Family Voices Network’s 1st ever Youth Recognition is a making in history. We have received 45 youth who are deserving of recognition. Recognitions came from schools, after-school programs, community centers, agencies providing services to children, youth and families, social workers, literacy volunteers, and family court. Youth recognitions include those attending various schools (i.e., public, charter, private, catholic, and Erie 1 BOCES schools).
The nominations were open to youth in grades 7-12. We are honoring those in our community whose struggles for success may be a little more challenging and recognizing the uniqueness in each individual in our diverse culture. This statement sums up how those nominating a youth felt this year, “Thank you for recognizing my nomination - she really is a wonderful young woman who deserves praise. I am proud that I was able to nominate her for Youth Recognition.”- M. Brown.”

“Celebrating the Success of our Families” provides an important opportunity for our community to show how children, youth, and their families thrive in our community when they have the right supports and services available. Together we as a community can change families’ lives and improve outcomes all over Western New York. Our primary goal for awareness day is to “Raise awareness and Promote mental wellness” throughout Western New York.
May 4-10 is Mental Health Awareness and Erie County will take this opportunity to show our community how we support our youth. Come be a part of this historical moment in Western New York and show our youth how much we value their progress and the right decisions they make. We will honor all youth nominated on May 9th through a luncheon at the Buffalo Convention Center from 11am – 1pm.
Family Voices Network of Erie County is a countywide service delivery system that works collaboratively with all departments to provide support to children, youth, and families with mental and behavioral health needs using the Wraparound model. When families are involved in social services, juvenile justice, foster care/adoptive services, probation/PINS and mental health, Family Voices Network works to keep family together living in their homes, in schools and in their community where they belong.

For more information about the Wraparound Process and the supports and services that are available to families, visit our website: www.familyvoicesnetwork.org.


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