Spring 2013 - Family Service of the Piedmont

new sl ette r
Spring 2013
inside:
2
A Quarterly Update On Family Service Of The Piedmont, Inc.
Finding a Better Life
Still, Akech tried to make the marriage work, for the
sake of the children.
On the Frontline:
Harry Suggs,
Substance Abuse
Counselor
3
High Point
Oyster Roast
turns 19
4
Greensboro
Guild’s
BIG HAIR Ball
5
Leadership
Profile:
Pete Callahan
6
Helping Hands
7
Empowering
Women to
Live Well
One day, while Akech was away, her husband was
inebriated and failed to supervise the children. The
Department of Social Services (DSS) was called in
and the children were at risk of being removed from
the home. It was then that Akech knew she had to
leave.
Akech has lived a life filled with faith, hope and
victory. As a loving mother of three boys, two of
whom have special needs, Akech longed for a better
life for herself and her children. She suffered in an
abusive marriage which was strained by differing
faith beliefs and substance abuse. Since coming to
Family Service of the Piedmont, Akech has evolved
from a victim into a survivor.
Akech lived as a submissive wife to a husband who
was controlling and abusive. He would intimidate
her and threatened to take their kids away if she did
not abide by his rules. Their relationship became
more strained when Akech found her faith and
adopted different religious beliefs than her husband.
“I was so worried and confused,” Akech says. “So
much had happened. But no matter how hard
things got, I kept my faith and I never lost hope.”
DSS referred Akech to Family Service, and she found
refuge at the agency’s domestic violence shelter,
Carpenter House.
The volatile living environment had taken its toll on
Akech’s children. All were developmentally behind.
The team at Family Service directed Akech to various
community resources that could help her children
thrive. They were placed in specialized daycares, and
the entire family received in-home therapy through
Family Service’s Healthy Start program.
Continued on page 5
Family Service Supports Child Abuse Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a
time to focus on encouraging the social and emotional
well-being of children. Awareness and abuse prevention
play an important role in helping families find the
strength they need to raise educated, safe and healthy
children.
Many families face issues that make parenting more
challenging. When a family is in crisis the potential
for child abuse or neglect is much higher, and the
Department of Social Services or law enforcement may
become involved. Oftentimes, this will result in the
family being referred to Family Service of the Piedmont’s
Family Support Services. These are programs designed
to strengthen families, and keep them together.
To highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month and the
importance of raising awareness, Family Service
collaborated with other local agencies to create
“Pinwheels for Prevention” gardens throughout the
community, such as the one pictured outside the
Greensboro Science Center. Blue pinwheels, a symbol of
child abuse prevention, were arranged in the shape of a sun
to represent a bright future. Family Service representatives
were on hand to educate visitors about child abuse prevention, and the agency’s Family Support programs.
Meanwhile, Family Service’s Fairview Family Resource
Center in High Point hosted its annual National Child
Abuse Prevention Month event. For the second year in
a row, Premier Federal Credit Union helped sponsor
Continued on page 5
2 family service of the piedmont inc.
Message from the President
Spring is here, and at Family
Service of the Piedmont
that means a calendar
packed with special events.
April is designated both
Child Abuse Prevention
Month (see story on front
page) and Sexual Assault
Awareness Month. Staff
in our Victim Services and
Family Support Services
divisions are active in the
community promoting awareness of these issues and the
various programs we provide to address them.
Our volunteer-led fundraisers also spring into action at
this time of year. The Guild in Greensboro kicked off
the season with a brand new event, the fabulous BIG
HAIR Ball (see story on page 4). Their inaugural event
was great fun and very effective at raising money and
awareness of Family Service in Greensboro. The High
Point Oyster Roast, meanwhile, has become an
established date on the social calendar of that city. It’s
hard to believe that next year we will celebrate the 20th
anniversary of this outstanding event. Far from growing
stale in all that time, this year’s Oyster Roast was our
biggest and brightest ever (see story on opposite page).
Look for our next newsletter to read about the 10th
Anniversary Greensboro Oyster Roast, and join us this
August 10th for the return of the popular Jamestown
Pig Pickin’ (see back page).
Family Service is immensely grateful to all the dedicated
volunteers, sponsors, and contributors who make these
events possible. Community-based fundraising is
becoming ever more important to our agency, as we
continue to meet the twin challenges of increased need
for our services coupled with the drying up of important
revenue streams. We recently learned that next year a
number of our grants and contracts will not be renewed,
which this year helped fund services for abused children
as well as programs that help prevent child abuse and
neglect. In total, this lost funding amounts to $183,000.
This cut in funding was not unexpected; it is indicative
of an overall trend (which we expect will continue) of
reduced funding for social programs that serve victims
of abuse and at-risk children.
The future of healthcare as a whole, and of mental
healthcare funding particularly, is also faced with
uncertainty. The landscape of behavioral health services
is constantly changing, and we must be prepared to
adapt quickly to whatever may come. This coming year,
we will begin developing our new Strategic Plan to guide
us through the uncertainty of the immediate future.
Funding will continue to be a challenge, but I believe
we are well equipped as an agency to figure out the best
way to succeed. We have the strongest leadership team
ever, a staff that is mission driven with a positive, can-do
attitude, three boards that are diligent and engaged, and
a community of volunteers including our amazing
Guilds in Greensboro and High Point, who understand
the importance of the work we do.
Finally, there are people like you who contribute so
generously to our agency, either through our spring
fundraisers or in other manifold ways (see Helping
Hands on page 6). The fact is that as funding challenges
continue, we rely more and more on the support of
individuals, groups and businesses in High Point,
Jamestown and Greensboro. I can only say Thank You
and pledge that Family Service of the Piedmont will
remain a good steward of your generosity, by continuing
to provide high quality services, with sound fiscal
oversight, that strengthen our community by helping
those whose future is most uncertain to restore hope,
achieve stability, and thrive.
Family Service of the
Piedmont, Inc.
2012-2013
Board of Directors
Family Service of
Greensboro Foundation, Inc.
2012-2013
Board of Trustees
Family Service of
High Point Foundation, Inc.
2012-2013
Board of Trustees
Pete Callahan, Board Chair
David Thompson, Vice Chair
Rudy Clark, Jr., Treasurer
Gwen Willis, Secretary
Pete Cross, Immediate Past Chair
Tom Campbell, President/CEO
Anne Osborne, Chair
Lynn Black, Vice Chair
Carolyn Walters, Treasurer
Ron Johnson, Secretary
Carla Robinson, Guild President
Tom Campbell, President/CEO
Stan Belk, Chair
Cathy Procton, Vice Chair
Alyce Hill, Treasurer
Deena Qubein Samuel, Secretary
Pam Greene, Immediate Past Chair
Tom Campbell, President/CEO
Vicki Alston
Kenneth Free, Jr.
Kim Bauman
Robert Hager
Stan Belk
Anne Osborne
Brack Brigman
Cathy Procton
Lynn Black
George Ragsdale
Landon Cobb
Scott Tilley
Kimberly Crews
Jim Wehrley
Kathy Dick Mark L. Williamson
Cyenthia Barker
Stephanie Billings
Nancy Brenner
Daniel Craft
Tina Forsberg
Beth Harrington
Daniela Helms
Kim Ketchum
Robert Ketner
Phyllis Lancaster
Thais Lewis
Debby Reynolds
Clay Smith
Leigh Sudbrink
Mary Thacker
Leslye Tuck
James Weeks
Patricia Whitfield
Christon Halkiotis,
Junior League Liaison
Beachy Allen
Elizabeth Finch
Nancy Amos
Lisa Gilliam
Julie Andrews
Jeff Horney
Stephanie Boger
Allen Johnson
Robert Boles
Steve Kimsey
Matthew Cochrane David Moore
Tyler Covington Kerie Beth Scott
Mary Eliza Duckett Douglas Witcher
On The Frontline:
Harry Suggs
Harry Suggs, Certified Substance Abuse
Counselor
Born/Grew Up: Baltimore, MD/Greenville, NC
Education: Bachelors in Psychology, Shaw
University; Masters of Adult Education, NC A&T;
Certified Nursing Assistant; CSAC-Certified
Substance Abuse Counselor with the NCSAPPB
Family: Middle child with 2 brothers and 2
sisters; Named after Father
Hobbies: Active member of East White Oak
Baptist Church; loves jazz & gospel music;
enjoys watching movies and would love to learn
to play the piano.
Harry Suggs gives a simple summary of the
work he does at Family Service, helping
clients to overcome substance addiction:
“It’s saving lives,” he says. “Substance abuse
really is a brain disease. It is a sickness that
can not only kill a person but destroys
families and ruins lives in the process.”
The impact on the greater community is also
significant. Substance abusers engaged in
treatment are more likely to remain in their
home environment, maintain employment,
and provide for their families. Clients who
recover from addictive disorders can once
again participate positively in their
community.
Meeting with a Substance Abuse Counselor
like Harry is often the first exposure to
treatment for addicts, and the first step in
becoming drug-free. In some cases, substance
abuse counseling may be court ordered,
and treatment may help clients avoid jail, or
even allow them to have charges dropped.
Clients may also self-refer by setting up an
appointment, or simply walk in for services.
At Family Service, treatment is provided
through individual, group, and family
counseling.
“No two days are alike,” Harry says. “This
position requires a lot of administrative
duties, getting clients approved for payment,
as well as the clinical aspect of supplying
Continued on page 7
newsletter spring 2013 3
Smart Choice Presents another
Outstanding Oyster Roast in High Point
The 2013 High Point Oyster Roast, presented for
a second year by Smart Choice, continued to build
on past success and break previous fundraising and
attendance records. A crowd of more than 575
people filled the lawn at the home of Katherine and
Ned Covington. The 19th annual event, co-chaired
by Nancy Amos and Beachy Allen, raised
$130,850 to support Family Service's programs in
High Point.
“This was a true collaborative effort,” agreed Amos. “We
were very grateful to have so much community response,
as well as an amazing group of volunteers who worked
tirelessly to execute every detail to perfection.” 172
couples and individuals from the High Point community
supported the event as Hosts, along with 53 Sponsors
(listed below).
Guests enjoyed
oysters and a
buffet from
Pepper Moon Catering, with
beverages donated by Katie and
Paul Riggan of Blue Group
Restaurants. Upbeat music by
Tin Can Alley was sponsored by
Southern Roots Restaurant. The rustic, beach themed event design
and décor was made possible with the help of Paper & Party Place.
“It was a fabulous evening,” Allen enthused. “After following the
dynamic trailblazing Chairs from last year, we were thrilled to have
awesome Sponsor and Host
Committees, a creative
Decorations Committee, and a
generous and compassionate
community of people.” Allen
particularly wanted to thank
the Covingtons whose home
served as the perfect backdrop
to the evening.
Presenting Sponsor
The Oyster Roast
committee
included Lin
Amos, Julie
Andrews,
Stephanie Beaver, Stan Belk,
Anne Bills, Hunter Burris,
Christine Clodfelter,
MooMoo Councill, Meredith Covington, Tyler Covington, Caroline
Culler, Nicole Culler, Frosty Culp, Donna Cumby, Mary Darby,
Mary Eliza Duckett, Lore Fariss, Elizabeth Finch, Lisa Gilliam, Alyce
Hill, Linda Ilderton, Allen Johnson, Mary Keever, Lee Kemp,
Margaret Lewis, Carroll Ann Miller, Kay Miller, Cathy Procton,
Katie Riggan, Deena Qubein Samuel,
Kerie Beth Scott, Heather Singer, Jeanné
Thorn, Donna Tucker, and Leigh Wagner.
Family Service would also like to thank the
numerous sponsors for the role they played in
making this the biggest and most successful
High Point Oyster Roast to date. We are
excited to see what the community in High
Point will produce next year, for the 20th
Anniversary of this amazing event!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Emilee and Brack Brigman
Whitney and Bill Heard
Pepper Moon Catering
Solstas Lab Partners
Wells Fargo
Silver Sponsors
BB&T
Buchanan Printing & Graphics, Inc.
Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Grand Rental Station
High Point Bank
High Point Regional Health System
Ilderton Dodge Chrysler Jeep
The Lenny Peters Foundation
Matthews Mobile Media
Rena and Mark Norcross
Ralph Lauren Corporation
Bronze Sponsors
Beachy and Dan Allen
Allergy and Asthma Center NC,
Drs. Bardelas, Kozlow, Hicks Bhatti
Nancy and Lin Amos
Bank of North Carolina
Deane and Stan Belk
Braxton Culler, Inc.
Colonial, LLC
Helen and David Congdon
Cornerstone Healthcare
Crescent Ford
Pat and Pete Cross
Culp, Inc.
D. Thomas and Associates
Davis Furniture
Mary Eliza and Chip Duckett
Elizabeth and Sandy Finch
Louise and John Foster
Furnitureland South
Grassy Knoll/Alan Ferguson
and Associates
Greenhouse Fabrics
Harriss and Covington Hosiery Mills
Hendrix Barney & Company CPA’s
High Point Jewelers and Fine Gifts
McDonald’s of High Point
Mickey Truck Bodies
Carroll Ann and Jeff Miller
North State Communications
Sallie Phillips
Cathy Procton
Mariana and Nido Qubein
Kathy and Steve Rohrbeck
Simon Jewelers
Thayer Coggin, Inc.
Triad Eye Associates
Vann York Auto Group
4 family service of the piedmont inc.
Guild of Greensboro Introduces the BIG HAIR Ball
The Guild and Junior Guild of Family Service of
Greensboro brought fashion flare to Greensboro
with the introduction of their newest event, the
BIG HAIR Ball with an Edgy Fashion Focus.
The inaugural extravaganza on January 26th was
presented by LF USA and featured an array of
eye-catching dress designs and out-of-this-world
hair creations. Event chairs Sarah Doggett,
Magz King and Frances Vinoski worked many
months to conceive, plan and execute the
fun-filled fashion show, which raised more than
$39,000
to support programs of Family Service
of the Piedmont in Greensboro.
Twenty-one models provided
spectacular entertainment for the
crowd of more than 400 at the Regency
Room in downtown Greensboro.
Students
in
UNCG’S
Consumer Apparel & Retail Studies program
and professional designers with LF USA created
the fashions. Each model’s outfit was inspired by
the corporate sponsor they were associated with.
“The event was a success on so many levels
because of the work done by the event's partners,
Guild and sponsor volunteers, and the support of
the membership and community,” said Guild
Presenting Sponsor
President Carla Robinson. “We were fortunate
to have LF USA as our presenting sponsor,
Vanessa Carroll as our honorary chair and the
model sponsors that enabled us to create a
unique event that was different than anything
Greensboro has ever seen.”
Robinson also recognized Junior Guild Chairs
Claire Burns, Ellie Holleman and Chandler
King, the outstanding committee of Guild and
Junior Guild members, and the talented event
partners
who spent
hundreds of hours planning and
executing the designs. Community
collaborators included stunning hair styles
created by LEON’s Style Salons and
Indigo The Salon, Main & Taylor
designer shoe boutique and Buff Natural
Nail Bar.
WFMY
News 2's Tanya Rivera and Deidre James with
Rock 92 Radio kept up the excitement on the
catwalk by serving as emcees. Albion Associates
created an amazing video which captured the
uniqueness and excitement the event had to offer.
Video and photos can be viewed on the Guild’s
webpage: www.guildfsgso.org or the Big Hair
Ball Facebook Page:
Facebook.com/BigHairBallGso
Cat-Walk Sponsors
Albion Associates
The Carroll Companies
Elm Street Center
Great Stops
Model Sponsors
Buckhead Betties
Carruthers & Roth
DMJ
The Farmer’s Wife
Financial Network
Samet Corporation
Fink’s Jewelers
Village at North Elm
High Point Bank
United Healthcare
Mercedes-Benz of Greensboro
Cashmere Sponsors
The Contemporary Lady
Ron Johnson
Premier Federal Credit Union
Velvet Sponsors
Barry Carpenter, Old North State Trust
First Citizens Bank & Cyenthia Nunn Barker
Judy Frederick
Brad & Kim Hayes
Mary & Rodney Ingram
Magz & Bob King
Main & Taylor *Shoes*Bags*More
Ann Ruth Cakes
Clay Smith
Elizabeth & Paul Stephens
Tanger Outlets
Frances & Chuck Vinoski
Carla & Stephen Robinson
Silk Sponsor
Southern Engraving Company
Anonymous
Haute Couture
Lorraine & Michael Bacon
Lynn & John Black
Carol & Jason Bohrer
Pat & Ken Brooks
Lisa & Willie Bullock
Kathy & Fred Burke
Elizabeth & Patrick Burns
Leah & David Edgerton
Sarah Doggett & Peter Evenson
Peggy & Marion Follin
Tina & Daniel Forsberg
Furnishings 411
Olivia & Len Gillespie
Cyndy & Rick Hayworth
Daniela & Rob Helms
Hobbs-Turner Dentistry
Fay & Mike Hoggard
Kim & Worth Holleman
Dr. Carswell Jackson
Kraska Center for
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Andrea & Ralph Knupp
Drs. Rebekah & Mike Mango
Anne & Pete Osborne
Palmetto Equity Group, Inc.
Debby Reynolds
Carla & Stephen Robinson
Leigh & Carl Seager
Leigh & Craig Sudbrink
Ellen & Dr. Sigmund Tannenbaum
Pret-a-Porter
Jill Auslander
Kirt R. Austin
Nancy Bogard
Kay Cashion
Valerie Clasby
Debbie Faircloth
Brenda Macfadden
Dorry Tooke
newsletter spring 2013 5
Finding a Better Life
Leadership Profile: Pete Callahan
Continued from page 1
Both Callahan and his wife were very
fortunate to grow up in close knit families,
he says. “We raised two children and hope
one day to have grandchildren. Family is
very important to me.” For this reason,
Callahan says it’s not hard to be passionate
about Family Service as an agency: “Family
Service helps struggling families get back
on their feet through a wide variety of very
valuable services.”
“Family Service of the Piedmont transformed
my life,” Akech says. “As a mother, I just
wanted what was best for my children. It
wasn’t until coming to Family Service that I
gained the confidence to go out on my own
and put myself and my children first. It was
the best decision I could have made.”
With hard work and the help she received
at Family Service, Akech found freedom,
self-sufficiency and success. She was able to
purchase her own vehicle, is living in her own
apartment, and is better able to care for her
children’s special needs.
Healthy Start Case Manager Lisa Cecil-Glenn
recognizes the remarkable improvement
Akech has made. “It’s amazing to see where
she started and where she is now,” Cecil-Glenn
says. “We have been able to help her establish
a schedule for the kids and make the necessary
changes to handle their needs. We are so
proud to see the children improving. It was a
team effort from shelter and Healthy Start
staff. We are all thrilled to see Akech being
the best mother she can be.”
Child Abuse Prevention
Continued from page 1
the event by donating and serving a delightful
hotdog supper. Family Service was joined by
other local agencies at the Southside Recreation
Center, with booths providing helpful
information to local residents.
This year’s
theme, “I
Bloom
When…
,” focused
on how
children
thrive
when
they live
in a
loving, safe and healthy environment. Local
children gave examples such as, “I bloom
when… you play games with me,” “…you are patient with me,”“…you help me with homework,”
and “…you tell me that you’re proud of me.”
Pete Callahan
Family Service of the Piedmont Board
Chair
Born: Hartford, CT; grew up in
Winston-Salem
Lived in High Point since: 1982.
Job title: Regional Vice President for
the Piedmont Triad Region, Wells
Fargo Commercial Banking
Family: Wife, Vicki; and two children,
Ryan, 24 and Meghan, 22
Other community involvement:
Greensboro United Way Campaign
Chairman starting July 1, 2013; Vice
Chair Guilford Merchants Association;
High Point University Parents Council
Pete Callahan graduated from UNC
Chapel Hill in 1982 with a degree in
Business Administration. He moved to
High Point where he is employed with
Wells Fargo. “I have been very fortunate
to continue to live in High Point while
taking on additional responsibilities at the
bank,” he says.
Since Wells Fargo is the largest mortgage
lender in the country, issues of
homeownership addressed by the agency’s
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
division (CCCS) are close to Callahan’s
heart. “It’s important to me and to our
company to keep struggling families in
their homes whenever we can,” he says.
“CCCS has been able to help over 400 area
families avoid foreclosure through their
Mortgage Preservation Program in the last
year. It’s really been a great program for
homeowners who have lost a job through
no fault of their own.”
Callahan served on the Family Service
of the Piedmont Board throughout the
economic downturn of recent years. He
notes how Family Service was not immune
to the revenue challenges that were
impacting many non-profit agencies at the
time. “Government funding, grants and
private donations were all under pressure
while demand for our services was rising,”
he says. “We had to roll up our sleeves and
determine how we could sustain our core
services while managing our expenses and
cash flow.”
Through a lot of hard work from staff and
key volunteers, Callahan says, Family
Service is now on firm financial footing. He
Callahan was introduced to Family Service is confident about the agency’s prospects
while working with the High Point
but warns, “We can’t rest on our laurels
United Way almost 20 years ago. “I was
because we are concerned that government
very impressed with quality of the services funding for certain programs could be
offered by the agency,” he remembers.
negatively impacted in the future.”
6
family service of the piedmont inc.
Helping Hands
The Women’s
Charity League in
Greensboro held a
shower for Clara
House in February.
Members donated
household cleaning
and paper products for residents leaving the
shelter to use in their new homes. The
League also donated $500 to support shelter
services.
For the second year in a row, Ike Mango
wanted to make his
birthday an opportunity
for community service.
In lieu of presents, Ike
asked his friends and
family for educational
toys to be used by in the
Clara House playroom,
and other children’s programs at Family
Service.
The Southwest Guilford High School Fiber
Arts Club made
a donation to
support High
Point’s domestic
violence shelter
Carpenter
House. Club
members raised funds by selling knitted,
crocheted and sewed items to their fellow
students. The group also donated tote bags
for shelter residents.
Local songwriters and
musicians joined together at
The Somewhere Else
Tavern in Greensboro to
raise funds to support victims
of domestic violence. The
proceeds collected were
donated to Family Service’s
Clara House to help abuse
victims who are in need of
support and resources.
The Greater Greensboro Republican
Women’s Club participated in Family
Service’s Change-ing Lives baby bottle
fundraiser this spring. The group raised more
than $550 to
support victims
of abuse in
Greensboro. A
representative
from Family
Service
addressed the group to raise awareness of
services offered by the agency throughout
the community.
United Healthcare’s Network Management
Department of the Carolinas donated a variety
of hygiene products for Clara House. At
every monthly meeting, the department team
participates in a community service project.
Lolita Henley, a clinical documentation
specialist at Wesley Long Hospital, was one
of 12 “golden
ticket” winners at
a recent Cone
Health employee
event. The ticket
winners received
$1,000 to donate
to a community organization of their choice.
Lolita put her money to use by helping to
upgrade the security system at Clara House.
Lolita didn’t stop there; she also led a campaign
to collect old cell phones from fellow
employees, friends and others to be used as
“safe phones” for domestic violence victims.
Rotary District 7690 held a conference project
in support of Family Service of the Piedmont’s
domestic violence shelters. The district, made
up of 52 rotary
clubs, donated
a variety of
hygiene
products, hair
care items,
diapers and
much more. Pictured left to right: Linda
Snider (her spouse Rick Snider serves as
Rotary District 7690 Governor); Cindi Hewitt
(President of Summit Rotary Club) and Julie
Longmire (United Way Representative and
fellow Rotarian.)
6th Grade Girl Scouts from Mendenhall,
Canterbury and Kernodle Middle Schools,
along with The Junior Guild of Family
Service of Greensboro, hosted a 6th Grade
Dance to benefit Family Service’s Healthy
The Guild of Family Service of Greensboro Start program for new moms. Around 50
6th Graders
offered thanks for hard work in a difficult
attended the
field by donating cookies to staff at the
dance at
Department of Social Services. The Guild’s
sweet gesture reminds us how Family Service Guilford
Park
and community partners rely on each other
Presbyterian
to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Church and
collected
The Residence Hall Association at the
University of North Carolina at Greensboro much-needed items for Healthy Start including
diapers, wipes, sippy cups, and baby toys.
held a Valentine’s Day fundraising event in
which they sold cans of Crush soda. Students
Westchester Veterinary Hospital offered their
donated a dollar and in return, their “crush”
support by fostering and providing shelter to
would receive a can of the soda along with a
four service pets belonging to a family residing
note from their admirer. Proceeds went to
support Clara House and victims of domestic at Family Service’s domestic violence shelter.
Dr. Yates and the veterinary staff did not hesitate
violence.
to offer assistance,
taking the pets in
A group of Guilford Metro 911 Dispatchers
while the family was
donated toiletries and
receiving shelter
diapers to support
services. Thank you
residents of Clara
for your kindness in
House shelter. The
helping this family in
four squad effort was
directed by Wesley Reid.
their time of need!
newsletter spring 2013 7
Harry Suggs
A Great Year for Greensboro Guild
Continued from page 2
them essential counseling and rehabilitation
services.” Many clients are also “dual diagnosis”
– suffering from both mental health problems
and substance dependency – and represent
the most underserved population in Guilford
County.
Harry started his healthcare career as a physical
therapy technician. He soon discovered his
love for working with people. He enjoyed
listening and had a knack for getting others
to open up to him. “Recognizing unspoken
words and good listening skills are keys to
success as a counselor,” He says.
Harry’s dedication to helping others drives his
passion to help substance abuse clients on
their road to recovery. “The most rewarding
part of my job is seeing a person from active
addiction, embracing the recovery concept,“
he says. “To be able to give of myself and
show clients that they have choices and
alternatives, to sustain a life different than
the path they’re currently on, makes my job
worthwhile.”
Last year, Harry and his fellow Substance
Abuse Counselors at Family Service of the
Piedmont served 695 clients, including more
than 300 who were dual diagnosis. 60% of
clients were discharged free of substance use.
So far this year, 686 clients have been served.
The Guild of Family
Service of Greensboro
held a casual meet and
great lunch February 21st
at the home of Charisse
Kleinman. The gathering
was hosted by Kleinman,
Carol Bohrer and Leigh
Sudbrink, and welcomed
46 Guild members and
their guests. Maggie Jimenez, Owner/Educator of
Maggie’s Music Studio, delivered a presentation
focusing on the importance of music for a child’s
development. Frank Auman wowed the group
with his piano playing and singing tunes from
Sesame Street, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel and others.
Attendees donated a generous assortment of toys,
games, blankets, stuffed animals and children’s
books to Family Service’s Healthy Start program
to encourage productive and stimulating family
play time. Past President Clay Smith presented the
Guild’s annual awards including a new
Futurity Award to Frances Vinoski in
recognition of her achievements as a new
member this year, especially as Co-Chair of
the First Annual BIG HAIR Ball (see story
on page 4). The Spirit of the Guild Award went
to Andrea Knupp for sterling work as Volunteer
Coordinator. Mojgan Jordan received the President’s Award to recognize her leadership of the
phenomenally successful Greensboro Oyster
Roast. Magz King presented the Spirit of the
Junior Guild Award to Claire Burns,
acknowledging her passion and commitment to
the group. The Leadership Award went to Sarah
Jessup for demonstrating exemplary leadership
during her term as Junior Guild President.
On May 15th, the Guild and Junior Guild of
Greensboro held their Annual
Meeting to celebrate the successes
of the 2012-2013 year. Over 100
members and guests gathered to
pay tribute to outgoing Guild
President Carla Robinson and
Junior Guild President Sarah Jessup,
and to welcome the incoming
Guild and Junior Guild officers.
Finally, the 2013-2014 slate of officers was sworn
in, including incoming
Guild President Cyenthia
Barker and Junior Guild
President Claire Burns.
Family Service of the
Piedmont congratulates
the Guild and Junior
Guild on another
outstanding year!
Robinson presented a check representing
proceeds from the Guild’s many fundraising
events, totaling more than $82,300.
Open House Empowers, Educates Women
Family Service of the
Piedmont opened its
doors on May 5th
for a series of free
workshops around the
theme Empowering
Women to Live Well.
The event was a great
success, focusing on
celebrating and
educating women and
their
families on how to live lives that are
strong, healthy and empowered.
The workshop series was funded by a
“Women to Women” grant from
The Community Foundation of
Greater Greensboro.
About 75 adults participated in
the informational sessions with
professionals including an OB/GYN
Physician, a Judge, a Victim Advocate, and Consumer
Credit Counselors. Therapists led workshops on
topics such as building self-esteem for teens,
overcoming addictions, dealing with depression and
anxiety, developing parenting skills, resume writing
and interviewing, how to “Dress for Success,” and
cooking healthy on a budget. Health screenings and
free massages also proved popular among the attendees.
full of enthusiasm from the success of the evening.
“We had people lining up at the doors an hour before
it was to start,” she said. “A great time was had by all
who attended.”
The event was a cross-departmental effort which
would not have been possible without the help of the
many volunteers
involved, including
While their parents attended the workshops, children’s Family Service staff
activities included decorating photo frames and
as well as partners
making nightlights from from The Women’s
glow sticks. Refreshments Resource Center,
were provided by Harris Guilford County
Teeter and Hunter Dairy Health Department,
Farms, and door prizes
Social Work
were given out throughout students from NC
A&T, and Planet
the afternoon. Fitness. “Thanks
Family Service’s Director to everyone who
participated in
of Counseling Services
this wonderful community event!“ Johnson said.
Theresa Johnson was
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 545
Greensboro, NC
315 East Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401-2911
•
1401 Long Street
High Point, NC 27262-2541
•
902 Bonner Drive
Jamestown, NC 27282-8948
Mission
Vision
Building Safe and Healthy Families
www.safeandhealthyfamilies.com
Family Service of the Piedmont empowers individuals and families to restore hope, achieve
stability and thrive through quality support services,
advocacy and education.
Save the Date:
JamestownwithPig Pickin'
Saturday, August 10th 2013
7:00-11:00 PM
Magnolia Farm, Jamestown
/JamestownPigPickin
www.safeandhealthyfamilies.com/pig-pickin