““My sister set me up with you and WNY Problem Gambling in December of 2021. At that point in my life, I was in the depths of problem gambling, and I was scrambling with where to get help. As I am sure you are aware, it's hard enough for problem gamblers to admit that they need help, but there is also the added challenge of accessing resources. At that time, I couldn't seem to get an appointment with a therapist or any other type of mental health professional. Most were not accepting new patients, and those that were accepting new patients were booking months out. It was discouraging.
Fortunately, my sister found you. You were able to arrange therapy for me within a week or two with {Clinician}. As important, you set me up with my peer mentor, Scott Meyer, and we began conversing on a regular basis almost immediately. In fact, I have met with {Clinician} and Scott on almost a weekly basis since our introductions, and it has been essential to my personal growth and recovery from problem gambling. They each bring a unique perspective....{Clinician} from the therapeutic/mental health end, and Scott as a peer that has walked in the same shoes as me. Without you providing me with access to these essential resources, I can assure you that I would have given up and immediately returned to gambling. Fortunately for me, I have not and I am in a good place with my recovery......but the work must continue.
With the expansion of legalized gambling in NY and elsewhere, I can only imagine the number of people that need help just like I did and do. It is essential that resources and funding be available for problem gamblers as problem gambling is only going to get worse in our society. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you and your organization for stepping in during a time of extraordinary personal crisis for me. At some point in the future I want to assist other problem gamblers in my situation, and your help set me on the path to doing that.””
PGRC Client
“I was approached by NYCPG to join their excellent training program to work with individuals and families in need of help with problem gambling issues. The staff is excellent and the group of trained clinicians can provide quality services to individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay.”
Mary Ann Bodenoch
“Recovery from gambling addiction is possible! Freedom from despair, loneliness, hopelessness, lack of joy leads to full life, love, restoration and hope! Take the first step and reach out for help.”
Sarah Terrigino
“I stopped gambling 100 times, but always went back, harder than before. I surrendered to my gambling
addiction when I was handcuffed. Upon my release, I was introduced to the Problem Gambling Resource Center
(PGRC) and began intensive one-on-one therapy with one of the many qualified therapists that work with the
NY Council. With no access to financial resources, PGRC covers 100% of the cost. As I understand it, I was
one of the first active participants in the program, which provided me with a foundation for my recovery and
gave me the HOPE, HELP and TOOLS needed to move forward. It is NEVER too late, but do not wait! Call the PGRC
and start your recovery, not only for you but your family and the people around you.”
Scott M. • Person in recovery from problem gambling
“I have seen the devastation that Problem Gambling can cause in the lives of individuals and their families. I desire to share the risks, signs and symptoms of problem gambling and help to spread hope that it can be successfully treated and that recovery is an option.”
Catherine Saresky • PGRC Clinician
“The staff did an outstanding job raising awareness about problem gambling across New York State. I hope these efforts result in an increase in individuals engaging in treatment.”
Steve Block • NYCPG Board President
“I’ve been in recovery from my gambling addiction for more than 10 years and the PGRC staff are some of the best people I have ever met. As soon as the PGRC came to the Rochester, NY area, they formed a partnership with Gambler’s Anonymous to help community members even more. We are incredibly lucky to have these caring, wonderful and dedicated folks at the PGRC working daily to improve the lives of our residents.”
John O.
“I honestly feel that the PGRC is a great resource. My very first call was answered immediately by Rachel Lauria, the program manager, and she made me feel welcome and heard; huge pluses in my book. She made me believe she actually cared and wanted to help my friend with his gambling issues. Rachel and the PGRC provided my friend and me with vital resources to help my friend quit gambling and me, in my role as a supportive friend. Don’t hesitate to call the PGRC. Rachel and her staff will speak to you like you matter and help in any way they can.”
Anonymous Caller
“I’ve only been in recovery from my gambling addiction for a few months now but, working with Craig has been so helpful. Each time we talk, I come away feeling more optimistic about being in recovery, my gambling addiction and, even, my personal relationships. His wealth of knowledge and teaching methods have provided me with better ways to work through issues. Thanks to Craig, it’s getting a whole lot easier not to gamble.”
Adam
“Thank you all this has been possible because of you. I’ll say it again, you are an Angel sent to me you saved my life. ”
Norma
“Thank you so much Robin. You have given me an opportunity to live life free of madness and as I stated, I’m not fully cured but I’m in control and that means the world to me. This experience has taught me that I’m never going to be perfect and that I can always reach out for help when needed. I will always keep your number just in case I ever need it.”
Anonymous
“Dear New York Council on Problem Gambling,
I am writing to express my gratitude for the services I have received from your organization over the past year. I am a patient who was struggling with gambling addiction, and it has been a long journey to reclaim my life. However, the multi-prong approach of pairing peer counselors with traditional therapists and doctors has been a game-changer for me.
I was a part of a gambling treatment program previously and was given 20 sessions. As a result, I was released unprepared to receive my victim's compensation fund payment and ended up gambling it away. Had I been given the opportunity to be cared for with today’s working model of one-on-one sessions with both therapist and peer counselor, I’m not sure the treatment would have been effective and lasting. Essentially, I might not be in the poor cash position I am today. I am disabled, and that money was supposed to keep me alive for the rest of my life. That said, I am now on the path that I believe will allow a long-lasting recovery.
I want to take a moment to highlight two members who have been instrumental in my recovery. Scott Meyer and Mara Mendicino have been my peer counselor and therapist, respectively, and they have been tremendous sources of support and guidance throughout my journey.
Scott's passion for helping others is unmatched. He has become a role model for me, and I am grateful for his time and dedication to our sessions. Scott has a personal connection to addiction and he has been able to share his experiences with me in a way that has made me feel understood and supported.
Mara's approach to therapy is direct and compassionate. She has a deep understanding of the realities of addiction and the impact that gambling addiction can have on families. Her weekly sessions have been a highlight of my week, and I look forward to them every time.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain grateful for the support and guidance I have received from Scott and Mara, as well as the entire New York Council on Problem Gambling team.”
Anonymous Client
If you choose to share your story with us you can decide if we can share it on our website and in social media marketing. Sharing stories helps reduce stigma and gets people talking about the need for problem gambling prevention, treatment, recovery and advocacy!
