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Astor Services "In the Press"

Press clippings about Astor Services for Children & Families.

Nonprofit serving families opens trauma recovery center in the Bronx

News 12 The Bronx - March 4, 2024

A nonprofit that serves kids and families struggling with mental health and welfare opened a trauma recovery center in the Bronx. Astor Services’ new center at 750 Tilden St. will provide much-needed services to help and heal survivors of violent crimes. “Untreated trauma looks like increased suicide rates, looks like depression and over-function in mental health clinics, it looks like disruption of families,” said Jaida Richardson, program director at the trauma recovery center.

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Astor Services Opens Liberty, NY Counseling Center

CityBiz - February 1, 2024

Astor Services has officially unveiled its Liberty, NY counseling center, which provides services for individuals from birth to age 26. In an effort to meet the increased mental health needs it is currently seeing, the nonprofit organization, has expanded its reach to this Sullivan County location.

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Astor Services Debuts Rockland Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program with a Ribbon Cutting

CityBiz - September 6, 2023

Astor Services officially unveiled its newest Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – and first in Rockland County – with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location at the BOCES Educational Resource Center campus, 131 N. Midland Ave., in Nyack, New York. The program, modeled after Astor Services’ existing PHP in Poughkeepsie, New York, is available to youth ages 11-18 who are facing challenges at home, at school, or in the community. This group therapy program helps youth learn to safely manage their emotions to prevent out-of-home placement to psychiatric hospitals and other residential treatment programs. 

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Astor Services Expands Reach, Adds Mental and Behavioral Health Services in Sullivan and Rockland Counties

Hudson Valley News & Events - June 14, 2023

In an effort to meet the increasing mental health needs in communities across New York State, Astor Services recently announced an expansion into Rockland and Sullivan counties. The nonprofit organization, which has a 70-year footprint in the Hudson Valley and the Bronx, has opened an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Rockland County, and numerous counseling centers and school-based programs throughout Sullivan County. This news comes on the heels of Astor Services adding an Adult Care Management program early last year for Dutchess, Ulster and Orange County residents.

Read more…

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Astor Announces 3rd Dine Out Event for Mental Health Awareness Month

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce - April 26, 2023

Several restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley region have enthusiastically signed on for Astor Services’ 3rd annual Dine Out for Mental Health, during May, Mental Health Awareness Month. Restaurants in the Hudson Valley will donate a portion of their proceeds to support Astor and the mental/behavioral services the nonprofit organization provides to more than 10,000 children and families throughout the Hudson Valley and the Bronx. 

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Astor Spreads Seeds of Growth for Mental Health Month

In Touch - May 7, 2023

May being Mental Health Awareness Month reminds Astor Services of the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” to apply to any storm we weather. The new Astor logo now includes “a flower, representing our desire to help our clients blossom and flourish,” as our CEO Yvette Bairan wrote in her announcement about the recent agency rebranding. Jennifer Brody along with many of the counselors at Astor love METAPHORS, and as clinicians and supervisors, they often use these with our clients and supervisees. The metaphor of any helping connection being an opportunity for the helper to be gardener to “plant a seed” and be a witness and cultivator of all that can grow (and blossom and flourish) is very inspiring!

Read More…

Yvette Bairan among the City and State NY Responsible 100

City and State NY - December 12, 2022

Each year, City & State puts a spotlight on 100 exceptional individuals who are quietly putting in the time and effort to help address and overcome these and other challenges – and, fundamentally, to assist their most vulnerable neighbors. 

Read more…

Astor Services wants to give gifts to thousands of HV families

In Touch - December 13, 2022

Although it is only 2 weeks until Christmas, we have plenty of time to be charitable and spread goodwill to people. This week’s guest on In Touch is Richmond Arce from Astor Services. Astor Services provides Family Driven Care and has been providing child mental health, child welfare and early childhood development services in the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx of New York since 1953. Astor Services is once again holding their Adopt-A-Family program to support Astor families during the holiday season. Not only that, we discuss some of the stigmas that still emanate from mental health in this post-pandemic world, along with breaking stigmas about Astor Services themselves, to ensure they provide comprehensive care for families as a whole.

Read more…

 

Adopt-a-Family to Support Holidays with Astor Services

Hudson Valley Post - November 20, 2022

The holiday season is a time for giving, but sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to find a good cause to support. There are so many charities and organizations that deserve our generosity this time of year.

Perhaps this can help you in your decision-making process: Astor Services is giving you a way to make a huge impact on families within your own community.

Read More…

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Astor Services, Del's launch children-created ice cream; see what it is, where to get it

Poughkeepsie Journal - August 11, 2022

A new ice cream flavor is raising awareness for Astor Services for Children & Families.

Del’s Dairy Farm & Ice Cream Co. in Red Hook debuted a flavor designed by children in the Astor Learning Center, with packaging that features artwork from students in its Expressive Arts program.

According to a joint announcement, the flavor, “A Scoop of Joy,” which includes fudge ripple, M&Ms, sprinkles and Brownies in sweet cream vanilla, was selected after Astor students were given ingredients and asked to create custom flavors in February.

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How to Stop the Fighting: As Students' Mental Health Needs Spike, Officials Set Path Forward

Poughkeepsie Journal - May 1, 2022

More than two years after the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 upended the usual classroom experience, students are struggling to readjust to what would otherwise be considered as a normal in-person schedule. 

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Alarming Workforce Shortage Facing Youth Mental Health Care Workers

Gotham Gazette - May 24, 2022

Many industries are struggling with their workforce since the pandemic, and the children’s mental health workforce is no different. Capacity and workforce retention have always been a challenge in the human services field, with providers expected to do more with less and families facing increasingly longer backlogs and wait times for appointments.  

Statistics show that 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, but only half get treatment. In addition, 59.6% of youth with major depression do not receive any treatment. In the Bronx, where our organization does much of its work, the three top diagnoses for program participants ages 8 to 17 are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depressive disorder, and disruptive/oppositional disorder. These three make up over 60% of the overall primary diagnoses for those youth in the borough.   

Read more…

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Astor’s ‘Dine Out for Mental Health’ Set in May

Catholic New York - April 21, 2022

The Astor Services for Children & Families’ second annual Dine Out for Mental Health will be held during Mental Health Awareness Month in May to help raise funds and awareness for Astor and the mental/behavioral services the nonprofit organization provides to more than 10,000 children and families throughout the Hudson Valley and the Bronx.

Read more 

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Astor's Annual Adopt-a-Family Program Benefits Children in Need

Ulster Chamber - February 7, 2022

With generous donations of more than $96,000 from 251 individuals, corporations and groups across the Hudson Valley region and the Bronx, 1,938 children served by Astor received gifts during the 2021 holiday season. These generous donations allowed families to purchase items for everyday needs, such as groceries, winter coats, hats and gloves, along with traditional holiday presents.

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Astor Services for Children & Families Expands Offerings; Announces Health Services for Adults

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce - January 4, 2022

Responding to an identified need in the communities it already serves, Astor Services for Children & Families announced that a brand new Adult Care Management program is now available to residents 18 and older within New York’s Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties, starting January 1, 2022. These services are free to individuals with Medicaid insurance and provide comprehensive coordination of all those involved in an individual’s health and wellness, including medical and behavioral health experts from the clinical and non-clinical sides. 

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FCC Makes 75 COVID-19 Telehealth Awards, Invites Applicants to Supplement Their Information

Telecompetitor - November 9, 2021

The FCC has approved 75 more applications for funding in Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The new funding announcement totals $42,163,705.

This is the fourth Round 2 announcement. All four announcements combined total approximately $166.13 million. Healthcare providers in every state and territory, as well as the District of Columbia have been approved. The first phase of round two of the program now is complete.

The program supports health care providers’ efforts to serve patients impacted by the pandemic by providing reimbursement for telecom services, information services and connected devices. The program was created in the CARES Act with an initial budget of $200 million. Round 2 has a budget of $249.95 million.

As stipulated in the Round 2 Report and Order, passing the $150 million-mark has led the Wireless Competition Bureau to issue a public notice informing remaining applicants that they have 10 days to supplement their applications. The remaining funding will be committed based on the supplemented applications, a press release about the COVID-19 Telehealth program awards explains.

Astor Fall Festival at Old Adriance Farm

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce - September 30, 2021

The Families for Astor Committee (FFA) will hold their first annual “Fall Festival” on Saturday, October 16 at the Black Snake Brewing Company at Old Adriance Farm; (148 Creek Road, Staatsburg, NY), to benefit Astor Services for Children & Families.

Families for Astor is a group of dedicated families in the Hudson Valley who support Astor’s vulnerable children and families. The Families for Astor Committee have produced the Hudson Valley hit “Ghost Stories” hosted by Hilarie Burton Morgan & Jeffrey Dean Morgan, along with other local friends and actors, including Mary Stuart-Masterson and Paul Rudd.

Additional Coverage 

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Children Need More Services - a Letter from Yvette Bairan

Southern Dutchess News - September 8, 2021

This is a repeat story for children’s mental health services: there just isn’t enough of it to go around and families that reside in certain counties lack support. COVID-19 changed the lives of children in many ways. Youth suicide rates and emergency department calls are up. Every community needs more children’s mental health services than what was available prior to the pandemic. 

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NYC Education Dept. school social worker hiring spree sparks staffing crisis at mental health clinics

Daily News - September 9, 2021

A massive city Education Department effort to hire hundreds of new school social workers is coming at the expense of nonprofit mental health clinics that also operate in public schools, providers say.
 

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Addressing the Rise in Mental Health Challenges Among Hispanic Youth

Gotham Gazette - September 14, 2021

Young people are often uncomfortable asking for help. Now imagine there is a language barrier as well. Children, teens, and young adults are currently battling social isolation, loneliness, and mental illness in increasing numbers, and the language barrier greatly exacerbates this for Spanish-speaking youth and their families. 

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"In The News" Archive

Astor Names New Board Chairman: James M. Raimo Sr

Poughkeepsie Journal - December 24, 2014

"The Astor family feels very fortunate to have Jim as our new board chairman. He brings not only a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to this position, but his dedication to, and compassion for the children and families we serve are at the core of all his hard work on our behalf, and for this we are especially grateful,"
said Jim McGuirk, Ph.D., CEO, Astor Services for Children & Families.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Elects Raimo Board Chair

New York Nonprofit Press - December 15, 2014

New York Non Profit Press' coverage of Jim Raimo as Astor's new board chair.

Upon his appointment, Raimo said, “It’s an honor to work with my fellow Board members to support the dedicated staff at Astor. The wonderful, life-changing work that Astor does with children and families helps make our communities stronger. I am honored to be able to serve as Board Chair for this organization that is changing so many lives.”

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Fillette New COO at Astor Services for Children & Families

New York Nonprofit Press - December 8, 2014

New York Non Profit Press' coverage of Dr. Fillette joining Astor as our first COO.

Upon her appointment, Fillette said she is “looking forward to having the opportunity to apply and build on lessons learned from my previous appointments, and bringing that experience to Astor, an organization that for over 60 years has been dedicated to the well-being of children and families in our community.”

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Grace Smith House Director Leaving to be Astor COO

Poughkeepsie Journal - November 19, 2014

Poughkeepsie Journal reports Renee Fillette will be joining Astor as our new COO.

"What I'm really looking forward to is the opportunity to bring the unique lessons learned from working in the field of domestic violence ... into an organization that serves such a diverse array of children and families in our community," she said.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Selected for National "Reducing Adolescent Substance Abuse" 

New York Nonprofit Press - November 19, 2014

New York Nonprofit Press' coverage of Astor being one of 29 agencies to participate in the National Council for Behavioral Health's "Reducing Adolescent Substance Abuse Initiative."

At the end of the initiative, provider staff in participating Astor programs will have fine-tuned their ability to screen middle school and high school youth in their care, provide brief intervention when youth screen positively for substance use, and build strong referral relationships to specialty substance abuse treatment providers for youth who require more intensive intervention.

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VIDEO: Val-kill Award Winners Honor Eleanor Roosevelt's Example

Poughkeepsie Journal - October 19, 2014

play video

"We feel privileged to do the work we do on behalf of vulnerable children and families, carrying on Eleanor Roosevelt's life's work to educate and care for the well-being of children and families and to ensure that all children have a childhood,"

said James McGuirk, executive director/CEO.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Val-Kill Awards to Honor 6 on Oct. 19

Poughkeepsie Journal - September 20, 2014

Poughkeepsie Journal's pre-coverage of The Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal Awards.

Astor lives up to the promise of Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides that "everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family."

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Six to Receive Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal

Hudson Valley Press - September 17, 2014

"On behalf of the children, board and staff of Astor, we are honored to be the recipient of the 2014 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal Award along with the other distinguished award recipients. We feel privileged to do the work we do on behalf of vulnerable children and families, carrying on Eleanor Roosevelt’s life’s work to educate and care for the well-being of children and families and to ensure that all children have a childhood,"

said Jim McGuirk, executive director/CEO, Astor Services for Children & Families.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Services, Nobel Laureate, Former Ambassador Among Winners

Daily Freeman - September 10, 2014

Astor Services, Nobel laureate, former ambassador among winners of 2014 Val-Kill Medals. The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill will present the awards Oct. 19 during a ceremony and luncheon at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Free Screenings to be Offered at Fair

Poughkeepsie Journal - August 19, 2014

Poughkeepsie Journal's briefing of Astor's upcoming Development Screenings at the Dutchess County Fair.

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Astor Celebrates Children's Awards Day

Hudson Valley Insider - June 24, 2014

Hudson Valley Insider's coverage of Children's Awards Day.

Astor to Celebrate Children's Awards Day

The Harlem Valley News - June 18, 2014

The Harlem Valley News' pre-coverage of Children's Awards Day.

Bronx’s "Little Red Schoolhouse" Helps Troubled Toddlers

NY1 News - December 23, 2014

Santos Wainwright can now hold a five-minute conversation at a Christmas party with his son Jayden in his arms, but about a year ago, that would not have been possible.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

[VIDEO] Cowpokes Dance, Raise Funds for Astor

Poughkeepsie Journal - May 10, 2014

find video here

Astor Services for Children & Families holds a linedance in Rhinebeck. Video by Darryl Bautista

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Taxes at Work: Child Care Subsidies to Increase 7%

Poughkeepsie Journal - May 9, 2014

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Astor Services Gets $50,000 Grant For Health Screenings

Poughkeepsie Journal - April 28, 2014

"Many of these children would typically not have access to mental health screening (though there is a need as our data has shown) for many reasons, the primary being the stigma that is associated with going to an outpatient mental health facility," said Konstantinos (Gus) Tsoubris, Ph.D., associate executive director, Astor's Community-Based Behavioral Health and Prevention Services.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Poughkeepsie Head Start Center Recovers from Budget Cuts

Poughkeepsie Journal - April 25, 2014

Center Director Elizabeth Strelchun said the center provides children a warm, nurturing environment, in addition to health services — such as checkups and eyesight tests — and hot meals."If we have budget cuts, (the children) miss out," Strelchun said.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Cabaret for a Cause

The Bronx Free Press - April 23, 2014

The Bronx Free Press' coverage of Astor's upcoming Cabaret event on April 26, 2014.

"The seeds for Cabaret for a Cause were sown when Hickey, always a fan of music and theater, decided to overcome her fear of performing in public by taking a singing class."

Astor Gets $50K for Health Integration

New York Non-Profit Press - March 6, 2014

The Alfred E. Smith grant will support the integration of physical and behavioral health screening for low-income children, ages 2 – 21, in Dutchess County.

Astor Gets $250K Robin Hood Grant for Transitions Program

New York Nonprofit Press - February 26, 2014

Robin Hood’s support over the past several years has helped children with serious emotional problems transition from Astor's Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development and its Early Childhood Day Treatment Program to public school as well as allowed them to capture data that shows the impact Astor is making on the lives of these children and their families. Robin Hood’s continued support will allow Astor to continue this very important work.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor hosts ‘Preparing a Child for School Takes Teamwork’

Daily Freeman - February 20, 2014

150 teachers, child-care professionals and other educators from Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties will attend the daylong conference to explore ways to help children get ready for kindergarten.

Agency's Annual Adopt-A-Family Program Reaches More than 1,500

The Observer - January 15, 2014

Generous donations from individuals, schools, youth groups, churches and businesses helped to make the holidays warmer and merrier for more than 1,500 children and parents through the 2013 Adopt-A-Family Program run by Astor Services for Children & Families in Rhinebeck.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Dutchess Day School Brings the Holidays to Astor Families

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - December 17, 2013

Astor Services for Children and Familes, Rhinebeck, provides support for childen and their families throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. The agency is seeking donors for its annual Adopt-A-Family program to ensure these children have an enjoyable holiday season. Last year, Adopt-A-Family served more than 1,000 individuals.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Hosts St. Nick's Holiday Fair

Daily Freeman - November 29, 2013

Specialty crafts, raffles, gift baskets, baked goods and other hand-made items will be on sale Dec. 8 at Astor Services for Children & Families’ annual St. Nick’s Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6339 Mill St.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Adopt-A-Family Program Underway

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - November 25, 2013

Astor Services for Children and Familes, Rhinebeck, provides support for childen and their families throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. The agency is seeking donors for its annual Adopt-A-Family program to ensure these children have an enjoyable holiday season. Last year, Adopt-A-Family served more than 1,000 individuals.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Raises Awareness with Family Fun Day

Hudson Valley Press Online - September 18, 2013

The Hudson Valley Press Online coverage of Astor's Family Fun Day event held on September 14, 2013.

"It’s remarkable how many lives are affected by mental illness and because of the stigma, it’s not really discussed until there is a full-blown crisis." said Trish Luchnick, Director for Family Driven Care at Astor Services for Children & Families.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Event to Provide Free Screenings, Mental Health Information

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - September 11, 2013

Astor Services for Children & Families will host a free Family Fun Day with interactive games and live entertainment Saturday in the City of Poughkeepsie, the organization said.

The event will be held at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is part of a nationwide mental health anti-stigma campaign, said Sonia Barnes Moorhead, a spokeswoman for Astor, a Rhinebeck-based non-profit organization that provides mental health and child welfare services, and early childhood development programs.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Highlights Sequestrations Cuts to Head Start

New York Nonprofit Press - September 9, 2013

Astor Services for Children and Families displayed 118 empty seats outside their Head Start program in Poughkeepsie yesterday. They represented the 86 Dutchess County children who lost opportunities to participate Head Start and Early Head Start this year – and the 22 employees who lost their jobs -- as a result of Federal "Sequestration" budget cuts.

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Cutbacks Go Deep at Head Start

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - September 10, 2013

According to Mary Sontheimer, assistant executive director, budget cuts were enacted when a deadline for adopting the federal budget passed last April, which triggered sequester reductions for various federal programs. In Dutchess, the cut resulted in a $340,000 reduction in funding, which meant that 86 children would lose monetary support, Sontheimer said.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Hold Event To Support Head Start Programs

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - September 9, 2013

Eighty-six empty chairs were displayed outside of the Poughkeepsie Head Start Center of Astor Services For Children & Families today to symbolize the number of Dutchess County children who have lost their positions in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Services Gets $150,000 Grant

Daily Freeman - July 27, 2013

Kingston Daily Freeman coverage of Astor's $150,000 Grant from the Dyson Foundation.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Hospital Welcomes New Board Members

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - July 25, 2013

The Poughkeepsie Journal covers the appointment of Astor's Assistant Executive Director Edward Pruitt to the board of Northern Dutchess Hospital.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Dyson Foundation Gives $150K Grant to Astor Services

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - July 23, 2013

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports on Astor's Grant award from the Dyson Foundation.

"Dyson's support of the bilingual PIE supplements this county program by enhancing much needed services to a specific group of the community"

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Early Head Start Honored

New York Nonprofit Press - June 2013

The New York Nonprofit Press reports that Astor Services for Children & Familes' Early Head Start Program was honored with an award from the New York State National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Notre Dame Choir Visits CIA; will Perform at Saint Kateri Friday

Poughkeepsie Jourmal - May 30, 2013

The Notre Dame choir will also perform a benefit concert Friday at 7 p.m. at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in LaGrangeville. Proceeds will benefit the Notre Dame Club of the Mid-Hudson Valley, a service organization, Astor Services for Children and Families, and Catholic Charities.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

DiMotta, Doherty & Pruitt Named Assistant EDs at Astor

New York Nonprofit Press - February 7, 2013

Astor Service for Children and Families has appointed Rod DiMotta, Ph.D., Assistant Executive Director, Bronx Behavioral Health & Prevention Programs; Sheila Doherty, PsyD., Assistant Executive Director, Residential Programs; and Ed Pruitt, Assistant Executive Director, Public Policy and Organizational Development. These appointments are a result of retirements.

WPIX Reporter Magee Hickey Channels Her Mom to Honor Her Father

Fishbowl NY - January 28, 2013

Fishbowl NY interviewed Magee Hickey about her upcoming participation in our Third Annual Cabaret. She, as well as her collegues, will perform live in New York City on Saturday, February 8, 2013.

“Because we’re all used to live shots and anchoring newscasts, we know how to ad lib,” Hickey says. “We know how to be on stage. We know the point of it isn’t to be the most perfect singer. It’s just to have a good time and raise money for a good cause."

Click here to read about the Third Annual Cabaret.

John Jay Seniors Deliver Joy

Poughkeepsie Journal - January 23, 2013

The Poughkeepsie Journal covered the amazing volunteer work John Jay High School Seniors did to bring joy to the children in our Residential Treatment Program. We are incredibly thankful for all the work they put in to make the holiday season special for everyone!

“The event went better than expected. We had twice the number of children to buy for this year so we were worried about getting enough gifts for all, but we were able to get all of their requested gifts and then some,” said senior-class co-adviser Alyson Dodge.

Former Head Start Student Wins Silver Medal

Poughkeepsie Journal - August 11, 2012

Brigetta Barret wins silver medalBrigetta Barrett, former student at Astor's Head Start Program in Beacon, NY, currently in her senior year at Arizona State University won the silver medal in the High Jump event at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Barrett’s medal is the first for anyone to spend 10 or more years in Dutchess or Ulster county since Hyde Park’s Patrick Manning won a silver medal in rowing in 1992 in Barcelona. Four others share that distinction.

“I’m not going to lie; I kind of blacked out” attempting 6-8, Barrett said. “I was very scared. I know this is what we do, and people don’t really expect us to be afraid of a bar. There’s a moment between step seven and eight where I have to decide if I’m really going to go for this jump or not. I was just like go for it and trust yourself and trust God. I put my foot down and closed my eyes and when I hit that mat without hitting the bar, I was like, ‘Thank you Jesus.” - Brigetta Barret

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Evidence-based Focus Drives Children's Treatment, Says Dr. Button

Behavioral Healthcare - April 16, 2012

Suzanne Button, PhD, assistant executive director at Astor Services for Children and Families, described how her agency employed evidence-based practices (EBPs) to improve outcomes and change the culture.

All of Astor’s clinical sites are now using practices that have evidence of success in scientific literature behind them.

They also have seen an increase in employee satisfaction, according to Button.

“People now ask for research, they ask for outcomes, they ask for a practice that works,” Button said.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Magee Hickey to Host a Cabaret

Good News Planet - April 18, 2012

magee hickey stageMagee Hickey and the Astor Cabaret get coverage on Good News Planet. You can read the coverage HERE.

More photos here: View photos from the Cabaret event.

Astor's Cabaret Event Takes the Stage

PIX 11 - April 14, 2012

Dr McGuirk & the Hickey FamilyCoverage of Astor's 2nd Annual Come to the Cabaret Event on PIX 11 News at Six.

View the WPIX video here!

Click here for more PHOTOS from the Cabaret!

Magee Hickey & Astor's NYC Cabaret Featured In The NY Daily News

New York Daily News - April 2, 2012

Magee Hickey w/ photo of Lawrence F. HickeyOn April 14, Magee Hickey will host another annual event in her father's honor, a cabaret featuring nearly two dozen New York television reporters and personalities singing, dancing and generally trying to trip the light fantastic for a good cause.

In this Daily News article, Magee speaks about her father Lawrence F. Hickey, and the legacy he left behind.

Lawrence Hickey was "a great father, a great husband, a great son, a great nephew," who didn't even start volunteering until he was 57 years old.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Get complete event details and order tickets here!

Astor's Own Dr. Joan DiBlasi Has No Plans to Retire Soon

New York Daily News - December 1, 2011

Bronx social worker and ‘lifetime learner’ Joan DiBlasi has no plans to retire soon:

"Keeping children at home with their families becomes a major goal. When I first started, the whole philosophy of care was to relocate people from urban areas into suburban areas. Now, we’re really looking at the community to provide the resources to keep the family together."

said DiBlasi, Astor's Assistant Executive Director for Bronx Community-Based Mental Health & Prevention Programs.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Daily Freeman Features Dr. Suzanne Button on Suicide Prevention

The Daily Freeman - November 13, 2011

The Daily Freeman features a young man's story and Astor's own Dr. Button on suicide prevention with young people.

"What we were finding was that suicide rates were starting to uptick nationally and regionally as well,"

Button said Wednesday at her home in Red Hook.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Services Wins Dutchess Business Excellence Award

Poughkeepsie Journal - September 11, 2011

Astor Services for Children & Families has been named winner of the Business Excellence Award for nonprofits by the Dutchess County Economic Development Corp.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story

Astor Presses Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Issue

Finding Out With Pete and Ellen - June 13, 2011

Astor has been unrelenting in speaking out on the issue of teen suicide prevention. In this "Speaking Out" radio program, Dr. Suzanne Button continues to advocate for greater awareness, while sharing important information that everyone should learn.

"Astor's mission is to make people realize that emotional struggles are not to be judged; families and kids are to be helped and supported — just walk in."

Listen to the interview and read a summary on our website.

Youth Suicide Prevention Needs Added Awareness

Poughkeepsie Journal - May 5, 2011

Article in The Poughkeepsie Journal written by Astor's Dr. Suzanne Button, Dr. Alice Linder and Dr. Paul Bulman on spreading youth suicide prevention awareness.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Experts Speak About Teen Suicide Prevention

CUNY TV - April 20, 2011

In this Segment of CUNY-TV's Independent Sources, Astor Services' Andrew Kuntz and William Murray are interviewed. They discuss Astor's approach to Teen Suicide Prevention, and the prevalence of Teen Suicide in the Latina population.

"Figures from the CDC show that one in six Latinas attempt suicide between the ages of 11 and 17."

View the segment and read about this story on our website

Astor's Child Abuse Prevention Programs in Spotlight

News 12 The Bronx TV - April 14, 2011

Astor's Andy Kuntz spoke with News 12 The Bronx TV on the subject of child abuse prevention in this piece spotlighting Astor during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Read about this coverage and watch the video HERE.

Hudson Valley Radio Program on Teen Suicide

WAMC Radio - April 12, 2011

Greg Fry, Hudson Valley Bureau Chief of WAMC Northeast Public Radio reports on a teen suicide in Irvington, NY. Astor's Dr. Jim McGuirk supplies information on the prevalence of teen suicide in our country.

"One in seven kids have had serious suicidal ideation, one in ten kids have made a suicide plan, and one in fourteen kids have made a suicide attempt requiring medical attention."

Read this story about a Hudson Valley teen suicide and listen to the piece here.

Rep. Hinchey Speaks Out Against Proposed Head Start Cuts

Poughkeepsie Journal - March 14, 2011

Coverage of Rep. Hinchey's visit and lecture at Astor's Head Start Program.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor/DCRCC Youth and Teen Suicide Prevention Event

The Poughkeepsie Journal - March 3, 2011

Astor Services for Children & Families and Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the 8th Annual Public Policy Breakfast, on Teen and Youth Suicide Prevention with Speaker M. David Rudd, Ph.D., ABPP. Read P'kpsie Journal coverage of the event here.

Click here to read a PDF version of this article.

WABC-TV New York Features Astor Christmas Party

WABC-TV New York - December 27, 2010

Coverage of Astor's Christmas party for children and families served by the Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development.

"When children have the opportunity to just be children ... cherished memories are created and lives can be transformed"

View the video and read about this event here

Astor Services Opens Youth Center

Bronx Times-Reporter Inc. - November 6, 2010

The Bronx-Times-Reporter coverage of the opening of Astor's new children's mental health center "Astor at Highbridge" at 1419 Shakespeare Avenue in the Bronx. The center now offers an outpatient clinic for children and adolescents ages 2 to 21. The range of services offered includes counseling, case management, and pyshciatric services.

Click to read a PDF version of this story.

Our full coverage also includes video from News 12 The Bronx

WWRL Radio Interview, Dr. James McGuirk

WWRL 1600 AM - August 1, 2010

Astor Service's Executive Director James McGuirk was interviewed on WWRL Radio's program "All Things New York" on Saturday, August 1, 2010. The program focused on the question of how Astor Services is dealing with the current difficult financial situation.

Listen to the interview and read a summary on our website.

Charities Expect Money Worries Into 2013 Due to State Shortfalls

The Chronicle of Philanthropy - August 7, 2010

Charities nationwide are facing financial strain because of state budget crises—and many states expect their woes to continue into 2012 and 2013. Astor is cited for its budget cutting efforts. "Having a diverse source of revenues allows you to absorb some cuts," according to James McGuirk, its executive director.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Gets $25K Kellogg Grant to Expand Lean Six Sigma

New York Non Profit Press - April 16, 2010

New York Non Profit Press coverage of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant to Astor. This grant will support improvements to Astor's delivery of services to children aged 0-5 years and their families in Dutchess County.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor's Jim McGuirk Is Interviewed

Finding Out With Pete And Ellen - April 4, 2010

Dr. McGuirk is the guest on this Poughkeepsie radio show, and discusses Astor's services in the Hudson Valley, including helpful information for families.

Listen to this interview and read a summary on our website.

Radio Show Features Astor Services

Hudson Valley Focus - March 6, 2010

Hudson Valley Focus host Jim Sipos and Astor's Jim McGuirk discuss Astor's mission, services, and innovative adaptation of cutting-edge business management techniques to a not-for-profit organization.

Listen to this interview and read a summary on our website.

Practical Advice For Families Seeking Help

WTBY Poughkeepsie, Joy In Our Town - January 19, 2010

This program provides practical information for families looking for help. Host Wendy Maragh-Taylor speaks with Astor's Jim McGuirk about many issues of concern to parents and families.

Watch this video and read the story on our website.

Giving Back For The Holidays

Fox 5 Television, Good Day New York - December 5, 2009

Astor Services for Children & Families was featured on a segment of the Fox 5 New York television program "Good Day New York Street Talk" which aired on December 5, 2009. (Astor's segment is the second video.)

"... Astor has been here through all of the problems I've had with my children ..."

Click here to view a PDF version of the story on MyFoxNY.com.

Click here to view the video and story on our website.

Astor Kids Aided by Helping Hands

Poughkeepsie Journal - November 29, 2009

Poughkeepsie Journal coverage of United Way's "Holiday Helping Hands" program and its postive effect on Astor's children and families.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Receives Stefan de Schill Award

Register-Star - October 27, 2009

Coverage of Astor's AMHF Stefan de Schill Award in the Register-Star, Hudson/Catskill NY.

"It was an evening that highlighted the need for the barriers to break down in society on the stigma around mental illness, which prevents many from talking openly about the realities of mental illness and the suffering families confront as they parent children with emotional and behavioral problems."

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

At A Glance: Astor Services AMHF Award

New York Daily News - October 25, 2009

Coverage of Astor's AMHF Stefan de Schill Award in the Daily News.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Bringing in a Black Belt to Fight for Efficiency

New York Nonprofit Press - September 29, 2009

Coverage of Astor's use of the Lean/Six Sigma methodology for improving efficiency.

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.

Astor Learning Center Honors Student of the Year

Poughkeepsie Journal - July 2, 2009

Coverage of Student of the Year Ceremonies at the Astor Learning Center in Rhinebeck, NY

Click here to read a PDF version of this story.