New York State is honoring Wayne County Community Schools, a nonprofit organization in the Finger Lakes Region, with the 2025 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Community/Organization Award. Representatives of the organization were presented with the award Tuesday during the event in Albany for their work to transform schools in this rural county into places where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

“Wayne County Community Schools demonstrates ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by increasing mental health services for youth in a rural area where access has been historically limited,” state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “By leading with innovation, resilience, and compassion, this organization is shaping a brighter, healthier future for the children, youth, and families of Wayne County and setting an example for the rest of New York State.”

Wayne County Community Schools has been a transformative force in supporting the mental health and well-being of students and families by creating a seamless support system integrating schools, mental health providers, community-based organizations, and families. Based in a rural area where access to mental health services has been historically limited, the organization has helped integrate school-based mental health services, so students can access counselors and social workers directly within their schools.

To address stigma, Wayne County Community Schools launched family engagement initiatives, offering workshops and support groups that educate parents about mental health, resilience, and self-care. These efforts have fostered a culture of openness around mental health, encouraging students and families to seek support without fear of judgment.

Wayne County Community Schools has also integrated social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care into school policies and practices. This organization has also pioneered peer mentorship initiatives, where older students are trained to support younger students in developing emotional resilience, fostering a sense of belonging, and de-escalating conflicts.

“Wayne County Community Schools is an example of place-based work,” Wayne County Community Schools Consortium Director Jay Roscup said. “Our core team and host of partners remain focused on the success of individual people and concerned about the ecosystem surrounding young people as they grow, play and learn.  Our recognition is emblematic of the success that always appears when people come together to build community and seek to make specific places ideal environments for youth development.”

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.