The Family Counseling Center

11/17/2025

Just like adults, young children experience big feelings - and sometimes they need help learning to manage them. Early counseling or play therapy can help children build resilience, learn coping skills, and form strong, healthy attachments. 🧩

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A little support early on can make a big difference later in life. Therapists who specialize in early childhood can guide parents and caregivers in helping their little ones feel secure, confident, and understood.

Call us to learn about services to support your child's mental health - because it's never "too early" to nurture emotional growth. 💪💚

📱(518) 725-4310
📩 info@thefamilycounselingcenter.org
🌐 thefamilycounselingcenter.org

11/13/2025

Today is World Kindness Day 💛

Kind gestures don't have to be grand - a smile, a kind word, or taking a deep breath before you respond. Acts of kindness, big or small, can boost everyone's mental health.

Research shows that kindness releases "feel-good" hormones like serotonin and oxytocin - helping lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

At The Family Counseling Center, we believe kindness starts with you - being gentle with yourself, giving yourself grace on hard days, and knowing that reaching out for help is an act of self-kindness.

💬 Today, take a moment to:
• Say something encouraging to a friend or stranger
• Do one small thing to make someone’s day brighter
• Show yourself the same compassion you give others

Together, we can make our community a little softer, a little stronger, and a lot kinder. 💛

11/11/2025

Today, we salute the courage, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country. At the Family Counseling Center, we also recognize that service can leave invisible marks - and that caring for mental health is one of the greatest ways we can say "thank you."

🔵 Every year, more than 1.7 million veterans receive treatment in mental-health specialty programs through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
🔵 Veterans are at higher risk of mental-health conditions: for example, one study found that 12.1% of VA patients experienced PTSD compared with 6.8% of the general population.
🔵 In 2020, approximately 5.2 million veterans experienced a behavioral-health condition - and more than half did not receive treatment in the past year.

At The Family Counseling Center we believe:
✔️ Mental-health care is an essential part of whole-person wellness.
✔️ Veterans and their families deserve timely access to compassionate support.
✔️ Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

📞 If you’re a veteran, or you’re supporting someone who is, know this: You don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to listen and walk with you.

On this Veterans Day, we pledge to honor your service not just in words, but in action - by advocating for mental health to always be part of the conversation.

Thank you for your service. 💙

📱(518) 725-4310
📩 info@thefamilycounselingcenter.org
🌐 thefamilycounselingcenter.org

11/10/2025

The earliest relationships in a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong mental health. 💛 Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers thrive when they feel safe, supported, and loved. Small things - like making eye contact, responding to cries, and spending time playing - help build that foundation.

✨ Talk, sing, and read to your child every day.
✨ Keep routines consistent - they help little ones feel secure.
✨ Model calm behavior and name emotions to help children learn about their own feelings.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health - for children and adults alike. The Family Counseling Center serves individuals of all ages, including children. Call us to learn about services to support your child's mental health - because nurturing emotional wellness starts from day one. 💙

📱(518) 725-4310
📩 info@thefamilycounselingcenter.org
🌐 thefamilycounselingcenter.org

10/28/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Family Counseling Center’s 2025 Fall Gala Raises over $95,000 to Complete the Bailey Field Children’s Center

[Gloversville, NY] - The Family Counseling Center is thrilled to announce the success of its Annual Fall Gala, held on Thursday, September 25th at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield. The event welcomed more than 200 guests and raised an incredible $95,000, surpassing the organization’s $60,000 goal.

Proceeds from the evening will fund the completion of the Bailey’ Field Children’s Center, a dedicated space within The Family Counseling Center designed to provide specialized, child-focused mental health crisis services in a safe, nurturing environment - an alternative to an emergency department visit. The Center is being created in honor of the legacy of Bailey Field, a young woman who lost her battle with mental illness, whose memory now inspires hope and healing for others. Once complete, the new center will expand the organization’s capacity to serve children and families throughout the region, offering crisis and de-escalation services.

“This was truly a milestone night for The Family Counseling Center,” said Michael Countryman, Chief Operating Officer. “The generosity of our community ensures that we can complete the Bailey Field Children’s Center – a space that will offer hope, healing, and brighter futures for children in need. The impact of this project will be felt for generations.”

Plans to complete the Bailey Field Children’s Center are underway, and The Family Counseling Center expects to share exciting updates very soon.

In addition to its fundraising success, the Gala honored two exceptional individuals whose leadership and dedication embody the spirit of community service:

Dr. David Ziskin received the Dr. David and Ann Lee Clough Award for his outstanding leadership in education and his commitment to fostering collaboration and opportunity for students across the region.

Peter Kiernan was presented with the Mary Ann Harzinski Outstanding Community Service Award for his decades of volunteerism and philanthropy with local organizations such as The Family Counseling Center, Fulton County Regional SPCA, Mountain Valley Hospice, and the Caroga Arts Collective.

“These honorees reflect what makes our community so special,” said Countryman. “Their generosity, leadership, and compassion inspire all of us to make a difference.

The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors and donors, including Rick and Mary Frasier, John and Sunday Blackmon, The Delaney Foundation, Gail and Jerry Ryan, USI Insurance, Eleos Health, Mission Driven Data, and The Bonadio Group. The Family Counseling Center extends heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, businesses, volunteers, and staff whose contributions helped make the evening a resounding success.

Since 1976, The Family Counseling Center has provided comprehensive mental health services to individuals and families throughout the region. Licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Center offers programs for clients of all ages, beginning at birth. Its mission is to offer the skills, support, and guidance needed to help individuals and families live their healthiest lives. The completion of the Bailey Field Children’s Center marks an important step forward in fulfilling that mission by expanding access to child-focused, trauma-informed care.

For more information about The Family Counseling Center, its programs, or ways to support its mission, visit thefamilycounselingcenter.org.

Media Contact:
Peter Lawrence
Chief Operating Officer
(518) 725-4310 ext. 134

10/27/2025

We are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy - thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, our 2025 Fall Gala raised over $95,000 to complete the Bailey Field Children's Center.

From celebrating our outstanding awardees to sharing stories of hope and resilience, the energy in the room was truly inspiring. It is amazing what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

This project - named in honor of Bailey Field, who lost her battle with mental illness - will be a lifeline for the children of our community, providing the care, support, and hope they deserve.

To everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, or volunteered: thank you. Your kindness and belief in our mission make all the difference. 🩵

Let's continue to work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness - and build a future where every child feels seen, supported, and hopeful. ✨

thefamilycounselingcenter.org/donate

10/21/2025

Last week, our Domestic Violence Program Manager, Shianne, had the opportunity to present to students in the "Intro to Helping Profession" class at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College.

A big thank you to Julie for having us speak, and giving us the chance to share how our program supports individuals and families affected by domestic violence right here in our community.

We're always grateful for opportunities to educate, spread awareness, and connect with the next generation of helping professionals. 💜🎓

👉 If you're interested in having our team present to your class or organization, contact Shianne at shopkins@thefamilycounselingcenter.org or (518) 725-4310 ext. 184.

10/20/2025

On October 31st, our team will be joining the Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties to lead an engaging discussion as part of FM Foundation's Fifth Friday Speaker Series.

Enjoy a complementary breakfast at The Allen House, followed by an informative program focused on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges and learning how to provide effective support.

👉 Please RSVP by October 24th by calling (518) 736-3622 or emailing mtambasc@fmcc.edu

Want to learn about mental health first aid? On October 31st, a panel of professionals from The Family Counseling Center and Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties will be joining us for FM Foundation's Fifth Friday Speaker Series! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet at The Allen House, followed by an informative discussion on recognizing signs and symptoms, and providing support.

Reach out to (518) 736-3622 or mtambasc@fmcc.edu to RSVP by October 24th!

10/19/2025

💜 Building Partnerships to End Domestic Violence 💜

This week, The Family Counseling Center's Domestic Violence Program Manager, Shianne Hopkins, delivered purple Hershey's Kisses to local law enforcement agencies - a small gestures with a big purpose: to raise awareness, strengthen communication, and continue building partnerships to end domestic violence in our community.

Stops included:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Johnstown Police Department
Gloversville Police Department
NYS Police - Mayfield Barracks, Troop G

We're grateful for the opportunity to meet with supervisors and officers, fostering open dialogue between our program and the departments that respond on the front lines. Together, we can break the stigma, raise awareness, and support survivors in finding safety, hope, and healing. 💜

👉 Local 24-hour Hotline: (518) 725-5300

10/17/2025

Yesterday, our team proudly wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month's "Wear Purple Day" - standing together to show support for survivors and reaffirm our commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse. 💜

Every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and free from violence. By wearing purple, we raise awareness, spark conversations, and remind our community that help is here - and hope is possible. 💜

If you or someone you know needs support, call our 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: (518) 725-5300. You are not alone. 💜

10/16/2025

💜 Today’s the Day: Wear Purple & Walk for Awareness! 💜

This afternoon, students and staff from Northville Central School District will take to the streets for a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, partnering with our Domestic Violence Program in honor of National Wear Purple Day.

Abuse often starts young - that's why our program works with teens, young adults, and families, providing education, counseling, and early intervention to help break the cycle.

💰Students have also been raising funds through a school-wide coin drive, with every dollar going directly to support local survivors and families in need.

If you work with youth, share this message and help spread awareness. Prevention starts with education, safe support, and open conversations.

Let's wear purple, walk together, and show the community that no one is alone in this fight. 💜