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Building Confidence Through Creativity

A little over a year ago, Lucy Tschachtli, a dedicated social worker at Haven House, noticed that clients were looking for more ways to be creative. Having led Haven House’s Art Empowerment Group for years, Lucy already knew how powerful creative expression could be for survivors of domestic violence.   When clients began asking for specific…
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Celebrating Diversity One Dish at a Time

Last week, C+FS staff gathered for a celebration of connection and community. In honor of World Health Day and Celebrate Diversity Month, our DEI and Well-Being Committees brought the agency together for a much-anticipated Potluck.   Across our locations, the air filled with comforting scents of home-cooked dishes and the sounds of lively conversations. Staff…
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to come together as a community to raise awareness and support the well-being of children and families. In honor of this, staff across the agency coordinated to wear blue – the official color of child abuse prevention efforts – on April 3 to show their support. …
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Legacy Lives on Through Buster’s Visit

On a sunny afternoon, a special four-legged visitor returned to Child and Family Services’ Delaware campus, bringing smiles and impressive tricks. Buster, a certified PAWS for LOVE therapy dog and SPCA Good Citizen has become a familiar face. To Kristina Young, a former board member who devoted 35 years of service to Child and Family…
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Breaking Barriers: School-Based Counseling Transforms Student Success

When Cole* began working with C+FS counselors at Elmwood Village Charter Schools (EVCS), his separation anxiety often caused him to arrive late or leave school early, disrupting his education. After receiving consistent support through C+FS’ new on-site counseling program, Cole recently achieved a major milestone – attending school for five full days in a row…
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Creativity Shines at Community Residence Art Show

The Community Residence (CR) recently displayed the talents of its young artists at a special art show where they showcased a variety of creative projects, ranging from drawings and paintings to impressive LEGO displays and large-scale, handmade creations. “Our CR kiddos are very into their art. It’s one of the ways they really love to…
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New Recreation Room Brings Fun to the Residential Program

We are excited to announce the completion of a brand-new recreation room for children in our Residential Program. After four months of planning and hard work, this special space is ready to provide opportunities for fun, relaxation and socialization. Thanks to generous donations, the recreation room is filled with exciting activities. Arcade-style games like NBA…
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Haven House Hears from Past Client

When a domestic violence survivor no longer needs Haven House’s services, it’s rare for their counselor or advocate to hear from them again. That’s why it was especially meaningful when Josie, Supervisor of the Counseling and Advocacy Program, recently received a message from Hannah.* Hannah had first called the Haven House hotline toward the end…
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Drumming Together: Celebrating Black History Month at C+FS

The word "Djembe" means "together," and what better way to celebrate Black History Month than by learning to play the Djembe drum? Recently, C+FS staff gathered in the gymnasium for an immersive educational and musical experience. Youssou Lo, an instructor from the African American Cultural Center, taught everyone how to play various instruments and shared…
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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Child and Family Services (C+FS) Haven House took an active role by visiting the Orchard Park Central School District. Alicia Stark, Development Manager, and Bailie Murty, Youth Trafficking Prevention Program Coordinator, delivered presentations to students across various grade levels, focusing on Teen Dating Violence and fostering healthy…
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Congratulations Leadership Development Cohort 4!

Last week, the Child and Family Services (C+FS) Leadership Development Program’s fourth cohort graduated and earned their certificates for completing the four-week training program. The Leadership Development Program is designed to help leaders learn new skills, increase leadership competencies, gain new perspectives and become more self-aware to be more effective in their roles. Individuals are…
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February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month (BHM) – a time to commemorate and reflect on African American life, history and culture. To fully embrace the impact Black people have had on U.S. history, Carter G. Woodson, one of the founders of BHM, decided to incorporate different themes every year. Child and Family Services’ (C+FS) DEI Committee…
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