Family of Woodstock
Family of Woodstock
Katy Norris
BSHS 355
April 27, 2015
Karen Miner
Family of Woodstock
Family of Woodstock, Inc. began as an advocacy group that believes everyone is entitled to their undeniable right to food, clothing, and shelter. The belief of the helper and help having a common ground creates a sense of a world united. The Family of Woodstock organization brought forward a non-judgmental attitude as it reached out as well as opened its arms to those in need. This is stated in their mission statement, “We maintain an attitude which is non-judgmental and non-directive, so that all individuals are encouraged to resolve problems in a way that honors their own diverse cultural and personal choices” (Woodstock). This attitude makes them committed to provide assistance of others while combining resources in a diverse manner to improve the quality of life for those in need at no charge.
The Family of Woodstock Organization is a result of the Community of Woodstock’s view of its homeless and drug problem as not an issue of theirs. This was due to the radical youth of the time migrating to the area, seeking out the legendary site of the most memorable music festival. To prevent further imprisonment of the youth who came to the area to use or deal drugs, Founder Gail Varsi, gave the local police a hot line to contact her. (Gibbons, 10) That number to this day remains the number to the initial walk-in center located in Woodstock, NY. The organizations growth and development came from volunteer work of Gail Varsi, Michael Berg and eight other members of a committee. (Gibbons, 10)
In the fall of 1970, this committee started what is known as “The Soft Landing Machine” which is a group who are specially trained to talk people down from a drug high. (Gibbons, 10) By 1971 Family of Woodstock became an incorporated non-profit organization. That same year in 1971 FAMILY received funding from the Ulster Drug Commission. In 1973 Family of Woodstock, Inc. established an
Katy Norris
BSHS 355
April 27, 2015
Karen Miner
Family of Woodstock
Family of Woodstock, Inc. began as an advocacy group that believes everyone is entitled to their undeniable right to food, clothing, and shelter. The belief of the helper and help having a common ground creates a sense of a world united. The Family of Woodstock organization brought forward a non-judgmental attitude as it reached out as well as opened its arms to those in need. This is stated in their mission statement, “We maintain an attitude which is non-judgmental and non-directive, so that all individuals are encouraged to resolve problems in a way that honors their own diverse cultural and personal choices” (Woodstock). This attitude makes them committed to provide assistance of others while combining resources in a diverse manner to improve the quality of life for those in need at no charge.
The Family of Woodstock Organization is a result of the Community of Woodstock’s view of its homeless and drug problem as not an issue of theirs. This was due to the radical youth of the time migrating to the area, seeking out the legendary site of the most memorable music festival. To prevent further imprisonment of the youth who came to the area to use or deal drugs, Founder Gail Varsi, gave the local police a hot line to contact her. (Gibbons, 10) That number to this day remains the number to the initial walk-in center located in Woodstock, NY. The organizations growth and development came from volunteer work of Gail Varsi, Michael Berg and eight other members of a committee. (Gibbons, 10)
In the fall of 1970, this committee started what is known as “The Soft Landing Machine” which is a group who are specially trained to talk people down from a drug high. (Gibbons, 10) By 1971 Family of Woodstock became an incorporated non-profit organization. That same year in 1971 FAMILY received funding from the Ulster Drug Commission. In 1973 Family of Woodstock, Inc. established an
References: Berg, M. (mentalhealth/service2.html n.d.). Family of Woodstock. Retrieved from co.ulster.ny.us: http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/ Burger, W. R. (2011). Human services in contemporary America (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Gibbons, A. (10, 08 08). Family of Woodstock turns 40. Retrieved from www.dailyfreeman.com: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20100808/family-of-woodstock-turns-40 Woodstock, F. o. (n.d.). FamilyOfWoodstockinc.org. Retrieved 12 2, 2013, from http://www.familyofwoodstockinc.org/missionstatement.html