Pictured from left, Anthony J. Picente, Jr., Oneida County Executive, Taralyn (Tara) Costello, 2013 Amethyst Award Recipient, Cassandra Sheets, LMSW, CEO for Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc.
(Utica, NY – April 2013) Every year, one or more members of the Community are recognized for having made significant contributions in the fields of mental health and chemical dependency, as well as their treatment and prevention – through the message of hope and recovery – with the receipt of the Amethyst Award; given by Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR, Inc.) at their annual April Awareness Breakfast.
CFLR, Inc. would like to congratulate Mrs. Taralyn (Tara) Costello on being this year’s recipient of the 2013 Amethyst Award on Tuesday April 2 at the 
15th annual April Awareness Breakfast. Costello, Director of Substance Abuse Services & Dual Recovery Coordinator at the Oneida County Department of Mental Health, received this award for “improving the delivery of services to people with both mental illness and substance abuse” in her role at O.M.H.; outstanding advocacy
“I’ve always had a fascination with understanding the reason[s] for why things are the way that they are,” said Taralyn (Tara) Costello. “It’s helped guide me…[and] made a real difference in the lives of others…[and] myself. That’s what motivates me…giving a sense of hope to others,” said Costello.
Upon graduating from Utica College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Taralyn took a position at Rome Memorial Hospital’s Community Recovery Center, as a therapist, where she counseled individuals suffering from various addictions, and assisted them in obtaining the necessary skills needed to regain control of their lives.
In 2008, she joined the Oneida County Office of Mental Health’s team.
“I truly love what I’m doing now…[and] it’s definitely a change for me…now [I’m] advocating on their behalf…[in order] to provide them with quality treatment options, and oversight of the types of services needed & being offered [in our community],” said Costello.