AGAPE Southern Tier-Finger Lakes serves families in Broome, Chemung, Schuyler and Tompkins counties who have adopted a child or those that have become guardians of a relative’s child. By providing supportive services and connecting families to resources such as parent trainings, support groups for both parents and youths, peer mentoring, navigation for cross-system needs, therapeutic services referrals, counseling, or other supports to help families address issues as they arise, the AGAPE program helps post-adoptive and post-guardianship families through the unique challenges they face following an adoption or guardianship.

AGAPE’s services are provided free of charge. It is open for families who have adopted through foster care or private adoption whether domestically or internationally. Services are also available for those caring for a child through G docket guardianship. Whether it’s a simple question, a need for more training or a more challenging problem, we are here to guide you.

Funded by the Regional Permanency Resource Centers initiative of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ (OCFS).

AGAPE Finger Lakes – Southern Tier

Contact Person: Renee Hettich

Email: renee@affcny.org

Address: 950 Danby Road; Suite 318, Ithaca, New York 14850

Phone: 607-272-0034

Adoptive Families Community Group of Ithaca

Services Provided: This group is for families, who have been created or expanded through adoption (domestic, international, foster/adoption, transracial, special needs, 1 or 2 parent households, all are welcome!), living in or around Ithaca, NY. It is a loving space to provide support, community and share resources with one another. Has closed Facebook group and occasional social events. Visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ithacaadoptivefamilies/to join and get in touch with the group.


Broome DDSO – OPWDD

Services Provided: Family Support Services Coordinators are available at each of OPWDD’s regional Developmental Disabilities Services Offices (DDSOs) to help families access Family Support Services. Family Support Services can help in times of crisis when a family member or loved one becomes ill, or when things get difficult at home for other reasons. Find out more information about these services and supports by calling your local Family Support Services Coordinator. Support services may include: information and referral, family and individual counseling, recreation, after-school programs, support groups, transportation and specialized equipment and home modifications.

  • Contact Person: Jeff Envid
  • Phone: 607-771-7784 Ext. 152
  • Website: www.opwdd.ny.gov

The Family Resource Network, Inc

Services Provided: Through our various family support programs and support groups your family could have assistance in a formal or informal service format. We are always available to provide information and local referral as well as our NYS Families Together monthly support group, and our monthly “Teen Scene” group, available to youth ages 12-20. Other programs include CCSI coordination, Family Advocacy, OPWDD Family Support Services. Please contact us, check our website or find us on Facebook for more information!


Tompkins County Foster/Adoptive Family Support Group

Services Provided: This is a fostering/adoption “online support group.” This group is open to foster and adoptive parents and is focused in Tompkins County, NY. Please post your questions, tell us about your successes and struggles as a foster/adoptive parent, and share resources that might be useful.

To find upcoming foster and adoptive parent support group meetings, trainings, and other special events on the Coalition's event calendar cclick here.