INTRODUCTION

Federation of Organizations is a multi-service, community-based social

welfare agency operating programs that utilize peer support within a self-help model. Incorporated in 1972 by family advocates, Federation develops programs to meet the needs of special populations such as: children at risk, low-income seniors, people recovering from mental illness, and the homeless. For over 30 years Federation, a not-for-profit corporation, has been working to improve services to people with disabilities and their families through education, information and

referral services, legislative action, and program development.

Consumers working within all our programs provide the essential element of peer support so important to the recovery process. Our network of services consists of an array of programs that provide psychiatric rehabilitation, counseling, jobs, housing, case management, socialization, outreach, advocacy, transportation, financial management, crisis intervention, drug and alcohol counseling, education, group support, and nutrition.

In addition to competitive employment placement in the community, Federation provides jobs for consumers within our own service delivery system. Our services are delivered by a team consisting of professional staff and consumers, with the understanding that engaging people in the recovery process and integration into community life is the desired outcome for people with disabilities. The social network developed provides meaningful life activity and flexible supports based on individual need.

Brief History

Federation of Organizations was incorporated in 1972 as an alliance of mental health advocacy groups. These groups were composed of relatives of individuals who were patients in psychiatric center in New York State. At that time each psychiatric center had a "concerned citizens group" or "hospital guild" which worked to improve conditions for patients through direct services and advocacy. Usually these groups were composed of family members who were advocating for good treatment and safe environments for their loved ones. During this period standard treatment for mental illness was indefinite hospitalization.

With the advent of psychotropic medication, impelled by financial considerations and the civil rights movement, in the early 1970s in New York State there was a movement away from indefinite hospital stays, and many people were returned to the community. Two-thirds of the patients released from hospitals in the first wave of deinstitutionalization went back to their families of origin. There were very few support services in the community, and the burden of maintaining these individuals was placed on the family.

Family members were prominent among those who advocated for resources to be placed in the community. It was a long fight, but now it is clearly recognized that community treatment is the best way to work towards recovery from mental illness. The struggle for resources continues and there are many challenges before us, especially the pressure for cost containment.

Federation was organized during the era of hospital-based care and has been a leader in development of community-based, social model mental health services for people living with mental illness. In 1981 Federation developed a major program to employ individuals with psychiatric illness, and we have been a pioneer in this field ever since.

Federation has also achieved a Three-Year CARF Accreditation for its Supported Employment and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs.  This accreditation outcome, which represents the highest level of accreditation, is awarded to organizations that show substantial fulfillment of the standards established by CARF.  An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable. Further, an organization accredited for three years clearly indicated that present conditions represent an established pattern of total operations that is likely to be maintained or improved in the foreseeable future. 

Mission Statement

Federation assists individuals and families in meeting their own needs within their communities through self-help, provision of quality services, advocacy and development of resources. We believe we can help individuals and communities flourish by helping people to help themselves become productive participants in community life.

Brief biographies of staff members

	Barbara Faron, Chief Executive Officer, is a licensed Social Worker in the State of New York. She received the BA and MSW degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She joined the Federation of Organizations in 1979 and became Executive Director in 1986. Her memberships include the National Association of Social Workers and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Since 1990 she has been chairperson of the Islip-Babylon Service Area Council. In October 2000 she received the second annual "People in Recovery Choice Award" from the Mental Health Association of Suffolk County. In 2003, she also received her certification as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP).
	Doris S. Wagner, Chief Administrative Officer, holds a certification to practice Social Work in the State of New York. She received the MSW degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, School of Social Welfare. She joined Federation of Organizations more than 25 years ago as the program developer and became Deputy Executive Director in 1993. She has over 30 years of experience in developing programs for people with special needs. She is chairperson of the Suffolk County Community Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Planning and Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Suffolk County Mental Health sub-committee of this Advisory Board and the Board of Visitors at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center. In 2003, she was appointed to the New York State OMH Commissioner's Committee for Families and also received her certification as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP).
	Philip Matcovsky received his Masters of Social Work from Stony Brook University, and a Certification in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.  Since 1987 he has worked in varying capacities for Federation of Organizations and is currently Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Matcovsky's employment history includes work with homeless families at HELP Suffolk, with troubled youth and their families for Liberty Partnership Program, and faculty positions at Stony Brook University and Suffolk Community College.  He has been a member of the Long Island Cares Advisory Committee, the Community Advisory Council at Suffolk Community College, and the Patchogue/Medford School District, Citizens Advisory Committee for Community and Continuing Education.  As a guest speaker, Mr. Matcovsky has presented at Stony Brook University, St. John's University, the New York Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services, and the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, among other venues.

Ruth Del Col has been Director of Development for Federation of Organizations since 1996. In that role, she is responsible for coordinating annual special events, Federation’s newsletter “The Advocate”, and expanding contacts with leaders in business and government, major donors and other funding sources. Ms. Del Col plays an integral role in the development and growth of all of Federation's programs. Prior to her employment at Federation, she volunteered her time and fundraising efforts to helping others in the Long Island community.  She had worked with children, teens and families coping with substance addiction, physical abuse and individuals recovering from mental illness. Ms. Del Col’s fundraising efforts have been an important part of Federation’s success.

Stephen J. McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for executive management and oversight of all financial operations within the organization. Prior to Federation, Mr. McCarthy worked in the field of public accounting for over 11 years in firms located in Manhattan and Long Island. He specialized in the fields of taxation and auditing. He earned a B.B.S. from Niagara University. Mr. McCarthy is a licensed CPA in the State of New York.