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A Foster Family Finds Balance in Quarantine

This article was written by Roberta Hinkle. Roberta and her husband, Kevin, have six children in their home - four foster children, all siblings, and two birth children. The Hinkles have been foster parents with C&FS for five years. Over two months after my four foster children and four birth children said goodbye to their…
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Reflecting on Mental Health Counseling During a Pandemic

Personal connection is the gift I am able to share with others during the current pandemic. Right now, our community isn’t able to connect the way we are used to. We miss chatting with neighbors, visiting with family, and the normalcy of everyday schedules. Even though we are not able to talk face-to-face, I am…
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Community Creative in Giving Comfort

Throughout the past weeks, we have seen an outpouring of support. Recently, our community has stepped up with meals and art kits which truly personify the meaning behind the phrase “The City of Good Neighbors.” Haven House received a special donation of food from Stock The Freezer, an organization started by Nick Pitillo and the…
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Mental Health Awareness: How to Handle the Waiting through Play and More

It’s now been more than two months since the start of quarantine to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It can be exhausting just waiting. Children in our care are tired of waiting, and we keep finding creative ways for them to pass the time. The children recently performed a puppet show, giving a voice…
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Haven House Partners with Uber

Uber Will Provide 1,000 Free Rides in support to Haven House Megan* didn't know what to do. She was stuck with her abusive boyfriend in quarantine. They only had one car, and he kept the keys hidden because Megan "shouldn't need to go anywhere anytime soon." How could she get away? Because of situations such…
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Checking in on Our Community: Spanish-Speaking Families

Imagine living in quarantine, but being unable to follow updates on the COVID-19 pandemic or communicate your needs to those who can help you. Already isolated, you would feel even more alone. This has been the case for many Spanish-speaking families in WNY, such as the Flores* family. A few days ago, the Flores family…
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Child & Family Services Welcomes New President & CEO

Child & Family Services’ new President & CEO, Elizabeth McPartland started this week. McPartland brings with her more than 20 years of Agency experience and knowledge that spans from administrative to clinically-based programs across Child & Family Services. She moves into the top executive post after serving as Chief Operating Office with Child & Family…
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Haven House Open to Help Domestic Violence Survivors

What do you do if you must now work and live in a dangerous place for you - your home? Child & Family Services’ Haven House knows this is not a hypothetical question for some in our community. Domestic violence can be as much of a threat as the COVID-19 virus to those in an…
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Learning Culinary Skills at the Stanley G. Falk School

The Stanley G. Falk School recently welcomed Chef John Matwijkow from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for a demonstration. Thirty-six students ranging from grades 10 to 12 filled the cafeteria as Chef John illustrated how to properly cut and present fruit. The morning expanded beyond culinary techniques, though, as Chef John highlighted themes of hard…
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Introducing the New C&FS Website

As you have probably noticed, our website has recently gone through a complete rebuild. Sporting a sleeker, modern design that accentuates a warm feeling for the user, the new C&FS website is a reflection of development within the organization. The site features information on all of the Agency’s various programs while also spotlighting recent news,…
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