July 2026 Quarterly Leadership Newsletter

Finding Focus in a Digital World

Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, but it has also made it harder to truly disconnect. The average employee checks email or messaging platforms dozens of times each day, and frequent interruptions can make it take more than 20 minutes to fully regain focus after getting distracted. This constant cycle of switching attention can increase stress, reduce productivity, and leave us feeling mentally drained.

C+FS Employee Assistance Program is here to support you with practical tools and resources to help you develop healthy habits, improve focus, and protect your wellbeing. We invite you to take a few minutes to watch the video below and consider how small changes in your relationship with technology can make a meaningful difference both at work and at home. Read more about The Cost of Interrupted Work.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness

Awareness is one of the most powerful tools for protecting mental health. This month, we invite you to join us for The Weight We Carry: Stress, Identity, and BIPOC Mental Health, where we will explore how life experiences, culture and identity influence emotional wellbeing. Whether you are part of the BIPOC community or want to deepen your understanding as an ally, this webinar is a valuable resource for everyone.

Join Yvonne DuBois, C+FS Chief Impact Officer, and Kelly Wofford, Director of Health Equity in Erie County, for a conversation about how identity, culture, and life experiences can shape mental health and well being.

Click here to register for- The Weight We Carry: Stress, Identity and BIPOC Mental Health

The Start of School is Fast Approaching

Here are some ways C+FS EAP can be a part of New Teacher Orientations or Opening Days:

In person or virtual EAP Orientation (10-15 minutes)
Tabling (up to 2 hours on site)
Providing you with materials to distribute
Providing you with a recorded EAP overview that you can share with employees

We are always excited to share information about the C+FS EAP benefits available and value any opportunity you can offer. Take a look at the Promoting EAP Toolkit for materials that you can print or reach out and we can provide materials for you.

If you are interested in having C+FS EAP participate in any upcoming events, or have any questions about materials we can provide, please reach out to us directly at eap@cfsbny.org.

C+FS EAP has been busy!

Since our last newsletter, EAP has been onsite to table or provide presentations 49 different times. If you are interested in hosting an EAP presentation, Orientation, or having us table, please contact us directly at 716-681-4300.

Child and Family Services partners with SUNY at Buffalo School of Social Work to provide placements to students working on their MSW. This year some of our practicum educators were nominated for practicum educator of the year!

Meet the Newest Member of the C+FS EAP Team!

C+FS EAP is excited to welcome Liz Hall, MSW, to the team!

Liz earned her Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo, where she focused her studies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and trauma. With a background in forensic social work and DEI initiatives, she brings experience working with diverse populations and is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. Liz strives to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where clients feel heard, understood, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges. When she is not at work, Liz enjoys playing sports, spending time outdoors, and taking advantage of all that Western New York has to offer.

Please join us in welcoming Liz to the C+FS EAP team!

Meet the Newest Member of the C+FS EAP Leadership Team!

Anica Squires, LMSW, has been a valued member of the EAP team for several years, most recently serving as a Senior Counselor. She has been promoted to EAP Supervisor. In addition to her clinical work, she has played a key leadership role in managing organizational services, providing presentations, and supporting the work of EAP. We are pleased to formally recognize her contributions and look forward to her continued impact in this expanded and more visible role.

Are your Employees asking for More EAP Sessions?

C+FS EAP now offers an Expanded EAP/MAP option. This new option is in response to requests by employers to provide additional benefits for employees and their family members! This new option will provide up to eight (8) sessions of counseling or coaching to employees and anyone living in their household.

Want to learn more or receive a quote for the Expanded service option – reach out to Megan Andrews, Director at 716-681-4300 or mandrews@cfsbny.org

Promoting EAP and MAP

Please review the link below for information about EAP promotion. Please reach out to Megan Andrews, if you would like to discuss further. 716-681-4300 or mandrews@cfsbny.org.

Promoting EAP – Toolkit

Presentation and Event Information

How many presentation credits do you have?

Each contract provides credits that can be used for in person or virtual presentations as well as screening events for your teams. If you have questions about any of the presentations listed or about how you can more effectively utilize your credits, contact us directly at 716-681-4300 or eap@cfsbny.org.

C+FS EAP Presentation Catalog

To ensure the security of out participants and presenters, we have updated our policies for anyone joining of our complimentary webinars. Please click below to learn more:

C+FS EAP Webinar Participation Policy Update