Family Support Newsletter
November 2026

November 2026
As we head into November, it's a great time to focus on gratitude, connection, and supporting one another.
As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, remember that small moments of connection and kindness can make a meaningful difference.
If your family needs support or help accessing resources, please reach out, but most importantly, know that you are not alone.
Wishing all of our families a warm, healthy, and happy November!
Holiday Giving Application
Complete the Holiday Giving Application by Nov. 7, 2026.
Does your family need help during the holidays?
As the holiday season approaches, the district is preparing for the Annual Holiday Drive, an initiative designed to support families in our community who may need assistance with food, clothing, gifts, or other essentials during the holidays.
If your family would like to receive support, please fill out the Holiday Giving Application by the end of the day Saturday, November 7, 2026. The survey is completely confidential and will only be used to inform the planning team to ensure there is meaningful and appropriate support. Your responses will help determine how best to allocate resources and reach families who could benefit from support.
Please Note: Completing the survey helps us understand your family's needs, but it does not
guarantee that we will be able to provide assistance for every request. We will do our best to
support as many families as our resources allow.
Is your organization looking to donate?
Please contact Melissa Brind'Amour at mbrindamour@wscschools.org
Digital Dangers - Behind the Screens: The Hidden Risks Facing our Youth
We will be hosting an in-person Watch Group for an online safety event called "Digital Dangers - Behind the Screens: The Hidden Risks Facing our Youth" presented by FBI Buffalo. This virtual presentation explores how seemingly harmless online interactions can turn into threats of manipulation and violence against youth.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 5:45-7:30 PM *The presentation will begin promptly at 6:00PM
Address: East Senior High School - 4760 Seneca St, West Seneca, NY 14224
Description of Event: Digital Dangers is a virtual presentation designed to inform parents, educators, and school communities about today’s most pressing online safety concerns and provide resources for parents and educators to use at home and in the classroom.
Registration: Please fill out this form to register
Contact: mbrindamour@wscschools.org
The content of this presentation includes frank discussions about sensitive topics, and is geared toward parents and adults only; it is not intended for young children to be present.
As per the FBI, we are prohibited from sharing the link to this presentation. The purpose of limiting access to the link is to ensure we can speak about these important topics in a safe environment. This one time presentation will not be recorded.
Winter Coat Distribution
The West Seneca Central School District is excited to share the gift of warmth with our families! Thanks to the generosity of Operation Warm, Coats4Kids, Benzinger's Clothing Care and West Seneca Cares for Kids, we are offering free winter coats for children and teens, along with warm winter wear and cold weather accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves.
This event is open to all West Seneca CSD families. Come by and make sure your children have what they need to stay safe and cozy during the colder months. Supplies are limited, so please click the button below to register!
Coat Distribution Details:
Day/Date: Thursday, November 5th, 2026
Time: 4:00-7:00PM
Location: Ebenezer Church - 630 Main St West Seneca, NY 14224
Please note: We will also have Holiday Giving Applications available during this time.
District Clothing Closet
The West Seneca District Clothing Closet is here to support families in our community.
You can stop by during our walk-in hours—no appointment needed—to pick up free clothing, shoes, school supplies, and hygiene items. We carry sizes for infants through adult. This resource is open to all West Seneca Central School District residents once a month.
👉Please remember to bring a reusable bag!
November 2026 Open Shop/Walk-In Hours:
- Day/Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Time: 9:00AM - 11:00pm
- Location: Ebenezer Building - 900 Mill Road, West Seneca (Please use door #1)
Our Winter Coat Distribution Event Info:
- Day/Date: Thursday November 5th, 2026
- Time: 4:00PM - 7:00PM
- Location: Ebenezer Church - 630 Main Street, West Seneca
- Registration Link: Register Here!
The University at Buffalo’s Brainy Bulls Virtual Tutoring Program is now open to students in grades 5–12 across Western New York!
- Tuesdays–Thursdays, 2:30–6:30 PM
- Tutoring available in Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA. Over 50 trained tutors, all fingerprinted and certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and cultural competency
- Students can choose their tutor or be matched automatically—and may continue with the same tutor for ongoing support. Scheduling runs about two weeks in advance.
Learn more:
https://ed.buffalo.edu/tutoring
Contact Information:
WRGreen2@buffalo.edu | BrainyBulls@buffalo.edu
Free Virtual Programs with The School Mental Health Resource Training Center
COPE: Understanding the Impact of Concussion & Brain Injury on Mental Health
Tues, Nov 17th, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Participants will learn how concussion and brain injury can affect the mental health of young people. Participants will understand physiological factors associated with brain injury that affect mental health; participants will also gain an understanding of psychological challenges during the recovery process.
Grief at the Holidays: Making Space for Loss, Connection, and Care
Thurs, Dec 3rd, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Family gatherings, special dates, old traditions, and reminders of someone or something that has changed may make this holiday season hard. A song, an empty chair, a new routine, family stress, money worries, or pressure to "be happy" can bring a loss to mind. People grieve in different ways. Grief can follow a death or another major loss or change. This may include a change in caregiving or family roles, a breakup, illness, a move, or the loss of familiar routines or close ties.
Triple P Parenting Program
Triple P is a free, evidence-based parenting program that helps parents build confidence and develop positive parenting strategies.
Programs are available for parents of children ages 0–12, as well as teens ages 11 and older. The series includes five weekly, two-hour sessions held on Zoom, with materials mailed to participants beforehand.
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, is available, and participants receive a certificate upon completion.
HEAP Opened Monday, November 2, 2026
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened for the 2026–2027 season on Monday, November 2, 2026!
HEAP provides financial assistance to eligible households to help keep their homes warm this winter.
Questions? Call Erie County HEAP at 716-858-7644.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply: https://www3.erie.gov/heap/
Toys for Tots Registration
Resurrection Life Church is accepting registrations for the 2026 Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive for children ages 1–18!
Sign-Up Dates & Times:
October 27 – December 10 (No sign-ups on Thanksgiving Day)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10 AM–12 PM
- Thursday Evenings: 6–7 PM
Location: 2145 Old Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Note: Please PARK and enter through the double doors marked "KidsZone."
Health Talks with ECDOH
Join the Erie County Department of Health for a series of informational presentations at the West Seneca Public Library on Mondays evenings.
These presentations will be running from November 9th through November 30th:
- Monday, November 9th at 6pm they will be presenting on Domestic Violence.
- This program is most appropriate for those who are ages 12 and older.
- Monday, November 16th at 6pm they will be presenting on Healthy Relationships.
- This program is most appropriate for those who are ages 12 to 17.
- Monday, November 23rd at 6pm they will be presenting on how to give "The Talk".
- This program is most appropriate for adults.
- Monday, November 30th at 6pm they will giving their presentation entitled Period!.
- This program is most appropriate for those who are ages 8 and older.
Space will be limited and registration is required for each presentation. Please call 716-674-2928 or stop by the West Seneca Public Library to register!
HELPFUL LINKS
Contact Information
Community Outreach Social Worker
Email: mbrindamour@wscschools.orgPhone: 716-677-3377