417 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620

417 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
December 2015
Published four times a year
The Choices We Have….
Christine Wagner, SSJ
I
was recently at a Healthcare Roundtable with
a key note speaker from the Robert Woods
Johnson Foundation. This Foundation is well
known for innovative funding to large and small
projects which will improve the overall health
status of people. One phrase from her talk caught
my attention because it so connected with our
Rochester experience of intransigent poverty and
local efforts to address it.
“The choices we can make are limited to
the choices we have.” The Rochester Monroe
Anti-Poverty Initiative and ACT Rochester out of
the Rochester Area Community Foundation have
done a wonderful job of naming the measure of
poverty that individuals and families live with on
a daily basis. You have read the statistics: over
half of our children live in poverty; Rochester is
the fifth poorest city in the country, with the most
people living in dire poverty.
“The choices we can make are limited to
the choices we have.” Getting out of poverty in
Rochester right now has much more to do with
needed system change than individual choice.
Poverty can come quickly, but it tends to hang
around a long time.
We see this every day at St. Joseph’s
Neighborhood Center. People continue to make
wrenching choices between health care insurance
versus the other basics of life. This is despite the
Issue # 77
opportunities that the Affordable Care Act has put
in place. The affordable choices are still limited
for many people – you can’t choose something
you have no financial access to.
The Center is currently accepting twice
as many patients per month than we are
discharging. We are enrolling people in
primary health care, mental health counseling,
dental, chiropractic and other specialties
because there are no other options available.
You continue to make this possible with
your donations and gifts. Every gift counts
towards the health of each of our patients and
clients. Every gift impacts patient health and the
ability of the Center to function at a high level of
readiness and flexibility.
Thank you to those who have contributed
to our Fall Appeal and to those who will. Thank
you for participating in the fun of ROC the Day!
It is an insane day for us as we try to get as many
people involved in ROC Giving as possible.
Thank you for responding to our wish list, these
items are essential for our day to day operations.
Our wishes for you are happy holidays,
grace poured out on you and your family, health
and well-being in large measure and prospects of
peace for our city, country and world. Thank you
for all you do to care for those in our community,
our neighbors.
MEG’S GIFT FOUNDATION PRESENTS $60,000
TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
“Meg’s Gift,” is a new foundation, formed by family and friends of Megan Garbach, who sadly, lost her
battle with depression on February 17, 2014 at the age of 27. But when does something so bad end up
making something really good happen? “Being able to give back to those in need, those who struggle
with mental health issues, is what Meg's Gift is all about,” says Megan’s father, Ray Garbach.
A first-time “Meg's Gift” Golf Tournament, held by the Foundation on August 15th, was a
resounding success, with over 230 golfers on two courses and almost 500 people at the dinner afterwards. “The community reached out with overwhelming support. We are pleased to present St. Joseph's
Neighborhood Center with a $60,000 check from the fruits of our labor,” continued Ray. “We find that
the Neighborhood Center is a well-run organization that provides compassionate services tending to the
physical, mental and social needs of people with insufficient health insurance. We are pleased to present
the event’s proceeds to this very worthy organization. Megan would be proud to help an organization
like the Neighborhood Center. ”
Sr. Christine Wagner, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Center, along with Board President
Robert Thompson, accepted the proceeds raised from this inaugural event. “These funds will be an
enormous help to us as we provide medical and mental health care to those in need,” said Christine. We
are honored that you have chosen the Neighborhood Center to receive this meaningful gift, and we are
truly overwhelmed by your success and your generosity.”
Representing the Foundation are family members Elizabeth Pilato Messina, Roberta Bufano Pilato, Tim
Garbach, Kathy Bufano Garbach, Deacon Ray Garbach, with Christine Wagner, SSJ, SJNC Executive
Director, Katie Garbach Scalzo, Betty Bufano, Robert Thompson, SJNC Board of Directors, Theresa
Garbach Mc Cormick with daughter Mary, and Douglas Bufano.
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The Neighborhood Center Builds Mental Health Awareness
R
ecent gifts to the Neighborhood Center from Meg’s Gift Foundation and Mary Ann Palermo, along with
collaborative efforts in the community with agencies such as the Mental Health Association, NAMI, URMC
Warner School, NASW Genesee Valley, Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW program of Brockport and
Nazareth College and Rochester Psychiatric Center have enabled the Neighborhood Center to present several
recent events focused on building Mental Health awareness.
In October, the Center hosted a panel discussion on “Millennials, Hope and Depression.”
The October 28th discussion focused on "Breaking the Silence Around Suicide Among Millennials."
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for this age group. Four panelists, Christiawn, Isabelle, Brittany
and Sharda, who had each attempted suicide, shared their past experience and discussed the hope that has
carried them to where they are today. The event, held at RPC, was facilitated by Sheila Briody, SSJ,
Co-Director of Counseling and Community Works, and was co-sponsored by Meg's Gift Foundation, the
Mental Health Association, NAMI, RPC and Mary Anne Palermo.
“Re-Imagining our Responses to Hardship, Oppression and Trauma,” a two-day workshop, was held
November 12 and 13.
The Neighborhood Center presented this workshop at REOC. Guest speakers included Vikki
Reynolds, PhD and Ken Hardy, PhD; both known internationally for their work in this area. More than 120
guests attended the event, many of them licensed Clinical Social Workers or Marriage and Family
Therapists, as well as Master's students in these fields.
Special thanks to sponsors: Mary Ann Palermo, URMC Warner School, NASW Genesee Valley, Greater
Rochester Collaborative MSW program of Brockport and Nazareth College, Mental Health Association,
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center, URMC Family Therapy Training Program and UB School of Social
Work.
“Mental health care is very important in our practice at the Neighborhood Center,” said Christine
Wagner, SSJ, Executive Director. “We believe in treating the whole person. Medical conditions and
financial hardship can affect one’s stress levels and anxiety. Conversely, one’s mental state may cause
physical changes for patients. We address each client’s bio/mental/spiritual health.”
Staff members Sheila Briody, SSJ, LMFT, D.Min, and Michael Boucher, LCSW, coordinated the event and are pictured here
with Dr.’s Reynolds and Hardy. At right, Dr. Reynolds addresses 120 attendees on day one, during her second visit to
Rochester for a workshop with the Neighborhood Center.
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SJNC Board Member honored:
Steve Smith named Robert Clinger
Fundraising Professional of the Year
A HALLOWEEN HAPPENING AND A
BREAKFAST SUCCESS
O
ur thanks to the Women's Club of Pittsford,
Zonta International, Creative Caterers and the
Clover Street Baptist Temple, for putting on a
wonderful breakfast to benefit the Neighborhood
Center, held October 31. More than 260 people
attended the event, and helped to raise $2,000 for
the Center's programs. A nearly sold-out baked
goods sale also contributed to the $2,000 profit.
Congratulations to Elaine Sunday, winner of the
door prize, a fall kitchen basket.
“I had a wonderful time,” said breakfast
guest Rev C. Raymond Probst. “This was such a
nice way to start my day and help out the
Neighborhood Center.”
We are most grateful to the Clover Street
Baptist Temple, which has hosted the breakfast for
many years. The Temple has re-opened as the
Clover Center for Arts and Spirituality, providing
space for art, music, faith and education. Visit
www.theclovercenter.com for more information.
S
teve Smith, Board member, long-time donor
and friend of the Neighborhood Center, was
awarded the Robert Clinger Outstanding
Fundraising Professional award at the AFP
National Philanthropy Day luncheon held on
November 6th, at the Joseph A. Floreano
Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Steve is Vice President and Chief
Development Officer for St. Ann’s Community,
but shares his volunteer time with the Neighborhood Center. “Steve is a cherished friend and a
wonderful volunteer for the Neighborhood
Center,” said Christine Wagner, SSJ, Executive
Director. “He has a passion for changing our
community for the common good. Steve has a
kind spirit and his skill sets are numerous. He has
been generous in sharing those skills with us to
run a past capital campaign, to recruit sponsors
for our annual auction, and to raise funds yearround. He has clearly helped us to grow and to be
successful over the years. This honor is welldeserved!” Many congratulations to Steve,
Outstanding Fundraising Professional!
HAVE YOU GIVEN TO THE 2015
FALL APPEAL?
T
he 2015 Fall Appeal has raised $70,000 to
date. As you know, these funds directly
benefit the Center’s day to day operating
expenses. Your support is greatly needed and
appreciated. Our goal is $100,000. If you have
not donated to the Fall Appeal yet, please send
in your contribution today!
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Inc.
417 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
4
Wade and Lisa Norwood
to Chair 2016 Auction and Party
The Neighborhood Center is grateful to:
The W.R. and Dorothy Brogan Fund
for Client Emergency support
First Unitarian Church
Greater Good Committee
for Women on the Move support
The Mary S. Mulligan Charitable Trust
for a staff development grant
J
MVP Health Care
for pharmacy support
oin us for “Heaven and Hell, Halos and
Horns” the Neighborhood Center’s annual
party and auction to be held June 1, 2016 at
Temple B’rith Kodesh. “This is going to be
fun,” said Chairperson Wade Norwood, Chief
Strategy Officer for Finger Lakes Health
Systems Agency. Wade and his wife Lisa,
Assistant Dean of Engineering at the
University of Rochester visited the Center last
week. “The event is for a wonderful cause
and I think we will have a lot of fun with this
theme,” said Wade. “The Center carries out
such important work in the community; I’m
pleased to be part of this effort.”
Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
for Women on the Move support
The Genetaska Club of Rochester, Inc., who
hosted a fashion show on August 30th at Midvale
Country Club. Proceeds from the show netted
$2,500 for the Center, which was presented to
Christine Wagner, SSJ, Executive Director,
on Friday, October 23rd.
Seated are Arlene Liberti and Rose Tacito;
standing are Joan Rall and Chris Wagner.
Neighbor to Neighbor
In Your Mailbox…
W
ould you like to receive your copy of
“Neighbor to Neighbor” in your electronic
mailbox instead of your street-side mailbox?
Just send an email requesting the change to
Katherine McCormick at
[email protected]. It’s as simple as
that. We do the rest.
You will be helping the Neighborhood
Center save printing and postage costs. Thank
you for considering this option. 
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Memorial and Tribute Gifts
Memorials and tribute gifts to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center are a fitting way
to honor the memory of a loved one or pay tribute to that special someone.
All memorial gifts will be acknowledged to a designated family member;
tribute gifts to the recipient and to the donor. Extra envelopes are available. Please call Katherine at 585-325-5260.
We are grateful for the following gifts
received August 2015 thru October 2015.
Honors
In honor of Susan Atkinson
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maier
In honor of Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Bradybaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brillian
In honor of Gussie Brewer
Sr. Bea Ganley
In honor of Rosemary Briody
Margaret Briody and Richard Muir
Theresa Hultz
Fred and Kathy Keller
Patricia Plumeri
Christine Redfield and family
In honor of Robert and Sue DeRosa
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Pezzulo
In honor of George Feeney
Roxanne Feeney
In honor of Dr. Warren Glaser
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Asselin
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clark
In honor of Patricia Hammele
Dr. Therese Lynch
In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Iacovangelo
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wurtz
In honor of Josephine Meleo
Gloria Foster
In honor of Deacon John Payne
Rev. Raymond Booth
In honor of Ann Wallace and Ed Pettinella
Mr. and Mrs. John Weinmann
In honor of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ragusa
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brillian
In honor of Julie and Giovanni Ruggiero
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Callan
Mary P. Chappell
Mr. and Mrs. James Grassi
Mr. and Mrs. James Heberger
In honor of Anna Young
Eileen Hurley
Memorials
In memory of Bonnie Feely
William Feely
In memory of Anthony Foti
Fredericka Macek
In memory of Megan Garbach
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Murphy
Julie and Giovanni Ruggiero
In memory of Dr. Marvin Goldstein
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Lupack
In memory of Toby Hayes
Margaret Hayes
In memory of Donald Hook
Marilyn Hook
In memory of Joe Julian
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeMaria
In memory of Mike Keefe
Margaret Broidy
In memory of Sally Keenan
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Santini
In memory of Ronald Kier
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kier
In memory of Anne Marie Maloney
Fredericka Macek
In memory of Evelyn Muir
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Curran
Mr. and Mrs. Duane Smullen
Shawn Tedesco
In memory of Leon Randall
Margaret Johnson
In memory of Joseph Resch
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeMaria
In memory of Jenny Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Merrill
In memory of Cecilia and
Robert Wagner
Katherine McCormick
In memory of James Wagner
Harriet Wagner
Create a Legacy
Become of member of the Center’s Evergreen Society.
Please remember St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center in your will.
“Of course, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center offers healthcare and other support services. But, what is most important is that
anyone who walks through the door is treated with respect. We want to see that the good work of the Center is continued.”
Lawrence Belle and Bernadette Reidy
Evergreen Society
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center Evergreen Society:
Larry Belle and Bernadette Reidy
Nancy Kent*
Bonnie Cole*
Catherine Metzger*
John Gleason
Helen Powers*
Arlene Helget
*Deceased
We are most grateful to the Evergreen Society members listed above for ensuring that the good work of the
Center will continue into the future. Have you considered making a legacy gift to the Center? There are many options
available to make a planned gift to the Center, including listing the Center as a beneficiary in your will, insurance
policy or pension plan. Other options include establishing a charitable remainder trust or making a gift of property.
For more information about planned giving or the Evergreen Society, call Anne McKenna, Director of
Development at 585-325-5260 or email Anne at: [email protected].
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St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center
Wish List
EXTRA HELPS
 Personal-size hygiene products:
soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion,
toothpaste, individually wrapped
toothbrushes
 Disposable razors
 Wegmans or Tops gift cards - $10 or $15
 Gas cards - $10
 10-ride city bus passes - Available at
Wegmans or Tops
 2016 Calendars
 2016 Day Planners/Portfolios for the
Women on the Move Program
KITCHEN SUPPLIES
 Coffee - regular
 Tea bags - regular
 Instant hot cocoa
 Coffee creamer (powdered)
 Jams and jellies
 Aluminum foil
 Napkins
 Kleenex
 Paper towels
 Toilet paper
 Gallon-size and sandwich-size food storage
bags
 13 gallon tall kitchen trash bags
 33 gallon black trash bags
OFFICE SUPPLIES
 Yellow legal pads, 8½ x 11
 Copy paper, 8½ x 11
 #10 business envelopes
 Glue sticks
 Pens
 Postage stamps—forever stamps
 Staples gift cards
CLEANING SUPPLIES
 Dryer sheets
 Disinfectant wipes (eg. Clorox wipes)
 Aerosol air fresheners (subtle scants)
 Toilet bowl cleaner / toilet brushes
Items may be dropped off at
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center
417 South Avenue • Rochester, NY 14620
585-325-5260
www.sjncenter.org
Please fell free to copy the wish list and pass it on to family members, friends and co-workers.
DO YOU SHOP ONLINE?
Shop at Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com)
and Amazon will donate a percentage of
your purchase to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood
Center. Get started here:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-1176792
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Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rochester, NY
Permit #1516
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center
417 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620
Monthly Executive Breakfasts ---Come and Learn More
W
is December 1st!
Logon to www.roctheday.org
Please designate your gift to the
Neighborhood Center!
ho doesn’t like breakfast?
Our monthly breakfast chats are
informative, eye-opening and
delicious, and a great way to
introduce potential volunteers and supporters to
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. Invite your
friends and colleagues, your favorite group. Maybe you already are a volunteer but would like to
know more. Reserve your place at the table today!
Breakfasts are held on the third
Wednesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. We begin
with a brief tour, then serve up a hearty breakfast
along with an informative chat explaining how
people are served at the Center. Place your
reservation with Anne McKenna at 585-325-5260
or [email protected]. 
Upcoming 2016 Executive Breakfasts:
January 20
February 17
March 16