Archive for category: Archive

Dear Friends,

The world has certainly changed over the past few weeks. When I began composing this letter last month, I planned to tell you what the agency accomplished in the last year. 2020 is the agency’s 50th anniversary and I had intended to invite you to a Gala being planned, as well a concert that would acknowledge the agency’s origins on the heels of Woodstock ’69. Now that all seems very distant.

Instead, we find ourselves on the front lines of our community’s COVID 19 response. I wanted to share with you what that looks like from our viewpoint.

●          As our neighbors experience the anxiety and isolation many of us are feeling right now, our 24-hour hotline has expanded to respond to the increased number of calls seeking information, resources and comforting words. As you can imagine, people already struggling with mental health issues and financial hardships are more reliant than ever on our hotline. In order to keep staff safe, we have developed technology and procedures to respond to calls off-site. We are working to make our services more accessible by starting a Spanish-speaking hotline.

●          Food insecurity in our community has worsened during this pandemic. Family, as always, is a key partner in providing food to families and to food pantries around the county. The agency has also expanded its food program at the Everette Hodge Community Center in Midtown Kingston where we are currently producing 3,000 dinners per week.

●          Keeping both staff and residents safe in our shelters is a crucial challenge. We are working hard to keep up with this task and keep our shelters– for teens, families, individuals and those seeking safety from family violence– open and welcoming.

●          Essential workers need child care they can rely on while they are taking care of others. Our Child Care Resource and Referral Service has undertaken a huge initiative to locate and pay for child care for these workers and to support child care programs to remain open.

●          We are also collaborating with the United Way of Ulster County and Radio Kingston to provide emergency funds to many of our neighbors.

In times of crisis, our community has always stepped up and taken care of one another. The need is especially urgent now. We cannot say enough about the skill and compassion of our incredible staff and volunteers. As with many of our fellow agencies, Family is struggling to respond to the community’s needs with only very limited resources. We welcome your generous response to this appeal so that we may continue the essential services we are providing. I realize that the current situation may be hampering your own ability to give, and if you need help, please call us. If you are able to help, now is a critical time. We’ve made it easier to contribute to Family. Please visit www.familyofwoodstockinc.org/donate to give online and for other donation options. 

While the focus of this letter has changed, I still want you to be aware of the remarkable amount of service the agency provided last year. Click here to view our 2020 Summary of Services.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of Family of Woodstock, Inc., I hope that you and your family remain safe and secure throughout these difficult times. We look forward to celebrating Family’s 50th Anniversary with you next year, as a 50 year retrospective of all of the important work that we have done together in our community.

Best Regards,

Michael Berg

Executive Director

The 12th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration to benefit the Family of Woodstock Hotline and John Herald Fund, hosted by Happy Traum, celebrates the songs of Bob Dylan interpreted by some of the best musicians residing in and visiting the Hudson Valley – both internationally known and up-and-coming. Always a sell-out, the concert has become a Woodstock Memorial Day tradition – attracting locals and tourists from the Hudson Valley/Tri-State area and beyond. Musicians TBA – performers over the past 12 years have included: Happy Traum, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, John Sebastian, Donald Fagen, Connor Kennedy, Don Byron, Cindy Cashdollar, Amy Helm, Jim Weider, AC Newman (New Pornographers), Graham Parker, Kate Pierson (B-52’s) and many, many more.

Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-bob-dylan-birthday-celebration-tickets-94480386379

when: Friday, January 31st – March 6th, 2020
where: Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St, Kingston, NY

Open to all 16 and over Are you interested in helping both your local and wider community? Are you that listening ear that friends and loved ones always seem to turn to? Are you interested in using the skills you have and building on your knowledge of helping? Family’s hotline training is just what you’re looking for!

Training covers the core of Family’s phone and texting hotline and walk-in services. Training topics include domestic violence, child abuse, mental health and substance abuse, adolescent issues, suicide, and homelessness. The training is free of charge and oriented towards personal growth. You will learn active, compassionate listening skills and ways to connect with people in need. Family offers an opportunity to be part of the change you wish to see in the world. Intervention is as simple as answering a phone call or text message at the moment someone reaches out. It is as direct as offering a cup of coffee and a bag of food to someone who is hungry. It takes your skill and the amazing depth of resources Family has gathered over its 49 year history.

The training will qualify you to volunteer at any of our three walk-in centers – New Paltz, Ellenville, or Woodstock. For more information call (845) 679-2485 or stop by Family of Woodstock, 16 Rock City Rd, to fill out an application.

Training Schedule
1/31 – Listening Skills and Relationship Building, 9am-4pm
2/4 – SafeTALK, 6-9pm
2/7 – Domestic Violence, imminent risk and safe planning, 9am-4pm at 39 John St
2/11 – Cultural Competency 6-9pm – – POSTPONED TO MARCH Date TBD
2/14 – Youth Mental Health First Aid, 9am-5pm
2/21 – SHA/ Narcan and Trauma Informed Care, 9am-4pm
2/28 – History/MR and Ethics et al, 9am-4pm
3/6 – Mental Health First Aid, 9am-5pm – POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE TBD

Calling all Elves! It’s time for our 2019 Holiday Gift Drive. It is a large undertaking & our small staff could use some help!
If you would like to donate new gift items, gift wrap supplies, or perhaps volunteer to help with gift & food distribution please message us here or email hpolk@familyofwoodstockinc.org

This is the wish list for our Holiday gift-drive!????????
The drop off locations:

– Family of Woodstock: 39 John St, Kingston office
– New Paltz community Acupuncture
– Savonas
– Jakes Autobody
– Afco Fuel
– Ulster county Department of Social Services
– Berskhire Hathaway: Ulster County-Stoneridge, Woodstock and Kingston offices
– First Street Dancewear

Volunteers will also be needed to assist with the Gift Drive in Kingston Wednesday December 18th from 9:30am-4:30pm to assist with set up and gift sorting, and Thursday December 19th from 11am-1pm to assist with cleanup. If you are available to help out for a portion of either day, please email volunteers@fowinc.org.