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FAMILY TIES OF WESTCHESTER INC
WHITE PLAINS, NY · EIN 260005881 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE P40 · Human Services · Medium ($1M-$10M) · familytieswestchester.org
revenue
$2.5M
expenses
$2.5M
net assets
$501K
employees
37
volunteers
10
program ratio
79%
mission · from form 990

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNITY. FAMILY TIES PROMOTES THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES EFFECTED BY TRAUMA, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS AND OTHER COMPLEX LIFE CHALLENGES THROUGH LIVED EXPERIENCE AND ON-THE-GROUND EXPERTISE. WE PARTNER WITH LOCAL COUNTY AND STATE GOVERNMENT, AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS ACROSS WESTCHESTER COUNTY TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL FAMILIES HAVE THE FOUNDATION THEY NEED TO BUILD A HEALTHY, MEANINGFUL LIFE. WE BELIEVE THAT WITH ACCESS TO THE RIGHT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT, EVERY FAMILY IS ABLE TO THRIVE.

profile · synthesized from sources

Family Ties of Westchester supports families facing behavioral health, trauma, and child welfare challenges through peer-driven services. The organization operates resource centers across Westchester County, NY, offering support groups, parenting coaching, crisis stabilization, and prevention programs to help families remain stable and avoid foster care or hospitalization. Services are free, confidential, and grounded in lived experience and family-driven care.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $495K
    CHILD SAFETY CONFERENCESIN RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES ACT ENACTED FEBRUARY 9, 2018, WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES PARTNERED WITH FAMILY TIES OF WESTCHESTER, INC. TO ESTABLISH NEW PROGRAMING THAT SUPPORTS THE GOAL OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO CAN REMAIN SAFELY AT HOME WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND AVOID THE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE OF ENTERING THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. IN PASSING THIS LAW, CONGRESS RECOGNIZED THAT TOO MANY CHILDREN ARE UNNECESSARILY SEPARATED FROM PARENTS WHO COULD PROVIDE SAFE AND LOVING CARE IF GIVEN ACCESS TO NEEDED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SUBSTANCE MISUSE TREATMENT AND/OR IMPROVED PARENTING SKILLS.USING A STRENGTHS-BASED, FAMILY TEAM DECISION-MAKING MODEL, CAREGIVERS AT RISK OF HAVING THEIR CHILDREN REMOVED DUE TO INCIDENTS OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT, COME TOGETHER WITH CHILD WELFARE REPRESENTATIVES AND RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS DURING THE CHILD SAFETY CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS PRESENTING CONCERNS, ADDRESS BARRIERS TO CHILD WELLBEING, AND IDENTIFY RESOURCES OR PROGRAMMING THAT WILL MEET THE FAMILY'S NEEDS AND CONTRIBUTE THEIR ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY MAINTAIN THEIR CHILDREN IN THE HOME. IN ADDITION TO MASTER'S LEVEL MEETING FACILITATORS, A FAMILY TIES' FAMILY PEER ADVOCATE (FPA) IS ON THE TEAM AS A SUPPORT TO THE CAREGIVER. THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FEAR, STIGMA, AND CONFUSION OF NEEDING SERVICES IN COMPLEX, JARGON-FILLED SYSTEMS. THEY HAVE NAVIGATED SERVICE SYSTEMS AND ADVOCATED FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILY, AND THEIR COMMUNITY. UTILIZING THE EXPERIENCE AND SKILL OF FAMILY PEER ADVOCATES IN A COLLABORATIVE PARENT-TO-PARENT MODEL LETS CAREGIVERS KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE AND ENSURES THAT THEIR VOICE IS HEARD IN THE CREATION OF SERVICE PLAN THAT BEST MEETS THEIR FAMILY'S UNIQUE NEEDS.IN 2024, THE CHILD SAFETY CONFERENCE PROGRAM SERVED 356 FAMILIES.
  2. #2 $289K
    CRISIS STABILIZATION PROGRAMFUNDED BY THE NY STATE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, AND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THREE LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED CLINICAL PROVIDERS, FAMILY TIES PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY PEER SUPPORT SERVICES TO CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AT IMMINENT RISK OF PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION, RE-HOSPITALIZATION OR EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS. DURING THIS SHORT TERM (EIGHT TO TWELVE WEEK) INTERVENTION, THE FAMILY PEER ADVOCATE (FPA) PARTICIPATES IN THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT, ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTING A FAMILY-SUPPORT LENS TO THE PROCESS OF SAFETY PLANNING AND BRIEF CRISIS INTERVENTION. THE FPA ENGAGES THE CAREGIVER, OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, SCHOOL STAFF, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY PROVIDERS IN A TEAM APPROACH, WHILE PROVIDING LINKAGES TO A RANGE OF FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY, AS WELL AS A CONNECTION TO THE LONGER-TERM, FAMILY TIES RESOURCE COMMUNITY. THE FPA BRINGS TO BEAR THEIR LIVED EXPERIENCE, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, AND CULTURAL HUMILITY TO FOSTER CONNECTEDNESS AMONG NATURAL SUPPORTS, ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, AND ASSISTS THE FAMILY TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT.IN 2024, THE CRISIS STABILIZATION PROGRAM SERVED 55 FAMILIES.
named programs · 6 · from sources

What they call their work

ACHIEVE (NY Systems of Care)
State-funded demonstration project serving 20 high-needs youth annually with intensive, community-based behavioral health support
Child Safety Conferences
Strengths-based, family team decision-making meetings for caregivers at risk of child removal, co-facilitated by Family Peer Advocates to ensure family voice in safety planning and service coordination
Crisis Stabilization Program
Short-term intervention for families of children at risk of psychiatric hospitalization, providing peer support, crisis respite, and system navigation to prevent ER visits or re-hospitalization
Every Kid Counts
Voluntary, home-based case planning program for families involved with CPS, focusing on skill-building, resource connection, and prevention of future reports
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
State-designated provider of Medicaid-funded peer and support services for children and adults, including Family Peer Support, Caregiver Support, Youth Peer Support, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Support Groups and Parent Coaching
Free, peer-led support groups and evidence-based parenting coaching in multiple languages and locations, covering communication, discipline, and family wellness
activities · 9 groups

What they do

  • Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 2 activities
    • Connect families to essential community resources
      Connects individuals and families to local services and resources in areas such as mental health, housing, education, substance use treatment, domestic violence, health insurance, and GED completion through staff at Resource Centers and the White Plains administrative office.
    • Deliver crisis stabilization services for families
      Provides Crisis Stabilization Program services to families in acute need, serving 54 families in 2023 and 55 families in 2024.
  • Patient and Family Support Services 1 activity
    • Advocate for family and caregiver decision-making in behavioral health
      Provides advocacy services to help families access information and tools for making decisions about their children's behavioral health care, including treatment, medication, services, and out-of-home placements, while supporting caregivers in becoming spokespersons and community leaders.
  • Youth Development and Support Services 1 activity
    • Deliver ACHIEVE/NY Systems of Care youth and family support
      Serves high-needs youth and their families through the ACHIEVE program (20 annually) and previously served 18 families in 2020 under the New York State Systems of Care project.
  • Parenting Education and Support Programs 1 activity
    • Deliver parent skills coaching and support groups
      Provides evidence-based parent skills coaching and support groups led by certified peer facilitators for caregivers of children and young adults with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Services are offered in English and Spanish at multiple locations across Westchester County.
  • Child Welfare and Protection Services 1 activity
    • Facilitate family engagement in child welfare and safety planning
      Runs the Child Safety Conference program, which served 337 families in 2023 and 356 families in 2024, and participated in 121 child safety conferences in 2021, supporting families involved in or at risk of child welfare system involvement.
  • Comprehensive Community Service Hubs 1 activity
    • Operate Family Resource Centers providing peer support and advocacy
      Operates four walk-in Resource Centers in Westchester County (Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, White Plains, and Yonkers) that provide peer support, respite care, goal-setting opportunities, and individualized advocacy services. These centers serve over 2,000 individuals annually with free and confidential support.
  • Home Care Services for Elderly and Disabled 1 activity
    • Provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
      Delivers Medicaid-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to eligible children and adults in Westchester County.
  • Immigrant Rights Education & Legal Preparedness 1 activity
    • Provide community education and skill-building workshops
      Offers community-identified workshops on topics including immigration rights, Medicaid eligibility, leadership training, nutrition, men’s health, diabetes management, and developmental disabilities to build caregiver knowledge and capacity.
  • Uncategorized 2 activities
    • Implement Every Kid Counts family support program
      Serves approximately 60 families per year through the Every Kid Counts program, with 97% of participants avoiding future CPS involvement; served 55 families in 2021 and 63 caregivers and 163 children in 2020.
    • Lead systems-level advocacy for children and families
      Played a lead role in representing children and families during a five-year federal System of Care grant awarded to Westchester County in 1999, advocating for equitable and family-centered systems change.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.47M
Contributions & grants$2.46M100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$11K0%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$2.54M
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$1.90M
Grants paid out$58K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$945K
Cash$476K
Investments$0
Liabilities$443K
Net assets$501K
Liquid reserves2.2 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +26.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 2
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
KERRY WHELAN MEGLEY LMSW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 35 $133K
LISA SHAW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 35 $107K
board members · 10
  • ANN SPINDEL — SECRETARY
  • AYANA M WOODS MPH — DIRECTOR, THRU 01/29/2024
  • CAROL FELDMAN — VICE PRESIDENT
  • CHERYL BURTON DSW LCSW-R — DIRECTOR
  • GLORIA BASEM — DIRECTOR
  • LEE NEWELL — DIRECTOR
  • MYRA ALFREDS — PRESIDENT
  • RITA AMAYA-OATES LMSW — DIRECTOR, THRU 01/29/2024
  • RUBEN MEDINA — TREASURER
  • WENDY L HUFFORD — DIRECTOR
relationships · 20

Who they work with

  • HR@famtieswest.org Partner — Email contact for submitting job applications.
  • Mental Health Association of Westchester Network — Hosted Family Ties as an affiliate organization during its early growth phase.
  • Mount Vernon Partner — Community-based service location for delivering peer support and family services.
  • Mount Vernon Resource Center Partner — Collaborates with the Mount Vernon Resource Center to provide support groups and resource connections for individuals and families.
  • New York State Office of Mental Health Government — Convenes the ACHIEVE project, a state-funded demonstration initiative.
  • New York State Office of Mental Health Government — Funded the Crisis Stabilization Program and the Achieve (Systems of Care) demonstration project.
  • Ossining Partner — Community-based service location for delivering peer support and family services.
  • Ossining Parks and Recreation Partner — Hosts support group meetings at their facility.
  • Peekskill Partner — Community-based service location for delivering peer support and family services.
  • Peekskill Partner — Location of a Family Resource Center operated by Family Ties of Westchester Inc.
  • Three local community-based clinical providers Partner — Collaborates with Family Ties on the Crisis Stabilization Program to provide individualized family peer support services.
  • Westchester County Government — Collaborates on initiatives such as the Annual Father’s Conference, which informs and inspires community-led programming.
  • Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Government — Supported the organization’s early development and helped establish it as an affiliate of the Mental Health Association of Westchester.
  • Westchester County Department of Social Services Funder — Funds the Every Kid Counts program.
  • Westchester County Department of Social Services Partner — Partnered with Family Ties to establish programming under the Family First Prevention Services Act, including Child Safety Conferences and the Every Kid Counts program.
  • White Plains Partner — Community-based service location for delivering peer support and family services.
  • Yonkers Partner — Community-based service location for delivering peer support and family services.
  • community partners Partner — Works with community partners throughout Westchester County to deliver family support services.
  • local government Partner — Collaborates with local government agencies in Westchester County to support families.
  • other advocacy organizations Partner — Partners with other advocacy organizations to amplify family voices in shaping policies, programs, and funding decisions.
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Family-Driven and Youth-Guided Model
    methodology: family_driven_youth_guided
    By placing families and youth in leadership roles in care planning and service design, the organization increases engagement and improves outcomes because lived experience ensures culturally competent, individualized, and empowering support.
  • Peer-Led Support with Lived Experience
    methodology: peer_led_support
    By using certified peer advocates and facilitators with lived experience to deliver coaching, support groups, and resource navigation, the organization builds trust and engagement more effectively than traditional models because shared experience reduces stigma and increases relatability.
  • Strengths-Based Family Team Decision-Making
    methodology: strengths_based_decision_making
    By convening family-centered team meetings that focus on strengths rather than deficits, the organization prevents unnecessary foster care placements because collaborative, empowered planning leads to safer, more sustainable home environments.
  • Trauma-Informed, Community-Based Service Delivery
    methodology: trauma_informed_community_based
    By delivering trauma-informed services within families’ own communities—such as homes, schools, and local centers—the organization increases accessibility and safety, improving engagement because physical and emotional proximity reduces re-traumatization and builds continuity of care.