{"id":56396,"date":"2024-08-28T16:09:47","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T20:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=56396"},"modified":"2024-08-28T16:09:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T20:09:47","slug":"genesee-county-batavia-making-a-difference-uconnectcare-aide-linda-ackley-can-relate-to-those-struggling-because-shes-been-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/08\/28\/genesee-county-batavia-making-a-difference-uconnectcare-aide-linda-ackley-can-relate-to-those-struggling-because-shes-been-there\/","title":{"rendered":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Batavia\/Making a Difference: UConnectCare aide Linda Ackley can relate to those struggling because she\u2019s been there"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xUsMpqNz03g?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>UConnectCare<\/em><\/strong> <em><strong>video story-Linda Ackley <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Mike Pettinella<br>UConnectCare Publicist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As someone in recovery for more than four decades, Linda Ackley knows what those struggling with substance use are going through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now in her 22<sup>nd<\/sup>&nbsp;year at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Ackley is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor currently is serving as a \u201ctech.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dedicated employee, her experience and compassion have made a difference in the lives of her clients at the agency\u2019s Atwater Community Residence and Detox Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was in her mid-20s when Ackley came to grips with her excessive drinking and &#8212; leaning on what she calls \u201cher higher power\u201d &#8212; found the strength to put those days behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI went back to school and got my diploma (she had dropped out after becoming pregnant at the age of 16),\u201d she said. \u201cThen, I went to Genesee Community College and got my associate\u2019s degree in social work, and from there I went to Brockport and got my bachelor\u2019s degree in mental health\/social work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since then, she obtained her master\u2019s degree and has worked tirelessly to counsel and mentor people seeking to break free from the grip of substance use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"629\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"56399\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/08\/28\/genesee-county-batavia-making-a-difference-uconnectcare-aide-linda-ackley-can-relate-to-those-struggling-because-shes-been-there\/linda-ackley-photo-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?fit=800%2C1303&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,1303\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-title=\"linda ackley photo 2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?fit=629%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?resize=629%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56399 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?resize=629%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 629w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?resize=184%2C300&amp;ssl=1 184w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1251&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?resize=92%2C150&amp;ssl=1 92w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen you\u2019re trying to relate to young people who are in the program, it makes a big difference if you can tell them that you\u2019ve been there; that you know what the heck they\u2019re going through,\u201d she said. \u201cIf they find out that your book smart, they\u2019re going to give you a hard time. They\u2019ll say, \u2018You don\u2019t know how I feel.\u2019 Yeah, you do know how they feel when you\u2019ve been there.\u201d (Provided photo)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ackley\u2019s work ethic has transferred to her daughter, Carrie Anne, who also works at UConnectCare. She also has a son, John, who lives in Genesee County. Her other son, Francis, died in 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When not at work, Ackley and her longtime partner, John, rescue animals \u2013 primarily cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe&#8217;ve been saving the animals for years,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s my big thing now. I\u2019ve got 12 of my own after I fixed them and got them all sets, and four kittens that I\u2019m fostering right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ackley said she is proud of her granddaughter, Julietta, who is enrolled at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs in pursuit of a PhD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI raised her, although not my blood, right along with my other grandchildren (after Francis died),\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve had her for 20 years and she\u2019s doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ackley suffered a severe injury to her right arm years ago while working at Genesee County ARC (resulting in replacement of the bone from the shoulder to the elbow), but that hasn\u2019t slowed her down. She also underwent heart surgery earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey put a watchman into my left valve,\u201d she said, adding that she returned to her job several weeks later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As far as working at UConnectCare is concerned, Ackley said \u201cthis place is just like family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s a great place to work,\u201d she added. \u201cWe all work together and do our best for our clients.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said she encourages those in recovery \u2013 young people who have come through UConnectCare \u2013 to pursue a career in substance use or mental health counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe had two people here that were in the program that I encouraged to get into recovery, and after that come back here to work,\u201d she said. \u201cGuess what? They\u2019re back here working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The path to recovery begins with U. At UConnectCare, we want you to work with us. For more information on employment opportunities, go to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uconnectcare.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd7a1300a89844a63c74d08dcc779c526%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638604573212916098%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=R3R2r3UTeYRVtyCgtGqQTh%2FLHFxhG05OCvblBmqp2gE%3D&amp;reserved=0\">www.uconnectcare.org<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UConnectCare video story-Linda Ackley By Mike PettinellaUConnectCare Publicist As someone in recovery for more than four decades, Linda Ackley knows what those struggling with substance use are going through. Now in her 22nd&nbsp;year at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Ackley is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance \u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"continue-reading-button\"> <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/08\/28\/genesee-county-batavia-making-a-difference-uconnectcare-aide-linda-ackley-can-relate-to-those-struggling-because-shes-been-there\/\">Continue reading<i class=\"crycon-right-dir\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[8,23],"tags":[4560,3942],"class_list":["post-56396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-batavia","category-genesee-county","tag-linda-ackley","tag-uconnectcare"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8eTP4-eFC","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49030,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2023\/12\/14\/batavia-uconnectcare-promotes-batavian-kabel-to-director-of-grant-management-post\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":0},"title":"BATAVIA\/UConnectCare promotes Batavian Kabel to director of Grant Management post","author":"aka","date":"December 14, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"During her 4 \u00bd years as an employee at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Amy Kabel has worn several hats, and she has worn them well. Hired as a peer recovery advocate in April 2019 to assist those in recovery from substance use disorder, the Batavia\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/a-kabel-professional-photo-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":38462,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2022\/12\/16\/genesee-county-gcasa-pays-tribute-to-dr-baker-presents-longevity-awards\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":1},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/GCASA pays tribute to Dr. Baker; presents longevity awards","author":"aka","date":"December 16, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"GCASA honored Dr. Bruce Baker and presented longevity awards at its annual holiday luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant. Seated from left are Danielle Ludeke, Dr. Baker, Kathy Hodgins; standing, Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, Carol Nicometo, JoAnn Ryan, Diane Klos, Charlene Grimm, Lori Brade, Jordan Smart, Linda Ackley. (Submitted photo) By Mike PettinellaGCASA\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genesee County&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/longevity-2022-a.jpeg?fit=1200%2C971&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/longevity-2022-a.jpeg?fit=1200%2C971&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/longevity-2022-a.jpeg?fit=1200%2C971&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/longevity-2022-a.jpeg?fit=1200%2C971&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/longevity-2022-a.jpeg?fit=1200%2C971&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":68532,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/09\/26\/with-kindness-and-dignity-uconnectcare-marks-50-years-of-service-in-genesee-orleans-counties\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":2},"title":"\u2018With kindness and dignity\u2019 UConnectCare marks 50 years of service in Genesee, Orleans counties","author":"aka","date":"September 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"John Bennett and Kathy Hodgins display the gifts they received in appreciation of their leadership of UConnectCare at the agency\u2019s 50th\u00a0Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction on Thursday night at Terry Hills Restaurant. Photos provided by UConnectCare. Press release: In celebrating 50 years of service to the community, UConnectCare Chief Executive\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genesee County&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hodgins-and-bennett-1.jpg?fit=810%2C812&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hodgins-and-bennett-1.jpg?fit=810%2C812&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hodgins-and-bennett-1.jpg?fit=810%2C812&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hodgins-and-bennett-1.jpg?fit=810%2C812&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49719,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/01\/19\/batavia-philosophy-based-on-housing-with-dignity-drives-uconnectcares-residential-services\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":3},"title":"BATAVIA\/Philosophy based on \u2018Housing with Dignity\u2019 drives UConnectCare\u2019s residential services","author":"aka","date":"January 19, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"UConnectCare\u2019s Detox Center, which is located behind the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street in Batavia (Provided photo) By Mike PettinellaUConnectCare publicist In an ongoing effort to provide the most efficient and compassionate treatment methods for those struggling with substance use disorder, UConnectCare (formerly Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/detox2-2022-b.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/detox2-2022-b.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/detox2-2022-b.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/detox2-2022-b.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":58143,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/10\/18\/genesee-orleans-uconnectcare-promotes-ferry-to-assistant-cfo\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":4},"title":"GENESEE\/ORLEANS\/UConnectCare promotes Ferry to Assistant CFO","author":"aka","date":"October 18, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release: UConnectCare has promoted Jessica Ferry to the position of Assistant Chief Fiscal Officer. John Bennett, chief executive officer of the nonprofit agency (formerly Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), announced the promotion of Ferry, who was hired as a finance manager in June. \u201cJessica\u2019s ability to tackle\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genesee County&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/jessica-ferry-1-1-1.jpg?fit=394%2C574&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":50675,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/02\/13\/genesee-orleans-federal-grant-opens-door-for-uconnectcare-to-provide-harm-reduction-services-mobile-unit\/","url_meta":{"origin":56396,"position":5},"title":"GENESEE\/ORLEANS\/Federal grant opens door for UConnectCare to provide harm reduction services, mobile unit","author":"aka","date":"February 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Johnny Vidal, Outreach Peer Specialist, and Erin Phelps, Harm Reduction Coordinator\/Case Manager, stand next to UConnectCare's mobile unit that travels to different locations in Genesee and Orleans counties to help those struggling with substance use disorder. (provided photo) Press release A federal grant to provide harm reduction, treatment and\/or recovery\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Genesee County&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mobile-unit-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mobile-unit-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mobile-unit-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mobile-unit-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/linda-ackley-photo-2-1.jpg?fit=800%2C941&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56396"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56402,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56396\/revisions\/56402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}