Power of Family NY
A Coalition of Family Peer Support Providers in New York
‘Parents need all the help they can get. The strongest as well as the most fragile family requires a vital network of social supports.’
– Bernice Weissbourd
Who We Are - Power of Family NY
Our Vision
We imagine a world where all Family Peer Advocates are respected and valued for the diversity and breadth of lived experience they bring to their community.
Our Mission
To unify, support, and advocate for Family Peer Advocates throughout New York and beyond.
Our Values
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Power of Family NY
Welcome to Power of Family NY
Power of Family NY is a coalition of Family Peer Advocates in New York State, dedicated to empowering and supporting families in our local communities, and beyond. We offer a range of services and resources to help advocates and families navigate the challenges of everyday life, foster stronger connections, and unlock the transformative power of family relationships.
Michael Johnan
A principal founding partner of Power of Family, NY, LLC, Michael is a father and grandfather who has over 40 years of experience working in adult, child, and family care and treatment ranging from direct care to executive administration across various clinical, peer support, and foster care programs. He has a lifelong passion for strength-based, person-driven, trauma-informed recovery and developing common-sense tools that assist staff at all levels in becoming more compassionate and effective. Turning theory into practical interventions and tools is his specialty. Both in his career and as a family member himself, Michael has assisted Family Support programs across NYS through training and retreat facilitation. Developing well over 1000 hours of curriculum and instruction on various topics. A highly experienced trainer, he has provided consultative services to agencies, including State and Federal initiatives, and assisted in planning and developing a Peace Museum. This gives him a unique perspective, which, in turn, helps him design practical, effective tools and interventions.
Barbara Callahan
As a Family Peer Advocate, Barbara has dedicated her life and career to supporting and advocating for families in various settings. With the underlying belief that all families deserve support to safely and effectively raise their children, Barbara has translated her personal experience into relatable skills. Her lived experience of raising four children is integral to her role in providing guidance, resources, and emotional support to families facing challenges. With over 25 years of experience, Barbara has accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise in assisting youth and families needing intensive supports and services. She has witnessed and navigated through a wide range of situations, allowing her to offer valuable insights and practical solutions. This reflects her commitment, dedication, and expertise in supporting and empowering families. Throughout her life, she has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, both as an advocate and a supervisor, helping them navigate through challenging times and achieve positive outcomes. Today, she continues to effect change in advocacy through her role as a principal founding partner for Power of Family.
‘Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.’
– Virginia Satir
'While some parents can access resources, including the support of a committed co-parent, extended family, and friends who share in the responsibility of raising children, many parents are managing all these challenges largely on their own.'
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.
