A Note from Our CEO
Remember Where You Came From
by Brian Doyle
Remember where you came from” – These words have been spoken by individuals who might be envious of another’s achievements and accomplishments coming out of a marginalized community and yet achieving success in their lives. That envious person might be unconsciously reinforcing stigmas that suggest a person from a marginalized community is unable to succeed against the odds that have faced them.
This was part of a conversation I recently had with Jannera Cruz, the Financial Development Center Manager (The Financial Development Center is an extension of Heritage Financial Credit Union which is a new and most-welcomed partner at the Family Partnership Center).
Jannera spoke of the pride she has in achieving her position with Heritage. She does not hesitate to note the Credit Union is tremendously supportive as an employer. Jannera spoke of her notable accomplishment of being the first person in her family to receive a high school diploma and then advancing on to college.
“Remember where you come from” can best be used as a call to all of us to remember that we are all a “product of immigration”. This reminder is engraved on a lapel pin I keep on my desk.
When I remember “where I came from”, I think of a seventeen-year-old woman sailing from Cork County in Ireland to New York City. My own grandmother, Mary Sullivan, arrived here and first served as a domestic servant to one of Manhattan’s Eastside wealthy families. From there, she raised a family and made the way for her future generations. Little did she know… The road may be difficult and paved with trials and tribulations, but there is a destination.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is vital to look with pride on the ways in which past & present immigrants continually contribute to all that we cherish in this country.
So, to some who are striving to achieve, “remember where you came from” may be an ill-advised cautionary. These words, for the remainder of us, allows us to celebrate the positive contributions immigrants continue to make to American society.
Thank you for reminding us, Jannera!
A Message of Hope, Possibility and Life
by Lori Lentini, Vice President of Behavioral Health
Program Spotlights
Ulster Prevention Council
by Susan Baxter, Program Director
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Domestic Violence Offender Project
by Onaje Benjamin, Case Manager
The Domestic Violence Offender Project (DVOP) is an offender focused, victim-centered approach to holding accountable the most serious and chronic offenders known to law enforcement, all while prioritizing victim and community safety. The DVOP intervenes where possible to prevent violence from continuing or escalating by offering support services and elevating the community moral voice against violence. With its unique focus on offender accountability, DVOP offers Dutchess County a novel opportunity to leverage its law enforcement and community resources to address the ongoing challenge of chronic Intimate Partner Violence offending, while also continuing to ensure the highest levels of victim and community safety.
A Look Back
We are so thrilled to announce that after being closed for an extended time due to the pandemic, the Children’s Center at Dutchess Family Court is reopening! Starting 3 days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays) from 9:30-4:30 pm. Beginning Monday, September 26, we will be open five days per week. The Children’s Center provides free child care for families that have business at Family Court.
Upcoming Events
Join us on Saturday, October 15 to take a stand against sexual assault and domestic violence and show your support for survivors!
Festival of Trees is back for another fun filled event!
Join Our Family Tree
By joining our Family Tree, you are supporting our vision of stronger, safer communities where our neighbors have access to critical resources when they need it most.
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Family Services’ 2022 Leadership Partners
