Archive for category: Archive

The History of Family of Woodstock’s Pioneering Efforts to Heal Domestic Violence

Prior to 1980, the Hudson Valley did not have a domestic violence shelter. Enter a dedicated group of mostly women who, working with Family of Woodstock, created the Washbourne House.

On October 29, we will premiere the film “Women Helping Women” in which several of pioneering women describe the situations that motivated them to act and open the shelter. Created by former Family of Woodstock Board Member Ken McCarthy and told mostly via virtual video interviews, the film spotlights how dire situations were for women with nowhere to turn for help and how the Washbourne House offered a respite from a life of anxiety and fear.

More than 40 years later, the shelter still offers housing and services to women and their children while helping them build a new life. For more about the Washbourne House, visit Washbourne House.

We invite you to join us for this special screening which will be followed by a panel discussion about the issues still facing domestic violence survivors today.

Screening Details

When: Tuesday, October 29 – 5:30pm

Where: Ulster County Restorative Justice Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston

RSVP Required: info@fowinc.org or call 845-331-7080

Hear Two Family of Woodstock Veterans Discuss the past 20+ years

Recently, Executive Director Michael Berg sat down with long-time Family Team Leader Salvador Altamirano-Segura, who is retiring after 20+ years at the end of September, on the “Family Time Radio Show.” The two have shared a multitude of experiences as they faced many challenges and fought hard to help clients get the services they need. During the discussion, the two reminisced about world and regional events that impacted clients’ lives, and the services Family could provide. Throughout their 30-minute discussion, it’s clear the two share a passion for helping those who have life challenges that aren’t being addressed by societal institutions.

If you have time, give the show a listen and take a step back in time to learn about how Family of Woodstock has grown to where it is today and the many obstacles the agency has overcome to still be here after 50+ years.

We also want to thank Sal for his many, many years of dedicated service, his compassion for our clients, his stalwart support of the Spanish-speaking members of our community, and his strength in fighting for the rights of those who struggle to live a productive, fruitful life in our community. You are one of a kind, Sal. Thank You!

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We are sorry and disappointed to announce that the concert scheduled for September 13 at Maverick Concerts has been canceled due to illnesses in the band. The concert will not be rescheduled. For refunds, please contact Maverick at info@maverichconcerts.org. If you would like to consider your ticket purchase a donation to Family of Woodstock and our 24-hour hotline, please let Maverick know that and they will make sure the funds are donated.

Supporting the Family of Woodstock Hotline

The Family of Woodstock Pop-up Benefits help the agency continue operating the longest emergency hotline in the United States. For over 50 years, when people call (845) 679-2485, someone has answered to help with “any problem under the sun.” Our staff/volunteers are highly trained to listen and not judge or tell them what to do. Instead, they guide them towards one of 24 programs the agency provides in many areas, including housing/shelter, mental health support, restorative justice, and food security. Rising costs have affected everyone, including the Family of Woodstock. These Pop-up Benefits will help the agency remain a reliable source of help and hope for the community.

if you would like to make a donation, please click this link: Donate to Family of Woodstock

On Friday, May 17, our MidWay I Transitional Living youth shelter in Kingston experienced an accidental fire in a resident’s bedroom. Thankfully, the resident was not present at the time and no one was injured. Our deep gratitude goes out to the City of Kingston Fire Department for their very quick response that prevented a total loss of the building.

But there was significant damage. Beyond the room in which the fire was contained, smoke damaged several others. Water made its way to the floor below and impacting the staff office. Our staff is working around the clock to clean and repair the spaces while also supporting the youth, ensuring that they have temporary housing, attend school, and remain well-nourished.

Thankfully, insurance should cover the physical damage caused by the fire. However, several of the youth currently calling MidWay their home lost clothing, personal items, keepsakes, and more. We are creating a fund so that they can use the money to restore their sense of comfort in their MidWay rooms. In a sense, this is a silver lining for them as they will get to see first-hand how compassionate our surrounding community can be in times of crisis. That your generosity will be directed toward them will go a long way to restoring their sense of hope.

Thank you in advance for whatever you can contribute.

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