Giving Back to Our Communities

Fidelis Care Presents Brady Market with $5,000 Food Insecurity Grant

In observance of National Nutrition Month, Fidelis Care presented a $5,000 grant to support Brady Market’s programs to combat food insecurity in the Syracuse region. The grant is part of $315,000 in donations by Fidelis Care to nonprofit organizations on the front lines of fighting hunger across New York State. Food insecurity impacts about one in 10 New York households.

“Nutrition is healthcare,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. “Fidelis Care is committed to promoting health and well-being in Syracuse and communities across New York State. That begins by partnering with organizations like Brady Market to help families and individuals gain access to healthy, nutritious foods.”

Brady Market in Syracuse, operated by not-for-profit Brady Social Enterprises, Inc., is a grocery store with retail and wholesale operations, deli and catering, job training, and wraparound support services. It was inspired by the 70-plus year history of Brady Faith Center’s engagement with generations of individuals and families in some of the community’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

“Brady Market is very grateful for this Fidelis Care grant,” said Brady Faith Center Director Kevin Frank. “We absolutely can’t do what we do without wonderful partners. For many who live in the community, Brady Market is the only place to get fresh fruits and vegetables. We plan to use the Fidelis Care funding to take the lead in collaborating with 20 neighborhood organizations to deliver meals for 220 families. One of the wonderful things about this program is that our partner organizations know who needs food support the most. It’s just one of the ways that we are more than a market in this community.”

Lombardo added, “We know that one meal is not going to solve a family’s food insecurity, but these grants give us an opportunity to connect people with agencies and organizations like Brady Market to help them find the resources they need for long-term solutions.”

Fidelis Care takes pride in supporting the vital work of Brady Market and the other food insecurity grant recipients across New York State because no one should suffer from hunger. Click here to see the full list of Fidelis Care food insecurity grant recipient organizations.

Screener Program Provides Support to Families Impacted by Social Determinants of Health

SDoH-chart

Fidelis Care’s innovative SDoH screener program was launched two years ago as a grassroots health equity initiative to address conditions in the environments where people are born, live, work, and play that affect their health, well-being, and quality of life. Social Determinants of Health can affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes – particularly among vulnerable populations and in underserved areas.

The screener enables trained Fidelis Care representatives to assess an individual’s immediate needs and challenges related to SDoH through a brief series of questions covering areas such as access to transportation, food, and secure and safe housing. More than 450,000 Fidelis Care members have participated to date.

Click here to learn more about the different Social Determinants of Health and find available resources.

Learn how Fidelis Care impacts the communities we are privileged to serve.

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National Recovery Month: Hope Begins at CASA-Trinity

9/9/2024 • Posted by CASA-Trinity in Health and Wellness, Mental Health

September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about substance use treatment and mental health services that help people live healthier lives. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that in 2021, more than 20 million Americans age 12 or older were in recovery from substance use disorders, highlighting the vital need for support and resources. This month, we honor the strength and resilience of those in recovery and the dedication of the professionals who support them.

In observance of National Recovery Month, Fidelis Care visited CASA-Trinity in Livingston County to learn more about its substance use treatment programs. We talked with Clinical Supervisor Van Pham and Peer Recovery Specialist Alyssa Sick about how they help clients on their recovery journeys.

Fidelis Care: Tell us about your role at CASA-Trinity.

Van Pham: CASA-Trinity is a facility that provides outpatient, inpatient, and residential services for people who suffer from mental health and substance use disorders. I am a clinical supervisor at CASA-Trinity and work at the Dansville outpatient clinic.

Alyssa Sick: I first came to CASA-Trinity as a client. I successfully completed my recovery program and I now work for CASA-Trinity helping people with their recovery journey.

Fidelis Care: What is your message in observance of National Recovery Month?

Van Pham: CASA-Trinity’s motto is “Hope Begins Here.” Recovery is not an easy process, so the first step is to just reach out for help.

Alyssa Sick: I want those in recovery or seeking recovery to know that you are worth it. It might seem scary as you first start, and maybe you have a lot of questions, and maybe you’re uncertain. But I do know from my experience that it is possible, that you can connect with people to get the help that you need. It just takes one simple choice. It might seem overwhelming at first, but there are people here who will help you.

Fidelis Care: What advice do you have for family members, loved ones, or friends of those in recovery or in need of services?

Van Pham: If you have a family member who is struggling, we always encourage you to call with them. We offer help for family members who are also struggling loving an addict themselves. We have several counselors and we have several resources that can help you, as well.

Alyssa Sick: I think it’s important for the family members and the friends to have support just as much as the person that’s affected. My advice is to just know it’s very difficult for both the addict and the family or the alcoholic and the family. Don’t lose hope, because even if it seems like it’s completely gone, there’s always a chance.

For help with substance use disorder recovery, contact your primary care provider. If you are a Fidelis Care member, we have resources available for you. Call us at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 711. Use extension 16072 for Behavioral Health Services or extension 16077 to contact HealthierLife (HARP) for qualifying Medicaid Managed Care members.

Additional resources:

Fidelis Care Behavioral Health Resources

Fidelis Care HealthierLife (HARP)