Center For Family Life and Recovery, Inc.

03/17/2026

With our Annual Awareness Breakfast around the corner, we are thrilled to announce this year's Amethyst Award and Paul Dunn Advocacy Award Winners!

Please join us in congratulating ✨ Brian Freeman and Robert Green! ✨

Brian Freeman, recipient of the Amethyst Award, has been a proud member of the recovery community for 35 years. He is being honored for his lifelong commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys. Through decades of mentorship, encouragement, and advocacy, Brian has helped countless individuals and families see that recovery is possible AND sustainable. 💜

The Paul Dunn Advocacy Award is named after long time CFLR Board member, Paul Dunn, as a tribute to his unending commitment to advocacy and recovery efforts in our community. Recipient of this award is Robert Green, a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) and New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS). Rob has served in community outreach programs, treatment settings, and recovery support environments, using person-centered approaches. He also serves on the Oneida County Opioid Task Force planning committees and supports statewide advocacy efforts with Friends of Recovery New York. In 2022, Rob was recognized as one of the United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s “100 Heroes.” 💚

As a reminder, our signature event will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. The event is open to the public and these awards will be presented during this inspiring gathering!

🎟️ TICKETS - Don’t miss the room where hope, resilience, and community come together. Secure your spot NOW by visiting: secure.qgiv.com/for/cflrs2026annualawarenessbreakfast/

Let's unite to celebrate those who make a significant impact in our community! 🤝

03/17/2026

Only 4 weeks to go until CFLR’s Annual Awareness Breakfast.

Held during Alcohol Awareness Month, this special morning brings our community together to recognize recovery, resilience, and the collective impact we can make when we support one another.

Join us on Tuesday, April 14 at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro for breakfast, connection, and inspiration.
Individual tickets are $45, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cflrs2026annualawarenessbreakfast/

03/16/2026

Earlier this month, we hosted our 🖤 Black Balloon Day 🖤 Brunch. This was a special morning of remembrance, connection, and hope.

✊🏻 Through several in-person and virtual balloon donations, we were able to raise over $645! With funds going directly toward supporting Erin’s Light, CFLR continues our mission to honor lives lost while raising awareness and support for families affected by overdose.

➡️ But wait... it gets better! This year we learned that 10 overdose deaths were prevented compared to last year. Huge win! While that progress gives us tremendous hope, we know the work doesn’t stop here. The good fight continues to keep these numbers rising and to reduce overdose deaths in our communities.

We started a new tradition of a “Letters to Our Loved Ones” activity corner. Visitors had the chance to write to those they have lost, sharing words, memories, and/or feelings they may not have had the opportunity to express before. Black Balloon Day reminds us that grief should never be carried alone. By coming together, we can break the stigma and remind one another that support, compassion, and community DO exist and DO matter. 💌

Thank you to our incredible partners: ICAN, Beacon Center, Conifer Park, and ACR Health for standing with us, and a special thank you to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol for stopping by. His unwavering support and leadership make him truly one of the best champions our community could ask for. 🤗

03/13/2026

We are beyond excited to welcome Cristi Kaido, founder of The Mindful Mixer, as our keynote speaker for this year’s April Awareness Breakfast.

Cristi will be sharing her powerful story of childhood resilience and the experiences that shaped the path she’s on today. Through her work with The Mindful Mixer, she continues to create meaningful moments of connection, reflection, and healing in our community.

Her story is incredibly impactful, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

🎟 Tickets for the Awareness Breakfast are available here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cflrs2026annualawarenessbreakfast/

03/12/2026

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), intentional self-harm most commonly begins during the teenage and young adult years, but it can happen at any age.

Research shows that individuals with a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse are at increased risk across the lifespan.

Center for Family Life and Recovery and our partners offer a range of counseling and support services for both youth and adults, helping individuals build healthy coping skills, strengthen resilience, and reduce the risk of self-harm.

If you or someone you care about needs support, help is available.

Learn more at: https://www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com/our-services/employee-assistance-program/ or call 1-800-729-6822

03/10/2026

Join our e-newsletter mailing list today! 📬

Get all the latest info and news of all that's happening here at Center For Family Life and Recovery, Inc.

Sign up at: https://www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com/news-and-events/news/

03/08/2026

CFLR is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 💜 by living our core values: kindness, integrity, excellence, efficiency, purpose, and courage.

This year’s Give to Gain theme reminds us that when we invest in women — through support, inclusion, compassion, and opportunity — our entire community grows stronger. By uplifting ALL women, whether in recovery or not, we help create spaces of belonging, healing, and hope.

✊ When we give encouragement, respect, and support, women gain confidence, connection, and strength.

✊ When women feel empowered to be included, it fosters belonging, relevance, and hope for generations to come.

🔗 Learn more about Women’s Inclusion here: https://internationalwomensday.com

03/06/2026

"I’m so grateful for the encouragement, kind messages, and everyone who helped support this cause today." ❤️

Heart health is something that has deeply impacted Cassandra's family, which makes supporting the work of the American Heart Association especially meaningful to her.

If you would still like to be part of the impact, please consider giving to her donation link, which will remain open until 6:00 PM this evening. Every contribution helps advance lifesaving research, education, and care: www2.heart.org/site/TR/HeartWalk/FDA-FoundersAffiliate?pg=personal&px=31012518&fr_id=12615

And let's never forget... when there's help, there's hope! 💜

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

We’re looking forward to gathering with our community at the CFLR Annual Awareness Breakfast on April 14.

Tickets are $45, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Save your seat today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cflrs2026annualawarenessbreakfast/

03/04/2026

Join us tomorrow (March 5th) as we come together for Black Balloon Day — a day of remembrance, compassion, and community.

🖤 Morning Brunch
🖤 NARCAN Training & Resources
🖤 Memorial Balloon Display

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase black balloons benefiting the Erin’s Light Fund and are encouraged to bring a wallet-size photo of a loved one to place on their balloon in tribute.

For those unable to attend in person, virtual balloons are available so everyone has an opportunity to honor and remember.

🔗 Purchase a virtual balloon: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cflrsblackballoondaybrunch/

Let us stand together to remember those we’ve lost and continue advocating for hope, healing, and change.

🖤