Mental Health Advocates of Western New York

02/14/2026

Love looks different for everyone. 💗

Sometimes it’s flowers. Sometimes it’s chocolate.
And sometimes… it’s checking in on a friend, scheduling that therapy appointment, setting a boundary or simply choosing to keep going.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending candy-heart reminders that truly matter:

“You Are Enough.”
"It’s Okay to Ask.”
“Feel Your Feelings.”
“You Matter.”
"Keep Going.”

At Mental Health Advocates, love means showing up, for yourself and for each other. 💞

Tag someone who needs a little extra reminder today!

02/13/2026

Tonight marks the beginning of something powerful for our veteran community in Western New York.

A new collaborative task force is bringing together dedicated veterans’ organizations in WNY with one shared goal: deeper connection, stronger support and innovative ways to reach those who served.

We’re proud to be part of this exciting and much-needed collaboration 🇺🇸

Research, and lived experience, shows that veterans respond positively to art therapy as a pathway to healing. Tonight provided an intimate space where veterans could sing, speak, share stories or simply be present.

Through our OPCOM - Operation Children of the Military - program, and alongside our partners, we’re honored to help create spaces where expression becomes connection and connection becomes healing.

02/12/2026

This is kind of a BIG DILL 🥒🏓

Get ready to 'Play With Purpose' at The Big Dill, a pickleball fundraiser benefiting incredible local nonprofits right here in Buffalo, including MHA!

All experience levels are welcome, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just here for the fun, the paddles and the good vibes!

Grab your friends, lace up your sneakers and rally for a reason.

Let’s serve up some impact for our community! 💥💚

Queen City Revival

02/10/2026

You felt joy.
You witnessed pride.
And love rang louder than hate.

Moments like this Super Bowl performance remind us that representation matters and so does mental health!

When people are seen instead of sidelined, when culture is honored instead of erased and when love leads instead of fear, communities become safer, stronger and more connected.

At Mental Health Advocates, we see every day how inclusion, dignity, and compassion are essential to mental wellness. Advocacy means standing up for one another, especially when it’s uncomfortable. It means choosing empathy over judgment and action over silence!

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

Love in action looks like protecting vulnerable voices and building communities where EVERYONE belongs.

This is how we rise... this is how we heal... this is advocacy!

02/10/2026

We are thrilled to take our mission to Sarasota and raise funds for our CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program in honor of children in need.

Thank you to Tim Mitten Buffalo Hope Rises and Wagner Realty - Florida Real Estate for making this possible! 🌴

We hope to see our Florida friends at the event March 4th!

02/08/2026

Erin M. Moss Mental Health Counseling Private Practice of the MHA Board always hits the nail on the head. Her sentiment about the significance of Black History Month is important to reflect on:

"Growing up, my father taught me Black history. He has tons of books about our history. From Slavery to Tulsa... I learned at home. In school, all I had were three pages on the triangle slave trade. My dad taught me that there is so much more when it comes to our history. After minoring in African American Studies in college I learned about the African Diaspora... poets, writers, artists. Black History is American History. Teach it. Celebrate it. 365!!"

Happy Black History Month ❤️🖤💚

02/03/2026

We’re Hiring at Mental Health Advocates of Western New York!
⁣
Are you passionate about advocacy, children’s well-being and community impact? We’re excited to share that new positions are open in our CASA Program — including CASA Case Manager and CASA Volunteer Supervisor roles!
⁣
As part of our team, you’ll help support Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) — a national program of trained volunteers dedicated to advocating for children who’ve experienced abuse and neglect. These roles allow you to work alongside compassionate, mission-driven people who truly make a difference every day.
⁣
What you can expect:
✨ Meaningful work supporting CASA volunteers and children in care
✨ Competitive benefits and professional development ⁣
✨ A chance to be part of a compassion team that lives our mission of advocacy and support
⁣
Apply now: https://mental-health-advocates-of-western-new-york.prismhr-hire.com
⁣

02/02/2026

We are excited to be part of the February "Roy's Cares" contest! Please cast your vote from now through February 25th for MHA! We have the chance to win $500!

You can vote once every 24 hours! Vote here: https://forms.gle/721G3brC4eS5nQro9

Thank you Roy's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!

The Roy's Cares program is a monthly giveaway contest designed to assist area groups or individuals in raising money for their unique cause. Each month, three local individuals, groups, or organizations are selected to compete and the nominee with the most votes for the month receives a check for $5...

01/25/2026

You don’t have to navigate OCD alone.

Our "Living with OCD" Peer Support Group offers a safe, supportive space for adults living with OCD to connect, sharen and learn alongside others who truly understand.

Facilitated by Sammy Violante, a champion advocate, this group meets the first and third Thursday of each month in Buffalo.

Community. Understanding. Support. 🫶🏼🫶🏿

Scan the QR code or reach out to learn more!!

01/24/2026

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York recently met with Senator Rob Ortt, NYS Senate Minority Leader, to discuss the continued expansion of critical programs serving our community.

The conversation focused on bringing MHA’s CASA program into Niagara County, ensuring more children experiencing abuse, neglect or abandonment have a consistent, caring advocate by their side, as well as our OPCOM program, which supports children of military families.

As a longtime Niagara County leader and a decorated veteran himself, Senator Ortt understands the importance of strong community-based support systems for both children and families. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the impact of our work and discuss ways to continue expanding access to these vital services across the community.

📸 Pictured: Sarah Lanzo, Robin Shipman, Melinda DuBois, Mike Hughes and Senator Ortt