stockade Consulting Group

SCott a. guShLaW

AngioDynamics

DaViD J. haSSoun

United Healthcare

PaM Menton

United Health Group

JereMy noBLe, CPa, MStHorizon Bradco

Cora SChroeter, MBaCongressional Constituent Representative20th Congressional District

JaCqueLine tyo

Honorary Board MemberDeneen M. PaLMateer

GE Energy

EmeritiDougLaS MaCe, Ph.D.Mace Consulting

WiLLiaM reynoLDS

Consultant

246 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305Ph. (518) 393-1369 • Fax (518) 393-3601Email: famchild@familyandchildservice.comwww.familyandchildservice.com

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDAlbany, NY Permit #796

Please remember to designate your United Way, SEFA, and CFC contributions to Family & Child Service of Schenectady and to check the “I want to be acknowledged” box on your pledge card. Our SEFA code this year is 50-00373, and our CFC code is 97397. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Donald and job coach Tobi working together

Service Coordinator Rachael prepares Donald for workDonald on the job

Help us to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our Golf Ball Drop fundraising event by joining us on Friday, September 18th at Stadium Golf Club in Schenectady. The festivities start at 4:30pm with an open golf putting contest, followed by a cocktail hour at 5pm. At 6pm we come together once again to watch 1,000 golf balls drop from a helicopter onto Stadium’s 9th fairway.

TOP PRIZES

• Grand Prize: $1500 Visa Gift Card

• Second Prize: Cash ‘N Jewels featuring a $500 Visa Gift Card and blue topaz/diamond pendant courtesy of Sondra’s Fine Jewelry

• Third Prize: Night On The Town package featuring overnight, dinner, Proctor’s tickets and other surprises

Following the ball drop guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and be entertained by guest emcee Jack Aernecke. Raffles will be awarded throughout the evening and a live auction will immediately precede the announcement of the three top winners at 8pm.

Special thanks to: Fenimore Asset Management Inc., United Healthcare, CDPHP, Sondra’s Fine Jewelry, Lamar Advertising, The Daily Gazette, Janitronics Facility Services, HMS Agency, Inc., Lubbe & Hosey PC, Schenectady Insuring Agency, Siemens Industry, Inc., Trustco Bank, Thermal Environment Sales and Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern NY who have committed to this event to date.

We hope to see you at what promises to be a fun-filled evening on the greens.

10th Anniversary Golf Ball Drop with Title Sponsor Fenimore Asset Management, Inc.and Honorary Media Sponsor Rewind 105.7

Save the Date!!10th Anniversary

Golf Ball DropWhen: Friday, September 18, 2015

Where: Stadium Golf Club333 Jackson Avenue, Schenectady

Time: 4:30pm to 8:00pmBall Drop: 6:00pm

Golf balls are $10 each. Dinner/golf ball for one is $60;

Dinner/golf balls for two are $100.

Contact Michele Shellard at 393-1369 or visit our website at

www.familyandchildservice.com for details