At LIFT, we believe in the power of lived experience—where family peer advocates turn their own journeys into guidance, hope, and connection for others. Through an “each one, reach one, teach one” approach, we are building a community where no family feels lost, and every parent knows they are not alone.
Families are not just recipients of services—they are voices, leaders, and a source of strength for one another. As one quote beautifully reminds us, “One day your story will become someone else’s survival guide.”
We invite you to follow LIFT’s journey as we continue to uplift, empower, and walk alongside families toward brighter futures.
Executive Director
Long Island Families Together (LIFT).
2026 Family Empowerment Day
Advocates and families from Long Island gathered and boarded the bus to travel to Albany for Family Empowerment Day, joining others from across New York State.
LIFT hosted buses to attend this event, departing from both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Attendance for the Long Island buses increased by almost 50 percent. Participants shared stories, snacks, and plenty of laughter. Relationships were strengthened and new ones were formed along the way.
One rider shared with her supervisor, “The LI Bus was a blast. We were the best bus to be on for sure. I’m so glad I came.”
Lunch and Learn: Advocacy & Policy 101
Our recent Lunch & Learn hosted by LIFT and FTNYS brought together advocates, caregivers, and community members for a focused conversation on policy and advocacy.
Participants learned how policy impacts families and explored ways to elevate their voices in meaningful and effective ways. The session also served as a kickoff to Family Empowerment Day, helping attendees feel informed and prepared to advocate for stronger supports and resources.
Medicaid Carve Out
The Alliance strongly supports removing behavioral health services from Medicaid managed care. For the past decade, managed care organizations have created unnecessary barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the mental health and substance use services they urgently need.
These companies also continue to underpay or delay payments to community providers, threatening the stability of the safety-net system New Yorkers rely on.