Cornell University is one of more than a dozen lead contributors to a new capital campaign for one of Tompkins County's oldest and largest human service agencies. The Family and Children's Service (FCS) kicked off its $2.5 million "Opening New Doors" campaign Nov. 23 at the agency's new location, 127 W. State Street. The campaign has already raised more than $2.06 million to expand FCS's mental health, youth and home care programs and facilities.

At the kickoff, a new waiting room was named after the late Frances Ramin, M.A. '52, a former FCS board member and longtime agency supporter. She was the wife of the late Dick Ramin '51, the university's lead development officer for many years. Susan Murphy, vice president of student and academic services, was on hand for the naming announcement, as was Peggy Ramin '12, Frances Ramin's granddaughter and a Cornell freshman. The keynote speaker was the syndicated advice columnist Amy Dickinson, who writes the "Ask Amy" column for the Chicago Tribune. Dickinson grew up in nearby Freeville, N.Y.

FCS provides mental health counseling, psychiatry, home health care and youth services to thousands of community members and to the employees of 66 area businesses through its Employee Assistance Program. Cornell's gift recognizes the university's long-standing collaboration with FCS's Employee Assistance Program and Gannett Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services Program.

With a total of 22,000 square feet, the new building will eventually house all of the agency's services in one centrally located, handicapped accessible location. The new facility, which will replace two outdated and inadequate buildings, includes more individual and group counseling rooms, observation rooms and offices dedicated to psychiatric services. The additional space will also enable the agency to reduce the waiting list for children who need early intervention and other help.

The campaign hopes to reach its $2.5 million goal by the end of 2009.