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.

Domestic Violence Survivor Finds a Fresh Start

Each year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, C&FS works to shine the light on prevention and create more awareness of the help that is out there. Veronica* felt trapped. Her boyfriend demanded to know where she was at all times. He grew paranoid, becoming violent when he doubted that Veronica was telling him…
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Welcoming Two New Members to the C&FS Senior Leadership Team

Child & Family Services is excited to introduce the two newest members of the Agency’s Senior Leadership team! Please welcome the new Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Yvonne Dubois, and the new Chief Human Resources Officer, Rachel Haseley. “It’s like I’m coming home,” said Yvonne. Between her time as a social worker and, most recently,…
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The Journey to Become a Foster Parent

The decision to welcome a foster child into your home is one of the most selfless, but difficult decisions people make. Christine and her husband, Justin, recently decided to become foster parents. When Christine and Justin came to Child & Family Services, they asked the same question we receive from so many other individuals, “What…
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Hats Off to Kristen Williams – Making Hats for Babies in Foster Care

“Oh my gosh… a lot,” laughed Kristen Williams, Foster Care Supervisor at Child & Family Services, when asked how many hats she thinks she has knitted. “Probably around 100.” Kristen’s grandmother taught her how to knit when she was just ten years old. Years later, a college roommate showed Kristen how to use a loom.…
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Beautiful New Playground Energizes Haven House

A few years ago, members of the Haven House team sat down to put together a wish list. When they wrote the list, the item at the top said “Playground.” Thanks to the generosity of the Josephine Goodyear Foundation and the Russel Family Charitable Trust, families can now be found playing together on that playground…
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Celebrating Juneteenth

We celebrate Juneteenth today, a day in which we mark the end of slavery in the United States. Originally abolished by President Lincoln in 1863, it took over two years for slaves in Texas to learn that they were free. It then took until just last year for Juneteenth to officially become a federal holiday.…
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Letter to Our Community This Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month. Over 400,000 children are placed in the foster care system nationwide each year. In our local community, nearly 700 children are in foster care. There are many opportunities to help. Child & Family Services is the first step in being a part of a child’s success story, and we…
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How C&FS Nurses Handled COVID – Celebrating National Nurses Week

“It was impressive,” Jessica Gravelle, Nursing Supervisor at Child & Family Services, gleamed when asked about her team's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’d like to think that people thought that coming to work was as safe as it could be.” Child & Family Services was awarded funding during the pandemic to safely equip their…
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WIVB-TV News: Noticing the Signs of Child Abuse

Thank you to Channel 4 News for hosting Kristy Colvin, our Program Manager of Case Management, to discuss the signs of child abuse as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month! Watch the video below:
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Celebrating Social Work’s Small Victories

 “I’m so proud of her,” beamed Kristen Williams, Program Supervisor of Foster Care and Adoption at C&FS, as she explained how she helped a mother reunite with her baby girl. We asked Kristen about how she makes a difference this National Social Work Month. Kristen reflected on the trust that she and the mother were…
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Spotlight Shines on Young Talent

It was Andrew’s* turn to perform a song. He was nervous. Andrew was a shy child, but wanted to take part in the recent talent show being hosted at C&FS’ Residential Treatment Program during his week off from school. He saw how much fun everyone was having, but the idea of performing in front of…
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Giving Thanks to Our Team This National Social Work Month

Nick* had been through tough times, but his case workers, Mackenzie and Taya, were with him every step of the way. They spent countless hours with him, learning his personality and what makes him special. They helped him with his coping and flexibility skills so he could adapt to different living situations. After living in…
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