Child and Family Services

10/20/2025

Adopt-a-Family 2025 applications are now open!

The holidays are around the corner, and C+FS is once again preparing for our Adopt-a-Family program. Thanks to donors like you, more than 1,000 children and families experienced comfort and joy last year. This season, the need is even greater—and we hope you’ll join us in providing comfort during the holidays!

To learn more, use the link below:
https://cfsbny.org/support-our-work/adopt-a-family/

10/20/2025

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced domestic violence.

Chances are, you know someone who has been impacted — a friend, a colleague, a neighbor, or a loved one.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s break the silence and stand together for safety, healing and hope.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Child and Family Services Haven House's 24-Hour hotline: (716) 884-6000.

10/17/2025

Yesterday, our staff joined together for Wear Purple Day to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence and show support for survivors. 💜

10/16/2025

Yesterday afternoon marked the unveiling of the Erie County Family Court Children’s Public Art Project — a powerful collection of artwork created through Child and Family Services Haven House Art Empowerment Program.

During the event, remarks were shared by our very own Tiffany Pavone, Director of Victim Services, along with Nitya Vedantam, STRIVE Domestic Violence Clinician with BRAVE, Nancy Abdelhaq, Executive Director of RAHAMA, and Hon. Shannon Filbert, Erie County Family Court Judge.

Each piece on display raises awareness about domestic violence and shares the stories of survivors through powerful images, words, and colors. From now through April 2026, three displays will be featured on floors 5 and 6 of Erie County Family Court.

10/15/2025

Our next Faces of C+FS feature highlights Alicia Stark, Development Manager!

Alicia’s journey with Child and Family Services began in February 2022 as a Public Relations Intern. Later that year, she transitioned into the role of Community Relations Coordinator, and by 2023, she became our Development Manager — a role that perfectly blends her communication skills, creativity and passion for community connection.

As Development Manager, Alicia serves as a vital link between C+FS and the broader community. She helps identify program needs and works to ensure those needs are met through donations and funding. By sharing stories about our programs and their impact, Alicia builds meaningful relationships with donors, community groups and supporters. “At the end of the day, we’re just humans helping our community,” she shared.

During the holiday season, Alicia also coordinates our Adopt-a-Family Program — one of her favorite parts of the year.

“It’s amazing to see how a single donor learning about C+FS can grow into something so much bigger,” she said. “Often, they’ll bring in their families or clubs to help, and suddenly, a whole group is supporting a family or program in need. Those acts of kindness are what make our work possible.”

Outside of her work at C+FS, Alicia enjoys spending time creating pottery, reading and crafting with friends.

Thank you, Alicia, for your creativity, dedication, and for helping to strengthen the connection between C+FS and our community!

10/14/2025

10/13/2025

Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to learn, reflect and recognize the rich histories, cultures and resilience of Indigenous and Native communities.

While their story includes pervasive injustice, denial of heritage and land, systematic violence and cultural eradication, there are also stories of survival, fortitude and deep interconnectedness.

We celebrate and stand with the many Indigenous Peoples who have shaped — and continue to shape — our communities across the U.S.

10/10/2025

Today on World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded that caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult time or simply want to prioritize your wellbeing, Child and Family Services’ Counseling Services are here to help. You don’t have to figure out life's problems alone - support is always within reach.

To learn more, use the link below:
https://cfsbny.org/our-services/counseling/

10/09/2025

Today is DAF Day!

DAF Day is a national day of action — encouraging those with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to turn their charitable dollars into an immediate impact in their community.

When you recommend a grant to Child and Family Services, your gift helps support our programs that assist children, families and individuals across Western New York.

Ready to make a difference? Use the link below to learn more and take the next steps:

https://cfsbny.mylegacygift.org/donor-advised-funds

10/08/2025

Yesterday, Child and Family Services Haven House hosted our annual Shine the Light press conference in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Guest speakers shared how domestic violence services make a real impact in our community—and how they’ve seen that impact firsthand. We were also deeply moved by a survivor who bravely shared their story, and how these services helped them get to where they are today.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to raise awareness and shine a light on hope, healing and strength.

10/06/2025

Join us tomorrow, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. as Haven House hosts our annual Shine the Light press conference at 844 Delaware Ave.

The event will be held rain or shine! In the event of rain, we’ll gather in the library at 844 Delaware Ave.

Together with community members, advocates and leaders, we’ll raise awareness, share resources and stand united against domestic violence. 💜

10/04/2025

Congratulations to our President and CEO, Elizabeth McPartland!

We are so proud to share that Elizabeth has been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University at Buffalo's School of Social Work at this year’s UB Alumni Achievement Awards!

This award recognizes Elizabeth’s outstanding leadership, commitment to social justice, and lifelong dedication to improving the well-being of individuals and families across Western New York.