New York State is honoring Jennifer Thompson, a mother from Westchester County, with the 2025 ‘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. Thompson was presented the award Tuesday during the event in Albany and recognized for her tireless advocacy for youth and for inspiring other parents with lived experience.

“Jennifer Thompson demonstrates ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by being a vocal advocate for families that have a child living with mental illness,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “Her willingness to speak freely about her journey with her son has empowered others to find their voice, empowering families on their journey to recovery and resilience. We thank Jennifer for her tireless advocacy and dedication to children’s mental health.”

Thompson’s active involvement with JCCA’s Westchester Day Treatment Program shows her dedication to the broader community facing similar challenges as she does with her 13-year-old son, who enrolled there in 2022. She has shared her personal experiences at JCCA Board meetings, highlighting the struggles families often encounter and inspiring others to engage in a deeper conversation around mental health.

Thompson’s approach to her son’s treatment is deeply collaborative and involves her actively participating in family therapy, applying strategies learned in sessions to create a supportive home environment. Her passion for advocacy serves as a blueprint for how families can engage with mental health services —promoting understanding, normalizing conversations, and advocating for improved resources. 

“I am truly honored and grateful to receive this award,” Thompson said. “I am so happy that my experiences with my son and his care are now helping other families to navigate this journey and become active participants in the care of their children.”

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.