Family Service Society, Inc.
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    • Upcoming FSS & Community Events >
      • 2023 YMST Bowl-a-Rama
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    • Board of Directors
    • Philosophy on Gratitude
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Programs
    • General Counseling Services >
      • FSS Counseling Referral Form
      • FAQ about Counseling Services
    • Corning Youth Center >
      • T.R.E.E. of Dreams Teen Space
      • Kids Cafe
    • Youth Mentoring of the Southern Tier >
      • YMST Interview with volunteer Sue Dunn
      • School-Based Mentoring Program Video
      • YMST Newsletters
    • Choice
    • Family Focus
    • Advantage After School Program
    • Domestic Violence Program for Individuals who Abuse
    • Prevention Services
    • YES Program
  • CE Workshops
    • 3/27/23 Ann Meehan Webinar
    • 3/11/23 Jaimee Arnoff Training (In-Person)
    • 4/28/23 Renae Carapella-Johnson Training (In-Person)
    • 5/31/23 Dr. Jodi Ann Mullen (In-Person )
  • Employment
    • Message from our Executive Director
    • Employee Benefits
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Online Employment Application
  • FSS News & Happenings
    • Official Statements
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2021 Annual Report
    • Newsletter >
      • Feb/March 2018 Newsletter
    • Press Releases
    • Photo & Video Gallery
    • Brochures
  • Donate
  • Resources
    • Forms
    • Inspirational Quotes
    • Recipes from the Kitchen of the Corning Youth Center
    • Domestic Violence Resources
  • Mary Lou's Sweet Treat Fund

Official Statements from the Executive Director

2020 - A MESSAGE FROM THE  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF  FAMILY SERVICE SOCIETY, INC.
 
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”  Maya Angelou 

Family Service Society affirms the value of Black Lives. We recognize the suffering caused by the burden of systemic racism and structural violence in our community and in our country.   We have witnessed the damage of racism in the lives of those we serve and for some, through personal experience.  As a counseling and youth services agency, we know that opportunity is interwoven with oppression - bestowing benefits on some while denying others.  We also recognize the intersectionality, or the ways race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression and social class may cross paths leading to even greater disenfranchisement.  We strive to alleviate suffering in the lives of individuals through counseling and support. We work to offer children connection and experiences that enrich their lives, encouraging them to dream. Yet, we know that systems level problems cannot be solved at the individual level alone.  We pledge to support efforts that help educate and provide opportunities for dialog necessary to bring about change and a better future.
Family Service Society also recognizes the important role police play in serving and protecting our community.  We partner with the Bath Police and Steuben County Sheriff’s Department who volunteer as mentors in our Youth and Law Enforcement program for children in need of a supportive adult in their lives.  Many children at the Laura Richardson Houghton Youth Center have happy memories of playing kickball, sharing pizza or celebrating holidays with officers from the Corning Police Department.   We understand that while these activities are positive steps. They too are not enough.  We pledge to reach out to the policing community to offer support in any way we can, recognizing that too often police may not have the tools that can de-escalate tense situations especially when responding to incidents that involve people struggling with serious mental illness.  
Today, is a time to commit to do more.  We make this commitment from a place of humility, knowing there is much for us to learn and that we will mistakes as we grow.  Maya Angelou also said, “Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” We can all take comfort and strength from her words. Knowing that it is only through love, that we can change the world.
 
 Harmony Ayers-Friedlander (2020)
Executive Director
Family Service Society, Inc.

A Special Message from the Executive Director of Family Service Society, Inc. (PDF Version)

Telephone

607-962-3148

Email

information@familyservicesociety.org

for comprehensive information and referral to the services and support you need in Steuben. Chemung, Allegany, Schuyler, and Yates Counties Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-346-2211 or visit: www.211helpline.org
​

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  • Home
  • About
    • Upcoming FSS & Community Events >
      • 2023 YMST Bowl-a-Rama
    • History
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Locations
    • Contact
    • Leadership Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Philosophy on Gratitude
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Programs
    • General Counseling Services >
      • FSS Counseling Referral Form
      • FAQ about Counseling Services
    • Corning Youth Center >
      • T.R.E.E. of Dreams Teen Space
      • Kids Cafe
    • Youth Mentoring of the Southern Tier >
      • YMST Interview with volunteer Sue Dunn
      • School-Based Mentoring Program Video
      • YMST Newsletters
    • Choice
    • Family Focus
    • Advantage After School Program
    • Domestic Violence Program for Individuals who Abuse
    • Prevention Services
    • YES Program
  • CE Workshops
    • 3/27/23 Ann Meehan Webinar
    • 3/11/23 Jaimee Arnoff Training (In-Person)
    • 4/28/23 Renae Carapella-Johnson Training (In-Person)
    • 5/31/23 Dr. Jodi Ann Mullen (In-Person )
  • Employment
    • Message from our Executive Director
    • Employee Benefits
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Online Employment Application
  • FSS News & Happenings
    • Official Statements
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2021 Annual Report
    • Newsletter >
      • Feb/March 2018 Newsletter
    • Press Releases
    • Photo & Video Gallery
    • Brochures
  • Donate
  • Resources
    • Forms
    • Inspirational Quotes
    • Recipes from the Kitchen of the Corning Youth Center
    • Domestic Violence Resources
  • Mary Lou's Sweet Treat Fund