Mental Health Advocates of WNY

This Give 716, we invite you to support the vital work of Mental Health Advocates of Western New York (MHA), helping to fund programs like our Youth Initiatives, Support Groups, Family Support Legal Services, and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program—a critical resource for children navigating the foster care and Family Court systems.

CASA: A Steady Voice in a Child’s Life

Every year in New York State, over 60,000 reports of child abuse or neglect are investigated. More than 14,000 children are placed in foster care, with over 600 right here in Erie County. Behind each number is a child—confused, scared, and often alone.

The CASA Program at MHA trains and supervises community volunteers who advocate for these children’s best interests in court. CASA volunteers are often the only consistent adult in a child’s life as they move between placements, schools, and legal proceedings.

Since 2010, CASA of Erie County—operated by MHAWNY—has worked to ensure that every child in the foster care system has a champion. CASA volunteers build trust, gather information, attend court hearings, and advocate for mental health services, educational support, and safe, permanent homes.

Research shows that children with CASA advocates are more likely to graduate high school, more likely to receive mental health support, and are adopted faster if eligible—on average, eight months sooner than children without a CASA.

CASA in Action: Ray Davis Meets Aniyah

Buffalo Bills Running Back Ray Davis was first introduced to MHA’s CASA program when he met Aniyah, a vibrant foster child who had recently been adopted. Both Aniyah and Ray had navigated the foster care system separately, and meeting each other sparked an immediate bond grounded in understanding, empathy, and resilience.

In the middle of the room, the two locked eyes. It wasn’t long before Ray was sitting beside her, listening to her story, laughing with her, and—without even trying—offering something deeper than words: understanding.

“She told him they were best friends,” one of the CASA volunteers said afterward. “She just knew he got her.”

What could’ve been just a short visit became something more. Ray saw in Aniyah the same determination he had as a kid. And Aniyah saw in Ray a future she could imagine for herself—proof that your past doesn’t define your possibilities.

Ray’s connection with Aniyah is more than just heartwarming—it’s the reason Give716 exists.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program at MHA trains volunteers to advocate for children navigating foster care and the court system. But beyond the paperwork, the placements, and the process, what these kids really need is someone to show up for them—someone who sees them, listens, and stays.

Ray showed up for Aniyah. CASA shows up for hundreds of kids every year. But they can’t do it alone.

Ray’s story is a reminder that childhood adversity doesn’t have to lead to hopelessness. With support, care, and mental health resources, young people like Aniyah can thrive.

Image taken at MHA Annual Inspiring Change Dinner

Our mission is to promote mental health and wellness in our community and support individuals and families challenged by mental illness.