Jay Gullo: a warm welcome for 34 years

For all who have passed through the Villa’s doors – youth, adults, and families – Jay Gullo has been the first friendly face they have met, throughout his 34 years with the Villa, and most recently as the Villa’s Director of Intake.

His style is unique; one of the first things one notices, when he meets with an incoming service recipient, is that he does not sit behind his desk, nor even a table. He may write down a note or two on a nearby pad of paper, but he has no desire to make the intake process “clinical.” It is a face-to-face exchange, relaxed and compassionate. “Think about how you’d like to sit and talk with someone,” Jay says. “Not like you’re being observed, but just having a conversation.”

Jay has seen many changes over the years. Once an orphanage, the Villa transitioned away from that model, and became independent, in the 1970s, from the Catholic Church. The Villa served kids; then acknowledged this service can’t be provided in a vacuum, and took on serving youth and families. And once again, there was a realization that families are part of communities, which led to adult services. Through it all, Jay sees a common thread.

“What has kept me here,” says Jay, “is … if you take away everything else, and just focus on our mission, that is why we’re here. I want to be surrounded by people who believe in our mission. And there are some really amazing people here. Clearly, the individuals we serve come first. It’s nice to work with people who have that priority.”

Our mission:
Villa of Hope partners with individuals, families and communities to Rebuild relationships, Recover potential, and Renew hope for the future.

Jay acknowledges that this mission guides all we do at Villa of Hope.

Jay has seen changes with staff and programs, but also a change in the community’s awareness that the Villa serves all ages. “I am glad we still have some residential services [our LIFE House on campus, and Tuckahoe Road group home], as well as Community Programs, our School, and now our Living Hope Treatment Center and The Steven Center for Behavioral Health. The Villa keeps looking at where the needs are, and how needs are changing. Today, we have the right mix of programs – for today. Tomorrow we may be called to respond to other community issues. But the Villa will be right there.”

Jay’s team manages the “triage” system, with our centralized number where individuals can call to initiate inquiries for services (585-581-HOPE). His team helps direct people all over the Villa; and his team handles intakes for all services except for some Community Programs, and medical intakes for some of our treatment services.

He still sees the Villa as an expert in youth, but with an enhanced ability to embrace the whole community. With the ability to serve youth throughout their entire lives, if that is what is needed. “Our work is truly inspiring,” Jay says. “This work gives perspective; it puts a lot of what’s really important into perspective. When I see some of the things our clients have gone through, and when I see them keep pushing forward, and moving on . . . it reminds me, it reminds us all about the important things in life. The definition of success . . . it has many definitions. We are all very similar, and it is a privilege to work with our clients. The spirit of the Villa is serving those who come to us for help.”

The spirit of the Villa is still alive, now after more than 80 years; and staff like Jay keep it that way.