We are very pleased to announce a recent addition to the Search for Change, Inc. Board of Directors! Jeffrey (Jeff) Zitofsky currently serves as Community Work Assistant for the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities, a position that enables him to apply his extensive experience in advocacy, education, service …
An Antidote to Stigma
Stigma against persons with mental illness has waned in recent years, as affirmed by a Harris Poll administered on behalf of the American Psychological Association. This poll found a significant majority of Americans (87%) believed there is no shame in having a mental health diagnosis, and a comparable proportion of …
The Behavioral Healthcare System’s Response to Families: A Legacy of Unfulfilled Promises
Family members of those with serious behavioral health conditions often encounter innumerable obstacles in the pursuit of effective treatment and other essential services for their loved ones. Navigating a byzantine network of resources, many of which entail restrictive eligibility criteria and extensive waitlists, is exceptionally challenging for even the most …
On a Life Well-Lived…
The Search for Change community is deeply saddened by the passing of Patricia Reilly, a former member of our Board of Directors and enduring champion of many noble causes. Patricia (Pat) was not merely an advocate for SFC and its mission – she embodied the spirit and ethos of public …
Volunteer Engagement: Considerations for Organizational Success
Health and social service agencies, and the nonprofit sector generally, rely on volunteers to advance their missions and to ensure their continuing viability. As nonprofit organizations (NPOs) must compete for resources necessary to sustain their operations, the availability of an engaged workforce (comprised, at least in part, of members who …
On the Retirement of a Dedicated Public Servant
As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, we celebrate the career of a truly dedicated public servant to whom we are deeply indebted for years of tireless advocacy in service to Putnam County and its most vulnerable residents. Mr. Joseph (Joe) DeMarzo, Deputy Commissioner of Social Services, Mental …