The Bridge Youth and Family Services Recognizes Couple for Decades of Support
Susan and Norman Abazoris of Inverness were recently recognized by Palatine-based nonprofit The Bridge Youth and Family Services, for more than 25 years of volunteerism and unwavering support.
The 501(c)(3) social service organization provides child and family therapy and counseling, crisis intervention, mentoring and other prevention programs for residents of Cook County living in Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine, Schaumburg and Palatine Townships.
The Abazoris' contributions were highlighted during an intimate recognition ceremony held at Inverness Golf Club on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. The 51-year nonprofit's leadership staff and several board members attended to acknowledge the couple's commitment to 'The Bridge' for more than a quarter of a century.
"They say new friends are silver and old friends are gold. If that is the case, then Susan and Norman Abazoris are certainly gold," said The Bridge Youth and Family Services Executive Director, Gregg Stockey.
Susan Abazoris began volunteering for the organization in the late 1980's through the mentoring program. In her comments, she said she began volunteering out of a desire to utilize her counseling background, and to positively impact the health and well-being of local children and families.
"I helped to match kids who needed mentors; I know of mentees who are still in contact today with the mentors that stepped in at a time in their lives when they were truly needed," Susan Abazoris said.
To this day, Susan is a part of The Bridge Program Committee, where she offers a valuable community voice, and an important influence based on her years of involvement with the organization.
In addition to volunteering and attending yearly fundraising events, Stockey highlighted the couple's overall impact through the years.
"Norman will say that Susan volunteers, and he just writes checks, but that is not quite right. They both have been much more than financial supporters. We all feel supported and buoyed by their kindness and encouragement, too," Stockey said.
Due in part to ongoing State of Illinois budget issues, in his comments, Stockey reiterated the organization's commitment to moving away from majority dependence on state funding to continue to provide services.
"We set a goal two years ago to increase local fundraising so that we could better withstand state funding challenges," Stockey said.
Throughout 2016, leadership at The Bridge grappled with the state withholding considerable funding until late in the year, which threatened to require counselor layoffs and diminishment of vital services for area children and families.
Stockey added that due to the generosity of the Abazoris' and other committed donors, local funding was increased by 25-percent, and that more new children and family members received counseling in 2016 than in recent years.
The wait list for counseling and mentoring also has been decreased, Stockey said.
To continue to provide support services for those in need of counseling and therapy, The Bridge hosts yearly fundraisers, including its gala in early April.
The 2017 gala is entitled, 'The Secret Garden Gala' and is set for Saturday, April 8 at Chandler's Banquets, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.
Visit www.bridgeyouth.org for more information about this event, and to learn more about the variety of services offered to support area children and families.