October News from the I.D.E.A. Committee

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October 2023

Mental Health Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in both October and May.  The theme of Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 is “Look Around, Look Within”, according to Mental Health America. Professionals aim is to emphasize the ways that our surroundings affect our mental health. 

We all face challenges in life that can impact our mental health. Research indicates that one in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Learn More...

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP is one of the free benefits offered by Erie 1 BOCES to help our employees resolve personal or family problems.

  • Consultation visits per problem incident with a professional counselor. 

  • Information and referral to other community resources for specialized or more extensive services. 

  • 24-hour telephone access to the program for emergency personal or family crises.

Learn More

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm the lifeline is a toll free and confidential resource to find help. The Lifeline can now be reached 24/7 by dialing or texting 988. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.

Callers will be connected to the nearest certified crisis center.

Information about callers, texters, or chatters will not be shared outside of the 988 Lifeline without verbal or written consent of the person seeking assistance.

We can all prevent suicide. 

Learn More

24-Hour Erie County Crisis Services Hotline

Mental health resources and immediate help can be obtained by calling the 24-hour Erie County Crisis Services hotline at (716) 843-3131.

Text messages can also be sent from Monday through Friday 6am – 11pm to (716) 300-2338. Online chat is also available at www.crisisservices.org.

The caller will be assessed by the Erie County Crisis Services Hotline and the appropriate level of action will be taken to ensure their safety.

Learn More

 Upcoming Professional Development

Please get supervisor approval before registering for any professional development events. Thank you!

Cultural and Linguistic History of Western New York

hosted by the I.D.E.A. Committee

To understand how an organization evolves, it is important to understand how the community it supports has evolved. Join the I.D.E.A. Professional Development Subcommittee for an overview about how Western New York has evolved culturally and linguistically over its history and what impact this has in our schools and community.

November 15

12:00 - 1:00pm   |  B1   |   Register

3:00 - 4:00pm   |   VIRTUAL   |   Register

Read More

NYSED: Elevating Student Voice as Leaders to Advance Equity and Inclusion

There are two virtual sessions remaining. 

October 18, 1-2pm   |   Register

November 8, 1-2pm   |   Register


It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand- sonia sotomayor

A Note from I.D.E.A. Committee Chair: Nicole Kerner, LMSW

Friday, September 15, 2023, was our first of six, 2023-2024 Inclusion. Diversity. Equity. Advocacy (I.D.E.A) Committee planning meetings. We have 18 returning members and 10 new members joining the committee... Read More

preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures- cesar chavez


October Celebrations

All Month Mental Health Month
All Month Polish Heritage Month
All Month German American Heritage Month
All Month Filipino American Heritage Month
All Month Italian American Heritage Month
All Month AIDS Awareness Month
-October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month
1 International Day of Older Persons
9 Indigenous Peoples Day
10 World Mental Health Day
11 International Day of the Girl
18 Unity Day

October Employee Spotlight

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Read this month's Employee Spotlight to build connections with your colleagues, create a sense of community and celebrate our differences!

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