Family Empowerment Network
Staying Connected and Growing Together
At Hillside, families are at the heart of everything we do. We formed the Family Empowerment Network (FEN) as another way to bring families together—to offer support, share perspectives, and provide invaluable guidance that strengthens the entire Hillside community.
In-person and virtual FEN workshops and parent education classes are offered multiple times each month, and are free of charge to attend. The meetings are open to all current or former Hillside parents, caregivers and family members, as well as family and youth peer advocates, and interested staff. FEN groups include:
- Discussions that empower parents and caregivers
- Opportunities to meet other families, staff, leadership and community and state partners
- Educational opportunities to keep you in-the-know about beneficial information and resources
- Opportunities for parents and caregivers to build leadership and advocacy skills
Whether you’re currently a parent or caregiver looking for support, or you’re simply looking to stay connected with other like-minded individuals, you don’t have to go through your situation alone.
FEN Workshops & Classes
We happily welcome all caregivers and parents of youth who are currently or have been part of Hillside to join our classes and workshops!
Any Caregiver who resides in the following counties may also attend these groups: Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (no affiliation to Hillside required)
Register for Workshops and Classes
by filling out the “sign up” form at the bottom of the page
or by emailing fen@hillside.com
August & September 2026 FEN Workshops & Classes
Classes
Tuesday, Evening Class, In Progress
Crisis Response Training; 4:00-6:00pm via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Class dates 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4 & 8/11.
When crisis occurs, we need more than instincts; we need tools! This workshop is designed to help caregivers stay calm, respond with confidence, and support themselves and their children through moments of crisis. You will learn practical strategies to de-escalate intense situations, effectively communicate during emotional overload, and guide your child back to safety and connection.
Complete all 6 classes to obtain certificate.
Thursday- Day Class, In Progress
Active Parenting: 11:00am-1:00pm via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Class dates 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6 & 8/13.
This 6-week class will show you effective ways to…
- Use nonviolent discipline that really works
- Open up lines of communication—before they get clogged
- Teach responsibility, courage, and other important character traits
- Encourage school success in 7 steps
- Prevent future problems with drugs, alcohol, and sex
- Defuse power struggles with your children
- Stimulate independence as your child grows older
- Stop scolding and start smiling with your kids again!
Complete all 6 classes to obtain certificate.
Wednesday- Day Class, In Progress
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 10am – 12:30pm via zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 50 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Class Dates 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12 & 8/19
Six sessions designed to help parents equip kids with character,
This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately!
You will learn how to:
- Stay calm when your kids do incredibly upsetting things.
- Set enforceable limits.
- Avoid enabling and begin empowering.
- Help your kids learn from mistakes so they don’t repeat them.
- Raise kids who are family members rather than dictators.
Complete all 6 classes to obtain certificate.
Monday- Day Class, In Progress
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 3:00pm – 5:00pm via zoom
Class Dates 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24 & 8/31
Six sessions designed to help parents equip kids with character,
This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately!
You will learn how to:
- Stay calm when your kids do incredibly upsetting things.
- Set enforceable limits.
- Avoid enabling and begin empowering.
- Help your kids learn from mistakes so they don’t repeat them.
- Raise kids who are family members rather than dictators.
Complete all 6 classes to obtain certificate.
Tuesday, Evening Class RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Active Parenting: 11:00am-1:00pm via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Class dates 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/1
This 6-week class will show you effective ways to…
- Use nonviolent discipline that really works
- Open up lines of communication—before they get clogged
- Teach responsibility, courage, and other important character traits
- Encourage school success in 7 steps
- Prevent future problems with drugs, alcohol, and sex
- Defuse power struggles with your children
- Stimulate independence as your child grows older
- Stop scolding and start smiling with your kids again!
Complete all 6 classes to obtain certificate.
Tuesday, Day Class RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Love and Logic: Supporting Youth w/Special Needs; 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM via Zoom
Class dates 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6
This class is for caregivers who have completed the Parenting the Love and Logic way class.
Love and Logic Supporting Youth with Special Needs:
Session 1: Understanding their Unique Needs and Gifts
Session 2: Maintaining Healthy “Can-do” expectations
Session 3: Developing and maintaining positive parent-teacher relationships
Session 4: Reaching discouraged and resistant learners
August Workshops
Thursday, August 6
DBT Skills: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just stuck?
Teens and Adults are welcome to come hang out in our DBT Skills Group—a safe space to learn real-life “life hacks” for handling tough emotions, stress, and relationships.
Learn ways to:
- Stay calm when life gets intense
- Handle anger, sadness, or anxiety without drama
- Communicate better with friends and family
- Make smarter choices in tricky situations
It’s not therapy, it’s a toolkit for life, with a group that’s got your back.
Tuesday, August 11
CSE/IEP/504 Support: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Navigating school, learning goals, and Individualized Education Plans can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our CSE/IEP/504 group provides a supportive space to understand the process of obtaining accommodations and learn skills to advocate for your child. This group empowers participants to take charge of their child’s learning journey.
It Takes a Village: Caregiver Support Group: Building a Social Network: 5:30- 7:30pm via Zoom in person at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage Rd. Westfield.
This workshop will discuss the importance of caregivers building their social network for themselves and for their child. Attendees will learn about groups and organizations (local, state-wide and national) to support the caregiver and the child such as Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), Kinship Navigator, Families Together in NYS, and others.
Youth Group: Back to School Prep: 5:30- 7:00pm via Zoom or in person at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage Rd. Westfield.
The facilitator will lead youth in a discussion of things that they can do to prepare for the return to school. The discussion will include adjusting sleep routines, winding down on screen time, setting goals and proactively managing anxiety and stress. Youth will create their own list of timelines of things they can do in the few weeks prior to school starting.
- For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers
Wednesday, August 12
Cultivating Hope Through Gratitude: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom or in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
This workshop explores how practicing gratitude can nurture hope, even during Challenging times. Through Simple reflection and practical exercises, practical exercises, participants will learn ways to notice what’s sustaining them and use gratitude as a foundation for renewed optimism and resilience
Thursday, August 20
It Takes a Village – Caregiver Support Group: Building A Support Network 5:30-7:00 pm via Zoom or in person at 75 West 6th Street Dunkirk, NY 14048.
This workshop will discuss the importance of caregivers building their social network for themselves and for their child. Attendees will learn about groups and organizations (local, state-wide and national) to support the caregiver and the child such as Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), Kinship Navigator, Families Together in NYS, and others.
Youth Advisory Board: Back to School Prep: 5:30- 7:00pm via Zoom or in person (Location TBD).
The facilitator will lead youth in a discussion of things that they can do to prepare for the return to school. The discussion will include adjusting sleep routines, winding down on screen time, setting goals and proactively managing anxiety and stress. Youth
will create their own list of timelines of things they can do in the few weeks prior to school starting.
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County. Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges, struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers.
Friday, August 21
AI & Youth Safety: What Happens When Tech Talks Back: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom
From chatbots to digital companions, AI tools can inform, entertain, and even provide emotional support for children. But they also raise big questions about privacy, emotional development, and dependence. In this webinar, Dr. Michael Robb, Head of Research at Common Sense Media, walks parents and caregivers through how young people are really using AI, why they connect with it, and what the research says about the risks and trade-offs. You will leave with practical ways to talk with kids about AI in honest, age-appropriate ways that build critical thinking instead of fear.
Tuesday, August 25
Youth Group: Back to School: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
Back to School Supports – The facilitator will lead youth in a discussion of things that they can do to prepare for the return to school. The discussion will include adjusting sleep routines, winding down on screen time, setting goals and proactively managing anxiety and stress. Youth will create their own list of timelines of things they can do in the few weeks prior to school starting.
It Takes a Village- Caregiver Support Group: 5:30-7pm via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
It takes a Village: Is a group of Caregivers who connect to provide support to each other on the issues that caregivers face when raising children. Challenges may include social/emotional, medical, developmental, education, kinship placement, etc. This group will connect through sharing experiences, resources, compassion, empowerment, and encouragement. Topic of discussion will be group lead with the support of a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate from the PEER Navigator Program
Youth Group: Back to School Prep: 5:30- 6:45pm via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
The facilitator will lead youth in a discussion of things that they can do to prepare for the return to school. The discussion will include adjusting sleep routines, winding down on screen time, setting goals and proactively managing anxiety and stress. Youth will create their own list of timelines of things they can do in the few weeks prior to school starting.
- For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers
Thursday, August 27
Youth Advisory Board: 5:00pm – 6:00pm in person at The Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St., in Rochester.
The Youth Advisory Board is a youth-lead group to provide:
- empowering activities
- leadership training
- advocacy opportunities
- opportunities to share successes and difficulties
- receive support and encouragement
September Workshops
Tuesday, September 8
It Takes a Village: Caregiver Support Group: Building an Organization System: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Patterson Library 40 S Portage St, Westfield, NY 14787
Join us in discussing effective ways to build a strong organization system that supports balancing common challenges when juggling multiple tasks, such as schedules, appointments, organizing important documents, and time management. While preserving energy.
Youth Group: Fostering Appreciation: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage St, Westfield, NY 14787
The Facilitator will lead the group in a discussion about the importance of Fostering Appreciation. The Group discuss will include how they can show appreciation for the things in their life, and the people around them, and how journaling their Appreciation Gratitude can be beneficial. Youth coming in person will receive a journal for them to Keep and continue practicing appreciation.
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers
Thursday, September 10
Protective Factors; Building Stronger Families 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM via Zoom or in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
This two-session workshop introduces parents and caregivers to the Protective Factors Framework, a strengths-based approach to supporting family well-being. Participants will explore the five key protective factors that help families thrive: parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social and emotional competence of children.
Each session will focus on practical ways to identify and build these protective factors within the home and community. Through discussion, reflection, and interactive activities, participants will gain tools to strengthen their families, enhance relationships, and promote positive outcomes for children.
Wednesday, September 16
Co-Parenting Group: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom or in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
Through practical strategies, discussion, and peer support, parents learn to prioritize their child’s well-being while navigating co-parenting challenges.
Focus areas include:
- Effective communication with your co-parent
- Managing conflict without escalating tension
- Keeping routines and rules consistent for kids
- Emotional support for the parenting journey
The goal is to make co-parenting smoother, less stressful, and focused on what matters most: the child’s growth and happiness.
Thursday, September 17
Protective Factors; Building Stronger Families 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM via Zoom or in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
This two-session workshop introduces parents and caregivers to the Protective Factors Framework, a strengths-based approach to supporting family well-being. Participants will explore the five key protective factors that help families thrive: parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social and emotional competence of children.
Each session will focus on practical ways to identify and build these protective factors within the home and community. Through discussion, reflection, and interactive activities, participants will gain tools to strengthen their families, enhance relationships, and promote positive outcomes for children.
It Takes a Village: Caregiver Support Group: Building the Parent/School Partnership: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Dunkirk High School Library, 75 W 6th St, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Attendees will gain an understanding of ways to build positive partnerships with teachers and school administration, the importance of parent involvement and an understanding of the supports listed on the district website. Enter the school from the admin entrance on Marauder Drive.
Youth Advisory Board: Fostering Appreciation: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in Zoom and location TBD
The Facilitator will lead the group in a discussion about the importance of Fostering Appreciation. The Group discuss will include how they can show appreciation for the things in their life, and the people around them, and how journaling their Appreciation Gratitude can be beneficial. Youth coming in person will receive a journal for them to Keep and continue practicing appreciation.
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers
Friday, September 18
The Power of Connection: A Parent’s Greatest Protective Tool: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom
Operation Parent webinar: Parent-child connection is the foundation of healthy development and family wellbeing. Susan Caso will explore how genuine connectedness protects children from mental health challenges, peer pressure, and the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering clear, connected conversations, creating emotional safety, and cultivating belonging at home and in schools. Participants will leave with tools to strengthen bonds, rebuild trust, and help children feel safe, seen, and supported at every stage of development.
Monday, September 21
Residential Family Support Group: FEN 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM via Zoom
What is Family Empowerment Network (FEN)?
You’re not alone. Discover how the Family Empowerment Network (FEN) connects families through support, education, and shared experiences. Join us to learn more and help shape future family groups.
Tuesday, September 22
It Takes a Village – Caregiver Support Group: 5:30-7:00pm via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
It takes a Village: Is a group of Caregivers who connect to provide support to each other on the issues that caregivers face when raising children. Challenges may include social/emotional, medical, developmental, education, kinship placement, etc. This group will connect through sharing experiences, resources, compassion, empowerment, and encouragement. Topic of discussion will be group lead with the support of a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate from the PEER Navigator Program.
Youth Group: Fostering Appreciation: 5:30- 6:45pm via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
The Facilitator will lead the group in a discussion about the importance of Fostering Appreciation. The Group discuss will include how they can show appreciation for the things in their life, and the people around them, and how journaling their Appreciation Gratitude can be beneficial. Youth coming in person will receive a journal for them to Keep and continue practicing appreciation.
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers.
Wednesday, September 23
Cultivating Hope through Gratitude: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom or in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
This workshop explores how practicing gratitude can nurture hope, even during Challenging times. Through Simple reflection and practical exercises, participants will learn ways to notice what’s sustaining them and use gratitude as a foundation for renewed optimism and resilience.
Thursday, September 24
Youth Advisory Board: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
The Youth Advisory Board is a youth-lead group to provide:
- empowering activities
- leadership training
- advocacy opportunities
- opportunities to share successes and difficulties
- receive support and encouragement
Class & Workshop Sign Up
Please fill out this form to join one or more Workshops or Classes on this page. A Hillside team member will contact you and help you register. Please note that RSVP is required five days before for Classes only! This is to ensure you receive the class materials.
If you’re interested in learning more about FEN, have an idea for a group, or have questions, contact Hillside at fen@hillside.com or 585-256-7500.