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locations 2012Facts at a Glance 2012EMPLOYEE GENEROSITY2012 Modified BudgetChild ProtectiveServices (Satellite Office)412 Main StreetPoughkeepsieNew York 12601Child Advocacy Center249 Hooker AvenuePoughkeepsieNew York 12601Eastern DutchessGovernment Center131 County House RoadMilbrookNew York rns TuhesutcepikRoute 824/Dte al ALexingtonCenter forRecoveryPLEASANT VALLEYd4/55 Mill Strute 4eet WRoestbound ARoute 4rterialMain St4/55reetChurch Street Eastbound ArterialAOverlook RoaDepartmentof Community andFamily ServicesRoute 115/InnisM arketRoute 9EasternDutchessGovernmentCentere5utRoRoute 9Mid-Hudson BridgeActive CasesMILLBROOKPOUGHKEEPSIERevenuesAdministration (salaries, fringe, materials, other). 34,286,754. 17,191,797Non-secure Detention. 1,325,000. 649,250Child Care. 6,478,173. 6,302,740Services for Recipients. 6,137,532. 1,393,470Medicaid - Local payments. 421,329. 0Medicaid - MMIS Payments. 43,519,483. 2,497,494Family Assistance. 9,759,948. 12,647,512Foster Care. 30,774,496. 18,853,388Juvenile Delinquents/PINS. 616,000. 603,000State Training Schools. 2,600,000. 0Safety Net. 6,800,000. 2,849,750HEAP. 661,416. 783,916Emergency Aid to Adults. 122,000. 64,000Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 269,171. 268,671Youth Administration. 194,927. 79,526Youth Development/Delinquency Programs 131,981. 131,981Youth Services Unit . 266,558. 297,937Youth Special Delinquency Programs. 234,150. 73,528Youth Runaway and Homeless. 129,428. 107,584Total . 144,728,346. 63,705,050Dutchess CountyDepartment of Communityand Family Services60 Market StreetPoughkeepsieNew York 12601HYDE PARKAppropriationsCases as of12.31.1112.31.12SNAP.11,027. 11,992HEAP.2,930. 2,582Medicaid.13,055. 14,155Medicaid SSI.5,401. 5,672Family Health Plus.2,113. 1,989Family Assistance.755. 717Safety Net Assistance.702. 647Services.1,692. 1,611Geetha Prabhakara (SIU) participatedin American Cancer Society Breast Cancerwalk. She collected 700 in sponsorships.The ”Above and Beyond the Call ofDuty” ABCD Team organized a drive tocollect basic items needed by survivors ofdomestic violence. The donations weregiven to House of Hope.Lisa Simpson (APS) spelled in the annual Literacy Connections Spelling Beeheld at Marist College, which providesfunds to support literacy in DutchessCounty. Lisa also participated in theLove, INC Scrabble Tournament. Fundsfrom this event are used for our local residents to help cover emergency food andother urgent needs.The Accounting Unit held two bakesales and raised 1,300 to “adopt” twofamilies in need during the holiday season.The Medicaid Division collected 375for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund forthe Red Cross.Kathleen Pulcastro (CSEU) raised 2,000 for the March of Dimes Walk inmemory of her baby Jamie Lynn. Manyof her co-workers sponsored her so sheDCFS Employeesue2012Planned GrossExpendituresIn Millions 400 350 3002012 2502011 150 100 506 2012 DCFS ANNUAL REPORT www.dutchessny.govMarch of Dimes 2012could raise these funds.The Clerical Unit in TemporaryAssistance held a bake sale/raffle as wellas collected warm clothing and blankets;these efforts supported the PoughkeepsieChildren’s Home. 200 0MedicaidExpendituresThe DCFS CROP (Communities Respond to Overcome Poverty) Walk Teamcollected 1,155 for hunger relief projects.We received a certificate of appreciation from the Interfaith Council for raisingmore than 1,000. Three local agencieswho received funds from this effort were:Dutchess Outreach, Beulah Baptist SoupKitchen and the Community Action Partnership.The Special Investigations Unit raisedover 1,000 between a “Christmas in July”bake sale and a Harvest Luncheon. Themoney provided a Thanksgiving meal andgift certificate for an elderly brother andsister as well as supplying warm clothesand toys for two “Holiday Adopt-aFamilies.”Sharon Burt (CSEU) volunteered assistance with the Fathers’ Day Parade; madepreparations for John Flowers’ Easter EggHunt and wrapped gifts for nursing homevisits at Christmas time.In other activities, she volunteered forthe Girl Scouts by organizing trip eventsand represents the Hyde Park Service Unitas a delegate to council meetings.Total.357AvenCrop walk 2012All Other DCFSExpendituresNicole Darden (TA) collected 80 papersnowflakes that were sent to the SandyHook Snowflake Drive to create a WinterWonderland at the student’s new school.Janice Arico (SIU) and Jackie Tortora(CIS) headed up the Toys for Tots drive atDCFS. They collected 90 toys from DCFSstaff.Kara Cerilli (ADM) co-chaired theDCFS United Way campaign with TedStarzyk. Employee donations totaled 6,532.The Managed Care Unit held a bakesale to collaborate with the efforts of GirlScout Troop 10275, who raised money toaid Hurricane Sandy victims.Barbara Ingram (CW), GwenethHobson (CW) and Andrea Watson (AFS)coordinated the annual Salvation ArmyAngel Tag/Wishes collection. The “AngelTags” are gift requests from children inthe community. Clothing, toys and gameswere distributed to over 40 children andyouth in our area.Ted Starzyk (ADM) coordinated the saleof Anemones and Christmas Wreaths toDCFS employees for Mental Health America of DC as well as the sale of Daffodils forthe American Cancer Society. In addition,he co-chaired the Dutchess County Government United Way campaign.Several staff member participated withthe Blue Jeans for Babies drive to supportthe March of Dimes.Children’s Services, Accounting andChild Support staff created hat, glove andmitten trees.Theresa Rosencrans (CW) held a Bookand Bake Sale for the American CancerSociety and raised 549.Christina Trembellos (Intake), SarahMenegio (Intake) and Monique Aiello(SNAP) participated in the Dutchess HeartWalk through the American Heart Association at Vassar College. They held a bakesale and raised 200.Adult Servicesheld bake salesand collecteddonations tomaintain anemergency foodsupply.Adopt a FamilyBake SaleInspiring Lifelong Learning 2012 DCFS ANNUAL REPORT 7

“Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” (ABCD) TeamIn 2012, Above and Beyond the Callof Duty committee met regularly andcovered a wide range of topics. Newmembers from Adult and Family Services,SNAP and Medicaid units attended. Afew of the problem solving, workplaceenhancements and work performanceimprovements that were reviewed,involved challenges with the MedicaidEnrollment Center, customer satisfaction,keeping the workplace safe, healthy,and appealing as well as improvingcommunication between divisions withinthe agency. As in previous years, ABCDhad several initiatives to help others inthe community involving staff donations.Three bake sales and one ice creamsocial were held to raise funds for theCROP Walk to feed the hungry totaling 1,155. In addition, a drive was heldto collect necessary items for familiesaffected by Domestic Violence at Houseof Hope. Their wish list posted by ABCDbrought in diapers, laundry bags, pocketcalendars, alarm clocks, baby bathitems, adult toiletries and underwear.The highlight of the year was a specialsession which involved a guest speaker.The speaker was invited to share withour staff, her experience as a recipient ofour services, how the process may havebeen difficult, problems encountered andsuccesses realized.Guest presenter,Janet Small, withABCD Team.members of her church and by followingthe scriptures in the Bible. She explainedthat she was a victim of abuse as a child,and she carried that victim mentalityinto her adulthood. She was angry andthought that struggles in her life wereeveryone else’s fault.In August, guest speaker Ms. JanetSmall discussed her life experiences andhow Dutchess County Department ofCommunity and Family Services assistedher through the years. Ms. Small cameto Dutchess County and our agencyin the late 1980’s. She stated that shehad made choices in her life whichhad negatively impacted her life andthat of her children. Ms. Small thankedattendees and specifically, TemporaryAssistance Specialist Linda Chesley andDirector Joanne Sinagra for helpingher through the tough times in her lifewhen she lacked direction. Ms. Smallnow stays focused with the support ofMs. Small was accepted into Countyprograms which guided her in variousways including helping her discoverwhy she was angry, and why she madesome of the harmful choices in herpast. A pivotal moment happened ina group session. Ms. Small explainedthat she started an altercation withanother woman in the group and lookedat the facilitator to do something. Thefacilitator looked at Ms. Small and said“What do you want me to do?” Ms.Small reported in that moment it wasas though, “something clicked.” Shebegan to look at things differently. Whenconfronted with a difficult situation shebegan to ask herself “What part do I havein this?” rather than blaming others.Ms. Small went on to say how gratefulshe is for everything that DCFS has doneto assist her. She said she knew that asa client she was very difficult, and thatworkers did not look forward to seeingher. In retrospect, she realizes DCFS didmany beneficial things for her and thatthe staff persons were always lookingout for the best interest of her children,even if at the time she was not able tosee it. She recalled with tears, the dayshe found out her daughter was acceptedto the DCFS Youth Computer Workshop.She recollected with excitement that herdaughter was not only taught how to setup and use a computer, but got to keepit at the end of the class! She told thegroup that after 5 years, they still havethe computer and it still works. She alsorecalled a time when she had nothingfor her children at home and how SocialServices helped by delivering presents totheir home. She recollected that DCFSgave her children “the best Christmasthey ever had.”Ms. Small went on to explain that shewas both “happy and nervous” aboutgetting her first job. She had alwaysrelied on Social Services for things suchas Food Stamps and now it would beall on her. She went on to add thatpeople gain self-esteem from working,and getting up in the morning to dosomething positive. Ms. Small began byworking the overnight shift, midnight to8 a.m., and she said finding child careovernight was extremely difficult. Itis hard to find a provider who worksoutside of the traditional 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.hours. She stressed that child care is a bigissue for people when they start work,especially because you cannot trust yourchildren with just anyone. A parent mustMs. Small said her life isbetter now, and she is nolonger tempted by thechoices she made in thepast. “I never have to gothere again. I can make it!”Ms. Small has learned that“whatever you give out, iswhat you get back” and“it always begins and endswith me.”ABCD Teambe very careful to leave their childrenwith someone who is trustworthy and itis not always easy to find someone.Ms. Small relayed that she is alsograteful for the 1998 Ford Taurus shereceived through DCFS CommunitySolutions to Transportation Programin 2007, so that she could go towork. She still has the car, and heryoungest daughter named the car“Rosie.” “My daughter loves Rosie,”Ms. Small said with a chuckle. Ms.Small also recalled that DCFS helpedher get an education through thePACE program where she studiedbusiness administration. In addition,she remembered her experiences as aWork Experience Worker (WEP) in TAClerical, and as a clerical worker for theCity of Poughkeepsie. She feels nowthat sometimes her past mistakes are anobstacle to things such as finding a betterjob, even though she has changed andis doing well. It is also frustrating to herwhen a young person comes right outof college and gets a job over her whenshe has so much life experience to offer.Ms. Small wishes employers would focusmore on her current successes, ratherthan her past.Ms. Small said her life is better now,and she is no longer tempted by thechoices she made in the past. “I neverhave to go there again. I can make it!”Ms. Small has learned that “whatever yougive out, is what you get back” and “italways begins and ends with me.” Sheis thankful for all that DCFS has done forher.Although Ms. Small said that manyin the agency were an inspiration toher, we at DCFS find Ms. Small to be aninspiration to all who heard her speakthat day and serve persons like her (pastand present) on a daily basis.To Ms. Nastasi,For the past two years my husband and I became legal guardians of our granddaughter, who isnow seven. Needless to say it was extremely difficult time dealing with a daughter with severeproblems and now raising her daughter. Dealing with Social Services was very scary, but Ms.Normil made the transition so much easier. Every time I called, she got back immediately thatday and explained everything. To all of you case workers, Bless you for all you do and there aremany of us that appreciate what you do.Sincerely,FR8 2012 DCFS ANNUAL REPORT www.dutc hessny.govInspiring Lifelong Learning 2012 DCFS ANNUAL REPORT 9

Lizabeth Piraino35 YearsJoan Arjonago30 YearsThomas Delpizzo20 YearsMatthew Singleton10 YearsVarsha Patel5 YearsJacky CooperAnn HazardShari FrancisDiane Malone20 Years5 YearsAnita GalentePatricia DonovanMargaret RovereThomas DelpizzoLorelle WuerzSheetal BhushanPatricia LeroyJosie JohnsonChrystal SouthMonique LawrenceVarsha PatelCatherine HastingsDarci Levy15 YearsKaren DiragoClorinda LakeEvelyn PolancoDonna RobinsonAnuradha SharmaSuzanne WhiteRichard OttBeverly PowersAlan Lewis10 Years25 Years 30 YearsJoan ArjonagoKathleen RobbinsDiane Malone25 YearsBeverly Powers15 Years35 YearsMaryanne MaruschakJoe OlahLizabeth PirainoJudy Yarochowicz“DCFS MATTERS” NewsLetterBest Wishes to Retirees of 2012!Years of servicePatricia LambertRobin MalloryMatthew SingletonMarsha ThomasKristin DeangeloCheryl HudsonPeter SimonLinda OrlandoVernice McClintonSandra LoweKathryn SeaholmAnna McNealMary DeMichielAtika BuchananWilliam Robinson Caroline VantassellJamie MillerKathryn MolinaKimberly FlowersChristian JonesJennifer KellerCheryl DeGroatIrene QuinlanStacy HederAnne McNerney10 2012 DCFS ANNUAL REPORT www.dutchessny.govAt the end of the summer of 2012,Dutchess County announced a workforce incentive program. The program provided anincentive for workers who had twenty-five ormore years of service and were over the ageof fifty-five. The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services hadtwenty persons that met these criteria andaccepted this incentive. Workers in everydivision announced their retirements; someleft who did not qualify for the incentive.Overall, DCFS lost 600 years of experience in one fell swoop. Seventeen positionswere deleted and positions that could befilled would not be filled for the remainder of2012. Of course, we immediately felt the lossof “seasoned” hard working employees, butalso know that this opened up opportunitiesfor others to grow and shine in new positionswith new duties and responsibilities. Below isa list of persons that took part in the workforce incentive. We wish the best to all of2012 retirees.Martha AllersPat DealReggie DuncanCeleste FergusonIsabel FuentesJacalyn KahnMaryann LoiaconoMaryanne MaruschakGloria MatrangaBetty MoloneyJoe OlahRose PerezKathy RobbinsMaria RiccobonoTheresa RosencransMary SmithMichael SoltishBetty WestoverLorelle WuerzJudy YarochowiczThe current agency newsletter, DCFSMatters, began in 2006. Over the years,many staff persons have contributed theirhard work ranging from writing, editing,photography, layout design, suggestionsand contests. The quarterly publicationhas gone digital as each issue is postedon our intranet home page. In additionto DCFS staff readership, we have sharedthe newsletter at Department Headmeetings, Commissioner Advisory Councilmeetings, New York P

Robert B. Allers innovative "Leadership Development" program. This willingness to learn Commissioner The 2012 dcfs annual reporT Edited By: Ted Starzyk Staff Development Director Carol Domino team and the dedicated employees in every division throughout DCFS for Confidential Administrative Assistant Data Compiled By: Bridget Goddard