Families Together in NYS

Family Empowerment Teach-In: Executive Budget Proposal Overview!
2025-02-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Family Empowerment Teach-In: Executive Budget Proposal Overview!
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 2-3:30 PM
The New York State budget season is underway! To inform our network about what’s at stake in this year’s budget fight, we’re hosting a Family Empowerment Teach-in on the Executive Budget Proposal.
Join us on February 6th from 2:00-3:30pm to:

Get a refresher on the state budget process,
Learn about Governor’s Hochul’s proposed state budget and how it compares to our FTNYS budget priorities, and;
Plug in to our advocacy efforts such as our upcoming Family Empowerment day on March 3rd.

Knowledge is power! Learn what you need to know to advocate effectively for systems change on behalf of all families and young people. In advance of the teach-in, linked here is an overview of our children’s behavioral health budget priorities and an overview of the Governor’s budget proposal prepared by Spencer Consulting.
Register HERE

FANS TA January
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:00
FANS Technical Assistance & Learning Community – 2025 Office Hours

Do you have questions about how to introduce the FANS?
Are there challenges engaging families in using the FANS tool?
Do you have questions on how to create goals and plans using the FANS?
Are you struggling with any part of FANS?
Do you need support?
Is it time for Recertification?

Please Join the FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours Learning Community.
Office Hours TBD each month via Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register Here.
Questions: Susan Lewis SLewis@ftnys.org

FPA Monthly TA Training
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:30
FPA Monthly TA Trainings
Occurs monthly on the third
Friday from10:00AM-11:30AM
Dynamic presentations from trusted
experts on popular topics to educate
and strengthen the workforce!
Register Here

YPA Monthly TA Training
2025-01-16 11:30 - 13:00
YPA Monthly TA Trainings
Occurs monthly on the third
Thursday from 11:30am – 1:00pm
Dynamic presentations from trusted experts on popular topics to educate
and strengthen the youth peer advocate workforce and earn continuing education!
Register Here

FPA Supervisor Experience Cafe
2025-01-14 11:00 - 12:00
FPA Supervisor Experience Cafe
Occurs bi-monthly on the second
Tuesday from11:00AM-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

FANS Basic Training
2025-01-14 10:00 - 2025-01-15 15:30
The Family Needs & Strengths (FANS) assessment and outcome tool for Family Peer Support is derived from the Child Needs & Strengths (CANS), developed by Dr. John Lyons. Seeing the need for a Family Peer Support Services assessment and outcome tool was developed in partnership with New York State Western Region Family Peer Support Services Program Directors, Dr. Lyons, and strongly encouraged and endorsed by New York State Office of Mental Health.
Participants must complete the following:

Full Training Schedule along with homework
Must participate in-person (virtually) for full training schedule to be able to take the test and use the tool effectively!
As this is an interactive participatory training, please have your camera on all the time.
We offer TA monthly calls to support you and the use of the tool with parents/caregivers.
Please plan on attending at least the first TA call after taking FANS Basic.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with link to join the meeting.
Click here to register
Click here to learn more.

Youth Peer Advocate
2025-01-09 15:00 - 16:00
Statewide meeting for Youth Peer Advocates, Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA), and others in similar peer-based roles that work with youth to have an open discussion about tools and strategies, advocacy, and workforce development! YPM provide a statewide platform for peers of all roles to network, develop skills, and learn about advocacy opportunities.
Topics are determined based on what participants express they are interested in.
Occurs monthly on the second Thursday from 3:00PM – 4:00PM
REGISTER HERE

Youth Peer Meetings
2025-01-09 15:00 - 16:00
YOUTH PEER MEETINGS
Occurs monthly on the second
Thursday from 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Statewide meeting for Youth Peer Advocates,
Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA),
and others in similar peer-based roles that
work with youth to have an open discussion
about tools and strategies, advocacy, and
workforce development!
Register Here

Youth Peer Meetings
2025-01-09 15:00 - 16:00
Youth Peer Meetings
Occurs monthly on the second Thursday from 3:00pm- 4:00pm
Statewide meeting for Youth Peer Advocates,
Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA),
and others in similar peer-based roles that
work with youth to have an open discussion
about tools and strategies, advocacy, and
workforce development!
Register Here

FANS Basic Training November
2024-12-16 10:00 - 2024-12-17 15:30 | Zoom
FANS Basic Training

December 16th & 17th 2024
10:00AM – 3:30PM
Register in advance for this meeting here.
For questions & general information about FANS contact: Susan Lewis, Family Systems Engagement Coordinator
Email: SLewis@ftnys.org

FANS Training Overview for Supervisors Assessment/Outcome Tool
2024-12-13 10:00 - 11:30
FANS Training Overview for Supervisors Assessment/Outcome Tool
When: December 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
This session is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of the FANS tool and how it can strengthen the work of your FPA team. Key benefits include:

Gain insights into the FANS assessment framework and its alignment with FPA goals
Learn strategies for leveraging FANS data to support families and youth
Discover how the FANS can enhance your FPAs’ effectiveness in the field
Is for Supervisors of FPAs.
To gain an understanding of the FANS tool to support FPAs.
Is how the FANS supports the FPAs work with the Family and Youth goals

Register Here
For Any questions, please contact Susan Lewis at slewis@ftnys.org

Equity Empowered Training Series
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:30
Equity Empowered Training Series
When: Dec. 12, 2024
Time: 10:00- 11:30am
Learn the benefits of incorporating family input and culture, within clinical settings. Implement inclusive platforms for family feedback, leadership, and training to enhance your organizations culture and impact.
Register Here

Supporting Youth & Young Adults with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
2024-11-26 12:30 - 14:00
Supporting Youth & Young Adults with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
Overview: The needs and experiences of youth with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions can be vastly different from those of most young people. A Youth Peer Advocate may need to use different approaches and tools to best serve this population. In this webinar, we will discuss the various types of developmental disabilities, the unique challenges faced by youth with these conditions, strategies for supporting them, and provide an overview of developmental disability services.
Presenters: Cathy Kent, BA, Psychology, MS, I-O Psychology
Melanie Hecker, BA, MPA Degree in Public Policy and Administration
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Date: November 26th, 2024
Register Here
For More Click Here

Equity Empowered
2024-11-19 10:00 - 11:30
Highly Participatory Processes: Engaging and Integrating Family Voices

Date: 19 November
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This session will cover methods for engaging and integrating family voices through participatory processes.
Register Here: bit.ly/4fnNvJD

Register

FTNYS FPA TA Call (Monthly 3rd Fridays)
2024-11-15 12:30 - 14:00
Date & Time:
Nov 15, 2024 12:30 PM – 2:00PM

Join dynamic presentations on popular topics to strengthen the Family Peer Advocate workforce and earn continuing education credits! Monthly meetings use the same ZOOM Link.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsdOCurjIsGdV-UNaspC00I9ir-7nrw531#/registration

Systems Advocacy 101
2024-11-14 | Zoom
Join The Policy Team at FTNYS to discuss the basics of government and civics while also going over how we can use our advocacy to change the system!
Date: November 14th, 2024
Choose the time that works best for you –
12:00 PM or 6:30 PM – and register using the corresponding link.
2:00PM bit.ly/4felrHw
6:30PM bit.ly/3A54EIc

Equity Empowered
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
Shattering the Stigma: FPA Strategies for Reducing Stigma in Mental Health and Autism

Date: 29 October
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This workshop aims to provide strategies for reducing stigma in mental health and autism.
Shattering the Stigma: FPA Strategies for Reducing Stigma in Mental Health and AutismRegister here: bit.ly/4c9jj1Z

Register

20th Annual LIFT Legislative Breakfast
2024-10-17 09:00 - 11:30 | Melville Marriot, 1350 Old Walk Whitman Rd, Melville, NY, 11747, United States
“LIFT-ing up the Champions for Long Island Families!”

The 20th Annual Legislative Breakfast
The Legislative Breakfast is an important opportunity for Long Island community members to meet with Legislators to discuss our needs for families and youth. We will have an engaging discussion about developments and challenges that impact children’s mental health services on Long Island, and across New York State.

This years event is in-person!

When: October 17th, 2024
Time: 9:00AM-11:30AM
Presented by Long Island Families Together

Where: Melville Marriott
1350 Walt Whitman Rd,
Melville, NY 11747

$30 to attend
Caregivers, Children & Legislators are FREE

Register Now

For questions and concerns, please contact, LIFT Executive Director, Andrea Stolz, at astolz@lift4kids.org

Download and Share the Save the Date Here

Strategic Sharing Training
2024-09-30 16:30 | Zoom
Strategic-Sharing Training
Date: September 30, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Description
Sharing our lived experiences involving systems or childhood trauma can be challenging, yet it offers numerous rewards for both the youth and the person sharing. This training session aims to equip participants with the skills to effectively structure and communicate their life events in a story format. Participants will also explore triggers by learning how to avoid triggering others and cope with their own triggers.YPAs will learn how to use their story to model healing and recovery through adversity. Young leaders and YPAs will gain the chance to learn peer skills and create a safe environment to connect on shared lived experiences.
What You’ll Learn

How to organize life events into a compelling story structure
Understanding and managing triggers:

Techniques to avoid triggering others
Coping strategies for personal triggers

Using your story to model healing and recovery through adversity

Who Should Attend

Young Peer Advocates (YPAs)
Young leaders
Anyone interested in trauma-informed storytelling

Benefits

Develop valuable peer support skills
Create a safe environment for sharing lived experiences
Connect with others who have similar backgrounds
Learn to use your story as a tool for healing and empowerment

Join us for this empowering session and discover how your story can make a difference!
Register here: bit.ly/3YVMkLF
Strategic Sharing Training Flyer

FANS TA
2024-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
FANS Technical Assistance & Learning Community – 2024 Office Hours

Please Join the FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours Learning Community.
Office Hours TBD each month via Zoom
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
FANS TA Flyer Here
Click date to register!
September 25th, 2024
Register in advance for meetings.
Questions: Susan Lewis SLewis@ftnys.org

FANS Basic Training
2024-09-16 10:00 - 2024-09-17 15:00
FANS Basic Training

September 16th & 17th, 2024
10:00AM – 3:30PM
Register in advance for this meeting here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with link to join the meeting.

(Please save the Zoom confirmation email in your calendar)
For questions call or email: Sue Lewis, slewis@ftnys.org

Download The Flyer Here
For More: https://www.ftnys.org/workforce/family-needs-strengths-fans/

Equity Empowered Inclusive Training Series
2024-08-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Intention and Impact: Empowering Family Culture, Identity, and Lived Expertise

Date: 29 August
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This workshop focuses on empowering family culture, identity, and utilizing lived expertise.

Register

Faith-Based Communities as Natural Supports

Date: 25 September
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This session will explore how faith-based communities can serve as natural supports.

Register

Shattering the Stigma: FPA Strategies for Reducing Stigma in Mental Health and Autism

Date: 29 October
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This workshop aims to provide strategies for reducing stigma in mental health and autism.

Register

Highly Participatory Processes: Engaging and Integrating Family Voices

Date: 19 November
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This session will cover methods for engaging and integrating family voices through participatory processes.

Register

For any questions, please contact: YWynter@ftnys.org. Continuing education credits are available!

2024 Families Together In New York State Annual Conference
2024-05-05 08:00 - 2024-05-06 17:00 | Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY, Albany, NY, 12205, United States
Families Together In New York State: Strong Roots for Success: Cultivating a Continuum of Care for Children, Youth & Families
2024 Annual conference!

FANS Technical Assistance & Learning Community
2024-03-27 10:00 | Zoom
Do you have questions about how to introduce the FANS?
Are there challenges engaging families in using the FANS tool?
Learn about updates since you took the original FANS basic class!
Do you just need a re-fresher class?
Do you just have questions on how to create goals and plans using the FANS?
Are you struggling with any part of FANS?
Do you need support?
Is it time for Recertification?

Please Join the FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours Learning Community On March 27th, at 10:00AM
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcufuqhpjwvGNCjwxEQeSJ4wKHw3GefdsQj#/registration
CONTACT: SUSAN. LEWIS, AT SLEWIS@FTNYS.ORG
FOR MORE INFO:https://www.ftnys.org/workforce/family-needs-strengths-fans/

Family Empowerment Day (FED)
2024-03-19

FANS Basic Training March 18, 19, 20 & 21, 2024
2024-03-18 - 2024-03-21 | Zoom
FANS Basic Training
ZOOM EVENT

March 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st 2024
10:00AM – 12:30PM

Criteria for taking FANS Basic Training

https://www.ftnys.org/workforce/family-needs-strengths-fans/

Information on how to become a credentialed FPA

https://www.ftnys.org/workforce/family-peer-advocate-credential/

Currently work as an FPA, or have worked as an FPA within the last calendar year

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpceirrj4sE9PEK1et_k7tbUt9yYBnuokT#/registration
FOR MORE CONTACT: SUSAN. LEWIS, AT SLEWIS@FTNYS.ORG

Youth Justice Townhall
2024-03-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join us for our Mental Health Townhall during our Family Empowerment Month (FEM) Featuring Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, and DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado.
?️ Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.
? Time: 3:00 P.M.
This engaging event promises insightful discussions, valuable perspectives, and opportunities to connect with your fellow community leaders.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to engage, advocate and partake in an impactful dialogue surrounding youth justice.
Mark your calendars and save the date!
We look forward to your participation and meaningful contributions.
REGISTER HERE: Family Empowerment Townhalls 2024 (cognitoforms.com)

Child Welfare Townhall
2024-03-11 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for our Child Welfare Townhall during our Family Empowerment Month (FEM) Featuring Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and OCFS Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave
?️ Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
? Time: 1:00 P.M.
This engaging event promises insightful discussions, valuable perspectives, and opportunities to connect with your fellow community leaders.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to engage, advocate and partake in an impactful dialogue surrounding child welfare.
Mark your calendars and save the date!
We look forward to your participation and meaningful contributions.
REGISTER HERE: Family Empowerment Townhalls 2024 (cognitoforms.com)

Developmental Disability Town Hall Event
2024-03-07 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for our Family Empowerment Month (FEM) Developmental Disabilities Townhall event featuring Assemblywoman Rebecca A. Seawright and the OPWDD Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld!
?️ Date: Thursday, March 7th, 2024
? Time: 1:00 P.M.
This engaging event promises insightful discussions, valuable perspectives, and opportunities to connect with your fellow community leaders.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to engage, advocate and partake in an impactful dialogue surrounding developmental disabilities.
Mark your calendars and save the date!
We look forward to your participation and meaningful contributions.

REGISTER HERE: https://cognitoforms.com/FamiliesTogetherInNewYorkState/FamilyEmpowermentTownhalls202

Mental Health Townhall
2024-03-06 10:00 | Zoom
Mental Health Townhall
Join us for our Family Empowerment Month (FEM)Featuring Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther, Senator Samra Brouk, and OMH Commissioner Ann Marie T Sullivan.
?️ Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
? Time: 10:00 A.M.
This engaging event promises insightful discussions, valuable perspectives, and opportunities to connect with your fellow community leaders.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to engage, advocate and partake in an impactful dialogue surrounding Mental Health.
Mark your calendars and save the date!
We look forward to your participation and meaningful contributions.
REGISTER HERE: Family Empowerment Townhalls 2024 (cognitoforms.com)
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