Press release:
WNY Independent Living, Inc., wants feedback from youth and young adults 14-24 years of age with mental /behavioral health problems and their parents and educators.
Focus groups are wanted that are comprised of individuals with a “behavioral health” diagnosis, parents of youth/young adults with mental/behavioral health challenges and/or educational service providers/teachers who work with youth/young adults. These focus groups are focused on areas which include disability, developmental/mental health challenges, substance abuse/use, trauma, eating disorders, and environmental disabilities, etc. Focus groups are available to youth/young adults, parents, teachers and service providers.
Each focus group is looking to create a report which shows stakeholders (youth/young adults, parents and services providers) feel is needed in Western New York to support youth/young adults with mental health/behavioral health needs, parents/caregivers, and education/service providers. Through the overall outcome of the focus groups, WNY Independent Living's goal is to create programs and services which will close gaps in current behavioral health services, training, and information to provide to youth/young adults, families and educators within the WNY community.
The focus groups can be set up at any location or WNY Independent Living, Inc., can provide a location in Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Batavia. The focus group takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. We greatly appreciate input as it will create long term outcomes and goals to assist transition age youth/young adults in need of support while attending and remain in high school, transitioning to college or work in being successful and sustaining employment down the road.
Our goal is also to divert youth in high school from dropping out, based on mental health/behavioral
health challenges and needs.
If interested in being part of a focus group to design new and inventive future services please contact Lynnette Torgalski at (716) 836-0822, ext.154, or e-mail at ltorgalski@wnyil.org, or Chris Hoff at (716) 836-0822, ext.103, e-mail at choff@wnyil.org.
