Mental Health Advocates of Western New York

The Buffalo Wind Symphony is putting on a fantastic evening this November to support our military OPCOM program and the veteran families, whose lives we touch.

You can get tickets to this inspiring night! Scan that QR code or head to buffalowinds.org/tickets to get your tickets today!🎼

Check out these awesome MHA pieces -- for sale now! We launched this store ahead of the upcoming MHA Yogathon Presented by New Era Cap Foundation ✨

Wish to shop, sport MHA and support our mission? Head to the link below ⬇️
https://mhayogathon.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Act Fast! The store is only open until September 26th!

"What did I learn?"

Robin Shipman from our OPCOM (Operation Children of the Military) program 🇺🇸 was in our nation's capital this week for a large retreat, pulling together leaders from all across the US to discuss ways to make the OPCOM program stronger and more inclusive.

"MHA is taking our nation’s mental health seriously and we are making great strides in increasing availability and access to needed mental health services for all veterans and their loved ones. I look forward to turning what I learned into action!"

Are you a veteran and interested in details about OPCOM? Check it out here: https://mhawny.org/programs/operation-com-children-of-the-military/

The theme today was: YOU MATTER 💚

We were honored to attend the Out of the Darkness Walks at Canalside today during September's National Su***de Prevention Month. Our Youth Peer Advocates department was there to lead the tabling efforts and say hello to all who visited.

Thank you Body of Wealth for promoting our amazing Yogathon coming up in just four weeks! 🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️

Get your tickets today at mhawny.org ✨

✨ Join us for the 4th Annual YOGATHON! ✨

🧘‍♀️ Presented by New Era Cap Foundation
📅 Date: Saturday, October 19th
⏰ Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
📍 Location: Statler Buffalo, Golden Ballroom
107 Delaware Ave.

🌟 RSVP now: [https://bit.ly/2024yogathon](https://bit.ly/2024yogathon)

Let's come together for a day of wellness, community, and mindfulness! 🕉️💚

We have TWO BIG events coming up this fall and tickets are NOW ON SALE for the 'Steak Out Stigma' MHA Meat Raffle on Saturday, November 2nd in Williamsville!

Just $20 gets you into the door for all the mouth-watering fun! That includes endless soda, beer and wine.

And, for just $150, you can reserve a table of EIGHT to invite your friends along!

Head to this link to get your tickets before our event is sold out:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mhaoeci/event/mhameatraffle/

Big thanks to Endeavor Health Services Horizon Health Services and KeyBank for your support!

The 4th annual MHA Yogathon, Presented by New Era Cap Foundation, is just five weeks away and, for the first time, is taking place at Statler Buffalo 🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️

Join us Saturday, October 19th! Doors open at 9 am and the yoga kicks off at 10:30.

We will have yoga sessions by Power Yoga Buffalo and Vibe Yoga Lab, vendors, giveaways from partners like Top Seedz, networking, wellness-focused fun and your opportunity to give back to our very important mission!

Head to mhawny.org to purchase your ticket and reserve your spot on the mat. Tickets are limited. Grab your friends and purchase today!

Click the link here to WATCH our segment on Daytime Buffalo 👇🏼 https://youtu.be/R0J8ZFXT-4o?si=L2otRkyPS-0w1HFC

Hear what the Teen Chat Line is all about and have a chance to win money, too 💲‼️

There are TWO chances to win! Win by registering at the QR code or links below to learn about how our Teen Chat Line can help your teen or a teen you know:

SESSIONS 👇🏼

September 18th
12 PM EST
* Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdeipqTMoGd2JmX8kU0vvKLs6Y0GdK36G

September 26th
1 PM EST
* Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodOuqpjgvH9y-ZjjL2xRR-AByO4Olyvzq

We also have a toolkit - available here ⤵️ https://mhawny.org/just-tell-1/about/

At Mental Health Advocates, we stand with you in solidarity and are here to support our community through all of life’s challenges, including the tragic events of 9/11.

NEVER FORGET.

Drop a ❤️ to show your support for those suffering.

You are NEVER alone 🫶🏼🫶🏿

A big thanks to Endeavor Health Services for coming on as the 'Smoke Sponsor' for our upcoming and first ever 'Steak Out Stigma' MHA Meat Raffle - you are helping us bring home the bacon! 🥓🙃

Sponsorships and tickets for this event are still available! Don't miss your opportunity to give back and have fun doing so 🥳

Email Amy Starck at [email protected] for questions or by clicking into this link 👇🏼
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mhaoeci/event/mhameatraffle

Congrats to Sabrina Timm who was recently promoted to Family Support Program Coordinator! We are thrilled to have her compassionate enthusiasm in this new role ✨

She will now be a Supervisor for our Wrap Around program and will continue to provide resources for families in need. She will also be co-leading a new family support group at the Child Psychiatric Center and overseeing some of our work with ECMC.

Thank you, Sabrina for all you do for the success of MHA and mental wellness in the community 💚

We will once again benefit from Fitness on the Field, held by our amazing friends at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York in just over a week! 🏃🏼‍♀️👟

A very special thank you to Body of Wealth and Terrill Dizzo Ware for selecting us and helping to raise critical awareness and fundraising for our life-changing mission!

More details to come... ‼️

https://www.buffalobills.com/fans/fitness-on-the-field

September is National Su***de Prevention Month, and we share the words of "Team Will Gottheld" -- a name we will always honor at MHA.

"Please check in on one another. Let's create hope through action. Let's end the stigma."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988.

IT'S BAAAAACK! 📣

Our Annual Yogathon, presented by New Era Cap Foundation, and hosted in partnership with Power Yoga Buffalo and Vibe Yoga Lab is taking place Saturday, October 19th at Statler Buffalo.

This is a calming, healing and uplifting experience with more than just yoga! Our community partners will also be on hand with giveaways, information and fun.

Register today, as we expect this to SELL OUT!

Head to this link 👇🏼 to purchase your ticket (s) 🫶🏽

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/mhayogathon/

A heartfelt thanks to our Meat Raffle 'Sear' Sponsors Employer Services Corporation and Horizon Health Services - you are helping us bring home the bacon! 🥓🙃

Sponsorships and tickets for our 'Steak Out Stigma' MHA Meat Raffle are still available! Don't miss your opportunity to give back and have fun doing so 🥳

Your support is greatly appreciated and needed!

Email Amy Starck at [email protected] for questions or by clicking into this link 👇🏼
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mhaoeci/event/mhameatraffle

HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY! 🐾

It's no doubt that our team loves their woofs and the comfort their pets bring! Enjoy the absolute sweetness by clicking into each photo 🥰

We are excited to have Nicole Shields of our Youth Peer Advocates program represent MHA at this online panel -- with a focus on our Teen Chat Line.

Simply head to Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition next week Thursday at noon to WATCH + LISTEN 👀

Welcome, Sarah K. Lanzo as MHA's new Senior Director of Programs!

Sarah, who came to us from the City of Lockport as the former City Clerk, spent 12+ years in nonprofit work and is excited to buckle down and learn more about our life-changing mission serving those in crisis and those with mental challenge.

"I come from an agency that is based in Niagara County, but part of the WNY footprint. I am so excited to learn more about the programs and the people. I believe in reciprocal relationships and I already feel that the team here has so much to teach and show me."

You will begin to see Sarah's bright smile often, as she will be involved with the majority of programs at MHA. Please help us welcome her!

Our team had a bonding day down along the water as a way to celebrate their devotion to our mission day in and day out. Thank you to our staff for making our mission their passion and working so tirelessly to create a safe and accepting space for all 🫶🏽

Cheers to a thriving community, one individual helped at a time!

Congrats to our friends, Lauren and Matt Connors, who welcomed their sweet bundle of joy to the world! 🌼

We are so happy for them and wish them all the best in this next adventure!

We're going for gold 🥇

How 'bout you?