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Where Milestones Become Memories

Over the past several weeks, the Residential Program team helped to celebrate an incredible season of educational milestones with children in our care. From elementary school moving-up celebrations to middle school promotions, each event marked an important step forward in a child's educational journey.  While each ceremony celebrated academic achievement, it also highlighted the meaningful relationships children have built with the team that…
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Keeping a Child’s Dignity with Comfort Cases

When children move from one home to another in foster care, the process can feel overwhelming or, even in some cases, demeaning. That’s how Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, felt when he turned 18 and was removed from his foster home, given only a garbage bag for all his belongings.   After nearly forty years, Rob and his family decided to foster children of their own. When the children showed…
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Falk Highlights Performance-Based Learning in Albany

Recently, representatives from the Falk School traveled to Albany to participate in a meeting of the New York State Board of Regents as part of the Performance-Based Learning and Assessment Networks (PLAN) Pilot initiative. The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase how performance-based learning and assessment are being implemented at Falk and the positive impact this approach is having on students and educators.  At Falk, students demonstrate their…
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Support That Strengthens the Workplace

When Sarah* stepped into her first management role, she was excited to support her team and help employees grow. Like many new supervisors, she expected challenges along the way, but one situation left her unsure of how to move forward.  One of Sarah's most dependable employees began arriving late, missing deadlines and struggling to keep…
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A Journey to Reunification

When Alexis* lost custody of her four children, her world was turned upside down.  While her children were placed in the care of relatives, they were separated from each other with four different families. This made visits with each child very difficult. Despite the challenges, Alexis remained focused on one goal: bringing her family back together.  From…
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The Falk School Honors the Class of 2026

Last Friday, the Falk School Class of 2026 celebrated a major milestone as students, families, friends and staff gathered for this year's graduation ceremony.  The evening was filled with pride and excitement as graduates were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but also for the growth and determination that brought them to this moment. For many of the students, graduation marked…
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Turning Support into Progress

For much of his young life, Drew* faced challenges that most children could never imagine. Frequent auditory hallucinations, causing him to hear sounds and voices that were not actually present, disrupted his daily routine and made it difficult for him to feel safe at home, at school and in the community.  During difficult episodes, Drew would frequently run away from home in an…
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Building Confidence One Choice at a Time

For many young people in the Residential Treatment Program, everyday experiences that others may take for granted can become meaningful moments of growth, confidence and healing. Recently, our residential team had the opportunity to support 14-year-old Katie,* as she prepared for the upcoming warmer weather by shopping for new clothing.  Together, members of the team and Katie explored different clothing options and…
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Celebrating Dianne: 25 Years of Heart

For 25 years, Dianne Biddeman has been a steady presence at C+FS, supporting children, families and staff through her role in the Residential Treatment Program. As Residential Office Manager, Dianne has made a lasting impact on both colleagues and the community we serve.  Dianne’s path to C+FS was shaped by a lifelong desire to help others. From working…
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Growing Together Through Youth ACT

When Liam* and his grandmother, Selia,* first connected with Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT), life at home often felt overwhelming.  Selia was struggling to navigate Liam’s behavioral challenges and strong emotions. She often felt unsure of how best to support him during difficult moments. At times, Liam’s frustration would escalate into breaking items in the home, creating additional stress for…
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Connection Beyond the Classroom

Last week, Falk Family Fun Night brought students, families, friends and staff together for an evening centered on connection and fun as the school year begins to wind down. Hosted at Falk-Cambridge, the event gave families an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and enjoy quality time together.  Throughout the evening, students and their families explored a variety…
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Coordinated Care Leads to Healing

At just 11 years old, Ryan* and his mother, Brooke*, were facing challenges that no family should have to navigate alone. As a single parent, Brooke was carrying the weight of supporting a child through significant trauma, emotional struggles and a relationship that had become strained by pain and miscommunication.  When things began to feel overwhelming, she made…
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