Family Empowerment Network
Staying Connected and Growing Together
At Hillside, families are at the heart of everything we do. We formed the Family Empowerment Network (FEN) as another way to bring families together—to offer support, share perspectives, and provide invaluable guidance that strengthens the entire Hillside community.
Virtual FEN meetings are convened multiple times each month, and are free of charge to attend. The meetings are open to all current or former Hillside parents, caregivers and family members, as well as family advocates, youth mentors and interested staff. FEN meetings include:
- Roundtable discussions that empower parents and caregivers
- Opportunities to meet other families, staff, leadership and community and state partners
- Educational opportunities to keep you in-the-know about beneficial information and resources
Whether you’re currently a parent or caregiver looking for support, or you’re simply looking to stay connected with other like-minded individuals, you don’t have to go through your situation alone.
FEN Virtual Groups
Each month, Hillside’s Family Empowerment Network hosts groups that are facilitated by Hillside Family Peer Advocates. Any Caregiver/Parent of a youth currently or previously served by Hillside is welcome to join.
July
Wednesday, July 3
Active Parenting continued…3-5pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Six sessions concluding 7/3, and 7/10/24. Sharpen your parenting skills and tackle today’s world’s problems with strategies that work. Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 sessions.
Tuesday, July 9
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 5:30-7:30pm via Zoom, six sessions, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, and 8/13/24. Designed to help parents equip kids with character, this parenting program will give you practical skills that can be used immediately! Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 classes.
Wednesday, July 10
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 9:30-11:30am via Zoom, six sessions, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, and 8/14/24. See description above. Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 classes.
Thursday, July 11
How to Avoid Power Struggles: 11am-12:30pm via Zoom. How to identify power struggles and when you are in one, how to avoid/get out of it.
Tuesday, July 16
Eat Smart NY Nutrition Education Program 11:30am-1pm in person only at our Rochester Office, 1 Mustard St. Six sessions (7/16, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27, 9/10, and 9/24) MUST REGISTER BY JULY 3rd. Open to all recipients of SNAP benefits, participants in all 6 sessions will receive over $90 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Thursday, July 18
Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids (CONK) Group: Sensory Issues and Solutions 5:30-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Join us as we explore strategies and share experiences parenting children who experience autism, ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum, and more. (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Cannabis Use: 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom and in person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. A presentation from Faith Carini-Graves, RN, PMHNP-BC. Participants will learn about the differences between natural and synthetic cannabis products, the basics of how cannabis products act in the body, and how cannabis changes the brain. Lastly, the training will cover medication interactions and what we can do to improve outcomes.
Friday, July 26
Communication Skills: 11am-1pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Five sessions, every other week through September. This session focuses on skills to improve our communication with others. Today’s topic: Confidence.
To join one or more of the sessions on this page, click the link above or email FEN@hillside.com.
Please provide your phone number and you’ll be connected with a Hillside team member who can answer your questions and help you register.
Please note: RSVPs are required five days prior to any group.
Do you have ideas for a Group? Please send them to fen@hillside.com!
If you’re interested in learning more about FEN and joining the conversation, contact Hillside at fen@hillside.com or 585-256-7500.