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.
APRIL
Wednesday, April 3
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families, session 1
9:30am-1:30pm In-person at our Batavia Office, 50 Batavia City Center. A program designed to teach caregivers skills to manage crisis within their home. 6 sessions, every other Wednesday.
Active Parenting
1:30-3:30pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. (Six sessions: 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, and 5/8/24) Sharpen your parenting skills and tackle today’s world’s problems with strategies that work.
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®
6-8pm via Zoom, final session! Designed to help parents equip kids with character. This parenting program is designed to give you skills that can be used at home immediately.
Thursday, April 4
Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids (CONK) Group: Routines
5:30-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Join us as we explore strategies and share experiences parenting children who experience autism, ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum, and more.
Friday, April 5
Healthy for Life, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension
11:30-12:30 in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Designed to educate parents on healthy living choices, the group is open to all Hillside caregivers in Onondaga County.
Monday, April 8
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®
11am-1pm via Zoom. (Six sessions: 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, and 5/13) Designed to help parents equip kids with character. This parenting program is designed to give you skills that can be used at home immediately.
Tuesday, April 9
County Resources Presenter Series
9-10:30am OR 5:30-7pm via Zoom Thom Fadale will be presenting on what SPOA is, what it can offer families and New York State Children’s Continuum of Care which are services offered throughout New York State. (Every 2nd Tuesday)
Wednesday, April 10
Apoyo a Padres en Español
12-1pm via Zoom and in-person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Support group in SpanishEs Usted un Padre o Guardián en busca de ayuda, entendimiento o apoyo Únase a nuestro grupo de apoyo a padres/guardianes en español. Un lugar seguro y amigable para que pueda juntos a otros padres compartir experiencias, conectarse y aprender destrezas juntos. El segundo Miércoles del mes de 12-1pm.
MAY
Wednesday, May 1
Active Parenting, session 4 of 6
1:30-3:30pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. (Six sessions: 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, and 5/8/24) Sharpen your parenting skills and tackle today’s world’s problems with strategies that work. Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 sessions.
Thursday, May 2
Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids (CONK) Group: Social Stories – Writing Your Own
5:30-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Join us as we explore strategies and share experiences parenting children who experience autism, ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum, and more. (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Tuesday, May 7
The Power of Play
5-6:30pm via Zoom or in-person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Play isn’t all fun and games, it’s also an important teaching tool. Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and develop critical lifelong skills. All participants will receive a free play book; in-person participants will receive supplies to use with their children.
Communication Skills
5-7pm via Zoom or in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. This 5-session series focuses on skills to improve our communication with others. Tonight’s topic: confidence! Join any or all sessions.
Wednesday, May 8
Apoyo a Padres en Español
12-1pm via Zoom and in-person at our Rochester office, 1 Mustard St. Support group in Spanish Es Usted un Padre o Guardián en busca de ayuda, entendimiento o apoyo. Únase a nuestro grupo de apoyo a padres/guardianes en español. Un lugar seguro y amigable para que pueda juntos a otros padres compartir experiencias, conectarse y aprender destrezas juntos. El segundo Miércoles del mes de 12-1pm.
Thursday, May 9
Meditation: A Walk in Nature
4:30-5:30 via Zoom and in person at our Syracuse office, 215 Wyoming St. Using traditional Native American music and verbal guidance, participants take a journey through nature and experience the peace and solitude within. (Every 2nd and 4th Thursday)
Monday, May 13
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®
11am-1pm via Zoom, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17/24. Six sessions designed to help parents equip kids with character, this parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately! Certificates available for caregivers completing all 6 classes.
Tuesday, May 14
County Resources Presenter Series
9-10:30am OR 5:30-7pm via Zoom. This month our presenters will be from Hillside’s Care Management Team and Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment (CPST) Team. They will be presenting on what Care Management & CPST are, and what they can offer families.
To join one or more of the sessions on this page, click the link above or email FEN@hillside.com.
Please provide your phone number and you’ll be connected with a Hillside team member who can answer your questions and help you register.
Please note: RSVPs are required five days prior to any group.
Do you have ideas for a Group? Please send them to fen@hillside.com!
If you’re interested in learning more about FEN and joining the conversation, contact Hillside at fen@hillside.com or 585-256-7500.