The New York State Office of Mental Health has created the Project Hope Crisis Counseling Program to assist individuals, families, and groups impacted by the disaster caused by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Project Hope offers free and confidential supportive counseling and public education services to Hurricane Sandy disaster victims in New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. Project Hope was initiated in November 2012 and it is anticipated that it will operate until fall 2013.

Project Hope provides one-to-one or group counseling services wherever you wish to have them: in your home, place of work, community centers, schools or houses of worship. At a time of crisis, during holidays and at anniversaries of the event, many people find it helpful to have someone who cares, someone who listens. Along with providing support, Project Hope staff help individuals to understand their reactions to the disaster and its aftermath. We help you to think about options and to find people or agencies that can assist with any disaster-related problems.

Key Principles of the Project Hope Crisis Counseling Program

·         Strengths Based—Program services promote resilience, empowerment, and recovery.
·         Anonymous—Crisis counselors do not classify, label, or diagnose people; no records or case files are kept.
·         Outreach Oriented—Crisis counselors deliver services in the communities rather than wait for survivors to seek their assistance.
·         Conducted in Nontraditional Settings—Crisis counselors make contact in homes and communities, not in clinical or office settings.
·         Designed to Strengthen Existing Community Support Systems—The program supplements, but does not supplant or replace, existing community systems.

All Project Hope services are free and confidential.

Betty Goess of Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) was our program on November 28.  She spoke about the services that they provide in schools etc. to deal with child abuse and bullying.  Betty explained how social media, texting, and such have changed the form that abuse can take.  She illustrated how they talk to children about what is abuse or bullying and then how they counsel them.

CAPS is also looking for volunteers to speak in schools about bullying, it is a commitment of 1-11/2 hours a month and they will train.  If anyone is interested in getting more details, CAPS can be reached at(516)621-0552. 

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, we are holding a fundraiser at The Emporium in Patchogue to raise funds and help local families effected by the storm.  Patchogue Rotary is partnering with Lions and Kiwanis to help our neighbors.  Admission is $20 minimum, we have drinks donated, food donated, That 70's Band will perform, it is an evening of local people coming together to help local people.  It is the season of Thanksgiving so come and give thanks for what you have and in the process you will be helping neighbors who don't have but who will be thankful for your caring.

Tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell everyone you know, this is the place to be on Monday, November 26.  If you can't make it (hey, it happens) you can send a donation to The Patchgue Community Service Foundation at P.O. Box 821, Patchogue, New York 11772.

Thank you.

They also include letters from the public and letters and pictures from children.

In addition, they also care for soldiers who’s families cannot afford to send boxes to their loved ones.

Dorine is shown with immediate Past President Gary Zanazzi.

Just to bring everyone up to speed, and perhaps help with a little confusion, the regular club meeting of Patchogue Rotary will be an evening meeting (6:00 p.m.) on the First Wednesday of each month.

Please make note and plan accordingly.