Friday, January 7, 2011

The Counseling Center of WNY: Get Back To Being You



It's time to open the doors, remove the barriers, break down the walls and lend an ear.  It's time to COMMUNICATE with a family member, a friend, a coworker or simply a stranger on the street.

May is Mental Health Month and we need your support in spreading the news. The Counseling Center of WNY's goal is to promote health and wellness in homes, communities, schools, and business.





Every day, people are affected by the vast challenges, stresses and demands on their lives but they may not know where to turn to seek help in responding to them. The good news is there are tested and effective tools that are readily available and free that anyone can use to help them cope better and improve their well-being.

This Mental Health Month, The Counseling Center of WNY is encouraging people to use these tools which can be found in the 'Links' section of their website. http://www.TheCounselingCenterofWNY.com/.

The Counseling Center of WNY is dedicated to helping people better cope with stress and enhancing their well-being. Stress can take a huge toll on a person's health, mood, productivity and relationships, but specific, evidence-based tools can help counterbalance these effects.

Together we can increase the number of people who take action to protect their mental health, both in the face of ongoing stress and in times of great personal challenge.

The Counseling Center of WNY website provides you with straightforward tools and ways to apply them in everyday life. From relaxation techniques to journaling exercises to simple ways to get better sleep and improve eating habits, the materials offer a wide range of resources to build resiliency and well-being.

Link to their "event" on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183150231704710


To learn more about health and wellness, visit www.TheCounselingCenterofWNY.com today.


The Center
(716) 833-0415
CounselingWNY@gmail.com


 

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Peace From Susan Marie Public Relations

"Peace on Earth, that implies no violence, no starving children, no violent minds, no violent households, no violence, no frustration, no fear."

- John Lennon when asked in an interview if he had one wish for Christmas time what would that be? 
Rare interviews with Lennon, a genius, please listen and be grateful for what is around you and put by you, because others may be less fortunate and be happy.  
John speaks the truth:(click below)



As Lennon said: The thing we have in common is love and love equals peace. My Dad was a WWII Marine and everyone I know is involved in the madness of war in some fashion. This was my visit to Arlington. At the end of this, I tried, you know, as Lennon had, and maybe woke at least one mind.   (click below)
Happy Christmas, (and to ALL celebrations at this time) love one another, be nice, don't judge and most important, be good to your own self.

Peace,

Sue





Sunday, December 19, 2010

U.S. Senate Votes to End "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"

Discriminatory Law on its Way to the Dustbin of History



Washington – Today the U.S. Senate voted on legislation that will allow for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).  This historic action comes on the heels of the passage of an identical bill Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives.  President Obama has said that he will sign DADT repeal into law.

“Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Congress recognized that all men and women have the right to openly serve their country,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Plenty of people had already planned the funeral for this legislation. Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago. We are grateful to President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Sens. Lieberman, Collins and countless others for their dogged determination to repeal DADT.”

Today’s vote caps off two weeks of frenetic, roller-coaster activity. Last week, the Senate voted for the second time against allowing debate to begin on the National Defense Authorization Act, to which DADT repeal was attached. As a result, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a stand-alone repeal bill in the Senate. This Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a DADT bill sponsored by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA). That bill was advanced to the Senate and voted on today.

DADT was made a law seventeen years ago and is the only U.S. law that punishes people for simply telling the truth. Since the law went into effect, over 14,000 gay and lesbian service members have been discharged from our nation’s military simply because they were gay or lesbian. An estimated 66,000 gays and lesbians are currently on active-duty.  Over the past two years, Human Rights Campaign has worked steadily, including dedicating over $3 million in financial resources, to bring about today’s successful outcome. Click here to see a summary of our work.

Senator Joe Lieberman, the sponsor of the Senate bill, added his perspective to this historic day. “This ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010’ removes a law that discriminates against military service members based solely on their sexual orientation and also harms our national security.   This historic day has been seventeen years in the making and would not have happened without the leadership of Joe Solmonese and the Human Rights Campaign.”

“This is an historic moment.  Like our closest allies, the United States’ Armed Forces should welcome the service of any qualified individual who is willing and capable of serving our country,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).  “And, I agree with Defense Secretary Gates that it is critical that the issue is decided by Congress, not the courts.”

The Human Rights Campaign issues a critical warning to service members that repeal of DADT is not effective immediately and service members are still at risk of being discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation until certification occurs and an additional 60 days have passed.  Click here to see the Pathway to Final Repeal.

“This has been a long fought battle, but this failed and discriminatory law will now be history,” added Solmonese.  “Congress now joins the majority of our troops and the American public in the common sense belief that on the battlefield, it does not matter whether a service member is lesbian, gay or straight – what matters is that a service member gets the job done. The President can now fulfill his promise and sign this repeal legislation into law.  After signing this legislation, we call on the President and Secretary of Defense to act expeditiously to complete the steps necessary to implement final repeal.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

© Human Rights Campaign 2010



Greater New York Chapter Human Rights Campaign 
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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Habitat for Humanity: South Buffalo: 2nd Buffalo ReStore

New Doors Open, New Hope Enters



Buffalo, NY- Once a brick, primer colored car dealership, then glove factory, then ultimately a warehouse in an economically troubled area of South Buffalo is now a retail center selling so much more than just building and home furnishing materials. It now sells hope, not only to families in need through-out WNY, but for an area of Buffalo built on partnership and strength of community.
On Tuesday, December 7th Habitat for Humanity-Buffalo opened the doors, of its second ReStore location at 1675 South Park Avenue in South Buffalo; grand opening celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, January 15th. The ReStore, a retail outlet, carries 100% donated materials. Shoppers can find deeply discounted merchandise for all home furnishing and improvement needs.  
Along with the first ReStore location, located at 501 Amherst Street in the Black Rock section of Buffalo, the new location hopes to continue to provide, and create an increase of additional revenue available, outside of private donations and mortgage repayments, for the mission of Habitat-Buffalo, which is to provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need through-out Buffalo. In addition to raising funds for housing, the ReStore helps the environment by diverting thousands of tons of usable materials away from landfills, and allows for responsible recycling. 

To date, the new Habitat ReStore is the first and only business to open in an area that has been part of the City of Buffalo’s South Park Revitalization Initiative, in which 2.3 million dollars was spent to help improve the conditions of an area that has long since been neglected.

“I grew up on Pries Avenue, which is only 3 blocks down from the new ReStore, and to see a new business open in this area of South Buffalo is extremely refreshing and renewing from a personal stand point, and I am grateful to be able to be a part of it!”-Evan Quinn, Marketing Manager Habitat-Buffalo

Habitat-Buffalo specifically chose this area with the intention of being part of the hope that is symbolized by the efforts of the City; attempting to restore the beauty of one of Buffalo’s greatest neighborhood, and centers for local commerce.

“We are excited to extend our mission in South Buffalo with this investment on South Park Avenue. The building as well as the community was perfectly suited to house Habitat-Buffalo’s second ReStore”-Kevin Scherf, Store Manager ReStore South

The Habitat ReStore concept in Buffalo currently accounts for 12% of the Habitat-Buffalo revenue, with the opening of the second location that hopes are high for the number to increase greatly.

“Habitat Buffalo is thrilled to have a new ReStore location in South Buffalo. Our second ReStore will enhance the sustainable funding stream already in place with our store at 501 Amherst Street and will allow Habitat to continue to expand on the work we are doing throughout the city of Buffalo in helping low income families realize their home ownership dreams.” Dave Zablotny, Executive Director Habitat-Buffalo

The ReStore hours of operation are Tues-Fri 10-6pm, Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday 12-4pm(north store only). Pick-ups of any and all donated materials are available in Niagara and Erie County, and can be scheduled by calling 716.852.6607. For additional information, visit habitatbuffalo.org. Grand opening festivities for the South Park location are scheduled for Saturday, January 15th.

For addition information, quotes, and hi-res photos please contact Evan Quinn:
Evan Quinn
ReStore Marketing
Habitat For Humanity ReStore/Buffalo
1675 South Park Avenue,
Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: (716)852-6607
Cell (716)907-1844
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