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.

Gia Santiago Receives Buffalo Business First’s 30 Under 30 Award

Gia Santiago, Domestic Violence Economic Empowerment Specialist at Child and Family Services (C+FS) Haven House was selected for Buffalo Business First’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. This prestigious award recognizes 30 young professionals under the age of 30 who have potential to become a community leader on a grand scale. “I’ve faced so many…
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YMCA and Child and Family Services Partner to Bring Mental Health Resources to East Buffalo

(Buffalo, NY) – YMCA Buffalo Niagara and Child and Family Services have partnered to provide criticalmental health services to City of Buffalo residents, with C+FS opening a new office inside the William-Emslie YMCA in East Buffalo. Counselors there will focus on helping members of the local communitysolve personal, family, and work-related challenges including trauma, depression,…
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C+FS Center for Resolution and Justice Partners with OPWDD

“People with disabilities are such an underserved group within our community,” stated Henry Fellows, Program Associate at Child and Family Services Center for Resolution and Justice (CR+J). “That’s why we are so excited to begin our relationship with the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).” As part of this relationship, CR+J will be available…
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Falk Students Start Their Own Café

As students, teachers, alumni and faculty entered the Stanley G. Falk School’s Cambridge campus, they were greeted by enticing aromas and bright smiles at the opening day of the school’s newest hotspot – “The Hungry Pug Café.” This café was run by none other than Mr. Costello’s seventh grade class. Mr. Costello’s knew his students…
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Grand Island High School Students Make Quilts for Haven House

Caitlin Wojciechowski, a teacher at Grand Island High School, wanted to do something to inspire her students in honor of Women’s History Month. With the help of the school’s art teacher, Jackie Carpenter, the two educators came up with a plan that would give their students hands-on experience while giving back to the community. “We…
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JetBlue Assembles Birthday Boxes and “Sweet Cases” for Children in Foster Care Program

A birthday is the perfect opportunity to let someone know you are thinking of them. During JetBlue’s “Sweet Cases” for Foster Love fundraising initiative, crewmembers filled hand-painted duffel bags with care items and assembled birthday boxes for children in Child and Family Services (C+FS) Foster Care Program. The duffel bags include a stuffed animal, hygiene…
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Children in Residential Treatment Enjoy a “Paint and Snack” Night

Famed Black artist Charles White once said, “An artist must bear a special responsibility. [They] must be accountable for the content of [their] work. And that work should reflect a deep, abiding concern for humanity.” In honor of this year’s Black History Month’s theme: “African Americans and the Arts,” Yvonne DuBois, Chief Equity and Inclusion…
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Cornell University Partners with C+FS Residential Treatment Program

An exciting new partnership brought members of the Agency’s residential team to Cornell University to learn new methods of how to improve service delivery for children in our care. More than a dozen members of the residential management team had a chance to attend a three-day leadership retreat at Cornell University to learn about a…
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The Paw-fect Outfit for Ellie

Six-year-old Ellie arrived at Child and Family Services (C+FS) over one month ago. When Ellie first came to C+FS Residential Treatment Program, she would spend a lot of time in her room, and she was incredibly shy around the other children. Despite her nervousness, Ellie has always been a very happy child who loves to…
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Valerie Brown Influences Culture at Stanley G. Falk School

Valerie Brown always knew she wanted to make an impact in the lives of children. As she shares her story, her powerful presence points to a lifetime of experiences she has used to encourage her students to achieve and excel in her classroom. When Valerie was only three years old, she started learning sign language…
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Fifteen Twin-Sized Beds Delivered to Families

When Makenzie Victor, Wraparound Supervisor, discovered how many of the families she was working with did not have a mattress or pillow to sleep on at night, she was determined to help. Makenzie works with families in our community-based counseling programs whose children are at risk of out-of-home placement. Families learn how to solve problems…
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Play Ball! New Recreation Assistant Joins Residential Team

“The children here have been through a lot,” emphasized Akyng Frankin. “They deserve to have a safe space to get moving, get their blood flowing and develop certain skills that sports can nurture.” Child and Family Services (C+FS) recently welcomed Akyng, Recreation Assistant, to the team. Akyng is determined to incorporate sports into the recreation…
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