“It’s not a job, it’s a way of life.” Kathleen Hayes didn’t just take a position at the Neighborhood Center—she found her purpose. In this powerful episode of Finding Common Ground, we explore how one small organization in Utica, NY is reimagining what mental health and family support can look like when systems get out of the way and people are met where they are.

Kathleen shares her journey from frontline provider to program supervisor, opening up about the real-life impact of community-based treatment, in-home therapy, and 24/7 crisis response teams. You’ll learn about Kindred Connections, a trauma-informed support system for adoptive and guardian families that helps combat isolation and build resilience—with birthday parties, family fun days, and intentional peer connections at its heart.
But this isn’t just a feel-good story about one organization doing good work—it’s a blueprint. As Steve puts it: “If I was an executive director anywhere else and I knew this service was needed, I’d be looking to replicate it.”
If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually working in youth mental health, how to prevent crisis before it happens, or what real trauma-informed care looks like outside a hospital or institution, this conversation is a must-listen.
Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, therapist, advocate, or just someone trying to make your corner of the world better, this episode will give you hope—and a few ideas worth stealing.
 Tune in now to learn:

• Why group therapy is giving providers new insight into kids’ needs
• How mobile crisis teams are preventing hospitalizations
• What makes adoptive family support stick
• Why Kathleen says the work is hard—but worth it

Don’t miss this glimpse into what’s possible when community leads the way and PLEASE check out our new website: https://www.fcgadvocacy.org/


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