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
October & November 2026 FEN Workshops & Classes
Classes
Tuesday, Day Class In Progress
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
Monday, Day Class, NEW RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Crisis Response Training; 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM via Zoom
Class dates 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 & 11/2
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.
Tuesday, Evening Class, NEW RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Active Parenting: The First Five Years: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom
Class dates 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 & 11/3
Active Parenting the First Five Years will offer education on:
- Building a strong foundation for children Birth to age 5.
- Ages and Stages of Development
- Using Mindfulness to keep your cool
- and more….
Friday, Day Class, NEW RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Active Parenting: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM via Zoom
Class dates 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20
This 6-week class will show you effective ways to…
- Use nonviolent discipline that really works
- Open 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, New RSVP 5 days prior to class starting
Parenting the Love and Logic Way®: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM via zoom
Class date 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1 & 12/8
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.
October Workshops
Monday, October 12
DBT Skills: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM via Zoom.
Caregivers and Youth welcome. All participants will be mailed worksheets & information.
Tuesday, October 13
Youth Group: Life Obstacles: 5:30- 7:00pm via Zoom or in person at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage Rd. Westfield.
The facilitator will hold a discussion about the obstacles that can be thrown our way in life and how we can stay resilient, cope, and face challenges head on. For the activity youth will have a partner and go through an obstacle course and try not to step on the “life obstacles” while their partner directs them to the finish line.
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.
School Avoidance & Educational Neglect: 5:30- 7:00pm via Zoom or in person at 50 Batavia City Center,
Batavia, NY 14020 or at Patterson Library, 40 S Portage St, Westfield, NY 14787
Participants will explore common signs and contributing factors, learn practical strategies for supporting children at home, and discuss ways to build collaborative relationships with schools and other supports.
Thursday, October 15
Youth Group: Life Obstacles: 5:30- 7pm via Zoom or in person at Dunkirk High School, 75 West Sixth St, Dunkirk, NY (Enter high school from admin wing on Marauder Drive)
The facilitator will hold a discussion about the obstacles that can be thrown our way in life and how we can stay resilient, cope, and face challenges head on. For the activity youth will have a partner and go through an obstacle course and try not to step on the “life obstacles” while their partner directs them to the finish line.
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.
Strategies for Anxiety and School Avoidance: 5:30- 7pm via Zoom or in person Dunkirk High School, 75 West Sixth St, Dunkirk, NY
Attendees will watch a video and will learn strategies to use at home and in school to support youth who experience anxiety and those with school avoidance. (Enter high school from admin wing on Marauder Drive)
Monday, October 19
Talk Early, Talk Often: Prevent Underage Drug Use: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom
Operation Parent webinar: You can be the reason a child never rides with an impaired driver or never drives impaired after they turn 21. Underage drinking and cannabis use are among the most preventable — yet dangerous — risks facing youth today. In this webinar, Dr. Robert Turrisi from the Pennsylvania State University will share evidence-based strategies from decades of research, including insights from MADD’s Power of Parents Handbook. You’ll learn how alcohol and cannabis affect the developing brain, how parenting must evolve as kids grow, and what truly works to reduce risky behaviors.
Tuesday, October 20
Educational Avoidance: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Group dates 10/20, 11/17 & 12/15
Join us for a three-part series navigating school struggles.
Wednesday, October 21
Youth Advisory Board – Safety in the Community: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM at Wadsworth Library, 24 Center St, Geneseo, NY 14454
Tuesday, October 27
Youth Group: Safety in the Community: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
The Facilitator will discuss the different ways youth can stay safe while out in the community for Halloween. The facilitator will also discuss safety in the community daily when youth are on their own or with friends.
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.
Strategies for Anxiety and School Avoidance: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY 14701
Attendees will watch a video and will learn strategies to use at home and in school to support youth who experience anxiety and those with school avoidance.
Thursday, October 29
Youth Advisory Board: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
Facing your fears & standing up for yourself.
November Workshops
Tuesday, November 10
Youth Group: Emotional Control: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage Rd. Westfield.
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
The Facilitator will show the Movie Inside Out one. The Facilitator will then hold a discussion about the importance of emotional regulation and how we can cope when new feelings arise.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers.
Caregiver Burnout: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Youth-Act office 277 Tompkins St, Cortland, NY
Caring for an individual can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Many caregivers dedicate so much of themselves to supporting others that they neglect their own well-being, leading to caregiver burnout — a state of chronic stress and exhaustion that can affect both physical and mental health.
If you’re a caregiver, understanding the signs of burnout and knowing where to find support are essential to maintaining your health and continuing to provide quality care.
Thursday, November 12
Safety Planning 101: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM via Zoom or in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
Caregivers & youth are welcome to come and learn basic safety planning & crisis resources.
Monday, November 16
Residential Family Support Group: Time at Home: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM via Zoom
What does time at home really look like for your family? Should every minute be planned, or is it okay to embrace a little chaos? Join us as we explore routines, flexibility, fun, and the realities of making time at home work in a way that fits your family.
Tuesday, November 17
Educational Avoidance: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Group dates 10/20, 11/17 & 12/15
Join us for a three-part series navigating school struggles.
Thursday, November 19
Youth Advisory Board: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in person at the Family Opportunity Center, 1 Mustard St, Rochester, NY 14609
Giving back to someone you are thankful for.
Youth Group: Emotional Control: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Dunkirk High School, 75 West Sixth St, Dunkirk, NY (Enter high school from admin wing on Marauder Drive)
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
The Facilitator will show the Movie Inside Out one. The Facilitator will then hold a discussion about the importance of emotional regulation and how we can cope when new feelings arise.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers.
Neurodiversity: How to use your Child’s Strengths to Conquer Challenges.: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at Dunkirk High School, 75 West Sixth St, Dunkirk, NY (Enter high school from admin wing on Marauder Drive) Meeting will take place in the Media Center.
Participants will participate in a discussion on the importance of using a strength-based approach to conquering challenges, identify their child’s challenges and explore ways to support their child in making progress to overcome the challenges using their strengths.
Monday, November 23
Mind Over Media: Supporting Kids’ Mental Health & Behavior Online: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM via Zoom
From constant screen time to the pressures of social media, technology is shaping how kids think, feel, and behave. While it can open doors for learning and connection, it also brings challenges that impact youth mental health and daily behavior. Join Dr. Dave Anderson, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, for a practical conversation on helping kids navigate the digital world. Dr. Anderson will share insights on how screen use and social media affect emotions and behavior, and he’ll offer strategies to set boundaries, encourage resilience, and support positive mental health. Parents will leave with tools to guide their children toward healthier habits and more balanced lives online and off.
Tuesday, November 24
Youth Group: Emotional Control: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY
For youth that are 12-21 years old Living in Chautauqua County.
The Facilitator will show the Movie Inside Out one. The Facilitator will then hold a discussion about the importance of emotional regulation and how we can cope when new feelings arise.
Helpful for youth Facing social emotional and Behavioral Health Challenges,
struggling with handling stress or Youth that have family/friendship relationship Barriers.
Neurodiversity: How to use your Child’s Strengths to Conquer Challenges.: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM via Zoom or in person at James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY
Participants will participate in a discussion on the importance of using a strength-based approach to conquering challenges, identify their child’s challenges and explore ways to support their child in making progress to overcome the challenges using their strengths.
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.