Families Together in NYS

Mental Health 101: Awareness Training
2022-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Thursday, March 24th, 2022
10:00 am – 12:00PM
Presented by: Jasmine Lucas
Email: jlucas@mhaw.org
Goals of the training:

Increase basic knowledge of mental health to help reduce stigma.
Understand Mental Health as a continuum of wellness that defines us every day — it is
illness, recovery and all of the space in between.
Promote wellness, treatment seeking behavior, recovery and self-care.

Why is this important?
Consider this: the median time between the onset of mental illness (when symptoms first appear) and when an individual gets appropriate treatment is 10 years. During that time time, a person is likely experiencing periods of increased symptomology and periods of wellness.
Mental Health and recovery are dependent on an individual’s ability to recognize and manage where he/she is each day on the continuum between wellness and illness and take care accordingly, an important piece to quality of life. Education and early intervention promotes wellness.
Join zoom meeting: bit.ly/3w5cVaO

Meeting ID: 832 3192 0066 | Passcode: [REDACTED]
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Heather Tafuro, at htafuro@ftnys.org, or Cheryl Williams, at cwilliams@ftnys.org

Helping Families Get OFF the Crisis Roller Coaster
2021-12-07 13:00 - 15:00
December 7th, 2021
1:00pm to 3:00pm via Zoom
Understanding the Stress Model of Crisis
Emotional First Aid
and
The Role Trauma Plays in CRISIS

Presenter:
Ken Tangel, MA
Terebinth Counseling

Register in advance for this meeting
REGISTER NOW

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Virtual Foundations for Leadership (pt.2)
2021-11-18 17:00 - 18:30
Join us Monday, November 8, 2021 at 06:30 PM
& Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 05:00 PM

Join the discussion on how to support your youth as they learn and develop their self-advocacy skills! Foundations for Leadership is a FREE workshop series connected to VYLFs and offered in the community for parents/caregivers of youth with disabilities that brings together both the family and youth perspective.

You might have questions, thoughts and ideas – we are here to help support you through the teenage and young adult transitions! A special time for parents and caregivers to learn and support each other together. Letting go is hard to do, come and lean from others how to step back and watch your youth take on leadership roles. If you have a youth attending the virtual AMPLIFY-NY YLF this is the parent /caregiver meetings for YOU!

We highly encourage participants to attend BOTH days of the workshop. If you can’t please let us know which day you will attend when completing the registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You must register for each date separately.

November 8, 6:30- 8:00 PM Registration

November 18, 5:00- 6:30 PM Registration

Building Resilience: A Developmental Perspective
2021-11-17 00:00 - 02:00
Date: November 17th, 2021
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Resilience is an essential and necessary part of emotional and physical health. In this workshop participants will not only learn basic principles but also will explore many ways that being resilient helps. Learning to reduce the negative impact of traumatic events and stress.
Facilitated by:
Mansour (Max) Banilivy
Director of Clinical Training, Education and Field Placement,
WellLife Network Long Island and New York City

max.banilivy@welllifenetwork.org
Phone: 631-896-8387
REGISTER HERE

Virtual Foundations for Leadership
2021-11-08 18:30 - 20:00

AMPLIFY-NY's Virtual Youth Leadership Forum
2021-11-08 15:00 - 2021-11-17 17:00
November 8th – 10th & 15th – 17th
3:00 Pm – 5:00 PM
AMPLIFY-NY is hosting Youth Leadership Forums (YLF) for young people, who identify as having a disability, ages 14-24 to speak up, build leadership & self-advocacy skills, and prepare to take on leadership roles.
LEARN ABOUT:

Leadership & Communication Skills
Systems and Grassroots Advocacy
Strategic Sharing/Disability Disclosure
Disability History, Rights and Pride
and much more…

This peer-run forum brings opportunities to YOUth and gives the next generation of leaders the tools and support they need for success. This YLF is a FREE 6-day event that is presented in a fun, interactive and educational way with the support of peers. We create a safe, youth friendly environment with plenty of fun activities to compliment the wealth of knowledge being learned! We invite young leaders to join us to build upon leadership skills and become empowered with self-confidence and self-determination. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to attend along with their youth/young person.
More Information & Registration

Screening of 'Resilience'
2021-10-21 02:00 - 15:30
Join us for a Free film screening of ‘Resilience: The biology of stress & the Science of Hope’
Produced by KAREN PRITZKER & JAMES REDFORD, Directed by JAMES REDFORD

“The Child May not remember, but the body never forgets”
“No segment of society is immune.”
This one-hour documentary chronicles the dynamic national movement to prevent childhood trauma, treat toxic stress and greatly improve the health of future generations.
Save your space for this award winning documentary today!

Register now
Watch the trailer here

2021 Long Island Children’s & Youth Behavioral Health Symposium
2021-10-12 08:30 - 15:00
Join children and families across Long Island for a collection of workshops and presentations to empower families & youth involved with behavioral health and cross system challenges. This is a hybrid-event that will offer both in-person and virtual attendance.
More Information & Registration
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Participants must provide documentation of a COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus) vaccination in order to attend. Masks must be worn by all in-person attendants.

Changing the Inevitable: A Conversation about BIPOC Youth, JJ & SUD (Substance Use Recovery Month Series)
2021-09-24
Facilitated by: Charles Anthony-Rice
Join us as we take a deeper look into the relationship between the disproportionate number of youth & young adults of color within the juvenile justice system and the increased probability of Substance Use Disorder. An interactive, and impactful training that will both inform and inspire both youth and community partners. See you there!
Register now: bit.ly/37NdcS8

Basics of Harm Reduction (Substance Use Recovery Month Series)
2021-09-22
Facilitated by: Ben Riker
Attendees will learn about harm reduction concepts and strategies that will empower them to make healthy choices for themselves regarding substance use. Students will be able to define harm reduction, identify key harm reduction strategies, identify ways drug use may be harmful, and demonstrate and apply harm reduction strategies in real world situations.
Register now: bit.ly/2XxhhIr

Homelessness and SUD (Substance Use Recovery Month Series)
2021-09-15
Facilitated by: Julie Dealing and Caitlin O’Brien
Join us for a discussion on the correlation and effects of SUD on housing stability, stigma with recovery homes and residences, and alternative housing & challenges with traditional shelters.
Register now: bit.ly/3g6ZLBa

SUD & The LGBTQ+ Community (Substance Use Recovery Month Series)
2021-09-13
Facilitated by: Ashley Davidson and Ashton Daley
Explore the correlation between SUD and LBTQ+ community, and the disproportionate repercussions on the community. Join us as we describe LGBTQ+ with MH and SUD Stigmas and what we can do as advocates and allies.
Register now: bit.ly/3xQNRRO

Gatekeepers to Hope
2021-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
Recognizing and addressing suicide risk at home & in the workplace.
A workshop for Peer Support, the community & all non-clinical professionals. Communicate, Connect & Support friends, family, coworkers in crisis.
Presenter: Garra Lloyd-Lester,
Director of Community & Coalition Initiatives
The Suicide Prevention Center of NYS
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuf-iqpzorHtInrMNdswO1wAWHaIiEIZ7C

The ABC's of School Refusal
2021-09-08 10:00 - 23:30
As students return to school we must be more supportive and empathetic than ever. How do we help students overcome the social, emotional, familial and academic issues that lead to school refusal? How can we best collaborate?

A training on Prevention and Management with Jennifer Powell-Lunder, Psy.D.

These are challenging times. Students are in need of new strategies for our new normal. School Teams, Parents, RTF/CR Teams, Peer Support, Clinicians and others please join us for this informative training via Zoom.

REGISTER HERE

Trauma and SUD (Substance Use Recovery Month Series)
2021-09-08
Facilitated by: Julie Dealing and Caitlin O’Brien
Join us for a discussion on how trauma can feed into Mental Health and Substance Use, as well as poverty and future trauma. Learn useful Trauma Informed Care skills and how we can navigate helpful resources for ourselves or our families, including how to create a safety plan.
Register now: bit.ly/3m86OgW

Parent & Caregiver Q&A: Youth LGBTQ+ and Disability Identity
2021-06-30 16:00 - 17:00
As part of our AMPLIFY-NY Initiative and in celebration of Pride Month 2021, FTNYS will be hosting an online Q&A session of parents/caregivers who have youth in their family with both a queer and disability identity. This intersection of identity is an important part of Pride, and we are excited to give a platform to discuss and celebrate it from a parent/caregiver perspective!
Come join us for an informative and fun conversation!
Register here: https://www.ftnys.org/amplify-ny-monthly-events/
For questions or concerns, please email, Zack Kilmer, at zkilmer@ftnys.org

University of Youth Power
2021-06-24 12:00 - 2021-06-25 15:00 | Zoom
On June 24-25, 2021, we are hosting the seventh annual University of Youth Power via Zoom, a for-youth-by-youth social justice conference that is modeled after a college experience. UYP is the premier youth peer leadership conference that provides Youth Peer Advocates and change agents the opportunity to build skills and expand their professional network. Young people ages 16 to 30 will be able register with a major of Peer Advocacy or Systems Advocacy. UYP 2021 will take place via Zoom.
University of Youth Power will include professors from a variety of fields of work included: Disability Rights, Mental Health, Recovery, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Labor, Independent Living and More!

FANS Basic Training
2021-06-14 10:00 - 2021-06-17 12:00 | Zoom
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.
FANS Basic June 14th – 17th 2021, 10:00am-12:00pm

Leadership & Poetry Workshop
2021-05-27 16:00 - 17:00
Presenters: Alia Pierre & Zack Kilmer
Description: Some of the most influential leaders were wordsmiths, poets, emcees and writers during their youth. Spend some time with Alia & Zack to learn some poetry 101 and how to express your passion and leadership into captivating words! At the end, you will be able to share your poetry with the group and the world!
REGISTER NOW

Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops Panel Discussion
2021-05-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
2021 Virtual Conference Series
The Families Together in New York State Annual Conference is attended by families of children and youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, service providers, educators, policymakers, and advocates. We are currently accepting workshop proposals for the 2021 Virtual Conference -Building Strong Roots: Keeping Us Grounded…and Connected!
On Tuesday, May 4th, Families Together is hosting a 75-minute panel discussion with Ernie and Joe, local law enforcement and officials. The goal will be to discuss the intersection of law enforcement and mental health crisis. This HBO special will be made available to all participants.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates about the conference and registration:

Phone

First Name *

Email Address *

Last Name *

County *

Free to Be - LIVE
2021-04-15 16:00 - 17:00
Free to Be, FTNYS’s LGBTQ+ podcast, will be hosting a LIVE episode on Zoom! In partnership with our AMPLIFY-NY initiative and in celebration of Developmental Disability Acceptance Month, we will be talking about the relationships between disability and LGBTQ+ identity. Come hang out with our very fun hosts, talk some disability and LGBTQ+ stuff, and hear yourself on our show!
Free to Be is about LGBTQ+ youth in New York State and the topics that matter to them. Hosted by Robbie Lettieri and Zack Kilmer, FTNYS staff members and LGBTQ+ identifying young adults, we aim to amplify queer youth voice within our state and discuss all things LGBTQ+ while having some fun along the way.

Free To Be, Live!
2021-04-15 16:00 - 17:00
Presenters: Zack Kilmer & Robbie Lettieri
Description: Free to Be, FTNYS’s LGBTQ+ podcast, will be hosting a LIVE episode on Zoom! In partnership with our AMPLIFY-NY initiative and in celebration of Developmental Disability Acceptance Month, we will be talking about the relationships between disability and LGBTQ+ identity. Come hang out with our very fun hosts, talk some disability and LGBTQ+ stuff, and hear yourself on our show!
REGISTER NOW

Foundations for Leadership
2021-04-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-03-15 18:30 - 20:00
Learn tools and strategies for supporting the young people in your care as they grow into young leaders and transition into adulthood. Foundations for Leadership is FREE workshop series connected to VYLFs and offered in the community for parents/caregivers of youth with disabilities that brings together both the family and youth perspective. We give caregivers the tools they need as a vital part of their transition team through teaching, modeling, and support.
Parents/caregivers attend the workshop in close proximity of a virtual YLF and participate in sessions providing the opportunity to support their child attending a new event, connect with their peers in order to support their own personal growth, and witness their child graduate VYLF with pride. Caregivers without youth participating in the VYLF are welcome as well!

Youth Organize!
2021-03-25 16:00 - 17:00
Presenter: Family Resource Network Teen Scene
Description: Are you a young adult who struggles with keeping track of all your responsibilities, appointments, assignments, hobbies, etc.? As part of our AMPLIFY-NY Initiative, we will be hosting the Family Resource Network Teen Scene as they teach you to gain tools for prioritizing needs, how to use a planner to keep track of homework, appointments, events, hobbies and more!
REGISTER NOW

Virtual Youth Leadership Forum
2021-03-22 12:30 - 2021-03-24 15:00
This VYLF is a FREE 6-day event (2.5 hours a day) that is presented in a fun, interactive and educational format with the support of peers along the way. We create a safe, youth friendly environment with plenty of fun activities to compliment the wealth of knowledge being learned! We invite young leaders to join us to build upon leadership skills and become empowered with self-confidence and self-determination.
“As an 18-year-old with severe anxiety and being unable to drive, meeting similar people to me close to my age has been especially difficult. Through the Youth Leadership Forum, I learned about disabilities and different acts, but also made new friends. It also made me more confident when talking to people, especially people with authority, about what I need to be successful. After I signed up, I was extremely nervous, thinking people were going to be judgmental. Luckily, nobody was, which made it safe for everyone. As anxious as I was, I wouldn’t change my experience. I would highly encourage people to attend it because it is a wonderful event.” – R.P. YLF Alumni

Attend our first Virtual Resource Fair
Learn from guest speakers and panel presentations
Enjoy structured, educational yet fun activities (we promise!)
Connect with resources that meet the goals/advocacy activities that interest you.
Attend optional Virtual evening activities

March Technical Assistance Call
2021-03-19 12:30 - 14:00
Nancy Shelton
is joining us again to present on
Self-Discovery and Awareness: Who am I and Why It Matters

This eye-opening activity and conversation commences the individual insight into their assumptions and how they inform our thoughts and behaviors.
Participants will explore their assumptions as a segue and entry point into the deeper dive about implicit and unconscious bias
Engage in self-exploration activities to understand one’s own culture
Recognize that cultural identity is an important contributor to person’s well-being
Realize how one’s cultural identity (e.g. preferences, motivations, attitudes, beliefs, values, traditions, etc.) informs and intersects with service delivery
Exploring the concepts of cultural awareness/sensitivity/humility

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent, that contains information with details to join the webinar.

Families Together is committed to providing relevant topics to providers that work with the families we serve.

Any questions, please contact Laurie Rivera at lrivera@ftnys.org

Understanding Gender
2021-03-11 14:00 - 15:00
This presentation helps to raise understanding and awareness surrounding the topic of gender. We explore what gender is and the ways we experience gender from gender roles/norms to our own gender identity and expression. The presentation also discusses what it means to be transgender and what transphobia is and how we see it in our world. Through lecture and open discussion students will also learn skills for responding to anti-LGBTQ bias in their schools and communities and how to be an ally to the transgender community.
Facilitator: Lauren McCarthy, LMSW, Pride for Youth

A Human Trafficking Panel Discussion and Q&A
2021-03-03 13:00 - 15:00
Please join us for an informative Panel Discussion with Safe Horizon. This the second in a two part series. Human Trafficking exists in every community help us to elevate awareness and protect the vulnerable.
Safe Horizons Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP) supports survivors of labor & sex trafficking in New York and is one of the largest programs for victims of human trafficking on the East Coast.
REGISTER NOW

Family Empowerment Week
2021-03-01 - 2021-03-05
Join families and young people across New York State for a week of advocacy about topics and issues that are important to you!

Families Together in New York State will be hosting training sessions and town halls where families and youth will be able to speak directly with important legislators and change-makers in New York State government. These events will take place throughout the week. Sign up to attend or even participate as a speaker and ambassador in these town halls. Let your voice be heard about the issues that matter most to families and youth!

Monday, March 1st, 2021
FAMILY EMPOWERMENT DAY
This general session will give you a chance to:

Network with other families and young people with lived experience.
Hear powerful speakers and awardees.
Learn how to affectively engage with legislators and government officials.
Learn about important policy issues and get involved!
Discover how you can make a difference in your community!

Tuesday March, 2nd to Friday, March 5th
TOWN HALLS
Town Halls are a chance for families and youth to gain a better understanding of specified topics and how to shape policy. The following topics are being considered for town halls:

Education
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Child Welfare
Juvenile Justice
Developmental Disability

For More information, click here
