Friends and Colleagues,
The board and staff at Families Together are so grateful to the hundreds of families, young people, and system allies who joined us in Albany for Family Empowerment Day. Last week, we showed legislators where the
priorities
of New York's families and young people stand. Placing the needs of children and families first remains more important now than ever before.
However, advocacy is not an event, but a process. Movements are not moments, but the sustained, persistent effort of hundreds of people working toward a common goal. Our collective voice shapes policy. No one person or group can do this alone. So together, let's ensure this year's state budget prioritizes the needs of families affected by mental health, juvenile justice, foster care, and addiction. The time to act is now! You are the best advocates to get the message across. Be the change you want to see!
We recognize that the outbreak of COVID-19 complicates this work as legislators may not be taking appointments due to the risk of spreading this illness. We fully appreciate the gravity of this situation and urge you all to take every precaution necessary to keep your family safe and healthy. However, we have long understood that mental health is physical health and long before the COVID-19 crisis, New York faces a children's behavioral health crisis. Our families cannot wait!
Hearing a story about how you have been affected is the best way to inspire action. The stories you tell to your legislators carry weight and offers a human touch to these issues. Let them know that as your representative they have a responsibility to support youth in this year's budget.
Thank you for your continued advocacy. We look forward to working with you this year.
Sincerely,
Paige Pierce, CEO
Families Together in New York State
