Volunteer-Powered Child Advocacy

Offers advocacy services for abused and neglected children involved in the Genesee County Family Court system, ensuring their best interests are represented.

Provides advocacy services to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in Family Court proceedings.

Offers a free mediation training program designed to develop communication and conflict resolution skills. The program supports community capacity to engage in constructive dialogue and dispute resolution.

Provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services through offices in Watertown (Jefferson County), Lowville (Lewis County), and Canton (St. Lawrence County). Services include mediation and constructive dialogue facilitation to resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships. The organization founded the Community Dispute Resolution Center of Jefferson County and Lewis Mediation Service, and reopened the St. Lawrence County center.

Appoints trained volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of children involved in family court cases due to abuse or neglect. In 2023, served 89 children and 117 family members with support from 8 volunteers contributing 1,095 hours. Volunteers complete at least 32 hours of pre-service training and commit to 18-month assignments, submitting court reports two weeks before hearings.

Operates a Divorce Referral Program that informs clients about divorce options and connects them with appropriate services. Distributes Pro Se Filing Kits and assists clients in creating Parenting Plan Agreements for uncontested divorces.

Operates a Family Visitation Program offering supervised visitation for families involved in child welfare cases. The program was established to support safe family interactions and strengthen relationships through structured oversight.

Coordinates Victim Assistance Applications for CASA of Jefferson County through the NYS Office of Victims Services, helping child victims of abuse or neglect access compensation and lifelong supportive services such as counseling, travel reimbursement, and medical care.

Conducts workshops and community education initiatives to raise awareness about commercial sexual exploitation of children and the link between gang affiliation and human trafficking, reaching thousands of local professionals.

Provides child support enforcement through ERASE and Project Support, and offers compliance support for public assistance recipients, helping families meet program requirements.

Provides immediate in-home crisis intervention for families, implements Family Intervention Plans, diverts youth from the juvenile justice system with over 90% success, and makes community referrals to help keep families together, saving Suffolk County approximately $1 million annually.

Provides vocational training programs and employment support to help homeless and at-risk individuals gain and retain employment.

Provides protection, therapeutic support, and coordinated services for children at risk of or affected by sexual exploitation in Suffolk County through a structured program at the Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center, including one-on-one mentoring, group activities, and trauma-informed care.

Operates a children's center at Cohalan Court where children participate in educational and recreational activities while parents attend court proceedings, reducing stress and promoting child well-being.

Operates a foster care advocacy program where trained Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers assist Family Court in securing permanent homes for children, increasing likelihood of permanency, school performance, and service access; served 187 clients in the prior year.

Provides social services to over 80,000 people annually through more than 100 programs addressing addiction, poverty, abuse, neglect, senior isolation, and family crisis across Long Island and New York City.

Provides Meals on Wheels as the largest provider in Nassau County, operates senior centers offering meals, exercise, social activities, technology classes, and respite care, and delivers in-home and community-based support for elderly individuals and caregivers.

Launched the Home Base Program in April 2020 to provide comprehensive support services for veterans and their families, addressing mental health, housing, and reintegration needs.