James Plastiras Director of Public Information New York State Office of Mental Health 518-474-6540 james.plastiras@omh.ny.gov

May 08, 2024

NEW YORK STATE RECOGNIZES LONG ISLAND FAMILY PEER ADVOCATE FOR EMPOWERING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

SCO Family of Services’ Jennifer Fuchs Honored for Using her Lived Experience to Create Person-Centered Care for Families and Children

New York State is honoring Jennifer Fuchs, a family peer advocate from Long Island, with the 2024 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Family/Caregiver Award, which recognizes family members or caregivers who use their lived experience to make a difference in their community through their professional or volunteer work. Fuchs was presented the award Tuesday during the event in Albany and recognized for her tireless advocacy at SCO Family of Services.

“Jennifer Fuchs shows us ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by creating a safe, judgement-free space for each child and family she works with and validating their individual experiences,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “She embodies the essence of advocacy and empathy, tirelessly fighting for what is right and guiding others on their journey towards growth and resilience. We thank Jennifer for her commitment to children’s mental health.”

The interim director of the Garden City-based service provider’s Children and Family Treatment and Support Services & High-Fidelity Wraparound programs, Fuchs rose to her position having started as a per diem worker. Her inspiring journey from a youth navigating her own challenges to a dedicated family peer advocate is testament to her unwavering commitment to helping parents, caregivers and their children.

Fuchs uses her lived experience as a parent of children with mental health needs to support and empower other youth and families. Through her advocacy, she empowers them to use their strengths to take charge, helping them to develop custom, person-centered solutions, while ensuring their voices are heard.  

“I am humbled to be the 2024 honoree for ‘What’s Great in Our State’ in the Family/Caregiver category,” Fuchs said. “It was definitely a surprise, as I had been the person sending out the nomination forms in my organization, encouraging others to nominate someone for the work they do. It never crossed my mind that anyone would nominate me.  I am grateful to Jessica Fishstein for the nomination, and for really listening to my thoughts, hopes, and ideas along this journey. I do this work to ensure family and youth voice are not only heard, but also valued.  I am grateful for all the Family and Youth Peer Advocates who get up every day and do the same work that I do.  I hope that I can continue to inspire youth and families, by encouraging them to speak up, take charge, and amplify their voices.” 

Established in 2010, ‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person and virtual workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.

The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State, New York State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

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