Spring 2010 Newsletter

1. Contact/MHA offer groundbreaking Mental Health First Aid training
2. Contact/MHA partner with WCNY-TV and Excellus to bring attention to veterans’ challenges
3. Contact focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL) with summer training institute
4. Contact offers 24/7 coverage for HelpLine and MHA info and referral services
5. Children 1st receives state grant

Children 1st receives state grant

Contact/Mental Health Association’s Children 1st program has received a $20,000 grant, renewable for up to five years, from the New York State Unified Court System. The Children 1st! program is a six- hour class for parents involved in divorce, separation, or custody proceedings. The primary goal is to teach parents how reduce the stress of family changes and protect their children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict.

Children 1st is the only certified Parent Education and Awareness Program in Onondaga County. A majority of parents taking the training are mandated by family court judges or referred by attorneys. The program, however, is also open to any separating or divorcing parents. Legal and mental health professionals team up to teach each class.

The Unified Court System awarded grants to programs in only three counties: Onondaga, Westchester and Chatauqua. For more information about Children 1st, contact NPierce@contactsyracuse.org or call 315-445-5606.