Family Support Center reports growth in requests, new transportation partnerships

Director Carrie Schultz delivered the Family Support Center’s annual update May 13, reporting increased demand for services, staff changes, group programs and a new transportation partnership that has begun ferrying families to the center.

Schultz said the center currently partners with local agencies and has 40 counselors who each work at least one evening a week; the center also hosts graduate interns from the University at Buffalo and Niagara University. As of April the center had seen “just over 600” family requests with 222 new families this year and had closed nearly 300 cases; Schultz said roughly 329 families were currently in active service.

Program highlights include suspension‑reduction counseling, Tai Chi for relaxation, coping‑skills groups for high school students, FAFSA consultation groups (more than 50 families this year) and two art‑therapy workshops. Schultz described changes to the food cupboard: “what’s for dinner” bags (meal‑ingredient kits) and “snacks on the go” to reduce stigma and make help discreet and convenient. Edison Elementary donated more than 400 boxes used for meal packs, Schultz said.

On transportation, Schultz announced a partnership with the district transportation department to provide rides to families facing a transit barrier. The center began trips in March and had completed 10 trips in the first eight weeks, she said.

Schultz thanked district administration and the board for support and noted staffing turnover among partner agencies but said the center continued to serve families without turning anyone away.

No board action was required; the presentation was an informational update.