Sankofa Family Counseling Services

02/14/2026

Thank you Twylla Dillion for allowing us to share this post….

“Your story can help improve birth care in Rochester. 💛

The Birth Action Collaborative (BAC) is hosting Community Listening Sessions for Black mothers and birthing people who gave birth in Monroe County within the last 5 years.

This is a space to share your experiences, name what needs to change, and help shape solutions alongside community partners.

Participants receive:
✨ $100 stipend
✨ Transportation provided
✨ Meals provided
✨ Childcare provided

📅 Saturday, February 21 | 12:30–4:00 pm
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 12:30–4:00 pm
📍 21 Gorham Street, Rochester, NY

If you identify as Black and have given birth locally in the last five years, we would love to hear from you.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/Feb26Listen

📞 Questions? (773) 850-2413

Please share with someone who should be in this space. Community voices lead change.”

02/13/2026

Today we are highlighting DeShawn McLamore, LMSW. We are delighted to have DeShawn on our team, she provides a strengths based approach rooted in long-term wellness and resiliency. At Sankofa we don’t just provide therapy, we provide tools for growth.💜

02/08/2026

In Honor of Black History Month….lets honor those in our community who are actively doing the work🖤❤️💚

The path to the bench isn’t always a straight line, and Judge Fatimat Reid’s journey is proof of that. ⚖️✨ Born in NYC and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Judge Reid returned to the States at age 10.

Growing up speaking Yoruba, she mastered English and navigated the foster care system: experiences that fueled her drive to serve.

Her academic foundation is rock solid, with a BS in Chemistry from SUNY Oneonta and a JD from the University at Buffalo School of Law. Admitted to the bar in 2005, she spent 13 years sharpening her legal skills before making history.

Her career path includes:
🔹 Legal Assistant at Serotte Law Firm (2005)
🔹 Associate at Wolpoff & Abramson (2006–2008) 🔹 Attorney at Davidson Fink LLP (2008–2012)
🔹 Municipal Attorney for the City of Rochester (2012–2014)
🔹 Associate General Counsel & Chief of Staff for the Rochester City School District (2014–2018)

In January 2019, she became the first Black woman Family Court Judge in Monroe County.

Since January 2021, she has also served as an Acting NYS Supreme Court Justice.

Beyond the courtroom, she’s a community force, serving on the boards of the Center for Youth and the Monroe County Bar Association, and remains active with the RBBA and GRAWA. We salute your journey, Judge!

02/03/2026

Growth doesn’t require perfection…it requires compassion and intension. Start with yourself ✨

02/02/2026

Black History is not just something we study…it’s something we carry.
In the spirit of Sankofa we look back to honor the brilliance, resilience, and courage of those who have paved the way🖤❤️💚🖤❤️💚

01/31/2026

This is a FREE virtual series with several segments during Black History Month centering non clinical healing practices, the role of parents and caregivers in promoting mental wellness, and highlighting the youth voice.

On February 26 & 28 there is a FREE in person Men’s Symposium…issues covered includes cover men’s wellness, and navigating child support matters.

Registration is required for all events, use the QR code.

01/27/2026

This week we are highlighting Ms. Antoinette Poole…Antoinette is an experienced clinician whose absolutely character aligns with our mission. She provides clinical supervision, creating a safe and informative place where our clinicians can grow and enhance their skills. Antoinette also holds a special gift of connecting with youth and families. We are grateful to have Antoinette on our team!💜

01/25/2026

If anyone needs to know…Warming Center locations in the City of Rochester.

01/24/2026

We recently had the honor of participating in a powerful news interview on su***de prevention hosted by Lynette Adams. Angelica bravely shared her story of losing her 11 y/o son Gio to su***de. Her vulnerability, strength and willingness to speak openly about her loss is a profound act of love, and a call to all of us to talk more honestly about mental health, grief, and prevention.

Su***de is not just about crisis response. It is the accumulation of so many things that occur long before. Including access to health care, access to support, responsibility, isolation, awareness of self & others, stigma, and so much more.

We are deeply grateful to Angelica for trusting us with Gio’s story….to Thomas Culyer for creating a film about Gio’s life. And to WHEC and Lynette Adams for allowing this story to be shared.

The videos will be in the comments.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988

01/16/2026

Please help us welcome our newest therapist Christal Dewberry, LMSW✨ Christal has a strong background in youth services, family therapy and caregiver support. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in our community and approaches her work with care and intention. We are excited to have her join the Sankofa team💜