Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and Youth Bureau Director Bob Harris presented the awards at the 28th Annual Daniel Donahoe Awards Reception which was held today, Tuesday, May 15th at the Big Flats Community Center. 

The Donahoe Award is given annually to an adult to recognize and honor outstanding contributions made to the youth and families of this community.  The award was established in 1984 and is named in honor of its first recipient, the Honorable Judge Daniel J. Donahoe. This year's Donahoe Award winner is Mr. Walter Kowalski, who was recognized for his service to the Horseheads Youth Bureau's Advisory Board.  Kowalski has been a member on the Board for the past 12 years, having served as Board President for two consecutive terms as well as being an active volunteer at many Youth Bureau events.

The Summer Cohesion Synergy Award was established in 2004 to recognize an individual, group or organization that has best demonstrated or exemplified the overall true meaning of partnership and collaboration as it impacts the Chemung County Summer Cohesion Program. The 2012 Summer Cohesion Award was given to Will Wickam and Susan Tanner from the Stanwyck Youth Theatre Productions.  Since 1997, Stanwyck Youth Theatre Productions has been a staple for the Cohesion Program children, in the beginning years bringing the productions to the Cohesion sites and since 2001 at their home in borrowed space at the Arnot Mall.

The Program Excellence Award recognizes the special efforts of local youth service projects, programs, and events.  The award was established in 1987. Nominees for the Program Excellence Award included His Tabernacle Family Church's R.A.G.E. Youth Ministry and Trinity of Chemung County's Art for Awareness Contest and Banquet. This year's award winner is the Elmira City Youth Court, a year round program that provides an alternative to the criminal justice system for young people who have committed a crime or offense in the community.

The Polly Sanders Youth Scholarship was established in 1995 for youth who have made a unique or significant contribution to the community or who have overcome a major obstacle in their personal life.   In 2002, the Chemung County Youth Bureau and Board renamed this scholarship in honor of Chemung County's first Youth Bureau Director, Polly Sanders, who was a strong advocate for youth.  The two $500 scholarships were awarded to Melanie Dieg and Sarah Moore, both from Elmira.

Melanie Dieg is the daughter of Reiner and Noreen Dieg.  She will graduate this June from Elmira Free Academy and has been accepted to Hunter College for the 2012 school year. While a student at EFA, Melanie has exceled in her academics, music, athletics, school and community involvement and even maintained employment outside of school in the midst of her busy schedule. She is the school's orchestra's president and an active member of jazz band as well. Melanie is a gifted athlete and has made many contributions to EFA's soccer and basketball team. She has been chosen as an All-Star athlete and truly exemplifies the qualities of a team leader. Melanie is a member of the National Honor Society and was a nominee of the Elmira Rotary Club and her school's homecoming court. Melanie also actively volunteers for the Race for the Cure event in our community.

Sarah Moore is the daughter of Scott and Sharon Moore.  She will graduate in June from Elmira Free Academy and plans to attend Hamilton College in the fall of 2012. During her four years of high school, Sarah has been actively involved in both the school and community setting. Sarah has maintained positions as the Vice President and President of her graduating class, and has been a member of the National Honors Society. Sarah also studied abroad for a semester in Israel in which she worked with young people in a camp setting. Sarah is actively involved in the athletic program at EFA as a member of the soccer and softball team in which she has received recognitions from the Southern Tier Athletic Conference and held the position of team captain. Sarah has also maintained part time employment outside of school and has volunteered her time to the young people of local elementary schools as mentor for the Circle of Friends Program.

Refreshments for the event were provided by the GST BOCES Culinary Arts Program. Students in the program prepared all the food and also served as wait staff at the event.

For more information contact the Chemung County Youth Bureau @ 737-2907.

Her favorite part of volunteering is when someone she’s working with to help deal with their diabetes accepts that they have diabetes and learns to deal with their diabetes, by making better lifestyle changes.  Her biggest challenge when it comes to volunteering is to not get discouraged, stating, “You can teach people right from wrong.  The choice is theirs and some do not choose to change”.  She also believes that it is important to give back and volunteer because people need people, in many ways.   It helps a volunteer to feel good about what they are doing and they want to continue to help others.  It may be free work, but the rewards are priceless.

                Debbi lives in Bath, NY. When she is not putting in her many hours of service to the community she enjoys work with training her puppy to be a therapy dog, making jewelry, reading, & enjoying time with her friends and family.

Our mission is to help build Steuben County communities that care for all people by working to reduce poverty, promote healthy individual and family life, and advocate for social justice.

Poverty in Steuben County

Last year Steuben County's' unemployment rate averaged 9.9% compared to the statewide average of 8.6%. It is estimated that an additional 7% may have been underemployed or have exhausted un-employment benefits.

13.5% or 13,000 people are living below The Federal Poverty Guidelines in Steuben County. It is estimated that 30% of our population, 30,000 people are living in households that only earn up to twice the Poverty Guidelines. In reality these working poor may already may be living in actual poverty or at risk of slipping below the poverty guidelines.

Children are the most vulnerable and make up the highest segment of the population living in poverty. In Steuben County 1 in 5 children are living in poverty. 50% of our students are eligible for free or reduced fee meals at school based on family income of 130% of poverty for free meals and 185% of poverty for reduced fee meals.

50% of the families living in Poverty in Steuben County are headed by a single female. 60% of these Moms were working before the recession and before Child Care Subsidies were cut making it impossible for many single moms to work before their children enter kinder garden.

Applications for Food Stamps increased 35% from 2008 to 2010.

WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES

While it is true that too many people living in poverty are there as a result of their own poor choices or decisions the great majority of those in poverty are there as a result of decisions or circumstances over which they have no control.

Physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, mental illness, lack of job education or job skills, or working at a job that does not pay a living wage are major causes of poverty. Dramatic life changes such as domestic violence, divorce, the loss of a job or loss of hours or major medical expenses often result in a life of poverty.

Prior to the recession 69% of the people we served were working. In 2010 39% were working. The average household income was $10,000. in 2008 and fell to just $8,500. in 2010.

Homelessness and housing emergencies are on the rise in Steuben County. Evictions' are up 35% in the last 2 years. Request for housing assistance at Catholic Charities increased 42% in 2010 compared to 2008. Last year government funding for our Homelessness Intervention Program was cut 58%.

A minimum wage earner in Steuben County needs to work 61 hours a week in order to rent a two bedroom apartment at the recommended guideline that no more than 30% of earnings should be spent on rent.

About the Walk

WHAT:

WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES is a one mile walk taking place simultaneously in three communities - Bath, Cornin and Hornell.

The goals of the walk are to raise awareness of poverty in Steuben County and to collect donations to support Catholic Charities' work providing Help that works, Hope that lasts to families, friends, and neighbors who are experiencing financial hardships.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 19th 2012

On-site Registration...........9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks..............9:45 - 10:00 a.m.
Walk...........................10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Corning
Community Bank, West Market St.

Bath
Pulteney Square

Hornell
Center Street Parking Lot

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Become a Walker-recruit 10 sponsors

Become a Sponsor - support 1 or more walkers

Make a donation - to Catholic Charities

You never know what someone has suffered untilyou Walk a Mile in Their Shoes..

Join Us on May 19th 2012:

HOW TO REGISTER:

REGISTER on-line at:
www.catholiccharitiessteuben.org

REGISTER and create your personalized fun-raising page at:
www.firstgiving.com/catholiccharitiessteuben

If you have any questions, contact us at:
Catholic Charities of Steuben County

Bath office: 607-776-8085

Corning office: 607-962-0704

Hornell office: 607-324-3457

Elmira Street Painting Festival

July 14 - 15, 2012

The festival will take place on Water St and Main St. in Downtown Elmira.  As a volunteer, you will be a major asset to your community, be exposed to new experiences, and you will meet new people.

Available Volunteer Positions:

Set up and Tear down: Help with chairs, tables, artist template removal, etc.

Artist Haven Staff: Distribute chalk and water to artists and children artists

Volunteer Headquarters:  Assist with registration and direction of incoming

volunteers

Information Booth: Distribute programs and administer surveys

Kids Canvas Corner: Distribute balloons and/or face painting (previous experience required for face painting)

Concert Staff: Monitor crowd during the Town Pants performance

Beautification: Assist in keeping the festival clean and beautiful for all

Parking Attendant: Direct cars into designated parking areas

Chalk It Up: Assist instructors by distributing supplies & helping children with their artwork (Saturday & Sunday 10:00-2:00 Only)

WE ESPECIALLY NEED YOUR HELP FOR SUNDAY NIGHT TAKE DOWN.

For Questions Email: Renée at rwheeler@elmirasavingsbank.com or

Starr at smiller@chemungcanal.com

Or Visit Our Web Site At: www.elmirastreetpaintingfestival.org

Thank you for joining the Elmira Street Painting Festival,

an Elmira Downtown event!

Organization:

The Institute for Human Services, Inc.

6666 County Road 11

Bath, NY 14810

Reports to:

Manager of Communications & Volunteer Support 

Position:

300 – 400 Hours by August

The Institute for Human Services is looking for a Minimum Time AmeriCorps position which will help us build our Volunteer Support Initiative. This position will focus on building participation and awareness of the new 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help site. This position is open for the Summer of 2012.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Provide Training and Support to Nonprofit Organizations using 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help Site

·         Conduct outreach to Youth-Serving Organizations to encourage them to utilize the site.

·         Develop a series of directories highlighting resources & volunteer opportunities for youth and families.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

The position requires interpersonal and communications skills as well as someone who is easily able to pick up and use new technologies, particularly databases. The individual should also be a strong writer.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree pending; preferred in a related-field. 

To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to volunteer@ihsnet.org.  Review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

9 am – 4 pm (Registration & Networking beginning at 8:30 am)

Where:

Institute for Human Services - Conference Room

6666 CR 11, Bath NY 14810 (“the old BOCES building”)

Description

There seem to be new tools for communicating with people every day, and with limited resources the answer to the question, “Which tools should I use?” is always, “Whatever helps you achieve your goals.” This workshop will take a step back from all of the bells and whistles and walk participants step-by-step through how to develop a communications plan, look at possible tactics to achieve their goals, and share a number of useful implementation resources.

The session combines presentation and workshop format.  Attendees are requested to bring the following:

·         Organization Mission & Vision

·         Organization Goals and/or Strategic Plan

·         A copy of your organization’s Information Packet (if available)

If you are coming for a specific program rather than an organization, please bring all of this information for the program instead of organization.

Cost:

Registration cost covers morning and afternoon snacks and the lunch provided, as well as handouts. Please note: Your registration reserves a slot, and this reservation is non-refundable.

·         IHS members: $25 per person

·         Non-members: $35 per person

Instructors:

Anna Brennan-Curry is the Manager of Communications & Volunteer Support at IHS. She is responsible for IHS's communications and marketing, the weekly Provider Online email, and managing IHS’s volunteer support programming. She has experience launching communications & marketing programs in a variety of organizations including Sanctuary for Families and the Foundation for MetroWest.

Registration:

• You can register online: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=cqezqpcab&oeidk=a07e5uu02juda456d20
• Questions? Call (607) 776 – 9467 x. 217 or email brennancurrya@ihsnet.org.

Part-time Receptionist

Deadline to apply: Friday, May 25, 2012, 5 pm

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a crucial first point of contact, the front desk receptionist greets and assists all 171 Cedar Arts Center's constituents. We are seeking a person who understands and reflects 171's mission and values by offering caring, honest, responsive, and community-centered service.

The front desk receptionist must be a highly motivated team player with excellent communication skills - both verbal and written - along with a proven ability to provide exceptional customer service. The best candidates will exhibit a positive, welcoming and helpful attitude, be able to work independently, and demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and computer skills. Must have a sense of humor and be able to work in a fast-paced arts education environment.

DUTIES:

• Staffing reception desk and welcoming all visitors
• Answering telephone, relaying calls and messages
• Responding to questions
• Registering clients for classes and processing payments
• Utilizing registration database and scheduling software
• Preparing and cleaning spaces for classes and performances
• Other clerical and customer service duties as required or requested
• Additional duties may be assigned based on experience

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent customer service
• Excellent communication skills
• Reliability
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of 171 Cedar Arts Center's class offerings
• Driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Background check

TO APPLY:

Send resume or job qualifications, along with a cover letter and three work related references to  info@171CedarArts.org

Each year, a group of older New Yorkers are nominated by the offices for aging in each county and invited to Albany to be recognized for their contributions and take part in the Senior Citizens’ Day celebrations.  As in the past, this year’s nominees are an exceptional group of older volunteers whose significant contributions have impacted the lives of many people, young and old. 

The honorees and their families attended a recognition ceremony at the State Capitol, where they were greeted by Greg Olsen, NYSOFA Acting Director, Senator David Valesky, Chair of the Senate Aging Committee and Assemblywoman Joan Millman, Chairs of the Assembly Aging Committee.  

 Local volunteers honored were:

CHEMUNG COUNTY

• Mary Beechey
  Mary joined RSVP of Chemung County in 2001. She has donated 3,863 hours of her time to serving others. Years ago, she took a class in Braille and now transcribes books for the blind. In her spare time, Mary is active with the Over-the-Counter Players performing skits at local senior homes and clubs to promote safe driving, scam alerts and health issues for our older population. She teaches children about the dangers of smoking and is also a clown in many local parades. Mary also volunteers at the Free Community Kitchen; Near Westside Neighborhood; Steel Memorial Library; and, knits hats and mittens for school children.
• Connie Bergh
  Connie has been a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for 16 ½ years, giving a total of 6,179 hours to helping others. For 28 years she has volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She visits patients and is the facilitator of the Widow/Widowers Support Group. In 2002, Connie was awarded the Spirit Award from St. Joseph’s Hospital. The Spirit Award is given to volunteers, health professionals and support staff that has made a difference in the quality of patient care at St. Joseph’s and in the community. She also likes to volunteer at the Samaritan Center as an interviewer. Since 1994, Connie has been a member of the Senior Notebook Team, where she currently holds the office of Secretary. As a member of the Senior Notebook TV Program, she co-hosts a segment called “Wit & Wisdom.” For over 30 years she has been a member of St. Mary’s Church as well as a member of the church choir.

SCHUYLER COUNTY

• Barbara Berghoff
  Since joining RSVP in mid-May, 2005, Barbara has volunteered more than 4,160 hours at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging, the Schuyler County Historical Society and the Montour Falls Memorial Library. She has served, or currently serves, on the OFA Advisory Committee, the Schuyler-Yates RSVP Program Advisory Committee and the Schuyler County Environmental Management Council. She also volunteers at one of the OFA congregate meal sites. Barbara is a strong advocate on senior issues as well as cheerleader for other seniors promoting their involvement.
• Beaver Dams United Methodist Church
  The Beaver Dams United Methodist Church (BDUMC) recently responded to a significant need in Schuyler County by starting a Medical Equipment Loan Program. This is free and open to the public. Members of the congregation worked to clean-up, secure and prepare space within the church basement for donations
  which they began accepting in December 2011. Thanks to a sizable donation from a local pharmacy, the Church has a stock of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Two seniors within the congregation have volunteered their time to facilitate this loan program including the creation of an excel spreadsheet to list and track loan
  equipment. The BDUMC has served their community in other ways including hosting a Thursday morning community coffee hour that promotes fellowship for all residents as well as a Vacation Bible school each summer. In addition, they have graciously allowed office for the aging to host educational presentations and
  recreational events in their fellowship hall.

STEUBEN COUNTY

• Lyn Chadwick
  Lyn is a retired military RN who is active in Red Cross Blood drives, the Board of the Fred and Harriet Taylor Memorial Library and local politics. She is a Bone Builders leader and is very active in church work. Lyn is also a volunteer for Project Care, a volunteer program that assists frail seniors to remain in their homes. In 2011, Lyn‘s quick intervention for a recipient who had been scammed out of about $12,000 resulted in $9,000 being returned.
• Raymond F. Cotter
  Raymond has made himself available to the Steuben County Office for the Aging for many years. Former Director Linda Tetor had often called upon Ray to do start-up work, or fix some program in disarray and even refine computer information. His latest volunteer assignment is to assist the Corning office with insurance advisements.

Social Welfare Examiner Trainee-OPEN COMPETITIVE

EXAM #1SWET0712OC

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
(Applications accepted continuously.)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:   June 13, 2012
For exam to be held : July 14, 2012

Click here to view complete examination notice.

~ or ~

Application can be viewed in the office of the
Regional Civil Service Commission located at:

203 Lake Street, 2nd Floor, Elmira, NY