Mental health agencies collaborate to staff drop-in center on Jefferson Avenue

Counselors available to support community – hours extended

Area human service agencies are collaborating to provide free mental health and trauma counseling in the Johnnie B. Wiley Resource Center, 1100 Jefferson Ave., daily from 1-9 p.m. through May 27.

Counselors are on hand to provide free and informal support and referral to other community services.

“There’s a team of counselors here to speak with anyone in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. There’s no paperwork to fill out; the focus is on talking and listening and supporting each other,” said Robert Cannata Sr., vice president of Community Crisis Services. “The center is staffed with counselors of all backgrounds, representing several agencies, from many capacities to assist people with various needs.”

There’s a resource room for children, too, with a counselor and calming, age-appropriate activities.

Organized by the Erie County Department of Mental Health, collaborating agencies include Spectrum Health and Human Services, Crisis Services, Endeavor Health Services, and BestSelf Behavioral Health. Support services are provided by SayYes Buffalo, Spectrum Health’s NY Project Hope Team, Buffalo Urban League’s NY Project Hope Team, WNY Chapter American Red Cross, MVP (Most Valuable Parents), and Feed More WNY.

Spectrum Health and Human Services provides mental health, addiction, rehabilitation, care coordination, housing, and crisis services in locations throughout Western New York. Founded in 1973, it is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center. Visit www.shswny.org for more information.