Through Their Eyes

Episode 5: Jason sits down with Anthony Ferrandino, Drug and Alcohol Student Assistance Counselor for the Northport-East Northport School District and Executive Board Member of the AWARE Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition. Through his work, Anthony has made a lasting impact in the community by educating, supporting, and empowering young people and their families around substance use, prevention, and healthy decision-making.

We’re proud of FCA’s Through Their Eyes: The Podcast—an extension of our storytelling series that invites you to listen more deeply, connect more personally, and understand the impact of our work from the perspectives of those who live it. Each episode will feature authentic conversations with staff, clients, partners, and community members, offering an inside look at the moments that shape recovery, strengthen communities, and define what connection truly means. Because the most powerful way to understand our work… is to experience it through their eyes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and connect

Episode 4: Jason sits down with Jamie Ruiz, Owner of Matthew James Heart & Home -- and Founder of Matthew J. Ruiz Memorial Foundation. Jamie Ruiz shares her deeply personal journey through grief, loss, and healing, and her passionate advocacy for addiction recovery. Her work is profoundly shaped by the loss of her beloved brother, Matthew “Matt” James, who died from addiction on Christmas Eve in 2014. Through her experience, Jamie has transformed unimaginable loss into a powerful commitment to raising awareness, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, and advocating for hope, recovery, and support for individuals and families affected by substance use.

We’re proud of FCA’s Through Their Eyes: The Podcast—an extension of our storytelling series that invites you to listen more deeply, connect more personally, and understand the impact of our work from the perspectives of those who live it. Each episode will feature authentic conversations with staff, clients, partners, and community members, offering an inside look at the moments that shape recovery, strengthen communities, and define what connection truly means. Because the most powerful way to understand our work… is to experience it through their eyes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and connect

Episode 3: Jason sits down with Sharon Solomon, Residential/Emergency Youth Shelter Director at Family & Children’s Association, for an inspiring conversation about her journey into the human services field and the passion that drives her work every day.

Sharon reflects on what first drew her to helping vulnerable youth, the impact of providing safe and supportive spaces for young people in crisis, and the deep sense of purpose she finds in helping others navigate difficult circumstances. She shares the rewards and challenges of working in residential and emergency shelter services, as well as the importance of building trust, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for youth to thrive.

Through her experiences, Sharon offers valuable insight into the life-changing work being done at FCA and the difference compassionate support can make in the lives of children, teens, and families when they need it most.

We’re proud of FCA’s Through Their Eyes: The Podcast—an extension of our storytelling series that invites you to listen more deeply, connect more personally, and understand the impact of our work from the perspectives of those who live it. Each episode will feature authentic conversations with staff, clients, partners, and community members, offering an inside look at the moments that shape recovery, strengthen communities, and define what connection truly means. Because the most powerful way to understand our work… is to experience it through their eyes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and connect

In Episode 2, Jason sits down with Larry Lamendola, Co-Chair of the Levittown Community Action Coalition and First Vice President of the Wantagh Lions Club, for a powerful conversation about navigating addiction and recovery within families, coping with grief, and transforming personal pain into purpose.

At FCA, every connection tells a story. From the clients we serve to the dedicated staff who walk alongside them, our work is rooted in real experiences—stories of resilience, growth, hope, and transformation happening every day across our communities.

Now, we’re bringing those stories to life in a new way.

We’re proud to launch Through Their Eyes: The Podcast—an extension of our storytelling series that invites you to listen more deeply, connect more personally, and understand the impact of our work from the perspectives of those who live it.

Each episode will feature authentic conversations with staff, clients, partners, and community members, offering an inside look at the moments that shape recovery, strengthen communities, and define what connection truly means.

Because the most powerful way to understand our work… is to experience it through their eyes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and connect

In our first episode, we're joined by Ryan Kiser, Senior Director of Recovery Services at FCA, for a conversation about recovery, resilience, and the power of support.

At FCA, every connection tells a story. From the clients we serve to the dedicated staff who walk alongside them, our work is rooted in real experiences—stories of resilience, growth, hope, and transformation happening every day across our communities.

Now, we’re bringing those stories to life in a new way.

We’re proud to launch Through Their Eyes: The Podcast—an extension of our storytelling series that invites you to listen more deeply, connect more personally, and understand the impact of our work from the perspectives of those who live it.

Each episode will feature authentic conversations with staff, clients, partners, and community members, offering an inside look at the moments that shape recovery, strengthen communities, and define what connection truly means.

Because the most powerful way to understand our work… is to experience it through their eyes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and connect