Help & Support

Ovarian Cancer

My wife was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She refused treatment initially. FINA referred us to a gemological oncologist of world fame. They provide wigs for my wife and comfort in her weaning years.

Howard 2022

Support

I wouldn't have been able to navigate the last fifteen years without the help of Cindy Urbach and FINA.  First, with the mother as she approached the end of her life.  She had a number of health problems and Cindy was essential to advocating for her, on an emergency basis at times, to make her comfortable and ensuring she received the care she needed.  Later, with my sister, who has been very challenged by a number of problems and great reluctance to accept help until it seemed too late. On numerous occasions, Cindy has stepped in to solve problems and advocate with her financial institutions, health care providers, and insurers to make the best of bad situations that had evolved.  I'm very grateful for the assistance of Cindy and FINA.   

Mark S. 

Older Couple with a Sick Child

Families In Need of Assistance Inc has been helping my family for over twenty  five years

They provided a Mason to fix our front railing. They have referred our entire family to various doctors through the years. They have delivered food, provided transportation to go to the doctors. They arranged for my wife and I to obtain obtain vaccinations for COVID.

They make so many appointments for us. My wife broke her elbow recently. The hospital visit was horrible. FINA immediately got my wife an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in elbows . We are totally indebted to Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. and appreciate their services 

Bill and Sue 2022

Schuyler Inn Family Homeless Shelter

I just want to thank you once again for all that you do for the Schuyler Inn Family Homeless Shelter. As you know, we are the largest family homeless shelter in the Capital District, housing up to 60 families at any time for Albany County.

We also provide shelter to families from both Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties as an overflow Emergency Shelter.

Your generosity to our shelter and homeless families has been long standing and amazing.

Not a Holiday goes by with a donation for the Schuyler Inn families These donations have been in the form of clothing, special meals at the Holidays, Easter egg hunts and toys for the children at Christmas time and even a Christmas Tree!

We greatly appreciate your generous donations over the years and look forward to our partnership of helping families in need to continue for many more years to come!

Judy Cocca

Director of the Schuyler Inn Family Homeless Shelter  

Family Needed Help 

Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. has helped our family for over 15 years. They helped our son get into Drug Court. They helped me when I was in desperate need of a lifesaving referral to a surgeon. They have been available whenever our family needed their service. They even helped us obtain COVD testing and results so my husband who had a horrible cancer being COVID test results so he could see his oncologist. What a wonderful agency. 

Susan 2022

Medical Networking

Having both witnessed and experienced first hand the competent and caring service of Cindy Urbach and Families  in Need of Assistance, Inc. I can say without hesitation that under her leadership, this organization provides a needed and valuable community resource which helps people no matter their need or circumstance.

When friends from out of town vacationing in the Adirondacks frantically called looking for recommendations for doctors and a hospital to help their daughter, who was doubled over in excruciating pain, I gave them FINA’s number. Within in an hour or so they were on their way down to Albany Med’s emergency room to meet a top colorectal specialist, who operated on her immediately and acknowledged that this young woman could have died had much more time elapsed. She had a misdiagnosed blockage.

Cindy Urbachs' substantial medical network and dogged pursuit of help for this family literally saved their daughter’s life.

Linda Rapaport 

An Organization with a Lot of Heart

When I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2003 with only a slim 25% chance of making it to the 5-year marker, I knew nothing about Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. or Cindy Urbach, the Executive Director.  When I met Cindy in 2006, I assumed that Families In Need of Assistance was an organization dedicated to helping individuals in need of financial assistance.  However, I soon discovered how wrong I was!  When Cindy learned that I was battling a cancer recurrence, she encouraged me to obtain a 2nd opinion – she gave me the name and phone number of a well-respected GYN Oncologist whom I should consult with – she worked with my insurance company to fast-track the approval of my 2nd opinion(s) – and she encouraged and cheered me along the way!  Wow – I was very impressed and very grateful – Cindy was a complete stranger to me, and yet she showered me with such caring concern and kindness!

In March 2007, Cindy’s unbelievable kindness and caring concern were extended to the members of Caring Together -- a local ovarian cancer support group – when Families In Need of Assistance organized a day of “feel better” activities for our members who were facing/undergoing chemotherapy treatments.  What a wonderful surprise and treat it was to receive free wigs/wig fittings/make-up applications so graciously donated by the Jean Paul Salon at Stuyvesant Plaza, followed by a delicious lunch graciously prepared for us by the Provence Restaurant!  Earlier that same day, 40 white baseball caps (donated by Families In Need of Assistance and Walmart) were beautifully adorned by 7th graders at the Albany Academy for Girls with teal decorations and ribbons.  These special baseball caps were then presented to the survivors of Caring Together as symbols of hope and courage – a gift which really warmed and touched all of our hearts! 

I have since learned that Families In Need of Assistance helps ALL kinds of families and individuals in need – whether the need is finding the best possible medical/surgical care, finding the best doctors, financial assistance, insurance-related issues, drug/child/spousal abuse or domestic violence issues, parenting issues, home care issues, hospice, etc.  All I can say with deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks is that when you find yourself in a difficult situation in your life’s journey which throws you for a loop – and in my case it is cancer – it is heartwarming and reassuring to know that there are organizations/individuals with a compassionate and caring “heart” like Families In Need of Assistance and Cindy Urbach who help you through the difficult times.  Whether it is a simple phone call expressing concern or offering help, an unexpected hospital visit, funny cards delivered through the mail to help cheer you up, or a slice of meatloaf and bread pudding delivered to your door – sometimes it truly is the “little things” in life that mean the most.

On behalf of myself and the other ovarian cancer survivors who have been the recipients of Families In Need of Assistance’s and Cindy Urbach’s kindness and help, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Diana  

____________________

I was so upset. I had just received news a tumor was found on each kidney, and I didn't know what to do. Someone told me to call FINA. I called them, and they immediately asked me to sign authorization over to them, which allowed them to talk to the doctors, radiologists, and hospitals. Almost immediately they were doing research into what I told them and started looking for a kidney specialist in the town where I live. I am so thankful to have found FINA!
Laura Ann, October 2016

____________________

After 35 years of marriage, I decided I had had enough of the continued abuse. My husband was a professional and had trained me to think I was incompetent and could only exist if I stayed with him. My family and friends convinced me to finally leave. FINA referred me to the Legal Project. They have helped and advised me each step along the way. I am so much more assured and am so much happier than I have been in many years.
Ellen, August 2016

____________________

My parents are Holocaust survivors. The Jewish holidays were approaching, and my work did not allow me to be home with them. It was my mom's 89th birthday, and she is suffering from dementia. My dad is 99 years old. Their temple referred them to Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. What a blessing! They brought a four-course meal to my parents, along with special holiday bread. FINA then became a resource for me with referrals for so many of my parents' needs. They will also be available to visit them when needed.
Arlene, October 2016

____________________

I lost my job, couldn't pay my rent...and came home to find an eviction notice on my door. The people in the management office immediately took me to court. You see, I am a victim of domestic violence, and my husband kicked down my door in May. I called Families In Need of Assistance, who immediately called the court, advised me to go to Social Services, and spoke to management, but they wanted me out. Families In Need of Assistance called the lawyer for the building, called me and asked me to write the lawyer a letter, and told me to bring the money to the lawyer with a letter asking to have my lease renewed. Awesome! They really helped me.
Shatiqua, November 2016

____________________

My insurance company dropped our family coverage in the middle of my chemo therapy and my husband's dialysis. I called Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. Within four days we were reinstated without a lapse of coverage. The agency is adopting our family for Christmas. They are our angels!!!
Alvata December 2014

____________________

My community advocate asked me to call FINA. I had had sixteen root canals and I had many infections. FINA has been advocating for me with dentists and I believe finally after ten years I am in good hands and will get better. It will be a long hail, but Families In need of Assistance, Inc. will be with me all the way.
Thank you Carmen 2014

____________________

My daughter was thrown out of school for drug abuse . We had no place to turn We called FINA and the staff turned my daughter around She graduated from a fine Community College with both an Associates Degree and a GED She is attending a fine four year school to become a psychologist FINA has always been there for our entire family 24/7 I don't know what would have happened it not for FINA.
Mom of young adult 2014

____________________

Our family lives in the South during the Winter. FINA helps our family by visiting our aged family member at the Nursing home.. We so appreciate FINA's help.
Daughter and son of elderly parent 2014

____________________

My boyfriend had a horrible drinking problem. FINA found counseling and shelter for him. They have been terrific.
Claire 2014

____________________

My aged Mother was taken advantage by her lawyer, a real estate agent and numerous other people. FINA helped my Mother in so many ways and they continue to help her
Jane 2014

____________________

Ten years ago my mother was very ill. FINA stepped in and coordinated services for her which ultimately saved her life. Most recently my mom fell and broker her wrist. Once again FINA coordinated services, took her to the doctor, helped her obtain other services. Thank you Families In Need of Assistance, Inc
Daughter 2014

____________________

My aged mother was having a stroke. Her doctor said it was nothing. Families In Need of Assistance took her to the hospital and called in the Stroke team They helped prevent a major event for my Mom
Jane 2014

____________________

Ten years ago my mother was very ill. FINA stepped in and coordinated services for her which ultimately saved her life. Most recently my mom fell and broke her wrist. Once again FINA coordinated services, took her to the doctor, helped her obtain other services. Thank you Families In Need of Assistance, Inc .
Daughter 2014

____________________

My aged mother was having a stroke. Her doctor said it was a UTI. Families In Need of Assistance took her to the hospital and called in the Stroke team They helped prevent a major stroke for my Mom.
Daughter 2010

____________________

"My husband punched my front teeth out and threatened to kill me" he was arrested and laughed in Court. I was referred to Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. Not only did FINA help and explain the court process...they counseled me to go back to school and get a degree as a Para legal. They then counseled me to get my Bachelor Degree as well. They helped me get help for my children, winter coats, food, dietary counseling, other clothing, dental work all for free. I was able to get my self esteem back and my children now live in violent free home. Thank you FINA.

Dolores Age 39

____________________

I had been sick for months and  months. I was hospitalized for five days...no one could help me. I went from Specialist to specialist. Families In Need of Assistance, Inc stepped in and  advocated for me...They also helped organize my medical history and records...what a wonderful service...I will be seeing a specialist at Albany Medical Center, but most importantly I don't feel alone trying to figure out what is wrong with me." 
Hilda Age 64

____________________

I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in the UK seven years ago and was given months to live. I called Families In Need of Assistance, Inc and told them I was visiting in the United States around Christmas. I asked if they could possibly get me a second opinion. Dr. Hochster worked with my doctors in the UK and I have been able to see my son grow into a young man. I have been able to travel. They have been available by phone whenever I have needed them. My road has not been easy, but with the help of FINA…with laughter and guidance we have led a relatively good life.
Claire, United Kingdom 2011

____________________

I want to take this opportunity to thank Families In Need of Assistance for helping our sister, especially in the last few months of her life. Families In Need of Assistance was there for her during her final illness with food companionship and real caring. She told us about the wonderful services you provide for so many sick people. On behalf of our family and my sister we wish to thank you.
Howard a Family Member 2012

____________________

I want to thank Families In Need of Assistance for always being available when I have needed them. I have been fighting ovarian cancer for almost a year. FINA has helped in so many ways. They have helped with alternative medicine. They have advocated for me with the insurance companies. They have helped me see the places I have on my “Bucket list”. They have gotten me appointments for second opinions. They have helped us with co pays. How can I thank them? They have been our angels. Thank you FINA.

Susan 2011

____________________

Thank you FINA for making me smiles. Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. has helped me face a devastating cancer. I am in so much pain. FINA’s volunteer’s visit me make me soup. Cookies and always is available with advice and an ability to make me laugh. 

Mary Louise 2012

____________________

On behalf of our family I wish to thank Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. My brother was diagnosed with a horrible Glio Blastoma. Our family was out of town and FINA helped in so many ways. They obtained second opinions. They retained nurses when we needed them. They took our sister to appointments and brought her food. They were our eyes and ears for our sister. At the very end they did not leave her side. They brought doctors to her bedside and helped with Hospice. How can we thank FINA? 

Ralph 2011

____________________

MY mother was diagnosed with stage III Ovarian cancer. Families In Need of Assistance helped her with her co pays. They got her a second opinion with the former head of the Gynecolic Oncology Group. Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. invited my mom to a day of beauty at a beauty shop and then a lovely luncheon. They helped her talk to her insurance company and receive benefits for her treatment. They encouraged her and made sure she was not alone. Christine 2010

____________________

Our family wants to thank FINA for all the help they gave our family in time of need. My sister was on drugs and FINA helped get her into treatment. First they found her and helped get her home and then in treatment. FINA then helped my father get surgery to fix a botched surgery he had had and was left in a nursing home. They got us an appointment at Hospital for Special Surgery. My dad is home and walking again. FINA helped get us nurses. Cooked and baked for us. How can we ever thank them for everything they have done? They are our angels’ right here A Very Graceful Gamily 2010

____________________

My son was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma. Families In Need of Assistance, Inc. recommended and got us an appointment at MD Anderson in Houston Texas. Thank you so much. My son has been cancer free for three years.

A Very Happy Family

____________________

I want to thank you so very much for obtaining an appointment for me at Hospital for Special Surgery. The doctor was wonderful and very helpful 

Cathy 2012

____________________

I want to thank you for recommending and obtaining a wonderful orthopedic doctor for my family in Albany...The doctor was wonderful. Thank you again. FINA helped with our insurance company as well.

An Albany Family 2011

____________________

My daughter was diagnosed with Lyme's disease. FINA recommended her to a wonderful doctor and then a program which helped my child so much. thank you so very much

Kelley 2010

____________________

"Thank you for helping my children and me with Family Court and other issues and thank you for advocating to make our future brighter. It was a very difficult time when we had to flee from our home and my husband was arrested and put in jail for committing the crime of assault after he punched my teeth out." 

Victim of Domestic Violence

____________________

If it had not been for Families In Need of Assistance inc., I dread to think what our granddaughter would have faced. It was our good fortune to have the assistance of Cynthia Urbach who dealt with the lawyer, the judges and the jail. She was instrumental in my granddaughter's transfer to a fine rehab facility.

Grandmother

____________________

Families In Need of Assistance helps people from all walks of life. After 15 years of failed treatment my luck changed and I met Families In Need of Assistance. I was finally referred to a doctor who could help me and I was able to fly to my granddaughter graduation and walk without a brace and cane. Because of Families In Need of Assistance I extend my gratitude their kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness which has given me a quality of life back.

Woman 70 years old

____________________

"If it hadn't been for the quick action of Families In Need of Assistance, Inc, I don't know what would have happened...everyone said there was nothing wrong with me, but Families In Need of Assistance stepped in took me to Albany Medical Centers emergency room, called the neurologist beforehand and when we got there asked for the stroke team. I was having a stroke and everyone else turned away. Families In Need of Assistance was there and I am okay today." Elderly Woman

____________________

My experience with Cindy Urbach, Families In Need of Assistance's Executive Director, in a particular case or two; has provided me with a comfort in a most troubling time. Because of her extensive knowledge of the courts and the system and their various procedure that deal with problems in a family, she had shown an expertise given to very few, and successfully traversed the path to a solution that is dearly sought" 

Father