Family Comes First Four-Part Television Series Premieres Exclusively on Telecare Vincent J. Russo and KJOY-FM's Kim Berk Co-Host

Family Comes First™ is a four-part television series that focuses on challenges real-life Long Island families are facing and offers viewers advice and resources from leading Long Island community organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter; Alzheimer's Association, Long Island; and United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County. Vincent J. Russo, Managing Shareholder, Vincent J. Russo & Associates, P.C. and Kim Berk, of KJOY-FM's Jim and Kim in the Morning show, co-host.

I was thrilled when Vincent called and asked if I would co-host Family Comes First™

Westbury, NY (PRWEB) May 9, 2008 -- Today, good reality programming will premiere exclusively on Telecare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Family Comes First™ is a four-part television series that focuses on challenges real-life Long Island families are facing and offers viewers advice and resources from leading Long Island community organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter; Alzheimer's Association, Long Island; and United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County. Vincent J. Russo, Managing Shareholder, Vincent J. Russo & Associates, P.C. and Kim Berk, of KJOY-FM's Jim and Kim in the Morning show, co-host.

Family Comes First™ is about sharing, educating, relating and responding to life's challenges. Each episode focuses on one topic - Arthritis, Elder Care, Alzheimer's, Special Needs - profiles the challenges and triumphs of one family, offers viewers information on resources available to them from local community organizations and is highlighted by a spiritual message given by Monsignor James M. Mc Namara, pastor of Holy Cross Church in Nesconset, NY. Monsignor McNamara embraces the storyline of each episode with spiritual reflections and practical advice.

Here's a snapshot of each episode:

The Haubner Family Story - Mark, who was severely-challenged by osteoarthritis at the age of forty-four, shares his story, his family and his advice for living with arthritis. Mr. Pat McAsey and Ms. Pat Brasley from the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter share insights, resources and news on the latest in treatment.

The Belmonte Family Story - Peter, a baby-boomer, is juggling a job, his own family of four, his responsibilities to his Mom who lives in the community, and his Father, who after a painful family decision, is in a nursing home. How does this family cope? Our very own co-host, Vincent J. Russo speaks to viewers about the importance of planning.

Gloria & David Richmond's Story - Gloria's story about her husband, David, is heart-warming and heart-breaking, emotions not unknown to those who suffer silently through the effects of Alzheimer's on a loved one. What are her emotions, experiences, support system? Ms. MaryAnn Malach-Ragona, Executive Director and CEO, Alzhiemer's Association, Long Island shares information, resources and the latest news in research for treatment with viewers.

Kiara and Monique English's Story - How many single mothers are out there like Monique English whose heart is bursting with joy because her twenty-one-year-old daughter, Kiara, is graduating? Kiara is graduating from the Children's Learning Center at United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County (UCPN), Roosevelt, Long Island, where she has been a student since the age of three. Monique tells their story and Mr. Kurt Murgo of UCPN offers viewers advice and information about resources.
    
When asked about how he conceived both the title and the content of the series, Vincent J. Russo states, "The time is always right for family. All of us can relate, in one way or another, to the real families in our series. You realize that if you change a name or a face, it could be YOU. Family Comes First™ affirms that family and community are the answers. We need each other as we journey together through life."

"I was thrilled when Vincent called and asked if I would co-host Family Comes First™," said Kim Berk. "I have met so many special and inspirational people doing this program. If we can help just one person or one family through this effort, then it is a complete success."

Family Comes First™ Air Dates & Times
Exclusively on Telecare:
Cablevision, Channel 29 (Nassau & Suffolk); Channel 73 (Brookhaven)
Verizon FIOS TV Channel 271

The Haubner Family Story - Arthritis
Friday, 5/9, 11:00am
Tuesday, 5/13, 2:00pm
Thursday, 5/15, 9:00pm

The Belmonte Family Story - Elder Care
Friday, 5/16, 11:00am
Tuesday, 5/20, 2:00pm
Thursday, 5/22, 9:00pm

Gloria & David Richmond's Story - Alzheimer's
Friday, 5/23, 11:00am
Tuesday, 5/27, 2:00pm
Thursday, 5/29, 9:00pm

Kiara and Monique English's Story - Special Needs
Friday, 5/30, 11:00am
Tuesday, 6/3, 2:00pm
Thursday, 6/5, 9:00pm

About the Co-Hosts:
Vincent J. Russo brings over twenty years of professional experience to Family Comes First™ as an attorney and an advocate for seniors, children and adults with special needs. He is an author, lecturer and teacher.

Kim Berk is the co-host of KJOY-FM's Jim and Kim in the Morning radio show and host of Island Outlook.

About Telecare
Telecare is a not-for-profit, state of the art television and production facility of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. For more than 30 years, Telecare has been dedicated to answering a critical need on Long Island: to provide millions of viewers with quality, value-oriented television. The Telecare schedule airs 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, reaching millions of households, spreading God's Word through its religious and educational programming, touching the lives of people of faith wherever they may be.

Editor's Note: For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Dawn Maniglia at 917.862.5444.

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