Pictured are Connie Acerman, Dan McNamara, Gwen Axelson, Kathy Burch and Mark Burch. A “Pasta For A Purpose” fundraiser will take place Friday, Feb. 14, to help defray the costs of counseling by Family Service of the Chautauqua Region. Submitted photo

A fundraiser to help defray the costs of counseling by Family Service of the Chautauqua Region will be held on Friday, Feb. 14.

“Pasta For A Purpose” will be held and includes a catered meal featuring pastas, meatballs, chicken parmesan, desserts and wine as well as entertainment.

“Each ticket purchased essentially shares in the cost of one counseling session,” said Darla Hayes, FSCR director of operations. “Many of today’s insurance plans have large deductibles which make it hard to afford counseling services no matter how much they are needed. The funds raised by our annual Pasta for a Purpose fundraiser will assist clients with large co-pays and/or deductibles to afford services.”

FSCR utilizes licensed therapists to provide mental health counseling to the Chautauqua region through a variety of programs which includes office-based counseling at 332 E. Fourth St. and other locations, school-based counseling, counseling through house calls, the Employee Assistance Program, Hispanic Outreach Program, as well as a partnership with the Jamestown Police Department through Project Crossroads to help victims of domestic abuse.

FSCR also partners or collaborates with Westfield Family Services and Family Health Medical Services, The Resource Center and Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene.

Hayes noted that the services provided by FSCR often play a vital role in promoting family stability and growth.

“The services that we offer affect individuals and their families in countless ways,” she said. “We offer family counseling which could assist with keeping a family together or even a child from running away from home. Our individual counseling could assist a parent to cope with work stress so that they are able to keep their place of employment. Our school-based program has been proven to help our children stay in school and successfully graduate. We provide services in the homes of the elderly which allows them to remain living in their homes or to deal with life after the death of a spouse. The list goes on.”

Through efforts like the House Calls Program, FSCR is able to provide mental health services to seniors and other members of the community who are unable to leave their homes.

As a not-for-profit agency, Family Service relies on funding from the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County as well as local foundations and individual donations.

“Family Service of the Chautauqua Region and our clients sincerely appreciates every contribution to our fundraiser. Whether it be a purchased ticket, a donated basket item, or a monetary donation,” said Hayes.

The dinner will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. at Chautauqua Suites at 215 W. Lake Road in Mayville. Tickets for the ‘Pasta For a Purpose’ dinner will cost $40 per person and can be purchased by calling 488-1971 or emailing familyservice@fscr.mygbiz.com.