Youth Power

06/01/2026

05/18/2026

Powerful advocacy from youth mental health advocate Cody Hauptman featured in Newsday’s guest essay, “System fails too many young people.”

By sharing his lived experience, Cody highlights the urgent need for accessible, community-based mental health supports for children and youth across New York State. Stories like this remind us why youth voice and family voice must be centered in conversations around systems change and care.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4du2UYC

05/15/2026

Youth Power and Families Together in NYS was honored to host the NYS Youth Mental Health Advisory Board’s second in-person forum of the year in Albany, NY alongside the NYS Office of Mental Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports!

From powerful conversations and community-building to youth-led ideas and collaboration, the day was a reminder of what happens when young people are given the space to lead, connect, and be heard.

We’re so grateful for the partnership and dedication of our state partners and for the incredible youth leaders from across New York State who continue to push conversations around mental health, advocacy, and systems change forward.

Youth voice matters and this work continues because of YOU. 💫

05/14/2026

Join us for a virtual training “Dual Diagnosis, Whole Person: Neurodiversity & Mental Health,” taking place on Thursday, May 28, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. This session is specifically designed for families, caregivers, and allies who seek to better understand and support neurodivergent youth facing mental health challenges. Attendees will learn about affirming language, practical strategies, and supportive tools to enhance their understanding and ability to support.

Learn more & Register: https://conta.cc/4u5iKQo

05/07/2026

Today at 2:00 PM! We invite you to join our quarterly policy network call focused on the state budget and legislative advocacy.

This is a great opportunity to hear updates on key policy priorities, share what’s happening in your community, and connect with others who are passionate about making a positive impact for children and families across New York State. As proud members of the Solution Not Suspensions Campaign, we’re advocating for the passing of Bill S.134/A.118 and working to address the alarming number of suspensions affecting over 137,000 students last year. Advocate for change.

Learn more and register: https://conta.cc/4uzeiJt

05/06/2026

Research reveals a deeply troubling pattern: New Yorkers fighting for substance use disorder treatment are being wrongly denied care — and when they appeal, 64% of those denials are overturned. That’s not a glitch. That’s a broken system designed to delay and deny.

No one in crisis should have to become their own advocate just to access life-saving treatment. New York can do better — carve out behavioral health from Medicaid managed care and put people ahead of profits.

The Senate and Assembly Mental Health Committee Chairs and AGREE and are co-sponsoring a bill for a behavioral health carve out (S8309A/A8055A). Urge and the rest of the and to act today.

Interested in the May 19th Managed Care Carve Out Advocacy Day in Albany? Email [email protected] for details.

05/05/2026

04/30/2026

Session 2 ! Don’t miss out!

ATTENTION: Only a couple of minutes until our 2026 Statewide Virtual Job Fair starts today, Thursday, April 30, from 11:00 AM to 1:00.

This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to join or advance in the peer support workforce. You’ll connect with organizations across New York State that are actively hiring, explore exciting job openings, and create meaningful professional connections—all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re new to the peer support world or aiming to take the next step in your career, this event is designed to help you succeed.

Join now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rkyIQQ1EQgibeAiI1g_YpQ #/registration

04/30/2026

ATTENTION: Only a couple of minutes until our 2026 Statewide Virtual Job Fair starts today, Thursday, April 30, from 11:00 AM to 1:00.

This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to join or advance in the peer support workforce. You’ll connect with organizations across New York State that are actively hiring, explore exciting job openings, and create meaningful professional connections—all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re new to the peer support world or aiming to take the next step in your career, this event is designed to help you succeed.

Join now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rkyIQQ1EQgibeAiI1g_YpQ #/registration