Celebrity Bartender Event

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Annual Meeting Breaking Clays for Kids

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Program : Intensive Family Reunification Services (IFRS) 2017 Annual Campaign

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8th Annual Pauly Friedman 5k Walk/Run Spirited Art Event

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National Family Week Conference -Mark Your Calendar

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Board’s Corner— Sam Rostock New Employees

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______________ From the Desk of the Chief Executive Officer

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INSIDE THIS

ISSUE:

Winter 2017

Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania

We invite you to join us for

our Third Annual Celebrity

Bartenders Event. This serves

as a kickoff event to our 15th

Annual Gala.

John Corcoran Sr. entertaining the crowd

while serving drinks during the 2016

Celebrity Bartenders Event.

The Celebrity Bartenders

event will take place at Bart

and Urby’s, located at 119

South Main St. in Wilkes-

Barre, on Saturday, January

28th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.

Guest Bartenders will serve

your favorite drinks, in addi-

tion to specialty drinks made

just for FSA!

Traditional bar food such as

chicken fingers, wraps, pizza,

and pretzel logs, in addition to

donated desserts and appetiz-

ers will be available to our

guests-all for a voluntary

contribution of $10.

Funds raised throughout the

evening will benefit Family

Service Association.

Last year, over 100 people

attended and over $2,000 was

raised.

This is your opportunity to

have a night of fun all while

supporting the many programs

offered at Family Service

Association of NEPA. We

hope to see you there!

fsabartandurbys.eventbrite.com

FSA NEPA 15TH ANNUAL

GALA & AUCTION

Date: March 25, 2017

Place: The Woodlands Resort

Time: 6:00PM

Below left to right, 2016 Celebrity Bartenders John Dawe and Amy

Feldman and guests having a good time at Bart and Urby’s.

PAGE 2 FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEASTERN PA

2016 FSA of NEPA Annual Meeting Family Service Association of NEPA recently held their 121st Annual Meeting at the Holiday

Inn-East Mountain in Wilkes-Barre.

About 100 guests attended this event. Staff members

were also present, thanks to the generosity of the Board of

Directors. Eight staff members were recognized for hitting

milestones in their careers, such as 5, 10, 15 or 30 years of

service to FSA of NEPA. They include Mary Colon, Carrie

Greenberg, Jeannette Hontz, Jessica Ives, Fred Wesley, Ruth

Kemmerer, Marlene Romanko and Keith Trumbower.

Paula and Art Jump were recognized as Community

Leaders of the Year for their outstanding service and

commitment to our community. Carol Douds was presented

with the Albert N. Danoff Humanitarian award for her

dedication and leadership to families in our community.

Three new Board members were elected to the Board of

Directors. They include Sally Connor, Rachel Pugh and Mary

Rosto. Megan Kennedy was re-elected. Carol Douds and Joan Zelnick were awarded plaques for their

years of service on the Board of Directors. Joseph O’Connor and Mary Agnes Kratz were acknowl-

edged for their success and commitment to the 2016 Annual Campaign.

BREAKING CLAYS FOR KIDS EVENT The Children’s Center of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties recently held their first successful

Breaking Clays for Kids fundraising event at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays in Springville. Funds

raised from the event will provide support for operations at the center.

The Children’s Center is a child advocacy center providing service to children in Wyoming and

Susquehanna Counties. It was established as a coalition between FSA and a committee of community

members dedicated to serving children and providing the best care possible to children and their

families. The center provides a safe, comfortable environment for children and their families as they

go through the interviewing and examination processes after disclosing some type of traumatic

experience.

Pictured from left to right-Gregory and

Carol Douds, Paula and Art Jump, Mary Agnes

Kratz and Joseph O’Connor.

Mark your calendar for our 2nd Annual Breaking Clays

for Kids event at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays on

Friday, July 14, 2017!

PAGE 3 WINTER 2017

Spotlight On: Intensive Family Reunification

The Intensive Family Reunification

Services are a collaborative effort

between Luzerne County Children &

Youth Services and FSA of NEPA. The

primary goal of the program is to

implement brief, intensive,

family-focused reunification

services for families who have

children placed in foster or

kinship care in Luzerne County.

The program is designed to

reduce the amount of time

children spend in out-of-home

placement by strengthening families,

building resources, addressing parent-

ing concerns and creating a plan for

reunification. The team builds a child

focused partnership between the

family, the community and human

service agencies in order to support

the family and facilitate planning for

the safe reunification of children and their

birth parents.

Since July 1, 2016, 41 families have

been referred and 33 cases have been

open/active. 13 families have been reuni-

fied with their children since July 1, 2016.

This includes a total of 22 children who

have been returned to their biological

parents from kinship/foster care.

Currently, approximately 5 families

are planning for reunification within

the next 3 months.

One case in particular demonstrates

a mother’s desire to be surrounded

by her children, especially at the holidays:

A mother was homeless and her children

were in placement. She had a goal of

being reunified with her children by

Christmas. Mom found housing, kept her

meetings with her case manager and

followed all suggestions for necessary

changes. Recommendations were made,

and, right after Thanksgiving, the family

was reunified.

SEND IN YOUR DONATION TODAY

Amber Loomis, Chief Advancement Officer of Family Service Association of NEPA, recently

announced the start of the 2017 Annual Campaign. This year’s campaign is chaired by

FSA Board Members Carol Saidman Greenwald and Melissa K. Saidman.

We would like to thank those generous and loyal donors who have made their contributions in

the past and we are asking for your support once again. Funds raised by the Annual Campaign

support all the programs and services provided by Family Service Association. Your support

makes a difference in the youth of the community, which ultimately has a long term, positive impact

on everyone. Success stories are what keep our staff and volunteers enthusiastic and committed to

moving the mission forward.

Contributions to the Annual Campaign can be mailed to FSA of NEPA, 31 W. Market Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or contact Amber at ALoomis@fsanepa.org or (570) 823-5144, ext. 309.

PAGE 4 FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEASTERN PA

8th Annual Pauly Friedman 5k Walk/Run

It was a very hot and humid summer of 2016 and it was no different on August 14th during the 8th Annual Pauly Friedman 5k

Walk/Run. However, the hot weather did not deter the walkers and runners in our area as 184 walkers/runners crossed the finish

line. This year online registration through Eventbrite was added to made registration easier for the attendees.

Nathan Searfoss, a 15 year old from Wilkes-Barre, showed that persistence and practice wins the Top Male prize. This year, Nathan

finished the race in 19 minutes and 47 seconds. Last year he finished second. Sherri Yelen, from Kingston, was the Top Female

winner. It was her fourth win in five attempts at the Pauly Friedman 5k Walk/Run. The Top Male walker was Jeff Knutson from

Saylorsburg and Top Female walker was Sara Miller from Harding.

The winner of the Traveling Team Spirit trophy goes to

Misericordia University for having the most teammates.

The winner of the Traveling Answer the Call trophy goes

to The Friedman Family for raising the most funds.

Proceeds from this event benefit the vital services of

Helpline/211, a free 24/7 information referral, and after

hours crisis service, which covers17 counties in NEPA.

Over $83,000 was netted for this event over its 8 year

history.

Our thanks and gratitude goes to Pauly and the Friedman

Family for your support and dedication to Family Service

Association of NEPA. Pauly was a former FSA Board

Member, who was well known and respected in the

community for her leadership, compassion, and eager-

ness to volunteer.

Spirited Art Fundraiser

We recently held out first fundraiser at Spirited Art in Scranton. 33 people of all ages attended and had a wonderful

time painting The Christmas Countdown. No artistic experience was necessary as the instructors gave step-by-step

instructions on how to create our very own masterpiece that we were proud to take home at the end of class.

Over $750 was raised at this fundraiser, all to benefit Family Service Association of NEPA!

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and to the wonderful staff at Spirited Art!

Watch for information about our next Spirited Art event which will be held in the late Spring or Summer.

Team Misericordia University accepting the Team Spirit Award. Team Leader Lisa Miller surrounded by her

team.

Ann Glober and Rob Friedman accepting the Answer the Call

trophy on behalf of their family.

A Successful National Family Week Conference

PAGE 5 WINTER 2017

Human Trafficking: From

Denial to Engagement was the

topic of Family Service

Association’s 7th Annual

Educational Conference which

was held on Friday, November

18th at Genetti’s Hotel &

Conference Center. This is a

yearly conference offered as

part of the David and Lillian

Thalenfeld Family Life Series,

and is presented each year to

honor National Family Week.

During National Family Week,

we uplift and honor the families

that give so much to forge a

brighter future for themselves

and their community.

Two hundred and seventy-five

people attended the conference

and had the opportunity to visit

seventeen Resource Tables.

Opening session was given by

Attorney Shea Rhodes. She

offered the legal perspective,

laying the groundwork of human

trafficking and how it is the fastest

growing criminal activity in the

world.

Keynote speaker was human

trafficking survivor, Kelli

Favazza, who gave an

emotional yet informative

presentation on the life of a

trafficking survivor.

Other workshop topics in-

cluded social media and how

it’s used by both the traffickers

and prosecutors; indicators for

parents to look for; the link

between criminal street gangs

and organized sex trafficking.

Labor trafficking and the needs

of the survivors was also

covered.

The conference evaluations

were positive with appreciation

for offering a training on such

an important topic that is

occurring in our local

communities, and has its reach

from international, to national

and state perpetrators.

Listening to Kelli Favazza, the Keynote Speaker.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

January 28: Celebrity

Bartenders at Bart & Urby’s

February 11: National 211 Day

March 25: Spring Gala and

Auction at The Woodlands

July 14: Clay Shoot at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays

August 6: Pauly Friedman

5K Walk/Run

November 17: National

Family Week Conference

Atty. Michelle Olshefski, Work shop Speaker at 2016 National Family Week Conference.

PAGE 6 FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEASTERN PA

FSA’s Board Member

VISION STATEMENT: Family Service Association of Northeastern PA (FSA of NEPA) will enhance its century old

commitment to provide counseling, casework, Information & Referral, and Community Education by proactively address-

ing the needs of the diverse community. FSA of NEPA will work with networks of professional and volunteer organiza-

tions that provide direct family services and community leadership to maximize the collective efficacy of our services, and

will expand traditional funding to meet the ever-changing needs of the community to assure supportive programs for

healthy families and communities. FSA of NEPA will remain a community and family serving organization built on the

dynamic association of a volunteer governing Board, a professional staff, and defined community needs.

In recognition of the time and commitment of FSA’s Board Members,

this issue of the newsletter is proud to feature:

SAM ROSTOCK

Sam A. Rostock is the Board Treasurer for Family Service

Association of NEPA. He learned about FSA through his involvement

with the United Way of Wyoming Valley and the Thalenfeld Family.

Sam’s Career has been that of a CPA, Financial Planner and educator.

Currently, he is the Chief Financial Officer at Trion Industries, where

he has worked for over 18 years. Prior to that, he was CFO at Gruen

Marketing Corp and Corporate Controller for C-TEC Corp. He has

been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Scranton, Penn

State University, College Misericordia and Luzerne County

Community College.

He received his education from The University of Scranton

with his Bachelor Degree in Accounting and Masters in Finance. He

is a member of the AICPA & PICPA.

In additional to serving on the FSA Board, Sam is also a Board

Member of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, Catholic Social

Services, and Creating Unlimited Possibilities (CUP). He is Emeritus

Board Member of the Junior Achievement of NEPA.

In his spare time, Sam enjoys cooking Italian cuisine, studying

wine and its paring with food, cheeses and olive oils. He also enjoys

making his own pasta and sausages. He is a history buff of Ancient Roman History, WWII and US History.

Sam lives with his wife, Paula, in Yatesville.

Family Service Association is growing! We are pleased to announce five new Staff members

in various departments: Amber Loomis, our new Chief Advancement Officer, comes to us

from WVIA Public Media and is on the FSA Senior Management Team. Dan Grullon and Luke

Ruseskas spearhead the Outreach Prevention Program. They help youth get through life’s

rough patches utilizing Solution Focused Therapy. Dan and Luke meet with youth and their

families to help them set and achieve their goals. Rebecca Ciliberto and Megan Kosik are

new members of the Intensive Family Reunification Services. They work with parents who

are in placement to become more effective in areas of parenting which can lead to

reunification with their children.

PAGE 7 WINTER 2017

What we in the field can do is explore the many

conditions, experiences, and circumstances that

can influence behavior and discuss from one’s

own perspective opportunities to overcome and

change so we too may be a happy individual or

family.

We at Family Service Association of Northeastern

Pennsylvania provide a comfortable environment

to discuss and empower the exploration and jour-

ney to a happier lifestyle. While some behaviors

may be the same as other ‘happy’ families, many

will be different, and we can provide the tools to

travel that journey.

Remember, each of us, whether Board, volunteer,

or staff, must remember to examine our own per-

sonal relationships. It is easy to forego personal

obligations in order to ‘do the job’ or meet this

obligation or that. What we don’t want to do is be

the expert auto mechanic whose front yard con-

tains several personal vehicles that simply don’t

run. Trust me, I live in the hills behind Shick-

shinny, and I’ve seen too many yards of such ilk.

Throughout the year, be sure to tend to your own

needs. You won’t be much good to others if you

continue to deny yourself. At some point, the

battery needs to be recharged, just as it does in the

immobile cars sitting in your yard.

Wishing you a happy 2017!

Michael Zimmerman

From the Desk of the Chief Executive Officer...

“All Happy Families are

alike; each unhappy family

is unhappy in its own way.” Leo Tolstoy was a literary genius, but I

question his assertion about happy families.

I start by using another one of his quotes:

“Science is meaningless because it gives no

answer to our question, the only question

important for us: ‘what shall we do and

how shall we live.’” Now, bare with me; it

may take a few moments to circle back to

my point of contention with old Leo.

While we in the field of human services are

continually pressed for data and measure-

ments on changed behaviors and conditions

for those with whom we work, we must

always remember that the human condition

provides an infinity of daily circumstances

and experiences that can alter the path to

desired change. Granted, there are recog-

nized patterns of behavior that increase

predictability, but we must always be

cognizant of the following warning:

‘woe be the day when human behavior is

definitively predictable.’

I am reminded of an interview I watched

many years ago by Johnny Carson of the

great actor Yul Brenner. Johnny asked this

simple question: how do you continue to

perform your role in The King and I day

after day with such great intensity? Mr.

Brenner’s answer was simple: ‘there are

bound to be different people in the audi-

ence; but even if it was the same audience,

something would have occurred in the 24

hours of a day that however slightly could

change just one or many people’s perspec-

tive.’ Now let’s think about that. Each day

is filled, for everyone of us, with a multi-

tude of experiences that can change our

perspective. We all have good days and

bad days, and we all have good moments

and bad moments, often within the same

day. The point is simply this: each day

presents a thousand experiences for each

one of us that may cause us to reflect and

deter our behavior. How can we expect any

algorithm to predict such a complexity of

behaviors? In a phrase, we can’t. We can

predict likelihood, but we can’t definitively

predict outcomes.

So, when we think about happy families,

how can an assertion be made that all happy

families are alike? Once again, we can’t.

Mission Statement:

Family Service Association of

NEPA, a not-for-profit, non-

sectarian organization, provides

diverse services to children,

individuals, seniors and families,

empowering them to achieve their

full potential and resulting in

healthier relationships and stronger

communities.

Values:

We are Accountable. We are

responsible and accountable to the

individual, the family, and the

community. We adhere to the

national standards of the Council

on Accreditation. We are ethically

and fiscally accountable to our

benefactors. Our integrity has

sustained us for over a century. We

are Client-Focused. We respect

the right of self-determination for

our clients and our communities.

We build trust through compassion

and a focus on client needs and

potentials. We believe in recovery

philosophy and in the recovery of

individuals to strengthen families

and our community. We are

Professional. We are highly trained

and knowledgeable in social work

and human service practice. Our

behavior is professional at all

times. We are empathic to others,

and we work diligently to

understand and address needs. We

welcome our customers regardless

of circumstance. We strive for

diversity with our employees and

our partner professionals. We value

our century old tradition of advanc-

ing the social work profession

through practice and research. We

are Ethical. We are committed to

the highest standards of ethical

behavior to-ward our consumers.

We do not take shortcuts in

fulfilling our responsibilities. We

build trust through our actions. We

are Autonomous. We are independ-

ent in our services, of our pro-

grams. We are non-sectarian and

not obligated to any movement or

political orientation. We will not

deny services because of our cli-

ents’ beliefs or values. We always

adhere to state and federal laws.

We maintain our autonomy to be

adaptive to the needs of our

community.

Family Service Association of Northeastern PA

31 West Market Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 168

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Family Service Association of

Northeastern Pennsylvania

Trustees:

Dr. William V. Lewis, President; John Corcoran, Vice-President; Linda Casey, Treasurer; Sally Connor, Secretary;

Charles Barber, James Gallagher, Paula Jump, Juanita Namey, Joseph Perugino, Robert Silvi.

Board of Directors:

Linda Ross, Chairperson; Mary Agnes Kratz, 1st Vice Chair; John Thalenfeld, 2nd Vice Chair;

Sam Rostock, Treasurer; Megan Kennedy Esq., Secretary

Charles Barber, Jessica Mancus Bartalotta, Marsha Ann Basco Esq., Toni Cisowski, Sally Connor, Bruce Gover, Carol Greenwald, Lita Insalaco, Paula Jump, Rabbi Roger Lerner, Sandra J. Orlando, Rachel Pugh, Mary Rosto,

Melissa Saidman, Larry Singleton, Ronald Williams

Michael Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer