September, 2022
'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:
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Families Together in New York State at the NYS Fair |
FTNYS Parent Advisors and Regional Youth Partners were honored to once again partner with the NYS Office of Mental Health to exhibit at the NY State Fair for the second year in a row. Fair officials report total attendance of 878,110, which exceeded last year’s total by 10% . What a great platform for Families Together to spread the word of it’s mission and vision to New York State Families. We are so appreciative to the Office of Mental Health for the opportunity.
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Positions Available:
Office Manager
Family Peer Engagement Advocate - Erie County
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LIFT Legislative Breakfast
September 16, 2022
9:00AM-11:30AM
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Applied Behavioral Analysis & Trauma Informed Care
September 16, 2022 10:00AM-12:00PM
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Youth Summit
September 24th, 2022
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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AMPLIFY-NY Alumni Reunion!
September 28th, 2022 5:00PM
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FANS Basic Training
September 27, 28, 29, & 30, 2022
10:00AM-12:00PM or 5:30PM-7:30 PM
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FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours
Multiple Dates
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Children, Youth, & Families' Behavioral
Health Symposium
Thursday, October 6th, 2022
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HMHK Speakout A Huge Success! |
Over 100 parents, youth, caregivers, and community advocates joined together from across New York State last month to urge state leaders to make children’s behavioral health their priority.
We heard from speakers about mental health and emotional well-being issues impacting children and youth across New York, talked about the issues and barriers impacting your communities, and how we can work together to advocate for solutions to improve these critical needs.
This speakout is just the beginning. Click below to take action and make your voice heard!
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Governor Hochul Announces Statewide Initiatives During Suicide Prevention Month |
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new digital public service campaign and other statewide initiatives to raise awareness of suicide prevention efforts and the mental health resources available to all New Yorkers.
"No New Yorker should suffer alone with crushing thoughts of suicide, especially when help can be one phone call away," Governor Hochul said.
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Every death by suicide is a tragedy that can have a lasting impact on friends, family members and colleagues."
The release also details a suicide prevention conference to be held this year, supporting children and schools with Suicide Prevention efforts, and expansion of suicide prevention training.
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2021 FTNYS Digital Advocacy Center
Stay up-to-date with all our advocacy efforts and use emails, social media, and phone calls. We might have to stay home, but our advocacy doesn't have to.
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Art Expo Event
August 28, 2022
Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY
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On August 28th the DEI Department of Families Together in NYS organized an Art Ability Expo, Celebrating Neurodiverse Artists and Allies at the intersection of their behavioral health challenges. The event was held at the Hadas gallery in the heart of Brooklyn’s burgeoning arts and culture hub.
Neurodiverse individuals aren't just artful, they’re powerful, and their work offers a valuable insight into the dynamics that manifest around different forms of human diversity. These dynamics can often include unequal distribution of social resources; yet when embraced can act as a source of creative potential. The Art Ability Expo provided a powerful platform for artists and attendees to express emotional wellness -- articulate and advocate for a cause or belief. The event was well attended by a rich gathering of cultures.
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kim D. Kaiser spoke passionately about how creativity within Peer Support initiatives bolster encouragement, resiliency, and empowerment for Families and Youth.
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September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month |
Suicide Prevention Links
Need to talk? Or have concerns about someone you love? These resources offer free confidential assistance 24/7:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
9-8-8
Crisis Text Line:
Text HELLO to 741741 or
Text NAMI to 741-741
The Trevor Project (specific help for the LGBTQ community):
Visit
to chat, text, or call a crisis counselor
Affinity Spaces and resources for Black/AA Healing:
Black Emotional and Mental Health
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Remembering 9/11 & Impact on Youth |
As we remember the lives lost on 9/11 we also must remember the impact this event had on the children/youth who lived in areas where this event was witnessed and acutely felt. Overall, community trauma affects whole groups or neighborhoods subjected to interpersonal and structural violence, and historical systemic harm. The events on 9/11 were a sudden, violent attack that struck our country to it's core and added to existing trauma, increased anxiety and distress at higher levels for those in close proximity to this tragedy.
Please check out this article from Columbia University Child Psychiatrist, Dr. Cristiane Duarte, which examines the impact 9/11 had on the Youth of New York City.
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AVAILABLE POSITION:
Central Regional Youth Partner
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must send a resume with a formal cover letter, outlining their lived experience as a youth as described in the qualifications below, to employment@ftnys.org in order to be considered.
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Whole Child Connection (WCC) of Children's Institute is looking to hire high school youth leaders (14+) for the 2022-2023 school year. Please note, per agency policy, proof of COVID vaccination is required.
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Applications are due by Monday, September 19, 2022 |
Join the Youth Power Advisory Council |
Youth Peer Meetings Are Here for You! |
Join Our Peer Supervisors Meetings |
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YPA Level 2, 4-Day Virtual Training:
September 15-16, 2022 and
September 19-20, 2022
12:00PM to 4:00PM each day
FPA Level 2, 4-Day Virtual Training:
October 3-6, 2022
9:30AM to 2:00PM each day
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Social Security Benefit Eligibility and Application Process:
An Information Session for Family and Youth Peer Advocates
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This 90-minute webinar provide you with an introduction to Social Security Administration benefits for adults age 18 and older. This practical “how-to” information may be useful to you, personally. It may also be helpful to Family and Youth Peer Advocates as you support youth and families through this process. The presenters will discuss eligibility for different benefit programs, share their thoughts on how to utilize benefits effectively, dispel some common myths, provide tips for navigating the application and approval process, and more. |
Understanding the Role of YPAs:
A Panel Discussion
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Thursday, October 6, 2022
10:00-11:30am
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This webinar will provide an overview of Youth Peer Support Services. Participants will learn about the history and impact of Youth Peer Support and how it can make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Panelists will discuss their experiences as Youth Peer Advocates as well as addressing a number of other topics such as role clarity, YPA misconceptions, YPA supervision, and more.
Presented by:
Robert Lettieri, YPA-C, NYCPS
Youth Peer Services Training and Credentialing Manager
Families Together in New York State
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FTNYS + SUNY Empire Partnership Overview |
Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) is excited to announce a new development in our partnership with SUNY Empire State College. The Office of Academic Affairs will approve 12 credits to Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs) who earn a Professional Credential.
This partnership will increase access to education, simplify the admissions process, and provide those connected to FTNYS an opportunity to earn college credit for their professional and life experiences.
Join us for a 45-minute lunch-time information session to learn more about this exciting partnership, and how it can benefit your education and career goals.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 12:00PM
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September is National Recovery Month
Resources from the New York State Office of Addiction and Recovery Services
Find resources offered to individuals and families seeking prevention, treatment and recovery services here:
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Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health. Join the celebration by posting or finding an event near you. |
Buffalo Sawubona Healing Circle Facilitator
The Sawubona Healing Circles of New York State is an initiative created by the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) Inc. and funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The goal is to provide non-clinical, culturally relevant support for people to express thoughts, feelings, and stories in a healing way. Culturally grounded in African-centered practices, the model helps address racial and other forms of trauma in communities of color.
There will be three circles a week with four facilitators per circle. Each circle will have an estimated attendance of 20 people per circle.
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New York’s FREE and confidential COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline
1-844-863-9314
8:00am – 10:00pm / 7 Days per week
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EMPOWERING FAMILIES. COORDINATING SYSTEMS.
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