On anniversary of Tops shooting, governor highlights resources to address trauma
On anniversary of Tops shooting, governor highlights resources to address trauma & mental wellbeing in east Buffalo
Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced progress made by the grassroots, community-driven initiatives established to address trauma, mental health and emotional wellness in the east Buffalo community following the racially motivated shooting at the Tops supermarket on May 14, 2022.
Funded through a pair of federal grants, the “Reimagine: I am the Change” initiative has created a network of community supports, including several grassroots wellness initiatives; a mobile Black mental health outreach and response team; and a training initiative to expand the number of community members equipped to offer emotional support and psychological first aid in east Buffalo.
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Reimagine: I am the Change
‘Reimagine: I am the Change’ Bringing new life to a community in recovery
East Buffalo was thoroughly devastated by the racially motivated shooting perpetrated at the Tops Market two years ago. In mere moments, the senseless attack claimed 10 lives and injured three others, leaving a community mourning the loss of neighbors, family, and friends –victims of a racist act of terror and hate. The attack also reopened wounds from the past that had never healed in the predominantly Black community.
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How Businesses Can Help BestSelf Achieve Their Capital Campaign Goal
Whole Health Buffalo: How Businesses Can Help BestSelf Achieve Their Capital Campaign Goal
As a community, we are responsible for protecting and supporting our most vulnerable members: our children. BestSelf Behavioral Health is in the final stages of a crucial $12.5 million capital campaign to relocate and expand the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and BestSelf’s administrative offices. This effort is not just a physical expansion; it’s a lifeline for children who have suffered from sexual abuse, violence, and trauma in Erie County.
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BestSelf Behavioral Health Awarded Nearly $50,000 in Local and State Grants
BestSelf Behavioral Health Awarded Nearly $50,000 in Local and State Grants
Three Foundations and NYS Will Help Provide a Variety of Behavioral Health Services to Children
Buffalo, NY, May 16, 2024 – BestSelf Behavioral Health (BBH) today announced four new grant awards that will help them advance new programming, expand existing services, and sustain vital programs, specifically for infants and children throughout Western New York. Through BBH, the local community is provided easy access to a full continuum of person-centered, trauma-informed behavioral health treatment and recovery services. This generous funding enables BestSelf to sustain crucial community services that foster health, hope, recovery, and an improved quality of life.
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BestSelf Behavioral Health Selects Unapologetic Coffee for New Location
BestSelf Behavioral Health selects Unapologetic Coffee for new location
Local Roasters and Café-Owning Sisters will serve their coffee and social philosophy at BestSelf’s headquarters.
Buffalo, NY, April 18, 2024 – BestSelf Behavioral Health announced today that they have partnered with locally-owned Unapologetic Coffee to serve their high-quality products in a space on the first floor of their new headquarters and future home of the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center (CAC) at BestSelf, which are all slated to open this summer.
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Value Network and Safety-Net IPA Announce First of Its Kind Partnership
Value Network and Safety-Net IPA Announce First of Its Kind Partnership
Organizations Align to Foster a Healthy Community and Drive Cost-Efficiency in Healthcare System
Buffalo, NY, January 10, 2024 – Value Network (VN) and Safety Net Association of Primary Care Affiliate Providers (SNAPCAP) IPA announce today a unique partnership that focuses on assisting people served within their two Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) with Medicaid insurance to connect with social care services in the community. This partnership is the first of its kind in Western New York between two IPAs. They have been working together in various collaborations since 2015, mostly focusing on primary care and behavioral health integration efforts and streamlining processes for people receiving Medicaid insurance, ensuring that they have the appropriate primary care and behavioral healthcare supports in the WNY Community.
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Russell J. Salvatore Donates Half a Million
Russell J. Salvatore Donates Half a Million Dollars to Help Local Children
Charitable Contribution Puts BestSelf in Good Financial Position with Child Advocacy Center
Buffalo, NY, January 11, 2024 – BestSelf Behavioral Health announced today that they have received another financial boost toward completing the new Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and BestSelf’s administrative headquarters, this one from a familiar name in Western New York philanthropy, Russell J. Salvatore.
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Jen Seib elected to COMPA Board
BestSelf Senior VP of Strategic Initiatives Elected to COMPA Board
Jennifer Seib Joins the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates of NYS
Buffalo, NY, December 26, 2023 – BestSelf Behavioral Health announced today that Jennifer Seib, LMHC, CASAC-M, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, was recently elected to the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates for New York State’s Board. COMPA is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to treating addiction through the use of pharmacotherapy as a part of a comprehensive, bio-psycho-social approach to treatment.
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BestSelf’s Recovery Community continues to support those in recovery through the holidays
BestSelf’s Recovery Community continues to support those in recovery through the holidays
Gathering at the dinner table during the holidays is a time to enjoy a meal with the right company. But sometimes, people have nothing but empty seats surrounding them.
It’s not only lonely, but can be detrimental to those recovering from an addiction.
“The holidays are very important. It’s one of the highest times where we have overdoses,” said Mona Lisa McEachin, assistant program director at BestSelf’s Recovery Community. “A lot of the time people don’t have anyone to spend time with. Yeah, you burnt a bridge but you don’t have anyone. So, it’s important you have a plan of escape. Come here, let us support you.”
It’s why for the second year in a row, BestSelf’s Recovery Community at 69 Linwood Avenue is holding a Thanksgiving dinner for those needing someone to lean on during the holiday. The Recovery Community is a safe space providing non-clinical support and community to those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, and assistance to those grieving a loved one who died from an addiction.
“They see us as family so it’s a time to share some love, share some stories and eat some good food,” McEachin said. “It’s really a blessing we’re able to do this dinner. (The people here are) just trying to find a place they feel safe, brave, where they don’t feel judgement, no stigma. A place where they can acclaim their recovery whatever that may be to them.”
All of the food is being provided by TLC Catering. McEachin says everyone who comes to the dinner is in a different stage of recovery including herself. It was 14 years ago she finally got ahold of her own battle with addiction and sought help.
“I’m personally in long-term recovery, used for 20 years… dinner is still important to me. Not missing a dinner with the family. You know how many dinners I missed? I don’t miss them anymore,” McEachin said.
“My kids want me there, my sister, my family and that’s a feeling that’s irreplaceable. It boosts your pride, it boosts your ego. For the first time, people want you around, so yeah, dinner is very important.”
When there is nothing but empty seats around the dinner table, it’s not time to use again. It’s time to fill those seats with the right support.
“As we get older, we get to create our own family. It’s going to be the people who are going to be there for you no matter what. So, in that moment, if we can be the family you chose to spend dinner with, we’re going to be just that here at the Recovery Community Center.” McEachin said.
“It’s a blessing for me to be there for others. Somebody was there for me… a judge once told me no one ever climbs Mount Everest alone. We all need somebody.”
To become a part of BestSelf’s Recovery Community and learn more, click here.
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Vision Buffalo spotlight: Therese Fuerst, BestSelf Behavioral Health
Vision Buffalo spotlight: Therese Fuerst, BestSelf Behavioral Health
BestSelf Behavioral Health’s programming and demand for its services grew exponentially during the past five years, so much so that it needed a professional communicator to spread the word. That’s how Therese Fuerst became the organization’s first-ever Chief Marketing and Development Officer.
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