An Open House event on Thursday, October 26, officially launched Hillside’s new Family Opportunity Center at the Hillside offices located 215 Wyoming Street, Syracuse 13204.
The Family Opportunity Center (FOC) is a site-based, drop-in program where enrolled families can benefit from supports including a wide range of parent education resources; short-term, on-site mental health counseling; and informed guidance on accessing supplemental services in the community. Children are always welcome at the Center, with play and homework spaces available with parental supervision.
Eligibility is open to caregivers of children up to 21 years of age, regardless of insurance status. There is no charge for these services, which are funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Among those present at the Syracuse Open House event were Elizabeth Nolan, Hillside Chief Operating Officer; Jean Galle, Hillside Vice President for Community-Based and Developmental Opportunities Services; Kim Kromer Murphy, FOC Program Manager; and Charlene Griffin, Program Manager for the OCFS Bureau of Program and Community Development.
“Parents and families can face challenges caused by a wide range of behavioral, social, mental health and even economic factors, and addressing those challenges early helps prevent them from becoming more serious,” Galle said. “The Family Opportunity Center is an important interventional resource that will provide essential supports for families in need. We’re excited to bring this to the community, as another way of helping families heal and thrive.”
Once enrolled in the program, families can drop in without an appointment during regular FOC business hours of 11am to 5pm Tuesdays through Fridays. The Center is also open by appointment from 5pm to 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and one Saturday per month from 9am to 1pm.
A second Center is planned to open at Hillside’s Mustard Street location in Rochester.
For specific times, to make an appointment, or for enrollment information, call Hillside at 888-514-4455 or 315-703-8700.
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