FSC Monthly Update

In the Fall of 2022 Amherst Central School District was awarded a Mental Health Awareness Training grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The grant money provided the funding needed to have several key staff members and community partners trained and certified during the Fall of 2023 as Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Instructors. This included the staff at the Family Support Center. Since then, these staff members have been working diligently to train and certify school personnel and partners such as first responders and youth agencies in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

YMHFA is an educational program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents (ages 12 - 18), builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid courses demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care as needed.

The goal is to increase the capacity of the Amherst community to identify signs and symptoms of mental disorders including serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in school-age children, as well as be able to safely support a potential crisis situation through the use of evidence based interventions.

The Family Support Center has also been working to strengthen and develop relationships with and awareness of community-based mental health agencies to ensure appropriate referral of individuals with signs or symptoms of mental illness.

Our upcoming Spring break (March 29-April 8) can be a much needed respite for teachers, students and families, it can also be a time where we may find ourselves in need of additional support. Below is a list of community resources that are available to you and your family should the need arise.

Crisis Hotlines

• Crisis Services for Children - (716) 834-1144

• Spectrum CARES Crisis Line - (716) 882-4357

• Crisis Text Line - text 741-741

• Suicide Hotline - dial 988

Basic Needs Resources

• 211 WNY - 1-(888) 696-9211 or 211

• Tiger’s Den Food Pantry - (716) 835-0407

• SNAP - (716) 858-7239

Domestic Violence Resources

• Family Justice Center - (716) 558-7233

• NYS Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Hotline - (800) 942-6906

Counseling Centers

• Horizon Health Services - (716) 831-1800

• Gateway Longview - (716) 783-3221

• Child and Family Services - (716) 842-2750

• Best Self Behavioral Health - (716) 884-0888

• Spectrum Health & Human Services - (716) 539-5500

• Envision Wellness WNY - (716) 877-6763
  

Tax & Legal Resources

• Free Income Tax Assistance
• WNY Law Center

Erie Path is Erie County's new smartphone app that helps parents and caregivers address the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by children and adolescents. Learn more here and watch the video below. The app includes information to:

• Find available programs and services for children and adolescents
• Access information that explains what their children and adolescents may face
• Explore practical strategies for helping children and adolescents in their care

We exist to provide community resources and support to families in the pursuit to create well-adjusted and confident children.

The Amherst School District Family Support Center and Parent Network are partnering to provide families with a virtual via Zoom lunch and learn session about transition. “Live, Learn, Work and Play: What to do after graduation” will be held March 6 from noon - 12:45 p.m. Do you have a child that is entering high school, or you just want to learn about services out there for special education students? Does your child have an IEP or a 504 Plan? Register online. For more information, view the flyer.

The Family Support Center will have a table at the District Wellness Fair on March 21. The fair is open to all Amherst CSD families and is hosted by the district’s physical education department. It will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Smallwood Drive Elementary in the cafeteria and gymnasium. Everything is free and it’s geared for kids from prekindergarten through high school! There are vendors with information about summer camps and activities, live performances and free snacks. Mark your calendar to attend and be sure to stop by our FSC table and say hello.

Director of Special Education Dr. Maria Oddo and FSC Liaison Juliane Grover will present how to promote help-seeking behaviors in children and teens as well as answer parent questions about youth suicide prevention and ways parents can get involved in school suicide prevention activities. This will be a virtual presentation on the Lifelines Suicide Prevention Curriculum, from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, via Zoom. This presentation is for parents, as well as faculty and staff who would like to attend. Please complete a registration form for each person attending. All registered attendees will be emailed the zoom link the day of the presentation. Register online here.

Several agencies in WNY offer Free Local Workshops for parents.

Tammie Hobler, 6th Grade School Counselor

I help students keep track of their academic, career and social goals at the Middle School. A Fun Fact: I loved participating in musicals while in high school.

Amanda Hallmark, 7th Grade School Counselor

I help students keep track of their academic, career and social goals. A Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Australia.

Julie Terry, 8th Grade School Counselor
I assist students and families with academic, personal, social/emotional, and career awareness during their teenage years. A Fun Fact: I was a Buffalo Bills Cheerleader back in the day.

Pam Primerano, School Social Worker

I help to support students and families while enhancing their social and emotional well-being. By providing direct therapeutic services to students in grades 6-8, I help them work toward goals to assist them in being successful in the educational setting. A Fun Fact: I grew up in a small town and graduated with 30 students.

April Whiting, School Psychologist

I conduct special education evaluations, chair special education and 504 meetings, and consult with teachers and families in order to problem-solve educational concerns and help find the right supports for students. A Fun Fact: I have heterochromia, meaning I have two different colored eyes.

Donna DiSilvestro-Young, Counseling Center Office Manager
I am the first person the students see when they come in. I welcome them and ensure that they know they are in a safe space. A Fun Fact: I used to be a DJ and I have a pet bunny named Lola.

Pictured: (l to r) Mrs. Hallmark, Ms. Primerano, Ms. Whiting, Mrs. DiSilvestro-Young, Mrs. Terry, Mrs. Hobler.