Families Together in NYS

Youth Peer Meeting
2025-09-10 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-08 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Location: Zoom
Occurs monthly on the second Wednesday from 3:00pm-4:00pm
Statewide meeting for Youth Peer Advocates
(YPA), Certified Recovery Peer Advocates
(CRPA), New York Certified Peer Specialist
(NYCPS) and others in similar peer-based
roles that work with youth to have an open
discussion about tools and strategies,
advocacy, networking and peer-to-peer
mentorship, and workforce development!
REGISTER HERE!

Advocacy 101
2025-09-14
Systems Advocacy 101

Join the FTNYS Policy Team for an empowering workshop on Systems Advocacy 101. This interactive session will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to understand the world of government and policy, and most importantly, how to use your voice to drive real change.
In this workshop you will gaining a deeper understanding of government structure, the policymaking process, and how decisions are made. You will be able to identifying the issues that matter most to you, while developing powerful advocacy skills and strategies to influence policymakers and make change. Finally, you will connect with like-minded individuals, build a community of support, and becoming a force for positive change.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
Choose the time that works best for you for September 14th, 2025:

Register Here

12:00 PM EST – Register Here

Register Here

6:30 PM EST – Register Here

Developmental Disability Town Hall
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:30
Developmental Disabilities
September 15 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Developmental Disabilities Zoom Link

25th Anniversary of LIFT Legislative Breakfast
2025-09-19 09:00 - 11:30
LIFT Legislative Breakfast

September 19th, 2025
9:00AM-11:30AM
Presented by Long Island Families Together

Register Here

Mental Health/Addiction & Recovery Townhall
2025-09-19 10:30 - 12:30
Mental Health/Addiction & Recovery
September 19 | 10:30 am – 12:30 PM
Commissioner Anne Sullivan (OMH), Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham (OASAS), and Senator Samra Brouk (Committee on mental health chair).

Mental Health/ Addiction & Recovery Zoom Link

Juvenile Justice
2025-09-22 13:00 - 14:30
Juvenile Justice Town Hall
September 22 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Families Together in New York State is hosting our Family Empowerment Town Hall Series this September- and we need your voice! These virtual events bring together families, youth, and community advocates from across New York to speak directly with state commissioners and legislative leaders about the systems that impact our lives. From mental health and substance use services to child welfare, juvenile justice, and developmental disabilities.
Commissioner Rossana Rosado (DCJS).
JOIN HERE: Juvenile Justice Zoom Link

YPA Lived Experience Cafe
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00
Location: Zoom
Event Details: Whether you are new to your role or have been a Youth Peer Advocate for many years, the Lived Experience Cafe is a YPA networking group to share experiences, innovative and effective practices, knowledge and skills, solution to barriers and challenges, and key information supporting your role as Youth Peer Advocates!
REGISTER HERE!

Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support
2025-09-29 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for “Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support,” a training series for parents and caregivers. Delve into key topics with practical tools to support, empower, and connect families.
1st Training: “Dadvocating”
Join us on September 29, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for “Dadvocating,” a specialized training session aimed at empowering fathers and male caregivers. This engaging workshop will cover essential topics such as effective communication, engagement strategies, and advocacy techniques specific to the male caregiving experience. Participants will gain practical tools to help them become more active and confident advocates for their children, learn to navigate challenges in parenting, and strengthen their family connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other fathers and male caregivers while enhancing your parenting skills.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register now to secure your spot.
Register HERE
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JXa1DkDUQpugx1mIS8GfTg#/registration

FPA Lived Experience Cafe
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-04 12:00 - 13:00
Location: Zoom
Occurs monthly on the first Tuesday from 12:00PM-1:00PM
Lived Experience Cafe
Whether you are new to your role or
have been a Family Peer Advocate
for many years, the Lived Experience
Cafe is an FPA networking group to
share experiences, innovative and
effective practices, knowledge and
skills, solution to barriers and
challenges, and key information
supporting your role as Family Peer
Advocates!
REGISTER HERE!

In-person Community Engagement Sessions
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 09:00 - 11:00
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is partnering with the Western New York Departments of Community Services to host in-person Community Engagement Sessions on Oct. 8-10, 2025. The 2023 Community Engagement Sessions took OMH across New York. Now, we are returning to share what we did with your feedback and hear more about your needs and your ideas! There will be sessions in Hornell, Rochester, Buffalo, and Ithaca.

The sessions are open to all community members! We especially want to hear from people who receive or have received mental health services, and people who have wanted to get services but haven’t. Children, youth, adults, older adults, and families are encouraged to attend. There will be breakout groups specifically for young people. If you are a peer or other mental health provider, advocate, or anyone else who works with groups or people who may be interested, please share this information with them!

Please register in advance by clicking on the location you’d like to attend below. The registration form has space to describe any accessibility needs you have. If you need ASL or other language interpretation, please register by Sept. 19 or reach out to feedbackoapss@omh.ny.gov as soon as possible.

Session Details:

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 9, 9-11 a.m.

Rochester Central Library, 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY, 14605

Hornell Community Arts Center, 58 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY, 14843

Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 10, 9-11 a.m.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, 14203

Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St, Ithaca, NY, 14850

Register Here! https://tinyurl.com/nhf7avdv

FTNYS STORY TELLING ACADEMY DOWNSTATE EDITION
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-15 19:30 - 20:30
Join us for an engaging experience where you’ll learn how to craft impactful stories that resonate and drive change. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and connect with others passionate about advocacy.
Please keep in mind this training is primarily for NYC, Lower Hudson, and Long Island Residents.
We will be hosting this training in all areas of the state in the future so keep an eye out on our emails and social media!

Event Details:
Virtual Sessions:
– Dates: October 8th, 15th, 22nd
– Time: 7 PM

In-Person Speakout:
– Date: November 1st
– Time: 1 PM
– Location: Brooklyn, NY

Register Here

If you are accepted into the training you will get more information in a follow up email, such as Zoom Links and the address for the speakout.
If you have questions regarding this registration, call 518-708-3808 or email zkilmer@ftnys.org. Visit www.ftnys.org for more upcoming events, and trainings for families and youth!

In-Person Community Engagement Session
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-10 09:00 - 11:00

YPA Supervisor Experience Cafe
2025-10-14 11:00 - 12:00
Location: Zoom
Occurs bi-monthly on the second Tuesday from 11:00AM-12:00PM
New open forum for YPA supervisors
to discuss the challenges and
successes of supervising youth peer
advocates and to support role clarity!
REGISTER HERE!

YPA Monthly TA Training
2025-10-16 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-11-20 11:30 - 13:00
Location: Zoom
Occurs monthly on the third Thursday from 11:30AM-1:00PM
Trainings designed to meet the
education and professional
developments needs of Youth Peer
Advocates. Active participation and
engagement with these trainings will
help YPAs obtain new skills and learn
with their colleagues across the
state. New topics offered monthly!
Topic suggestions welcomed!
REGISTER HERE!

FPA Monthly TA Training
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:30
Location: Zoom
Occurs monthly on the third Friday from 10:00AM-11:30AM
Trainings designed to meet the
education and professional
developments needs of Family Peer
Advocates. Active participation and
engagement with these trainings will
help FPAs obtain new skills and learn
with their colleagues across the
state. New topics offered monthly!
Topic suggestions welcomed!
REGISTER HERE!

FTNYS STORYTELLING ACADEMY DOWNSTATE EDITION
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30

Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support
2025-10-27 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for “Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support,” a training series for parents and caregivers. Delve into key topics with practical tools to support, empower, and connect families.
2nd Training: Positive Parenting Language
On October 27, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, we invite you to “Positive Parenting Language,” a workshop designed to equip caregivers with effective communication techniques. This session will explore the impact of language on child development and behavioral outcomes. Participants will learn how to utilize strength-based language to foster resilience and encourage positive behaviors in their children. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, caregivers will discover strategies for reframing challenges and promoting a supportive environment. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their parenting skills through the power of positive communication.
Facilitated by Kim Kaiser, Simcha Weinstein, and Micaela Robinson. Continuing education credits available. For inquiries, contact sweinstein@ftnys.org
Register Here
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FN2HxYlaSba5Ekpk9ixu5Q#/registration

FPA Supervisor Experience Cafe
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00
Location: Zoom
Occurs bi-monthly on the second Tuesday from 11:00AM-12:00PM
New open forum for FPA supervisors
to discuss the challenges and
successes of supervising family peer
advocates and to support role clarity
REGISTER HERE!

Families Together in New York State 2025 Statewide Virtual Job Fair November 19th, 2025
2025-11-19 11:00 - 13:00
Families Together in New York State 2025 Statewide Virtual Job Fair
November 19th, 2025

For Participants: Take the first step toward your dream career at the 2025 Statewide Virtual Job Fair by exploring exciting job opportunities, networking, and accessing professional resources like headshots and workshops​

Participant Registration

For Organizations: Join our Statewide Virtual Job Fair to connect with top talent, promote organizational awareness, and streamline your candidate search in an engaging environment​

Organization Registration

2025 Statewide Virtual Job Fair November 19th, 2025
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:00

Real Talk, Real Tools
2025-11-24 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for “Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support,” a training series for parents and caregivers. Delve into key topics with practical tools to support, empower, and connect families.
3rd Training: The Dangers of Passive Screen Time
Join us on November 24, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for “The Dangers of Passive Screen Time.” This important session will address the impact of excessive passive screen time on children and families in today’s digital age. Participants will learn about the potential psychological and developmental risks associated with screen overuse and passive consumption. The workshop will provide practical solutions for promoting active engagement with digital media, including tips for setting healthy boundaries, encouraging interactive screen time, and fostering family activities that nurture in-person connections. This session is ideal for parents and caregivers interested in navigating technology use thoughtfully and effectively.
Facilitated by Kim Kaiser, Simcha Weinstein, and Micaela Robinson. Continuing education credits available. For inquiries, contact sweinstein@ftnys.org
Register Here
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VrybqQCMSRqlDOM6X5zzxQ#/registration
