Erie 1 BOCES Awarded $250,000 to Support Student Mental Health
Erie 1 BOCES is excited to announce a $250,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to enhance youth mental health services in our region.
This funding will support Erie 1 BOCES’ Community Schools initiative, a network serving 27 school districts across Erie, Orleans, and Niagara counties. Community Schools connect students with vital resources to address social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs by collaborating with local organizations.
The grant 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 the organizations 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 dozens of regional resources and service providers to support student mental health.
“We are thrilled to receive this support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation,” said Kucewicz. “These funds will help break down barriers to mental health resources, ensuring students have the support they need to thrive.”
This grant will ultimately benefit 81,329 students by improving mental health outcomes and providing schools with the resources needed to support students at every step.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers. Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., executive chairman of Visa and chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Board, stated, “Today’s grant announcement will provide over 500 nonprofits with the resources to bolster innovative and life-changing programs across New York. From prioritizing mental health to helping newly arrived immigrants navigate complex legal systems, grantees will continue to impact every corner of New York and help communities thrive.”
About Erie 1 BOCES:
Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) supports school districts with comprehensive services to enhance the region’s educational environment. Erie 1 BOCES offers diverse instructional programming to K–12 students, provides career training to adult learners, and optimizes school district performance through administrative services and technology integration. Founded in 1957, Erie 1 BOCES is part of a public organization created by the New York State Legislature. The function of a BOCES is to provide shared programs and services to support high-quality education across multiple school districts.
About Mother Cabrini Health Foundation:
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health.