Mental Health Ambassador Program

Together We Heal

Together We Heal: Mental Health Ambassadors

Strengthening community wellness through caregiver leadership

Together We Heal is a community-based Mental Health Ambassador program designed to empower parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, and community advocates with the tools to foster healing, build resilience, and support emotional well-being—at home, in schools, and across communities. Through five culturally grounded training sessions and engaging hands-on activities, participants gain practical strategies to support others while deepening their own emotional awareness, leadership skills, and confidence.


This program is proudly developed and supported in partnership with professionals from:

  • University at Buffalo (UB)
  • Fredonia State University of New York


Whether you are caring for youth at home, in the classroom, or in the community, Together We Heal offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with care.

Apply Here!

ELIGIBILITY

To ensure a meaningful and supportive experience for all participants, applicants should meet the following requirements:


  • Be a caregiver (e.g., parent, guardian, teacher, social worker, or community advocate)
  • Be part of or actively serve/volunteer immigrant and/or refugee communities in Western New York
  • Be able to communicate in English at a conversational level or be willing to use interpretation tools provided during the sessions
  • Commit to attending five 2-hour training sessions (preferably in person, with hybrid options available)
  • Complete 20 hours of community-based volunteer service with BFB
  • NO formal background in mental health is required
  • Be open to group dialogue, reflection, and peer learning in a culturally respectful environment
  • Provide a suggested donation/sponsorship (scholarships available upon request)


PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Format: Hybrid (in-person preferred)
  • Duration: 5 sessions (2 hours each)
  • Language: English
  • Cohort Size: 8–12 participants per group for meaningful engagement
  • Venue: UB North Campus OR 300 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY, 14221
  • Commitment:
  • 20 hours of training+assignment
  • 20 hours of volunteer service in BFB’s community-based programs


WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

By joining Together We Heal, you will:


  • Deepen your understanding of mental health—especially in cultural and immigrant family contexts
  • Gain practical tools to support your children, students, or community through challenges
  • Build confidence in having healing, supportive conversations
  • Learn strategies like solution-focused thinking and motivational interviewing
  • Reflect and grow in a safe, inclusive space with fellow caregivers
  • Be part of a diverse community committed to collective wellness
  • Earn a certificate upon completion of training and service hours
  • Make a difference through meaningful volunteer work in the community

TRAINING TOPICS

Participants will explore key topics including:



  • Mental health through a cultural lens
  • Ethical peer support and boundary-setting
  • Psychology and behavioral theory fundamentals
  • Solution-focused thinking for family and school life
  • Motivational interviewing and active listening tools