Long Island Families Together

06/08/2026

For nearly 1 in 5 young people, AI is filling a gap in mental health, it's an easily accessible source of support. Are we paying attention?

Use of artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health advice among young people ages 12 to 21 rose by more than 40 percent over the past year. And nearly two-thirds of them said they had not disclosed that use to anyone.

06/03/2026

Find your voice. Own your story

Join Youth Power for a virtual training focused on building confidence, self-advocacy, and self-expression in a supportive space for youth and young adults across New York State.

Together, we’ll explore:
-Self-advocacy
-Overcoming fear & self-doubt
-Action planning
-Self-growth & empowerment

🗓 June 25th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Zoom
👥 Ages 12–25 in NYS

Register: http://qrco.de/bgno2k

06/03/2026

Join our Youth Peer Meetings (YPM), a monthly statewide space for students, youth, Youth Peer Advocates (YPA), Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA), and others in similar peer-based roles ages 12–29 in peer advocacy roles to connect, share experiences, build skills, and grow together.

YPM occur monthly on the second Wednesday from 3:00–4:00 PM, and will focus on networking, connection, and strategies for peer work and advocacy.

This space is for YOU.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3RIgkJr

06/03/2026

https://www.iloveny.com/fifa-world-cup/community-viewing-events/
Come together for a FIFA World Cup experience, right here at home.

This summer, Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State invite you to two free, large-scale FIFA World Cup™ watch parties, bringing fans together for an unforgettable celebration of world-class soccer. Cheer on your favorite teams on giant outdoor screens, and enjoy live entertainment surrounded by community spirit and family-friendly fun.

Ticket registration is now open for the Long Island World Cup Watch Experience, which includes a live performance by award-winning rock band Third Eye Blind.

This summer, New York State invites you to two free, large-scale FIFA World Cup™ watch parties, bringing fans together for an unforgettable celebration of world-class soccer. Cheer on your favorite teams on giant outdoor screens, and enjoy live entertainment surrounded by community spirit and fami...

06/03/2026

Free tickets Info below

Free ticket registration is now officially open for the 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Friday, June 12, at Stony Brook University's LaValle Stadium.

05/27/2026

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

05/20/2026

Thank you Senator Dean Murray for speaking so passionately about this very important issue and advocating for what’s right, standing up for what’s right and holding NYS accountable to do the right thing!!! You are appreciated!!!

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

05/17/2026

Cuts don’t happen in a vacuum; they shift the burden onto unpaid family caregivers and force impossible choices about work, safety, and independence. The cost doesn’t disappear; it shifts, and the risk of institutionalization becomes the new expense. This affects millions of families, not “someone else.”

President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” state budget turmoil and new attacks on paid family caregiving have people fearing financial ruin as they fight to keep loved ones out of institutions.

05/15/2026

Peer support is breaking out of the behavioral health “box” and showing up everywhere people need real connection, justice, housing, crisis response, policy, research, and more. Grounded in lived experience, peers bring trust, credibility, and hope that for- profit systems alone can’t manufacture. As the field grows, the challenge is clear: expand the workforce without losing the heart and values that make peer support transformative.

Peer support is expanding beyond behavioral health into justice, housing, and policy spaces where lived expertise drives real system change.