Erie County Project LAUNCH

06/03/2026

MYTH: Fathers don't experience mental health challenges related to the birth of a child.

FACT: 1 in 10 fathers will experience depression or anxiety during their partner's pregnancy or within the first year after their baby is born.

When a new baby arrives, fathers experience major life changes too - sleep disruption, increased responsibilities, financial pressures, and shifts in family roles.

Depression and anxiety can affect fathers just as they can affect mothers. Fathers may experience these challenges during their partner's pregnancy and/or after the baby is born.

The first step toward support is recognizing that fathers' mental health matters too.

06/01/2026

For fathers, a lot gets said about showing up for your family, but there’s often less said about what it takes to keep showing up.

Join us for the month of June as we explore men’s mental health and fatherhood - the pressures, the misconceptions, the quiet realities, and the kinds of support that can make a difference.

Some days you're amazing. Some days you're amazed you made it through. Both count. ErieLAUNCH.org

05/31/2026

Some days you’re amazing. Some days you’re amazed you made it through. Both count.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, you deserve support that meets you there.

This month was just the beginning.

Over the next year, we’ll keep sharing real-life support, practical tools, and resources to help you care for yourself while caring for your child.

You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just stay with us!

05/29/2026

You don’t have to wait until it feels like too much.

Reaching out early, whether it’s a quick check-in or a deeper conversation, can help reduce stress before it builds.

Talking to someone you trust can make things feel more manageable, sooner.

You don’t have to carry it all on your own: ErieLAUNCH.org

05/28/2026

Self-care works best when it’s not just a last resort.

Finding small, realistic ways to care for yourself along the way can help you handle stress before it builds up.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be helpful.

Check out this article to learn more about finding a self-care ritual that works for you:

Dr. Whitney Casares shares self-care tips from her book, The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself. She reminds mothers that we’re in control of choosing to take moments—and sometimes hours—specifically for ourselves.

05/27/2026

Support doesn’t always look like an appointment.

Sometimes it looks like movement, connection, or taking time for yourself.

Explore local opportunities like:

Family-friendly events: https://erie.macaronikid.com/events

Outdoor recreation opportunities: https://www.visiterie.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/?acceptCookies=69f4cf2f7c075

Holistic workshops: https://www.ymcaerie.org/programs/283/holistic-workshops/?locations=-1

Small moments of support add up.

05/26/2026

You don’t have to earn support by being overwhelmed.

It’s okay to check in with yourself before things feel heavy.
It’s okay to take care of yourself in small, everyday ways.

Support isn’t just for the hardest moments— it can be part of how you move through the day, too: ErieLAUNCH.org

05/24/2026

Support doesn’t always have to be formal.

Connection can happen in simple ways.
Sometimes it looks like sitting in a room with people who just get it.

Local options like peer support groups and family education programs can be a place to start.

Examples:
https://namierie.org/support-and-education/support-groups/peer-support-group/

https://namierie.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-family-to-family/

05/23/2026

Not sure what kind of support you need? That’s okay.

LAUNCH CTRL is here to help you figure it out.

You can call or connect online and someone will help guide you to the right resources.

No pressure. No perfect words needed. Just a place to start: ErieLAUNCH.org

05/22/2026

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone.

This Erie County Resource Guide brings together services, supports, and contact information all in one place: https://bit.ly/42LVivI

Whether you have Medical Assistance or not, there are people you can call and talk through your options.

You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out.