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Get Connected - Join our Monthly Meetings
Monthly Community Coalition MTG
When: 2nd Tuesday of every Month 4-5pm via Zoom
Who: Open to all Community Members and Partners
Where: Subscribe to our Newsletter for Meeting Details
Monthly Addiction Prevention: 101 Series
Every 2nd Tuesday at our Monthly Meetings we educate our members on the evidence-based, data-driven framework we follow here at FOCUS.
Annual Schedule
September: “The Strategic Prevention Framework” A comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the substance misuse and related behavioral health problems facing our community.
October: “Cultural Capacity” How to 1. Engage diverse community stakeholders, 2. Develop and strengthen a prevention team and 3. Raise community awareness about the issue.
November: “Assessment” Identifying and prioritizing substance misuse problems present in their community and the specific factors that contribute to these problems.
December: “The 7 Strategies That Affect Community Change”How to change the environment and influence the individual for long term impact.
January: “Planning: Part 1” Developing a comprehensive strategic approach that includes policies, programs, and practices creating a logical, data-driven plan to address problems identified.
February: “Planning: Part 2” From Root Causes to Local Conditions to Local Solutions.
March: “Implementation” How to apply evidence-based prevention strategies, programs, policies and practices after creating short, medium, and long-term SMART Goals.
April: “Evaluation” How to measure the impact and effectiveness of strategies and plans put into place.
May: “Cultural Responsiveness” Overcoming systemic barriers by recognizing, valuing, and incorporating diverse cultural groups, regardless of race, socio-economic status, and beliefs.
June: “Sustainability” How to maintain population level change and legacy of organization.
Our Fall Season of Education Series runs from September to June.
Want to join a meeting?
Have a question or want to get in touch? Use our contact form to reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. If you'd like to come to our monthly meeting just "Subscribe" to our monthly Newsletter for details.
2023-2025 Board of directors
President
President: Gwendolyn A. Bork
• Full Name: Gwendolyn A. Bork
• Title: Financial Advisor, Impact Strategist
• Name of Organization you represent: The Legend Group, Queen City Collaborative
• Strengths: Non-profit Entrepreneur, Community Leader and Business Owner. NYS Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and Trainer of Trainer. Organizational Development. Public Speaker. Founder of FOCUS.
• WHY you wanted to be on our board: I have a personal passion to empower our youth into becoming the leaders they were meant to be through community collaboration and support. I have a personal story that identifies with their struggles from leaving home at the age of 15 and almost dying in a car accident at the age of 18 after losing my sense of “self”. I know where they are because I’ve been there and my legacy will be in pouring my life into them.
Vice President
Vice President: George Brimmer
• Full name: George Brimmer
• Title: Family Support Center Coordinator
• Name of Organization you represent: Lancaster Central Schools
• Strengths: 16 years experience in mental health and substance use counseling.
• WHY you wanted to be on our board: Passionate about helping youth in our community and providing support to the families we serve.
Secretary
Secretary: Gianna Ryniec
• Full Name: Gianna Ryniec
• Title: Depew High School Student
• Name of Organization you represent: Depew HS Student, 716 Dance Lab, Goldfish Swim School
• Strengths: Organization, Volunteering, Leadership.
• WHY you wanted to be on our Board: Leadership is something I've been recognized for and is a passion of mine to assist and give back to others.
Treasurer
Treasurer: Jessica Mead
• Full Name: Jessica Walker-Mead
• Title: Administrator
• Name of Organization you represent: FOCUS
• Strengths: Compassion and patience for others, quick witted and excel at problem solving.
• WHY you wanted to be on our Board: I want to be able to make a difference in our local community.
Board of Director
Board of Director
Board of Director:
Debbie Glowny
• Full name: Debbie Glowny
• Title: VP/Community Office Manager
• Name of Organization you represent: Bank on Buffalo
• Strengths: I have been a successful dedicated leader & mentor in the financial world for over three decades. I’m active in numerous Not for Profits and have countless connections in the business world
• WHY you wanted to be on our Board: I wanted to be a part of the organization because…. I love to make a difference and give back whenever possible. If I can help to deter one student from going down the wrong path and getting a bad start in life… then it’s all worth it.
Board of Director
Board of Director
Board of Director:
Mindy Nowak
• Full Name: Mindy Nowak
• Title: Business Owner & Parent, Certified Drug Counselor
• Name of Organization you represent: Hair Shop 777
Strengths: Persistence, Motivation, Attention to detail, and unstoppable optimism that allows me to pursue my life goals with successful results.
WHY you wanted to be on our board: Children are our future, and preserving their blossoming minds in an unaltered state is an honor that I am blessed to be a part of.
HONORARY LIFETIME Board of Director
HONORARY LIFETIME Board of Director
HONORARY LIFETIME Board of Director
Board of Director: Audrey Hamernik
• Full name: Audrey Hamernik
• Title: Village of Depew Trustee
• Name of Organization you represent: Village of Depew
• Strengths: I have been a resident of Depew for the past 57 years. I currently serve as Trustee for the Village of Depew and have been a highly motivated community outreach coordinator for over 38 years. I advocate for positive change by bringing the community together to address social issues affecting our residents.
• WHY you wanted to on our board: As part of community development chairman of village of Depew, I wanted to be involved in something that is creating positive change for the youth in our community.
2024
REST IN PEACE AUDREY
January 29, 1942 – October 5, 2024.