Creating a Better Tomorrow, Today

Navigating the world of government services, job applications and paperwork is a headache inducing nightmare. With so much else to take care of, taking the time to sit down and tackle websites tends to fall to the bottom of the list. Many people are unsure of what types of services may even be available to them. Thankfully, the folks at the Supportive Futures Foundation are able to offer a hand to those searching for a guide. After a grand opening in January, the Supportive Futures Foundation has been steadily improving the lives of Rocklanders and strengthening the Rockland community as a whole. 

Yael Zola, the Director of Supportive Futures Foundation, got started in community building work because of the desperate need she was seeing for services. She described how often she would see individuals showing up to interviews not knowing how to answer basic interview questions or how to write a resume. Zola saw community members struggling with family, mental health, or basic necessities who would not reach out because they either did not have insurance or were unsure where to start. 

“I decided that it was time to start something about helping people and helping them navigate the systems that are available to them,” shared Zola. “Let’s actually educate people and give them the tools and skills they need to be able to get them towards a more stable future, where they can take advantage of things being offered, the help that’s being given, and be able to have a healthy life.”

SFF’s goal is to make the process as streamlined as possible by making sure that “…[SFF] is more of a one-stop-shop,” said Zola. The team is made up of individuals who speak multiple languages and have a variety of specialties, ensuring that all struggles can be addressed. By establishing this one stop shop, Zola hopes to eliminate the pitfall of clients getting pigeonholed into one limited “diagnosis”. Zola finds that looking holistically at a person’s life helps SFF to provide them with the most impactful support to create a stable future. “Sometimes, you might be struggling at work because you aren’t eating properly at home. And once you start feeding a child healthy foods, they start performing better in school or you start performing better at your job because you can think,” said Zola. 

All ages can find a helping hand at SFF. Zola recounted a young woman around 20 years old who came into SFF and was struggling with being unhappy in her work. By speaking with one of the coordinators, SFF uncovered that this woman was being paid below minimum wage. They assisted her with interview counseling, resume building, and through the support and resources provided by SFF, she was able to obtain a new job in a career she loves, alongside a $10 per hour pay increase. 

A gentleman over the age of 65 who had recently entered the center was hoping to better understand what resources were available to him to make his day-to-day life more simplified. SFF’s team were able to discover that he was entitled to care management services to help him get to doctor’s appointments. They were also able to set him up with a primary care physician and were able to assist him with getting him a phone. 

Embarrassment over accessing resources can be a barrier, one that Emilia Tavarez, founder of Inclusive Insurance Agency working in tandem with SFF, says should not keep people from coming in and learning more.

 “Forget about people’s expectations. Just think about the value that you’re going to add to your life and to yourself when you connect to other people that can help you move forward,” said Tavarez.

SFF has the ability to assist people in accessing mental health care services alongside government aid and job hunting resources. This can include getting Rocklanders set up with Home Community Based Services, or HCBS, where “the idea behind [HCBS] is…you want to be able to keep a child in their home and in their community rather than in a hospital or institution.” The HCBS services can look like receiving assistance with babysitting, cleaning, parenting coaching, and meal planning, “They’re like a mentor” said Zola, describing how the services are tailored to the specific needs of the family or individual. 

“We are uniting forces and telling the community we are looking forward to helping you, no matter where you’re coming from,” said Tavarez. “No matter your belief, no matter who you are, we are here because we believe that if we unite and work together we can do more.”

If you need assistance with accessing resources or want to learn more, the team at the Supportive Futures Foundation welcomes walk-ins from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.. You can also call to make an appointment at 845-213-6257. If you have a special request such as a case manager who speaks Creole or Spanish, an appointment is preferred. The case manager will ask you about what brought you in, what you struggle with, and what you might need support with. The case manager will then work to connect you with either in-house support or will follow up with an out of house resource to ensure you are getting the assistance you need. The resources are free and available to all Rocklanders at 45 Rte 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993. Learn more at supportivefuturesfoundation.org. 

SFF will be holding free English classes in both English and Spanish on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Books are included in the classes, and there are different levels available. Contact 845-213-6257 for more information or to register for classes.