April Program Updates

Alcohol Awareness

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It is a good time to know about alcohol use and misuse and explore if you have, or suspect that a loved one has, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. If you are experiencing any of the following signs of alcohol misuse, or suspect that a loved one is, please seek assistance from a medical provider or addiction treatment specialist:

• Inability to stop drinking
• Drinking alcohol to try to manage stress or emotions
• Struggling to control the amount of alcohol consumed
• Difficulty with relationships due to drinking
• Hoarding, stockpiling, or preoccupation with alcohol
• Engaging in unhealthy behaviors due to drinking, such as driving under the influence of alcohol

For 24/7 assistance with an alcohol issue, you can contact the NYS HOPEline at 877-846-7369 or text HOPENY (467369). For additional information about ways to stop unhealthy drinking, as well as other issues, you can contact your agency’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) coordinator at our coordinator listing or call 1-800-822-0244. 

The April DIRECTIONS: Pre-Retirement Planning webinars will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23. If you are at least 50 years old or covered under a special plan that allows retirement prior to age 55 and have supervisory approval, register for the April webinars. 

In 2025, WellNYS Everyday has 12 Monthly themes, 52 WellNYS Weekly Challenges, and 365 WellNYS Daily To-Dos. Make 2025 the year you commit to and continue practicing 52 healthy behaviors, one week at a time. Commit to one WellNYS Weekly Challenge on Monday, complete it on Sunday, then start again.

The April theme is Finances. There will be a webinar on March 31 Finding Success with Personal Finances. Register for the March 31 webinar to attend live or view the recording. Topics for each week in the month of April are:

• Week 14 (March 31 – April 6): Review your finances.
• Week 15 (April 7 – April 13): Begin saving for an emergency fund.
• Week 16 (April 14 – April 20): Create and stick to a budget.
• Week 17 (April 21 – April 27): List your debt and plan to pay it off.
• Week 18 (April 28 – May 4): Review your subscriptions or extra expenses.

NYS Network Child Care Center Highlight

This month we are spotlighting Cobleskill Campus Child Care Center.
The Cobleskill Campus Child Care Center is a developmentally based program designed to enhance the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of young children. The Center provides child care to New York State employees, as well as community members. Interactions and activities are created to develop children’s self-esteem and positive feelings toward learning, all in an environment that is stimulating and challenging.

Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to visit the Center to observe/participate in the program or communicate with the staff, who always do their best to ensure that family’s experiences at the Campus Child Care Center are happy, healthy, and educational.

Some quick facts about the Cobleskill Campus Child Care Center:

• The Center is open year-around, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• The Center has a licensed capacity of 99 children.
• The Center provides families with infant, toddler, preschool, and school age programs.

For additional information, visit the center's website or call the center at (518) 255-5854.

For a full list of the NYS Network Child Care Centers and additional child care information, go to: NYS Network Child Care Centers.