By Mike Pettinella
In celebrating 50 years of service to the community, UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer Kathy Hodgins credited past and present employees for striving to “treat people with kindness and dignity.”
The nonprofit substance use treatment, prevention, residential, detox and recovery services agency marked its half-century of operation on Thursday night with a 50th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.
Until 2023, it was known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Hodgins, who began her career at UConnectCare in 2002 as an intern, said many of those who choose this field of work have been affected by drug and/or alcohol use in their families.
“Some are in recovery themselves,” she said to the 90 people at the dinner. “All of us come to work to walk alongside people struggling with substance use disorder. We serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community and we serve them with compassion, respect and dignity.”
Hodgins acknowledged the agency’s leaders who came before her, starting with Robert Hoover in 1975 and continuing with Faith (Cole) Peterson from 1985-88, Sharon McWethy from 1988-2000, David Markham from 2000-2011 and John Bennett from 2011-2025.
UConnectCare was recognized through the presentation of proclamations from Sen. George Borrello, Chad Zambito (representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley) and Gregg Torrey, Genesee County legislator.
“We all know there’s a problem (with addiction), it’s a growing problem. But you lift people up, one at a time, and you help their lives. And that’s a beautiful thing,” Borrello said.
The UConnectCare board of directors presented gifts to Hodgins and Bennett in recognition of their leadership, with Board President Tim Batzel praising Hodgins for building upon the foundation of those before her.
“Kathy brings a deep well of knowledge, experience and unwavering commitment to our mission,” Batzel said. “Her leadership is already shaping the future of UConnectCare in meaningful ways and I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with her at the helm.”