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COMECC # 700554
Combined Federal
Campaign #11595
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Contact Us
Parent/ Professional
Advocacy League
Statewide Office-Boston
15 Court Square
Suite 660
Boston, MA 02108
Toll Free: (866) 815-8122
Fax: (617) 542-7832
Central Ma Office
(Worcester)
40 Southbridge Street
Suite 310
Worcester, MA 01608
Tel: (508) 767-9725
Fax: (508) 767-9727
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September Statewide Meeting
Please join us in welcoming leaders from the African American, Native American, Muslim and Hispanic Community Organizations. Our speakers will include:
- Dr. Omar Reid, Black Mental Health Alliance
- Terrie Drew, North American Indian Center of Boston
- Madeeha Channah, Greater Boston Muslim Health Initiative
- Zenaida Ramos, Home for Little Wanderers
Register by September 8 via
email.
Tuesday, September 13
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Plymouth Church Conference Room
Framingham, MA
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 Youth MOVE Rocks Summer
1.
Our Youth MOVE group continued to host fantastic events for its members throughout August, including meeting with a speaker from the YWCA Central Massachusetts on August 9 to talk about healthy relationships and dating. Our members also met with Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Community Center to discuss addiction issues.
14 Youth MOVE interns earned Certificates in Strategic Sharing through lessons on sharing strategies, feedback, and safety help empower youth to become advocates and change agents. We are so proud of their hard work!
If you know someone who has worked to change a health system inequality, nominate that "Rock Star" for an award! The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Equity presented by Youth M.O.V.E. National recognizes and honors individuals who have successfully implemented a systems change approach within the past two years to improve outcomes for those impacted by health disparities. One nominee (an individual or team of up to two individuals) will receive national recognition, as well as a $3000 prize. Learn more about the prize, including qualifications for the award here
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Two Worlds Collide
2.
On August 5, Beth presented "Two Worlds Collide: Raising Children with Chronic Illness and Mental Health Challenges" to 70 practicing genetic counselors at Boston University's Master of Science Genetic Science Program 2016 Genetic Counseling Conference. The goal of this conference was to highlight issues that are often underrepresented in the field of genetics, particularly the impact that living with a chronic and/or genetic condition can have on a person's mental health. Beth's presentation focused on mental health in the face of chronic illness, navigating the systems that serve children, youth and families, and how PPAL can provide support.
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Police Pocket Guide Training
3.
On September 16, PPAL is offering a training for first responders to help them learn how to work with a family in crisis. Our Police Pocket Guide Training is a 2 hour session designed to help police officers, first responders and emergency service providers understand children's mental health conditions and the behaviors that may be associated with them. Participants will learn:
- how officers can become agents of change and parents can be allies
- how to respond to children in crisis, including deescalation techniques
- how children's mental health relates to suicide, trauma and juvenile justice
- how to understand what mental health issues in children looks like
- how to support families
Join us for this great training program, and learn how to deescalate difficult situations. You will leave with practical tips and suggestions, along with a printed guide that will literally fit into your pocket! The training will take place at Worcester State University from 10 a.m. to noon on September 16. The cost is just $39. Click
here for
To learn more, contact us at 617-542-7860 or email us!
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School Choice Rescind Letters
4. Several parents have contacted us regarding School Choice Rescind letters that they have received from a local school district. For students with IEPs who have missed a significant number of days due to their disability, school principals may be able to rescind their school choice. The students who have been offered school choice are not placed in the school of their choice based on their IEP. We would be interested to know if others are experiencing this issue in their districts. If you have received a School Choice Rescind letter, please contact our office via email or call us at 866-815-8122
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Juvenile Justice Update
5. Our juvenile justice team has two important updates this month. First, a special partnership highlights our
commitment
to family advocacy and support for non-committed
DYS
youth.
PPAL looks forward to working closely with the Department of Youth Services on family voice, advocacy and leaders over the next 3 years in a statewide contract.
Our partnership is strong and as the statewide Family Organization and Department of Youth Services look to make a difference in the state! Are you interested in learning more? Keep looking for the monthly highlight on this project.
Next, we teamed up with the Family Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) for an important conversation about
juvenile
justice.
Meri Viano, Director of Community Outreach and Partnership, along with
FREDLA/ SAMSHA came together to discuss Learning Community for Family Leaders! Representatives from Maryland highlighted the substance use and family organization partnership, and while PPAL, representing Massachusetts, highlighted the Juvenile Justice work over the past 8 years prior to the statewide project . It was a 90 minute conversation that highlighted multi state involvement and a rich conversation on questions regarding JDAI, probation and the many factors that help to divert children. Family Involvement and Engagement was discussed and highlighted. Thanks to FREDLA and SAMSHA for including PPAL in this important talk.
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PPAL Parent Support Group Picnic
6. On Thursday, August 11, PPAL's Parent Support Group held a Picnic at the Park event at Institute Park in Worcester. Our Youth MOVE volunteers, together with childcare lead Andrea, provided fun and entertainment for the children while Anne Hurst facilitated conversation with parents. We appreciate so many parents, volunteers and families coming out to this great event!
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