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.
RSVP required 5 days prior to group
July
- Caregivers Empowering Caregivers: 7/12 6pm to 7:30pm VIA ZOOM Parents are encouraged to share in a safe space recent struggles with the group. The group provides suggestions, support and encouragement to address current struggles.
- Parenting The Love and Logic Way: 7/18,7/25,8/1,8/8,8/15 and 8/22 12:00-02:00 VIA Zoom This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately!
*Caregivers must live in Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans or Wyoming Counties* - Parenting The Love and Logic Way: 7/5 and 7/19 10:00am to 12pm VIA ZOOM This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately!
*Must be engaged with an Advocate* - Empowerment Group: School Suspension/Discipline 7/17 6pm to 8pm VIA ZOOM
Is your child Struggling with Discipline Concerns at School? Is your child frequently getting detentions, In school Suspensions, and Out of School Suspensions? Would you like to better understand your rights as a caregiver in response to school discipline, while connecting with others who are experiencing similar concerns? Please join us VIA Zoom to learn, grow and explore resources to better support your youth in school! - Caregivers Empowering Caregivers: 7/26 6pm to 7:30pm VIA ZOOM Parents are encouraged to share in a safe space recent struggles with the group. The group provides suggestions, support and encouragement to address current struggles.
August
- Chautauqua County Friday Morning Park Meetup: 8/4 10:30am to 12pm IN PERSON Bemus Point, NY Playground (next to The Village Casino) *For Chautauqua caregivers only This Group is to support, encourage, empower one another!
- Caregivers Empowering Caregivers: 8/9 6pm to 7:30pm VIA ZOOM Parents are encouraged to share in a safe space recent struggles with the group. The group provides suggestions, support and encouragement to address current struggles.
- Chautauqua County Friday Morning Park Meetup: 8/11 10:30am to 12pm IN PERSON Welch Field Westfield, NY *For Chautauqua caregivers only This Group is to support, encourage, empower one another!
- Empowerment Group: 8/16 10am to 12pm VIA ZOOM Topic TBA
- Special Ed and IEP Basics: 10am to 12pm VIA ZOOM Come and Learn CSE and IEP Basics
Presented by The School Age and Family and Community Engagement Center - Chautauqua County Friday Morning Park Meetup: 8/18 10:30am to 12pm IN PERSON Lakewood Playground, Lakewood, NY *For Chautauqua caregivers only This Group is to support, encourage, empower one another
- School Suspension/Discipline Empowerment: 8/21 6pm to 8pm VIA ZOOM Would you like to better understand your rights as a caregiver in response to school discipline, while connecting with others who are experiencing similar concerns. Please join us VIA Zoom to learn, grow and explore resources to better support your youth in school
- Caregivers Empowering Caregivers: 8/23 6pm to 7:30pm VIA ZOOM Parents are encouraged to share in a safe space recent struggles with the group. The group provides suggestions, support and encouragement to address current struggles.
- Empowerment Group: 8/30 10am to 12pm VIA ZOOM Topic TBA
Do you have ideas for a Group? Please send them to fen@hillside.com!
FEN Virtual Groups
If you’re interested in learning more about FEN and joining the conversation, contact Hillside at fen@hillside.com or 585-256-7500.