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.
August
Tuesday, August 6
Caregiver Burnout: 1:30-3:30pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. How to prevent Caregiver Burnout & what to do if you are currently feeling burned out! This month’s topic: The Importance of Self-Care.
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 5:30-7:30pm via Zoom or in person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Six sessions, concluding 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, August 7
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 9:30-11:30am via Zoom, six sessions, concluding 8/7 and 8/14/24. See description above. Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 classes.
Friday, August 9
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: Empathy.
Tuesday, August 13
Eat Smart NY Nutrition Education Program: 11:30am-1pm in person only at our Rochester Office, 1 Mustard St. Six sessions concluding 8/13, 8/27, 9/10, and 9/24.) Open to all recipients of SNAP benefits, participants completing an info form will receive $15 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Thursday, August 15
Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids (CONK) Group: Working with School: 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. (3rd Thursdays)
Tuesday, August 20
Active Parenting: 5-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse (215 Wyoming St) and Rochester (1 Mustard St) offices. Six sessions 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24/24. Sharpen your parenting skills and tackle today’s world’s problems with strategies that work. Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 sessions.
Friday, August 24
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: The Power of Silence.
September
Tuesday, Sept 3
Active Parenting, continued…: 5-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse (215 Wyoming St) and Rochester (1 Mustard St) offices. Concluding 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24/24, and 10/1/24. Sharpen your parenting skills and tackle today’s world’s problems with strategies that work.
Saturday, September 7
Strategies for a Successful School Year: 10-11:30am via Zoom. This interactive workshop will provide helpful strategies and tips on transitioning children back to school. Topics will include organization, communication, keeping things simple and knowing what works best for your child. Caregivers will have an opportunity to share strategies that have been successful for them in the past.
Tuesday, September 10
Eat Smart NY Nutrition Education Program: 11:30am-1pm in person only at our Rochester Office, 1 Mustard St. Six sessions concluding 9/10, and 9/24. Open to all recipients of SNAP benefits, participants are eligible to receive $15 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Caregiver Burnout: 1:30-3pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. How to prevent caregiver burnout & what to do if you are currently feeling burned out! This month’s topic: Self-Care.
Wednesday, September 11
Introduction to the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families: 5-7pm via Zoom. Join us to learn about an upcoming class that will be offered in October. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families is an interactive curriculum designed to teach you the skills you need to manage crisis situations in your home. The October class will be offered in person in Dansville and Batavia NY.
Thursday, September 12
The Dark Side of Social Media: 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom or in person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Provides adult audiences an in-depth look at current popular social media trends and how they can escalate substance use and abuse among adolescents. Providing resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Thursday, September 19
Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids (CONK) Group: Strategies for School Success: 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 (3rd Thursdays).
Thursday, September 26
Peer 2 Peer Presentation Parent2Parent: 4:30-6:30pm in person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Educating families and community members on the prevalence and harmful effects of alcohol and drug experimentation, use, and dependence among adolescents. Providing resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
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.