LIFT Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast

LONG ISLAND FAMILIES TOGETHER, INC. HOSTS THE 9^TH ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST  SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Amityville, NY – Long Island Families Together. Inc. (LIFT) will host its 9^th Annual Legislative Breakfast at the Melville Marriott on September 27, 2012 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Registration and a continental breakfast will be held from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. The event will provide an opportunity for elected officials to meet with their constituents, and hear the experiences and concerns of youth and families that have been affected by mental health challenges.

The theme of this year's breakfast is "Perspectives: Promoting Children's Mental Wellness". Featured guest speakers include Martha A. Carlin, PsyD., Director, Long Island Field Office, NYS Office of Mental Health; Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino; and Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick. 

"Our Legislative Breakfast is an opportunity for our elected officials to come together to hear what families have to say about children's mental health services on Long Island. Last year, more than 100 people including legislators, youth, family members, advocates and children's services providers attended our breakfast," says Susan Burger, Executive Director at LIFT.

Also speaking will be parents who have children with mental health concerns, and youth who have received services from multiple child serving systems. Their personal stories and experiences about their journey and the value of community and peer support will help raise awareness about the issues surrounding children's mental health on Long Island.

"The support, understanding and resources offered to me by LIFT have been invaluable.  It helps to prevent the overwhelming feeling of isolation that families of mentally ill children can feel.  I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to share with other mothers who have walked the same road I walk every day.  We can exchange hugs, tears, laughter and above all, experiences about resources to help our children," says LIFT member Mary R.

Long Island Families Together (LIFT) is a parent and youth guided organization that assists families who have children with emotional, behavioral and other mental health challenges. LIFT provides families and youth with support, education, information and referral services. We work hand in hand with service providers in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, and provide a voice for families on the local, state and national level.

To register for this event, please call 631-264-5438 (LIFT). For professional and other resources, or to find out more information about Long Island Families Together, visit their web site: http://www.lift4kids.org/

Long Island Families Together is a parent-governed, youth-guided, 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization.