Incredible things are possible when we work together.

What difference is my support making? Who is it helping?

This is a fair question for any of our supporters to ask. In this section, we will share our stories with you while maintaining complete confidentiality. We will keep you updated on the activities in our various programs, including success stories of those whom we have helped, special events in which our programs participate, and any commendations that our staff receives.

New Sensory Room Now Open with Help of HSBC Volunteers

It was far from the typical ribbon cutting. Still, you could see the smiles and feel the excitement as Child & Family Services staff and volunteers from HSBC zoomed in by computer for the unveiling of a new sensory room for children in Residential Services. “The need for a sensory room has been great for…
Read More

Health Homes Opens Doors

Jane* suffered from severe anxiety and depression for years. At 18 years old, she rarely left her house even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, she was not going to necessary wellness appointments. Jane’s parents did not know what they could do to help their daughter. Then one of her doctors, recognizing Jane’s…
Read More

Buffalo Bills Donate Meals to Haven House

The Buffalo Bills are helping to make powerful connections in our community over dinner. This Black History Month, they supported black owned restaurants and domestic violence survivors at Haven House at the same time.  The Buffalo Bills donated 45 dinners to Haven House. These meals were purchased from Brothers Takeout Café & Catering as a…
Read More

Forever Family Built on Strength

While February 4th was the day that Penny and Steve Kerr officially welcomed Sophie to their family, their bond goes back to the moment they met. There was an instant connection when Sophie came to their front door at only three months old. “For a couple of days, we just sat in awe of this…
Read More

“Love is Respect” – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Join the “Love is Respect” (www.loveisrespect.org, @loveisrespect) campaign by sharing one of the below images to promote self-empowerment & healthy relationships. Everyone is deserving of a healthy, loving relationship! #KnowYourWorth #TDVAM According to the CDC (Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC): Of students who…
Read More

Stanley G. Falk Student Follows Passion, Accepted to Alfred State

Computer icon Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Joshua, a senior at the Stanley G. Falk School, echoed this sentiment when he said, “My ultimate objective is for whatever job I have, I have fun with it.” This is not the only similarity that…
Read More

CRJ Hosts Virtual Mediator Recognition and Holiday Party

Staff from Child & Family Services’ Center for Resolution and Justice (CRJ) recently got together to deliver cheese trays and cookies to each of its volunteer mediators that RSVP’d for the annual mediator recognition and holiday party event. Our team had to make the event virtual this year due to COVID-19, so the challenge was…
Read More

Meet Kimberly Backey, Director of Family Preservation Services

Child & Family Services is delighted to announce the hiring of Kimberly Backey as our Director of Family Preservation Services. Starting earlier this year, Kim has already made her mark on C&FS leading Foster Care and Adoption, Preventive Services, Wraparound Services, and Health Home Services. We asked Kim a few questions to help our supporters…
Read More

Liz Kasimu Named NYS Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Liz Kasimu, who recently received the NYS Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health Employee of the Year Award! The following speech about Liz was written by C&FS's Chief Operating Officer, Linda McCartan. It is my sincere honor to introduce you to Liz!  Starting with C&FS a year ago, she has made a tremendous impact.  Liz…
Read More

Mental Health Matters for the Holidays – Upcoming Webinar

Mental Health Matters for the Holidays WebinarMonday, December 14 at 12:00-12:30pm Click here to register for the webinar. You will receive a Zoom link upon completion of registration. If you cannot attend, sign up and we will send you the link afterwards. Join us for a discussion about this very different holiday season.  If the…
Read More

Common Questions About Foster-to-Adopt

November is National Adoption Month. Our Foster Care and Adoption Program is still operating during the pandemic, so it is possible to open your home to a child in need! What does it mean to foster-to-adopt? The process begins when a child is placed in the home of foster parents. The ultimate goal throughout fostering…
Read More

Meet Chantele Thompson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Child & Family Services is thrilled to welcome Chantele Thompson to our team!  As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Chantele will be responsible for recognizing, creating, and implementing plans to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within our agency. She will also be promoting and developing training programs to enhance employee understanding on diversity, equity,…
Read More