Welcome to New Directions
New Directions Youth and Family Services is a non-profit agency that helps children with emotional and behavioral problems, along with their families.
We offer more than 25 programs and services aiding residents throughout the State of New York.
New Directions' Highlights
The 2009 Wyndham Lawn Educational Conference
Save the Date! Register Now!
The 2009 Wyndham Lawn Educational Conference is November 6 at the Buffalo Airport Holiday Inn .
As always, Dr. Secord has a practical, stimulating and entertaining program planned, plus we’re offering a special 2-for-1 deal this year so you can bring a partner – a colleague or maybe a parent at no extra charge. In addition, lunch is on our program sponsor – EBS University, and they’ll have an information table.
To register, you may download the conference brochure and submit the registration form by email (bsande@ndyfs.org), fax (716-433-7030) or regular mail (6395 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY 14094). You may also just send an email with all of the required information – we’re not picky!
If you have questions or need a paper copy of the brochure, please call 716-433-4487, ext 420.
Click here to read and download brochure!
Teen from Wyndham Lawn benefits from baseball
Josh, 15, turns what he learns on the baseball field into success at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children.
From left, Cassidy, a teen; Nikki Meacham, youth counselor, and Sondra, Caroline, and Theresa, teens, learn to work as a group through fun activities such as kayaking during a recent trip to the Adirondack Mountains, part of Randolph Children’s Home Adventure Recreation Program.
Excursion to Adirondacks brings teens encouragement
“You can’t do everything alone,” said Sondra, teen at Chautauqua Group Home. “Sometimes asking is better.”
This is one illustration of what teens learned from a recent expedition to the Adirondack Mountains. The excursion was part of Randolph Children’s Home Adventure Recreation Program.
Want to be a foster parent?
Get information Aug. 26
An informational meeting for individuals interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School, 6395 Old Niagara Rd., Lockport.
Call Laurie Grimm, Family Resource/Intake Coordinator, at 834-9413, ext. 204 to RSVP by Aug. 24.
A diverse group of people to be certified for therapeutic foster care and adoption is needed. Foster parents are sometimes lost when they decide to adopt, so there is always a need for new recruits.
• You can be married or single.
• You must be at least 21, but there is no maximum age.
• You don’t have to be rich. Financial and medical support to meet the needs of the child is provided.
• You will receive training and support.
For more information on how to become a foster parent click here
Michele Beaudoin, teacher at Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School, left, and Dan, right, celebrate the publication of his orginal work.
Lewis School students’ writings are published
Students at Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School wrote and illustrated books that were then published in hard cover.
“Kids learned the power of the word and that they can make words into stories,” said Judy VanNostrand, literacy specialist at Lewis School. “They get to take ownership.”
After the books were published, the students, K-12, were treated to a book party in their honor with pastries and juice. During the party, some students choose to read their books aloud.
“Kids love when we do this,” said VanNostrand.
Students are given this opportunity twice a year.
Laying the foundation for trauma treatment
More clinicians at New Directions have yet another tool for treating trauma after undergoing training in EMDR. Extensively researched and shown to be effective for the treatment of trauma, EMDR helps youth reprocess their trauma that they have placed behind a wall because it is too overwhelming to deal with. The treatment helps to give control back to the youth. The training is part of New Directions’ emphasis on trauma-informed treatment.
Laurie, left, rides “Zip” and Jessica rides “Superman” while competing in the Walk, Trot, Canter Equitation Class where they demonstrate the rider’s performance and control of the horse.
16th annual horse show held at Randolph Children's Home
Youth demonstrated to family and friends what they have learned in the equestrian program during the 16th Annual horse show that was held at Randolph Children’s Home June 13. This event gives the youth an opportunity to show friends and family what they have learned from working with the horses, and allows others the chance to see the accomplishments of the children.
New Directions' Highlights
Families celebrate youths' achivements
Steven, center, is congratulated on his progress by his parents, Violet and Scott, at the 38th annual Recognition Day held for youth in the residential program at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children. The event featured the presentation of awards, speeches by students and performances by the chimes choir and girls choir. A highlight was the presentation of the United States President’s Award for Academics to Jennifer R.
Graffiti board encourages writing
Keon, 16, left, and Rozzell, 17 jot ideas on the graffiti board at the Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School.
The board is used to encourage students to express their feelings, beliefs and thoughts in writing. There’s a different theme or question each week. Some of the themes and comments include:
What makes you You?
“Live, Laugh, Love” by Jaileen
“The thing that makes me is my attitude and my determination. Never let anyone get me down. Oh and my Hawaiian looks.” by Shavan
What or who inspires you?
My nephew, because he looks up to me.” by Dave
Recognition Day honors day students
at Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School
Graduating seniors were among those honored at the Recognition Day celebration for day school students at the Henrietta G. Lewis School in Lockport held June 15. In the photo above, they are from left, front row, Dustin, who will study auto body repair at Erie Community College, and Holly, who will study environmental studies at Niagara County Community College, and back row, Matt, who is undecided, and Dave, who is working and will study auto mechanics. Below, Principal Patricia McMahon, right, presents the Triple C Award to Allan. Signed by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the award honors Allan for his character, commitment and courage. In addition to the presentation of achievement awards to middle and high school day students, the afternoon included a slide show of photos taken throughout the year and the distribution of yearbooks.
Laura Kelemen honored by
Mental Health Association
Laura Kelemen, program director, Children’s Mental Health Programs at New Directions Youth and Family Services, was recently awarded the 2009 Donald Walck Professionalism in Mental Health Award by the Mental Health Association in Niagara County, Inc.
The award is given to a mental health professional that is dedicated, acts in a compassionate manner and respects the dignity of individuals living with mental illness.
The association recognized Ms. Kelemen as a leader in the community and thanked her for all she does for the residents of Niagara County.
