Youth Empowerment & Leadership

01/28/2026

Youth Empowerment & Leadership (YEL) Program at Family Help Center is hiring Youth Group Facilitators - with both part-time (20–25 hrs/week) and full-time (40 hrs/week) options.

YEL serves Erie County system-involved youth ages 13–18 through after-school programming focused on leadership, life skills, mental wellness, and creative expression. As a Youth Group Facilitator, you’ll:

- Build trusting, consistent relationships with youth

- Lead engaging group activities and workshops

- Support social-emotional learning and positive peer connection

- Help with transportation using agency vans for after-school pickups and trips

- Contribute to a supportive team that values youth voice and safety

Details:

- Part-time: 20–25 hours/week, evenings required, some Saturdays as needed

- Full-time: 40 hours/week, evenings required, some Saturdays as needed

Pay range: $19–$20/hour

This role is a great fit for people interested in youth work, social work, education, counseling, or community-based human services who want hands-on experience in the field.

Feel free to share this or reach out if you have questions about the role, the program, or the hiring process.

You can view and apply for the positions here:

Family Help Center

09/26/2025

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child dealing with mental health or other behavioral issues? If so, let help you find your way! A "one-stop-shop" app to learn about mental health resources available locally for your specific needs.

Learn more & download today: erie.gov/eriepath

08/04/2025

In July, our YEL youth took the initiative to restock one of the Buffalo Community Fridge - and we’re happy that this will now be a part of our monthly youth-led service initiatives!

The Buffalo Community Fridges are mutual aid resources that provide free food and essentials to anyone who needs them, no questions asked. Our youth chose this project themselves, recognizing how important it is to support neighbors experiencing food insecurity - and to contribute to a culture of care and across the city.

Learn more, get involved, or find a fridge near you:
https://linktr.ee/buffalocommunityfridge

07/16/2025

It’s that time again — the annual Give 716 campaign!

This year, Family Help Center is raising funds to support our Children’s Center for Success, with a specific goal:

🌟 Upgrading the outdoor play area to create more opportunities for sensory and active play for every child in our care.

Your donation will help us bring joy, stimulation, and healing play to kids who need it most.

Why now?
Give 716 comes with incredible incentives — including prizes and giveaways from the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Bandits, and Bisons. Check the attached schedule to see when your gift can go even further!

How to support:
🔗 Donate here: https://give716.org/give/give716/give716/2025-give-716/charities/family-help-center-inc/checkout
📱 Share the campaign with your friends and family!
📣 Follow Family Help Center and Children’s Center for Success on Facebook for reminders and updates throughout the campaign

Thank you for standing with us in building a brighter, more playful future for children across WNY.

Let’s make this our best Give 716 yet! ❤️💙💛

07/01/2025

Congrats to Team Family Help Center for their amazing season!

💚🏆CONGRATULATIONS🏆💚
Green Eggs & Glam, sponsored by is the first ever BUFF season champion! Congrats on your undefeated season!

07/01/2025

July is Disability Pride Month!

At YEL, we believe in building a world where all young people are seen, heard, and valued. Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, creativity, and leadership of people with disabilities while also recognizing the ongoing fight for accessibility, inclusion, and justice.

This month (and every month), we’re committed to learning, uplifting disabled voices, and making our spaces more equitable for all. Disability is not something to fix or hide, it’s something to honor and respect.

To our youth, families, and community members with disabilities: we see you, we support you, and we celebrate you.

06/05/2025

🌈 This Pride Month, YEL celebrates the power of youth to lead with pride, purpose, and authenticity. We’re committed to creating safe, affirming spaces and uplifting the voices of young people of all identities. You belong here.
🏳️‍🌈

LGBTQIA+ Supporting Organizations:
GLYS Western New York, Inc.
The Pride Center
WNY Man-Made Men

@716.pride
Rainbow Collective of WNY

Buffalo United Flag Football
Our City Action Buffalo

Please tag other orgs in the comments! Happy Pride!

05/30/2025

💚🏈 BUFF Sponsor Shoutout! 🏈💚

We’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Family Help Center, one of our incredible sponsors supporting the Buffalo United Flag Football League this season!

Since 1972, the Family Help Center has been a lifeline for children and families across Western New York. From 24/7 crisis support to in-home services, parenting resources, and their nurturing child care center, this organization shows up every day to protect, uplift, and empower families when they need it most.

Their commitment to compassion, safety, and dignity aligns perfectly with BUFFL’s mission of creating affirming spaces for people of all backgrounds. Whether on the field or in the community, we believe stronger teams—and families—are built on care, trust, and connection.

Thank you, Family Help Center, for being a steady source of support, strength, and heart in Buffalo—and for being part of our BUFFL family! 💚🌈

05/27/2025

🌟 Join the YEL Program 🌟
The Youth Empowerment & Leadership (YEL) Program is a free, after-school program for youth ages 13–18 in Erie County, funded by the Erie County Department of Mental Health and run by the Family Help Center.

YEL offers:
✅ Daily after-school programming (Mon–Fri)
✅ Free meals + monthly stipends
✅ Creative arts, field trips, & leadership projects
✅ Life skills, mental wellness, financial literacy
✅ A stocked Basic Needs Pantry
✅ Transportation throughout Erie County
✅ Support connecting to housing, nutrition & counseling

📍 Based at 60 Dingens Street, Buffalo NY
📝 Referrals must come from a provider, school, or community organization.

💻 Learn more or make a referral: https://sites.google.com/familyhelpcenter.net/welcome-to-yel/home

04/19/2025

What an amazing community! Can’t wait to cheer you on this season!

03/05/2025

March is Women’s History Month!

At YEL, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and today. 💜 Let’s uplift and empower each other this month and beyond!

YEL is funded by the Erie County Department of Mental Health

02/21/2025

Black History Month at Family Help Center!

Our YEL team went all out this year, creating a vibrant, inspiring display in the lobby to honor Black history, culture, and excellence!

The decoration features bold colors, powerful imagery, and uplifting messages that highlight the achievements and contributions of Black leaders, artists, and changemakers. It’s more than just a display—it’s a tribute to resilience, innovation, and the ongoing fight for justice.

Check it out, take in the inspiration, and celebrate Black History with us always!

YEL is funded by the Erie County Department of Mental Health