Resilient Families, Resilient Communities-A Letter from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends and Community Partners,

During these challenging times, we are reminded of the resilience of our families and community and the importance of remaining connected. 

On behalf of my colleagues, we express our deepest concerns for your health and well-being.  As Peer professionals, all of us here at Family Ties understand intimately how difficult it can be for parents and caregivers to manage the multiple roles they must play in their families’ lives, particularly in times of crisis. 

For more than twenty years, Family Ties has provided individualized support and advocacy services when families have needed us most, and we proudly continue to do so at this crucial time.  To protect the health of our staff and the community-at-large, our Family and Youth Peer Advocates are working remotely to:

• offer a “virtual shoulder to lean on” in times of increased stress,
• deliver one-to-one and group support by phone and video,
• collaborate with community partners around the needs of individual families,
• share information about local resources, as well as health and wellness tips,
• provide a connection to needed services in the event of a family crisis or mental health emergency.

Our services continue to be free, confidential and available without regard to diagnostic criteria.  We are able to immediately provide our Family Peer Support services in both English and Spanish.

Family Ties of Westchester is honored to play a role in ensuring the health and well-being of the children and families in our community. We will continue to use our lived experience and on the ground expertise to ensure that youth and caregivers have the opportunity to share their voice, strengthen their natural resilience and access the support and resources they need to thrive.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help.  We thank you for your concern for our staff and the community at large.  Please consider a donation to Family Ties of Westchester now, so that we can continue to support our neighbors and community members when they need us most.  

Wishing you and yours good health,

Kerry Whelan-Megley, MS, LMSW