Familylinks, Inc.

Client Corner: Janae* found herself receiving services through Familylinks’ Adolescent Semi-Independent Living program due to familial conflict. She attended school regularly and exceeded her treatment goals. Janae was asked to attend her school’s prom and found herself wondering whether she should have accepted, given her lack of the usual resources. Upon being told, the staff came together to ensure she had a dress, shoes, flowers, makeup, and a hair appointment for the special day. With staff's support, Janae is not only successful in her treatment but also able to participate in typical high school experiences. *Names and images do not reflect actual individuals served by Familylinks.

Successful parenting is a combination of several skill sets that become even more specific when parenting a child with autism. Join us for this webinar on June 18th to learn not only how to support the child, but the whole family. We will explore various supports, techniques, and safety plans to promote positive outcomes for the family. Visit the link below to register.

CLIENT CORNER! Keith* was referred to the Familylinks Community Housing Program (CHP) because he has been in the shelter system for the last 5 months and unhoused before that. Keith is grateful for the rental assistance, but as food and energy costs continue to rise, Keith finds himself having to choose between paying his utilities and getting enough to eat. CHP offered to deliver groceries to help offset the costs Keith was incurring. With this help, Keith can stay in good standing with his landlord and has increased his chances of this becoming a permanent housing situation. *Names and images do not represent actual clients of Familylinks.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT! Brandi Palladino is a Senior Staff Accountant in our Finance department and has been with Familylinks for just under a year. Among other tasks, Brandi assists in closing each department's monthly budgets by running their financial statements. Brandi also tracks spending and revenue within each department’s budgets. Brandi loves working in a non-profit environment and states that Familylinks stands out from other organizations she has supported by showing care not only for our clients but also for the community and our employees. In her free time, Brandi enjoys yoga, going to the gym, making her own jewelry, and spending time with family and friends.

Familylinks stands with the LGBTQIA+ community – not just in June, but every day of the year. We honor the uniqueness, joy, resilience, and compassion of all members of this community. This Pride month, we reaffirm our commitment to providing compassionate and empathetic service to all those who turn to Familylinks for support.

Research has shown that many adults and young adults choose not to seek support for their mental health challenges due to how they feel they will be viewed by peers and even practitioners. We invite you to join us for a virtual training on Friday, June 12, to learn about the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding behavioral health disorders and individuals seeking support for them. During this training, you will learn tools to eliminate stigmatizing language and activities and take a closer look at how our own perceptions and attitudes may have an adverse impact on consumers. Please visit the link in the graphic to register.

NEPA Gives is LIVE, and your support matters more than ever! Since expanding to Eastern PA in 2022, Familylinks has been growing our impact across Northeastern Pennsylvania — now serving over 200 individuals in Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Northampton, Lehigh, Luzerne, Wyoming, and Wayne counties. Our dedicated team provides Supports Coordination services for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism — helping them and their families access the essential services they need to stay safe, healthy, and successful. Your donation today helps us continue building a stronger, more connected community — one person, one family at a time. 🎁 Give now: https://www.nepagives.org/organizations/familylinks

STAFF SPOTLIGHT! Breann Farrier is a School-Based Therapist and has been with Familylinks for almost five years. In this role, Breann provides individual and group therapy during the school day. Breann also collaborates with school personnel to ensure clients receive services that best support them. Breann enjoys building rapport with students and working as part of a team to problem-solve additional ways to provide positive support and interventions. In her free time, Breann enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dogs, and doing yoga and water aerobics.

CLIENT CORNER! Gavin* came to Familylinks’ Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) clinic with speech delays. Gavin would often simply walk away after finishing a meal or activity, leaving peers and family members confused and wondering whether he would return. After working closely with members of the ABA team over several months, Gavin finally verbalized, “All done,” before leaving a task one day. This behavior was heavily reinforced, and Gavin has continued to use his words more than not. *Names and images do not represent actual clients of Familyinks.

Thanks to everyone who supported Familylinks at this year’s Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Whether you walked, donated, or did both, your support helps us continue providing vital services to our community. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, there is still time. Visit https://secure.walkforahealthycommunity.org/p2p/location/394070/en-CA until June 30th to make your charitable gift.