Utica, NY (February 2026) — The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) is proud to announce that the inaugural Dry January Mohawk Valley Challenge, created and led by The Mindful Mixer, raised $460 to support prevention, recovery, and mental health services in the Mohawk Valley.
The month-long community wellness initiative encouraged participants to explore mindful drinking, personal wellness, and community connection throughout January. Participants received guided weekly support, mocktail recipes, reflection tools, and access to a private support community while tracking the money they saved by reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
At the end of the challenge, participants gathered at Vine & Fig in Rome for a celebration event that included mocktails, reflection, and the presentation of the donation to CFLR. In addition to individual contributions from participants, local restaurant partners Vine & Fig and Beeches Manor supported the initiative by featuring a weekly Mindful Mixer mocktail throughout January and donating $1 from each mocktail sold to CFLR. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and creativity behind this initiative,” said Cassandra Sheets, CEO of CFLR. “The Dry January Mohawk Valley Challenge not only raised funds for our organization but also created meaningful conversations around wellness, recovery, and community support. Initiatives like this help reduce stigma and remind people they are not alone.”
The challenge was developed and facilitated by Cristi Kaido, founder of The Mindful Mixer, whose wellness-focused mocktail workshops and community programming emphasize mindfulness, nutrition, and connection. Community support for the initiative also included contributions from Clinton Fit Body Boot Camp and Whitesboro Fit Body Boot Camp, who helped introduce the challenge locally.
Funds raised will support CFLR’s ongoing work providing prevention education, recovery support services, mental health programming, and community outreach across the Mohawk Valley. “This challenge showed what can happen when local businesses, wellness leaders, and community members come together with a shared purpose,” Cassandra added. “We are honored to have been part of it.”
To learn more about The Mindful Mixer and upcoming wellness experiences, visit www.mindfulmixercny.com.
Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com
