About SMART
What is SMART?
Supporting Mental Health by Advocating for Resources Together
Nearly 80% of chronic mental health conditions emerge in childhood. While mental health concerns are frequently seen in public schools, the pandemic’s combination of isolation plus other mental health issues, has exacerbated the need for added supports.
The Erie County SMART Collaborative is a professional learning community established to prioritize P-12 student mental health and social emotional learning. Comprised of Erie County School Districts, educators, community agencies and representatives from Erie County, SMART serves as a vital link between available mental health resources and students.
Our Mission
Promote interagency collaborations that champion supports for the mental health of all youth and families in Erie County.
Our Vision
Empowering partnership for a healthier community
Our 2025 Goals
Work to build a comprehensive communication system for notification of training opportunities offered to schools and community members.
- Create a contact resource for mental health and wellness trainers.
- Organize training opportunities and trainer contacts in an accessible way.
- Identify gaps and seek funding for additional training in WNY.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among available trainers and resources.
Develop a culture of collaboration that aligns with the five conditions of collective impact
- Explore data collection methods to aid grant funding and organize data.
- Assess available data and establish a common measurement among stakeholders.
Build new and sustainable partnerships to ensure that all voices are heard and respected in alignment with the mission.
- Connect with family organizations and survey families on their needs
- Add 3-5 parent representatives to the WNY SMART Collaborative
- Identify 2 additional University partners
- Collaborate with school districts and pediatricians to address students' mental health needs.
Develop long term plans for sustained impact through governance on infrastructure of the SMART Collaborative.
- Ensure representation on the Steering Committee.
- Identify funding sources for events and projects.
- Define roles for collaborative members through project-based activities.
We believe that our community deserves to be…
SAFE
Students and caregivers feel safe and accepted when seeking mental health supports at school and in their community.
INFORMED
Aware and knowledgeable about mental health and wellness understanding all supports provided within the community.
ACCESSIBLE
Advocating and improving connections to community supports by addressing individual community needs and reducing barriers.
CONNECTED
Students and caregivers are connected to resources and supports that foster relationships to promote a sense of belonging and wellness.
EMPOWERED
Uplifting the community to promote growth and wellness.
