Join families and young people across

New York State for a month of advocacy about topics and issues that are important to you!

We are hosting a series of townhalls throughout the month leading up to our rally and march in Albany on March 19.

What's Great In Our State

Save the date and join us on May 7, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM for What's Great In Our State, an in-person event that acknowledges the efforts of programs, organizations, teachers, caregivers, and young individuals across New York State who positively impact the social-emotional health and overall well-being of children.



Registration TBD.

Register TODAY for Family Empowerment Day!

We are about one month away from Family Empowerment Day! Register TODAY to make your voice heard! The event is FREE and transportation and food will be provided to all who register.

State Budget Breakdown!

The state budget session is well underway! Our Public Policy Director, Brad Hansen, and team lobbyist, Karin Carreu, summarized what is in Governor Hochul's state budget proposal. You can find that video above.

We have also released our Policy Priorities for this year. We hope to get as much of this in the final budget as possible in order to best serve the youth and families of New York State.

Full Family Empowerment Townhall Schedule Now Available!

The full schedule for the town halls is now open! Register today!

Developmental Disabilities Townhall

Featuring Assemblywoman Rebecca A. Seawright, and OPWDD Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld

Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.

Mental Health Townhall

Featuring Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther, Senator Samra Brouk, and OMH Commissioner Ann Marie T Sullivan.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.

Youth Justice Townhall

Featuring Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, and DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Addiction & Recovery Townhall

Featuring Assemblyman Phil Steck, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham

Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 12:00 P.M.

Child Welfare Townhall

Featuring Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and OCFS Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave

Monday, March 11th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.

Education Townhall

Featuring Senator Shelley Mayer, and DOE Commissioner Betty Rosa

Monday, February 26, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.

Zoom links for each townhall are available on the FEM 2024 Webpage.

Joint Legislative Public Hearing on Mental Hygiene

On February 14th, the NYS Legislature help a Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2024 Executive Budget Proposal on Mental Hygiene.

Our CEO, Paige Pierce, spoke on on panel 3. She addressed the critical need for increased investment in children's behavioral health, emphasized reforms and funding to meet the growing demand and improve the existing system.

Our Issues in the News

• Gen Z and millennials want to have a chat about mental health. With politicians
• Zuckerberg claims social media isn’t harmful to mental health — here’s what the science says
• When the Biggest Student Mental Health Advocates Are the Students
• 6 things teens say they really need for their mental health
• The worst of the pandemic is behind us. College students’ mental health needs are not

The Intersection of Black History Month and Mental Health Awareness 

Black History Month offers a critical lens to examine the intersection of race, history, and mental health, fostering awareness, advocacy, and empowerment within the Black community and beyond. 

Points to Consider: 

Historical Trauma: Black History Month is a time to reflect on the history of African Americans, including the trauma of slavery, systemic racism, and discrimination. These historical injustices have had long-lasting effects on the mental health of Black individuals and communities. Acknowledging this history is crucial for understanding the present-day mental health challenges faced by many African Americans. 

Stigma and Barriers to Care: Mental health stigma remains a significant issue within the Black community, often stemming from cultural norms, historical distrust of medical institutions, and systemic inequalities in access to care. Black History Month provides an opportunity to address and challenge these stigmas, encouraging open conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed. 

Intersectional Identities: Black individuals often navigate multiple intersecting identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status, which can impact their mental health experiences. Black History Month offers a platform to discuss how these intersecting identities shape mental health outcomes and access to resources, highlighting the need for culturally competent and intersectional approaches to mental health care. 

Celebrating Resilience and Strength: Black History Month celebrates African Americans' resilience, strength, and achievements throughout history. Recognizing and honoring this resilience can also promote mental well being by providing positive representations and narratives that counter stereotypes and empower individuals within the Black community. 

Advocacy and Policy Reform: Black History Month is a call to action for addressing systemic inequalities and injustices, including those within the mental health care system. It provides an opportunity to advocate for policy reforms that promote equitable access to mental health services, culturally responsive care, and initiatives to address social determinants of mental health within Black communities. 

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Black History and Systemic Disparities: A Bitter-Sweet Celebration

 Author: Kesi Songbo 

Explore the complex intersection of Black History and ongoing systemic disparities in this insightful article by Kesi Songbo. Delve into the bitter-sweet celebration of Black accomplishments, the enduring impacts of racial trauma, and the ongoing fight for mental health equity. Discover a call to action for cultural humility training, diverse services, and inclusive platforms to empower the Black community and drive positive change in mental health care.