Find out what is happening at First Step Family Resource Center in Wellsville
More about the “Save A Life” tour, the “Fatherhood Connection,” and child abuse prevention
From Ardent Solutions, ArdentSolutions.org
| Celebrate Week of the Young Child! Join Ardent Solutions and the Early Childhood Development Coalition as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child—a fun-filled week dedicated to early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities.Throughout the week, we’ll be hosting FREE special events at the First Step Family Resource Center, and we can’t wait to welcome you! Each day features a unique activity designed to support learning, spark joy, and strengthen family connections.  ARDENT NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS Save A Life Tour Brings Powerful Safe Driving Education to Local Schools  The Save A Life Tour is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and high‑impact safe driving awareness programs. Through dynamic and engaging simulators and activities, the program informs, educates, and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences of impaired or distracted driving. Students experience firsthand how poor choices behind the wheel can lead to life‑altering—and often tragic—outcomes.As part of our continued commitment to community health and safety, Ardent Solutions is proud to sponsor the Save A Life Tour throughout our region. We believe that education is one of the strongest tools we have to reduce preventable injuries and save lives.This April, several schools will partner with us to bring this important program to their students. A heartfelt thank you to our participating hosts:April 13, 2026 – St. Bonaventure UniversityApril 17, 2026 – Randolph Central SchoolApril 21, 2026 – Hinsdale Central SchoolApril 22, 2026 – Bath/Haverling Central SchoolEach event provides students with a powerful, memorable learning experience—one that will influence their decisions long after they leave the classroom. Together, we are building safer roads and stronger communities. Thank you to all who helps make the Save A Life Tour a success! We’re Hopping into April at the First Step Family Resource CenterWe’re “Hopping” into Spring at the First Step Family Resource Center—with FREE, fun, family‑friendly activities and supportive services for everyone!Thanks to the support of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, we’re making every day a celebration of play and connection. Download our First Step February Calendar and get First Step Updates by following us on Facebook   ACCORD Corporation Launches The Fatherhood Connection at the First Step Family Resource CenterACCORD Corporation is proud to announce the Spring 2026 session of The Fatherhood Connection, a powerful 12‑week program designed to support, educate, and empower fathers, father figures, and male caregivers throughout our community. Beginning March 26 and running through June 18, 2026, sessions will be held every Thursday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the First Step Family Resource Center, located at 83 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY.The Fatherhood Connection is a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed program focused on building healthy communication, strengthening parenting skills, and supporting men in their roles as caregivers and leaders within their families. Through group discussion, mentorship, skill‑building activities, and community connection, participants gain tools that foster positive relationships and long‑term stability.Each weekly session explores essential topics such as: Healthy father–child relationships Emotional regulation and stress management Co‑parenting and positive communication Life skills, leadership, and personal development Domestic violence prevention and conflict resolution Building supportive community networks Participants may attend in person or join virtually via Zoom, making the program accessible for fathers with varying schedules and transportation needs. Can’t make it every week, no worries. Join the weeks that are convenient for your schedule.ACCORD Corporation remains committed to strengthening families and supporting caregivers who play a vital role in a child’s healthy development. The Fatherhood Connection continues to be one of the region’s most impactful programs—helping men grow, connect, and thrive.For more information or to register, please contact ACCORD Corporation at 585-268-7605, ext. 1340. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort this spring! Together, We Can Protect Children  Each April, communities across the nation come together to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, strengthening families, and supporting the agencies working tirelessly to protect children. It is a moment to reflect on the importance of safe, nurturing environments and to recommit ourselves to preventing abuse before it occurs.Here in our region, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a program of the Allegany County Department of Social Services in partnership with Ardent Solutions, and a vital resource that provides hope, healing, and justice for children who have experienced abuse or trauma.A Compassionate, Child‑Centered ApproachThe Southern Tier CAC brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals—including law enforcement, child protective services, medical providers, mental health specialists, and victim advocates—to ensure that children receive coordinated, compassionate care. Their child‑friendly environment helps ease fear and anxiety, allowing young survivors to share their experiences safely and begin the healing process.By centralizing services, the CAC reduces the number of times a child must recount their story, minimizes additional trauma, and ensures families receive immediate access to support resources, advocacy, and treatment.Strengthening Children, Strengthening CommunitiesBeyond responding to abuse, the Southern Tier CAC plays a crucial role in prevention. Through community education, outreach, and partnerships with schools and youth‑serving organizations, they help adults recognize the signs of abuse and empower children with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe. Their efforts remind us that child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility—one that requires awareness, vigilance, and collective action.How You Can Make a Difference This AprilAs we honor Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite you to join us in supporting the Southern Tier CAC and the children and families they serve. Here’s how you can help:Learn the signs of abuse and neglect—early detection saves lives.Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 10, 2026, to raise awareness and spark conversation.Share prevention resources with families, educators, and community members.Support the CAC through donations, volunteerism, or community advocacy.Promote safe environments where children feel valued, heard, and protected. To request an educational program or learn more about the CAC services, contact 716-372-8532. Community Resource Room  Do you need help connecting to local and regional resources? Need access to a computer and Wi-Fi for employment applications, benefits enrollment, or educational services? Looking for information on mental health and wellness? Health insurance assistance? Ardent Solutions’ Community Resource Room, located in the First Step Family Resource Center at 83 N. Main Street, Wellsville, is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-4:00p.m. Assistance is available for free! No appointment necessary, walk-ins always welcome! Musical Memories Cafe April Events  Come for the music, stay for the memories! The Musical Memories Café is a friendly gathering space where older adults, caregivers, and loved ones can relax, share a meal, socialize, and enjoy live music together.Thanks to support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, Ardent Solutions and the Allegany County Office for the Aging are hosting two special Café events this April 2026. Enjoy good company, great food, and uplifting music in a welcoming, supportive setting. Pre‑registration is required so we can be sure to have enough meals for all guests. |
| Mark Your Calendars! Child Passenger Safety Monthly Fit Stations and Events Please contact Becky at 585-593-1738 to pre-register for an appointment. Car Seat Events Delevan Baptist Church, 18 Church Street, Delevan, NY April 1, 2026, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. First Step Family Resource Center, Brand Name Back Parking Lot, Wellsville, NY April 14, 2026, 1:00-4:00p.m. The CORE Learning Center, 5455 N-19, Belmont, NY April 16, 2026, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Monthly Fit Stations Grant Duke Hose Company, 80 Stevens Street, Wellsville, NY April 21, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00p.m. EPIC, 734 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY April 27, 2026, 11:00a.m.- 3:00p.m. |
