Senior Hope

The Administration, Board of Directors and Staff of Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. send our heartfelt sympathy & condolences to the family, friends and overall community that were so very fortunate to know & were positively impacted by the remarkable Dr. Alice Green. We appreciate this amazing woman for all of her advocacy, leadership and outstanding works in the community, inclusive of serving on Senior Hope’s Board of Directors for many years. Alice leaves behind a legacy and will not be forgotten.

Alice Green, bulwark for social justice, has died, city officials said City officials mourned her passing.

Today, Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. is announcing the resignation of Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland. Credentialed as PhD, LCSW-R and CASAC-G, Nicole has poured into the clinic for over 20 years as the Assistant Clinical Director promoted to Clinical / Executive Director and presently as the CEO/President. She remains very passionate about the vulnerable population ages 50 and older that the clinic continues to serve. Nicole's works in the community have been recognized on many levels / by prestigious people & entities; who have shown much gratitude and desire to see these services continue in the Capital Region. The Administration, Board of Directors and Staff certainly wish Nicole the very best in her future endeavors. Nicole will be missed but without a doubt will touch more lives in this new chapter of her career. CONGRATLUATIONS & BEST WISHES!!!

This afternoon, Melissa Maisonet, Assistant Director of Operations along with Sally Floyd, Intake Coordinator as representatives of Senior Hope are attending the Healthy Aging in the Community event. Over 20 other organizations were present to bring awareness of resources available to Seniors in the Community.

On Thursday, May 9th, the staff of Senior Hope Counseling, Inc., celebrating Jerry Nathan, LCSW-R for completing 15 years of service at the clinic. Jerry is a Senior Clinician who also holds the title of IAP Manager, training numerous interns over the years. Thank you for your commitment to the clients. Congratulations, Jerry!

Today, Our Staff celebrates Sally Floyd on Administrative Professional's Day. Sally started with our clinic in June of 2021 as the Administrative Assistant and was promoted to Intake Coordinator in January of 2023. We thank Sally for her commitment, dedication and hard work within the clinic. She is a team player and valued. HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL'S DAY, SALLY!!!

Truly remarkable!
20 years of dedication!
We thank you, Nicole!

Today we had the pleasure of celebrating our CEO & President, Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland. Nicole completes 20 years of employment with Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. as of 3/15/24. Well-rounded & established in the field; she is an overall caring, kind, patient and understanding lady. Nicole is truly loved & revered by all. Thank you for your hard work and dedication for two decades, Nicole. Congratulations!

As many know, Senior Hope has been providing outpatient services to an unique population ages 50 & up for over 20 years; catering to alcohol and substance abuse challenges. Our clinic provides the following services:
-evaluations (inclusive of DWI, MAT and Smoking Cessation)
-individual appointments
-group therapy; inclusive of a weekly Monday evening group from 5:30pm-6:45pm.
Our credentialed counselors range from CRPA to CASAC to LCSW-R, with decades of experience.
If you know of someone who could benefit from our services, please contact our clinic at 518-489-7777, ext. 111 to schedule and appointment or obtain more information.

On behalf of the Administration, Board of Directors and Staff of Senior Hope Counseling, Inc; we hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year!

Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. was recently awarded a $1,000 donation from Stewart’s Shops. We are greatly appreciative of this donation; which will benefit the services provided at our clinic.

Today, Senior Hope celebrated our Intake Coordinator’s birthday (pictured far right). Sally Floyd….we appreciate you & send the happiest of wishes to you!

Senior Hope would like to introduce the newest member of our Staff, Louise Bailey; who started employment with the clinic at the beginning of October 2023. Louise is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with such vibrant energy and a wealth of experience. Today is also Louise's birthday. We send the happiness of wishes to you, Louise!

October 22, 2023, Cheryl Scheffler, LCSW, CASAC celebrated 4 years of employment at Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. As one of the clinic’s Senior Clinicians as well as the MAT coordinator, Cheryl provides service to several clients inclusive of intakes, individuals and groups; of which recently she started facilitating an evening group on Mondays to accommodate our clients. Cheryl’s hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Congratulations on your 4th anniversary at Senior Hope, Cheryl!

This morning as Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland, CEO / President of Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. stood alongside Staff of the Price Chopper - Golub Corporation; she was presented with a $1,000 donation for the clinic. Thank you, Price Chopper!!!

Although National Boss’s Day was this past Monday, we celebrated our CEO/President, Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland today when she & most of the Staff were onsite. You are appreciated, Nicole! HAPPY BOSS’S DAY!

Today, Dr. Nicole MacFarland, CEO/President of Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. attended the annual Unite The City event; where she represented the clinic & the Albany Rotary Club. Much thanks to Pastor David Traynham for organizing such an amazing event for the community

Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland, President/CEO Senior Hope Counseling was invited to present for the SAMHSA/NASADAD (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration/National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors) on June 26th, 2023, at their annual meeting in Maryland. She was part of a panel session on “Responding to the Needs of Families Impacted by SUD Across Generations”. Her topic was on “Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults: Senior Hope Counseling Outpatient Clinic”. The session was well attended with close to 80 Directors from all over the country in attendance.

On Tuesday June 13th, 2023, at the EMPAC at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, W. Brian Barr, AFSC (Senior Hope Counseling, Inc. Board Chair, on leave of absence) was inducted into the Capital Region Philanthropy Hall of Fame by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region during their Annual Awards. W. Brian Barr is a longtime board member of the United Way whose work has had a significant impact on children, families, and senior citizens in our community. He is a retired social worker who has been instrument in supporting Senior Hope Counseling over the years. Additionally, he is a true pioneer in the field of su***de prevention and has devoted his time an energy to volunteering and supporting his community during his career. Please join me in congratulating W. Brian Barr, AFSC on this wonderful honor.

https://altamontenterprise.com/05152023/barr-be-inducted-capital-region-philanthropy-hall-fame

On Thursday, June 29th, Jen Maley-Wheeler, (Director of Operations and Programs) of the Pride Center of the Capital Region was our Pride Month Speaker. She shared some valuable information on LGBTQ+ community regarding gender, s*x, impression and identity; with a focus on adults 50 and older who are Le***an, Gay, Bis*xual, Transgender and Q***r. Dr. MacFarland, Senior Hope's CEO/President plans to collaborate with the Pride Center in the near future to present these amazing statistics that Jen shared regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

On June 15th, Senior Hope had the pleasure of a guest speaker for Juneteenth. Pastor David Mazzella, Lead Pastor of Liberty Church Manhattan shared some awesome information, that many may not be aware of. He honed in on these key heroes who were extremely
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Lincoln's legacy is based on his momentous achievements He successfully waged a political struggle and civil war that preserved the Union, ended slavery, and created the possibility of civil and social freedom for African-Americans.
MAJOR GENERAL GORDAN GRANGER
Library of Congress Juneteenth and General Orders, No. 3, read on June 19, 1865 by General Granger announcing that all slaves were free, is one of Galveston, Texas’s most important historical moments.
OPAL LEE
This retired teacher & counselor as well as activist to date at the present age of 94, has walked all around the country for years to help establish this national holiday on June 19 to commemorate history and celebrate freedom.

Senior Hope Staff started our Summer with a casual time of good conversation and a Pot Luck lunch.

Senior Hope is excited to announce our new evening group, "Evening Reflections". This is a "virtual only" group that takes place via Zoom from 5:30pm-6:45 on Mondays, facilitated by Senior Clinician & MAT Coordinator, Cheryl Scheffler, LCSW, CASAC. If you are an existing client and who like to know more about this group, please speak with your counselor. If you are interested in our services, please contact our office at 518-489-7777, ext. 111 and Sally would be happy to assist you.

Bill Barr, Senior Hope’s Chair of the Board (on leave) will be honored on June 13th as he’s inducted into the Philanthropy Hall of Fame. Much thanks to Bill for his years of involvement in the community as well as his continued support of Senior Hope. Congratulations!

Barr to be inducted into Capital Region Philanthropy Hall of Fame The retired Guilderland resident has spent a lifetime helping the needy and vulnerable both as part of his career and in volunteer work.

Senior Hope's CEO/President, Nicole S. MacFarland, PhD was invited to and attended the 2023 VA Mental Health Summit on March 17th. Our clinic looks forward to supporting and collaborating with the Stratton VA Medical Center in the future.

Due to the excepted weather over the next 24+ hours, our clinic will convert to Telehealth services on Tuesday, March 14th. There will be no onsite services. Please be safe everyone!

Today is a VERY special day! It’s Senior Hope’s CEO/President’s birthday! 🎈🎁🎂
Nicole, we all appreciate you and wish you a day and chapter ahead that’s as amazing as you are!
(Dr. Nicole S. MacFarland pictured in her office at Senior Hope Counseling, Inc.)

March 9, 2023 marked the 4th anniversary as Assistant Clinical Director for Amy Gilbert, LCSW-R. She also specializes as our Peer Recovery Services Manaher, supervising and working closely with our RN, CRPA.

Due to the in climate weather, Senior Hope offices will be working remotely today. We will not be seeing clients onsite today.