Why do so many families struggle to find support for their children’s mental health and future success? The answer isn’t complicated—but the solution requires community action. That’s exactly what Utica Royalties is delivering with their upcoming parent meeting on November 6, 2025.
In a powerful partnership between youth development, healthcare, and higher education, this gathering at the Veterans Center promises to equip parents with tools that can change their children’s trajectories. We’re talking about mental health resources and college preparation guidance—two critical foundations that determine whether young people thrive or merely survive.
Mental Health Support: Breaking Down Barriers to Wellness
November marks National Family Caregivers Month, making this meeting particularly timely for parents navigating the complex landscape of youth mental health. According to Mental Health America, this observance recognizes the essential role families play in supporting young people’s wellbeing.
Representatives from Mosaic Health will present information about community resources, primary health clinics, and mental health support services available throughout the Mohawk Valley region. Their focus? Improving access to quality care and promoting overall family wellness.
This matters because mental health challenges among young people continue to rise across America. Access to professional support can mean the difference between a teenager who struggles alone and one who gets the help they need to flourish. For families in Utica and the surrounding Mohawk Valley, knowing where to turn when crisis hits—or better yet, before it does—is essential information.
College Preparation: Opening Doors to Higher Education
The second major component of this meeting centers on college readiness and access. Susan Johnston from the Mohawk Valley Community College Educational Opportunity Program (MVCC EOP) will share critical information about college preparation and student support services.
MVCC’s EOP provides access, academic support, and financial assistance to first-time, full-time students who show promise for succeeding in college but may need additional support. The program specifically targets economically disadvantaged students, offering them a pathway to higher education that might otherwise seem out of reach.
We know that education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility. When young people understand their options for college—and the resources available to help them get there—they’re more likely to pursue higher education. Programs like EOP eliminate excuses and demolish barriers that have historically kept too many talented students from reaching their potential.
Who Is Utica Royalties? Youth Development That Works
Utica Royalties is more than just a youth organization—it’s a lifeline for young people in the Utica community. Led by Executive Director Hawa Peters, the organization provides a safe, nurturing environment where youth can explore their creativity, develop new skills, and prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
Operating out of the Utica Center for Development, Utica Royalties offers free programs to kids of all ages, including:
- Dance classes
- Drumming workshops
- Art programs
- Hygiene education
- Creative writing
- Visual arts
- Health and wellness activities
- Crochet and knitting workshops
- Summer swimming programs
The organization runs these programs every Friday and Saturday, giving young people consistent access to enrichment activities that build confidence, teach skills, and create community. This isn’t about babysitting—it’s about intentional youth development that prepares the next generation for success.
Why This Meeting Matters for Your Family
If you’re a parent in Utica or the Mohawk Valley region, this meeting offers something concrete: actionable information you can use to support your children. Here’s what you’ll gain:
Real resources: Not vague promises, but actual services available in your community right now. You’ll learn where to access mental health support when your child needs it.
College guidance: Understanding the pathway to higher education—including programs specifically designed to help students who face economic or educational disadvantages—can transform your child’s future.
Community connection: You’ll meet other parents facing similar challenges and connect with community partners who can provide ongoing support.
Direct access to experts: Bring your questions. Both Mosaic Health representatives and Susan Johnston from MVCC will be available to provide guidance specific to your family’s needs.
The Bigger Picture: Investing in Youth Pays Dividends
Hawa Peters put it perfectly: “We’re excited to bring families together to talk about mental health and college readiness. Our goal is to empower parents with knowledge and community connections that help our youth thrive.”
That’s the mission—empowerment through education and connection. When parents have information, they make better decisions for their children. When families know about available resources, they use them. When communities work together, young people benefit.
Research consistently shows that adolescence is a critical period of growth and development that shapes lifelong health outcomes. The Office of Population Affairs notes that promoting healthy behavior in adolescence has a triple benefit: it supports good health now, throughout adulthood, and into the next generation.
By addressing both mental health and educational preparation, this meeting tackles two of the most significant factors affecting young people’s long-term success. We’re not talking about single-issue solutions—we’re looking at comprehensive support that acknowledges the interconnected challenges families face.
Mark Your Calendar
When: Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: Veterans Center, 726 Washington Street, Utica
Cost: Free (light refreshments will be served)
Contact: Hawa Peters at 315-224-5277 or uticaroyalties@gmail.com
For more information about Utica Royalties and their programs, visit www.uticaroyalties.org.
Your Turn: Join the Conversation
Building stronger families and healthier communities requires all of us showing up and doing the work. This parent meeting is one small step—but small steps add up to major change.
If you’re a parent or caregiver in the Mohawk Valley region, we encourage you to attend this meeting. Come with questions. Bring a friend. Take notes. Then use what you learn to support your children in reaching their full potential.
What challenges are you facing as a parent trying to support your child’s mental health or educational goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experiences might help another family facing similar struggles.
