|
|
REMINDER: The Families Together Marriott rates for the 2023 Conference will only be available until this Friday, April 21, 2023. |
|
The 2023 Annual Conference is right around the corner.
Join us in Albany on Sunday, April 30 & Monday, May 1.
Justin Michael Williams will be our Conference Keynote Speaker! Don't miss out on the keynote address as well as a multitude of workshops pertaining to youth, family, advocacy, and our workforce.
|
|
View upcoming workshops here.
|
|
May 2023
'The Voice' is Families Together in New York State's monthly newsletter with information that is important to families, and youth across the State of New York.
For further information visit our website:
|
What is
What's Great in Our State?
What's Great in Our State (WGiOS) is a celebration to honor individuals, communities, schools, and organizations across New York State that are making a difference in the field of children and youth mental wellness.
Families Together is so proud to be able to say that two of their very own have been chosen to be honored this year! Heather Tafuro, Regional Parent Advisor for Long Island has been chosen to be recognized in the Parent/Caregiver category and Isaiah Santiago, FTNYS Board of Director and Youth Advisory Board Member is being recognized in the Youth category. We are so very excited for them and can say these two outstanding individuals are so very deserving.
Congratulations
Heather and Isaiah!
|
Selected honorees will be recognized on May 9, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:30 p.m., at the Marriott Hotel in Colonie, New York. The event program will include a keynote, workshops and an opportunity to celebrate those who are working hard to produce positive outcomes for children, youth, young adults and families.
|
|
FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours
Multiple Dates
|
Development, Attachment,
& Mental Health
when working in Foster Care
April 25, 2023
6:00-7:30PM
|
FANS Basic Training
April 10, 11, 12 & 13, 2023
10:00AM-12:30PM
|
2023 Annual Conference
April 30 & May 1, 2023
|
University of Youth Power
July 22-24, 2023
|
|
Family Empowerment Month a Huge Success!
On March 21st, Families Together in New York State held our first in-person Family Empowerment Day since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We are happy to say that our return to Albany was a success! Families and youth from all across the state traveled in to make their voices heard!
View the Full Family Empowerment Day Below!
|
|
New York State is doing an extension of its budget negotiation period. This means there is additional time to push for things like the 8.5% COLA, Solutions not Suspensions, and more! Here are some actions you can take right now for youth and families in New York State.
|
|
During these sessions everyone will discuss the mental health priorities outlined in Governor Hochul’s 2023 State of the State plan and Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget and ask for your feedback on how to best make the new opportunities work for your community. Your input will be integral in OMH’s planning process for these historic resources aiming to expand housing, outpatient programs, school-based clinics and hospital services, and increase insurance coverage for mental health services.
|
|
-
Central - Syracuse - Onondaga Community College: April 18, 2023
-
Central - Syracuse - Onondaga Community College: April 19, 2023
-
North Country - Watertown - Ramada Inn by Wyndham: April 19, 2023
-
North Country - Watertown - Ramada Inn by Wyndham: April 20, 2023
-
North Country - Plattsburgh - Clinton Community College: April 25, 2023
-
Mid-Hudson - Valhalla - SUNY Westchester Community College: April 26, 2023
-
Mid-Hudson - Valhalla - SUNY Westchester Community College: April 27, 2023
|
|
|
|
Solutions not Suspensions Public Hearing
April 20th NYC details:
Pre hearing rally at 8:30 AM at Tweed Courthouse
SNS Public Hearing at 10 am, 250 Broadway
May 3rd Albany details:
SNS Public Hearing at 1 pm, Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, State Street, Albany
|
|
April is Autism Acceptance Month |
Join the discussion to look at how we can go beyond Autism Acceptance month.
This free webinar will delve into the challenges and opportunities that exist beyond mere awareness of autism. As our understanding of autism evolves, it is crucial to explore how we can move beyond awareness toward greater acceptance, inclusion, and support for individuals on the spectrum.
|
Just Being “Aware” Isn’t Enough: Rethinking World Autism Awareness Day
By Shimcha Weinstein
"Just Being “Aware” Isn’t Enough: World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day held annually on April 2, and it’s the kickoff to Autism Awareness Month. As a neurodivergent rabbi, a disability rights advocate, and the father of an autistic child, you might think I’d be all in. But the truth is… I’m not
Don’t get me wrong: Autism awareness is critical. I recognize that awareness is always the first step in mobilizing action for change.
But when does that change actually happen? When do we transition away from simply raising awareness and begin to insist upon something more?"
|
Carly's Café - Experience Autism Through Carly's Eyes |
|
A Proclamation on World Autism Awareness Day, 2023
There is no one way to be autistic — each individual with autism experiences it differently — but together, autistic people make industries, communities, and our Nation stronger. Today, we celebrate the achievements of neurodiverse people everywhere and champion the equal rights and dignity of all those living on the autism spectrum
|
The Color of Autism Foundation is an organization committed to educating and assisting African American families with Autistic children. They provide resources and services to thousands of families through programs centered on health and human services, education and awareness, and outreach and advocacy.
|
The Color of Autism Presents: A Conversation Between Two Fathers. |
Living Autism Out Loud, LLC (LAOL) was founded with the goal of decreasing and eventually eliminating cultural barriers that Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) (parents) face when accessing services and supports for their children with Autism and/or Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.
|
Spotlight On: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Children Identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADDM reports have consistently noted that more white children are identified with ASD than black or Hispanic children. Previous studies have shown that stigma, lack of access to healthcare services due to non-citizenship or low-income, and
non-English primary language are potential barriers to identification of children with ASD especially among Hispanic children. A difference in identifying black and Hispanic children with ASD relative to white children means these children may not be getting the services they need to reach their full potential.
|
|
|
|
Reach out to the
DEI Department
|
Kim D. Kaiser
Simcha Weinstien
Justice Walcott
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The University of
Youth Power is COMING!
|
University of Youth Power Call for Professors is
NOW OPEN!
|
Individuals are not limited to one proposal. We encourage you to consider proposals that address the specific needs of each major or provide advanced and beginner courses to fit the diverse needs of students. Proposals can also include creative and engaging activities for all students to participate in.
Submissions are due April 25th, 2023.
|
Sponsor Youth & Exhibit at UYP |
Exhibit at UYP's Student Resource Fair
The resource fair is an opportunity to network and interact with UYP students and share your resources. The Resource Fair will take place on July 23rd at Siena College in Loudonville, NY
There is NO COST to table.
Exhibitors are encouraged to join UYP Graduation!
|
Support Our Youth & Become a Sponsor!
Your sponsorship will underwrite the registration fee for youth to attend UYP, transportation, meals, boarding, activities, swag bags, and more. Your logo will also be on all materials and here on our webpage!
|
Be an Agent for Change in Your School Community! |
On April 28th, 2023 ROC the Future invites you to come together for a day of learning and camaraderie with youth from across Monroe County.
Strengthen your advocacy and leadership skills while embracing your role as an upstander as we work together to create a better Rochester!
|
NYS has Launched a New Youth Mental Health Listening Tour!
Tackling the youth mental health crisis starts with listening to what our young people have to say about the challenges they’re facing. That’s why NYS has launched aYouth Mental Health Listening Tour.
Listen to Kay-Danielle tell her courageous story to Governer, Kathy Hochul.
|
Mental Health in Communities of Color Symposium
featuring YP Director, Tiara Springer-Love
|
Tiara Springer-Love, Director of Youth Power, delivered the keynote speech at the Mental Health in Communities of Color symposium hosted by UAlbany. The event was a forum for education and collaboration exploring strategies to address trauma and mental health within communities of color.
Spectrum News was present to capture the details.
|
VOYA (Voices of Youth Advisors) is the youth advisory council of Rensselaer County. As a part of VOYA, you become a part of the Youth Power network, the New York State network of young people who have been labeled and who are seeking change.
Who can join?
- Any young person that wants a chance to make a difference
- Young people between the ages of 14 and 28 who live in Rensselaer County
- Have experience(d) in foster care or have received mental health, juvenile justice, substance abuse, and disability and/or special education services or identifies with an at-risk community in Rensselaer County
- Any young person who wants to get $25 for attending county committee meetings
|
Youth Peer Meetings Are Here for You |
Join Our Peer Supervisors Meetings |
Youth Power Leadership Retreat Recap |
The Youth Power board and staff met in conjunction with Family Empowerment Day to collaborate on ideas on how to serve young people and families better, collect and share resources, and build a stronger Youth Power Team. Check out some pictures below to revisit our successful team building retreat! |
|
FPA Level 2, 4-Day Virtual Training:
1-hour orientation
August 2 @ 9:30am - 10:30am
plus 4-day training:
August 3-4 & 7-8, 2023
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day
A few spots remain!
Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to register today!
YPA Level 2, 4-Day Virtual Training:
September 14-15 & 18-19, 2023
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day
|
Understanding ACEs on the Journey to Adulthood: A Panel Discussion with YPAs
Thursday, April 27, 2023
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
|
Adolescence and young adulthood can be a challenging period of life for anyone, and it can be even more challenging when living with a history of ACEs. However, young people can and do heal and grow despite their ACEs histories. In this panel discussion, Youth Peer Advocates will share their experience with ACEs, talk about living with their own adversity and also supporting their peers with similar histories. They will share their thoughts and insights about how to address ACEs and build resilience among young people. This can help inform how our systems can be more trauma-informed in their approach to working with young people impacted by ACEs. |
Burnout Prevention Through Compassion Training |
Recording of presentation by
Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC)
|
Mental healthcare professionals are called upon to meet and stay with suffering. The cost of caring, sometimes in difficult work environments can lead to exhaustion and empathy fatigue, depleting the very core of what draws us to this work: our care for others. This state is often referred to as ‘burnout’. It is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion experienced as the culmination of job-related stress. This presentation provides an introduction to the science of compassion, clarifying how cultivating related skills may protect against burnout, and help practitioners reconnect with professional meaning. |
The New York State Office of Mental Health is excited to share the newest educational resource about 988 in New York. The Just the Facts infographic includes several key facts about 988, such as details on who answers 988 calls and how 988 differs from 911.
|
|
EMPOWERING FAMILIES. COORDINATING SYSTEMS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
