Youth & Caregiver Council
About the Council
The Healthy Minds Healthy Kids Council is our foundation for building a intergenerational community-driven advocacy coalition with residents of New York who have experience with mental/behavioral health issues, are familiar with the needs of children and youth, and are passionate advocates for ensuring our communities thrive.
Our goal is to create a powerful movement of youth, parents, and caregivers who are fighting to improve access to mental and behavioral health support for all children and youth in New York State.
Community Voice Matters
State leaders need to hear from youth and families about their experiences and challenges they face – advocating on behalf of themselves, their loved ones, and communities. By mobilizing and leading with community advocates, we challenge state leaders to ensure supports for children and youth are enough so they grow, develop, and thrive. We believe youth and family directed advocacy will drive policy and budget recommendations to state leaders that lead to long lasting, permanent change.
Hear From Members of Our Council
Our Children’s Mental Health Community Speakout mobilizes advocates and champions, like you, to be a part of our movement to end New York’s mental and behavioral health crisis.
Hear members of our council call on State leader to ensure that state budget investments prioritize children, youth and families amid decades of chronic disinvestment in the children’s behavioral health system.
Statewide & Regional Partners
Our Youth and Caregiver Council partners with organizations across key regions in New York State, supporting the efforts of our campaign’s youth and caregiver council, mental health advocacy, and community mobilization. This outreach enables us to reach all 62 counties.
In addition to these partnerships, our Youth and Caregiver Council is supported by several backbone organizations in our campaign.
Backbone Staff Supporting the Youth & Caregiver Council
Alice Bufkin, Associate Executive Director for Policy and Advocacy
Carlos F. Rosales, Senior Community Engagement Associate
Backbone Staff Supporting the Youth & Caregiver Council
Brad Hansen, Public Policy Director
Cheryl Williams, Family Public Policy Coordinator
Zack Kilmer, Youth Public Policy Coordinator
Backbone Staff Supporting the Youth & Caregiver Council
Andrea Stolz, LIFT Executive Director
Long Island Families Together, Inc., a parent-governed, non-profit organization, grew out of the efforts of many family members and professionals concerned about children’s mental health services on Long Island, and across the state. LIFT provides a strong voice to ensure that children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges and their families are empowered in their choices and that they have access to needed information, supports, and services.
To join their email list or become a member of LIFT’s family or youth advisory councils, email Andrea Stolz at astolz@lift4kids.org
Backbone Staff Supporting the Youth & Caregiver Council
Shannon Zielinski, Board Member