NPW is proud to share information about the important work of Family Ties of Westchester.  For more than 30 years, Family Ties has provided our community with peer support, education, and advocacy services. Activities promote the well-being of families raising children with social and emotional challenges through lived experience, in the belief that those who have faced life’s challenges and overcome them are best able to support others experiencing similar obstacles. 

During this difficult time, everyone could use a little support.

At its core, peer support is about building trusting and supportive relationships. As such, services are individualized and generally delivered face-to-face. When COVID-19 forced Family Ties to shut their doors, they acted quickly by equipping all staff with cellphones and tablets so that they could stay connected to the families they work with. In addition to regular advocacy and support services, parenting classes and support groups are now available online. In recognition of the increasing stress on families, an after-hours support line, which is available Monday-Friday until 10 PM, has been initiated.  

Their work includes:

• Sharing coping tips. 
• Linking families to crucial community resources.
• Ensuring that families affected by behavioral health challenges stay connected to the care they need.
• Helping caregivers access and understand online learning technology for their children.

“We may be practicing social distancing, but we will never practice social isolation. Now, more than ever, caregivers raising children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges need to connect to their peers. We will continue to adapt to the changing needs of the families in Westchester,” stressed Kerry Whelan-Megley, MS LMSW, Executive Director

Learn more: https://www.familytieswestchester.org
All Family Ties services are free and confidential.