Community Schools Awarded Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Grant

We are excited to announce that Erie 1 BOCES Community Schools has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to enhance youth mental health services in our region.  This grant will benefit 81,329 students in 27 school districts in Erie, Orleans and Niagara counties. The funds will address gaps in mental health care and training for school staff. As part of the grant, Erie 1 BOCES will partner with the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Together we will assess district-specific challenges and strengthen connections between schools and mental health providers. Additionally, grant funds will enable professional development to equip staff with skills for handling mental health crises. 

A key part of this initiative is the role of a “Community Navigator,” filled by Kailin Kucewicz, LMSW. This role focuses on improving collaboration between schools and community agencies, providing crisis prevention training, implementing tailored care programs, and identifying solutions for student and family needs. Kailin was previously a project coordinator for Erie 1 BOCES Community Schools for two years. During her tenure in this role, she expanded the initiative to three counties and numerous districts, creating partnerships with over dozens of regional resources and service providers to support student mental health.