Our Youth Continue to Shine in Art Groups and Beyond
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In September, Youth MOVE had a great time with Dave Sebastian, who hosted the group for the month with an open art group. Each week, the youth participated in different artistic expressions taught by Dave. Dave Sebastian will be joining us again in December for his eight week Photo Voice Project.
Youth MOVE also had a surprise visit from Channel 3 News in September for Youth Suicide Prevention Week. On behalf of Youth MOVE, our very own Lucy and Jonathan spoke briefly on their own personal experiences with suicide and mental health issues. Check it out here!
Worcester News Tonight also came by Youth MOVE for World Mental Health Day on October 10th and talked to Matt Anderson, Youth MOVE's Youth Development Specialist, about bringing awareness to mental health issues and his own personal struggles and successes. Check it out here!
Our Young Adult group is also putting together some great tip sheets and resources to help youth who may be having thoughts of suicide or struggling with depression. The Young Adult group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
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PPAL Shows Continued Growth
Latest Numbers Now Available
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- In the third quarter of 2018, PPAL received more than 620 calls from families, youth and providers.
- Monthly statewide meeting for families and family support providers: 111 attendees (August and September; no July meeting)
- More than 72 people attended PPAL trainings, including the juvenile justice training at the Institutes.
- In-service presentations at 5 locations and provided information at resource tables at 7 events.
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Staff Highlight: Family Support at MCPAP
Kathy Ledoux Advocates for Families and Youth
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PPAL's work has extended across many parts of the commonwealth - including the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) in Worcester at UMass. PPAL has contracted with UMass to offer a Family Support Specialist for over 3 years. PPAL family support specialist Kathy Ledoux has been a dedicated and consistent advocate at MCPAP, encouraging parent voice, offering resources and referrals, and most of all, being that friendly ear on the phone.
As parents know, we all have those moments when we are exhausted, frustrated, and at times grieving about changes in our journey. Kathy continues to offer endless support by creatively researching information to help families if they hit a brick wall.
"The partnership between the UMass Department of Psychiatry and PPAL to support our Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program has been wonderful! Kathy has anchored the PPAL team and is a great co-worker and advocate. Her work with families and community referrals is a joy to watch," stated Bill O'Brien (MSW), Executive Director UMass Behavioral Health System.
Danette Mucaria (LICSW), a licensed therapist with MCPAP says, "She goes above and beyond to help our families connect to appropriate resources."
The main goal for MCPAP is to improve access to treatment for children with behavioral health needs and their families by making child psychiatry services accessible to primary care providers across Massachusetts. By including PPAL as a partner, UMASS has made an affirmative choice to involve families in the treatment process in innovative ways.
Congratulation on all your hard work, Kathy! Keep up the great support!
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Check Out Our November Activities
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THE PPAL SCOOP
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Blog Alert
Did you miss our blogs? Read the latest What Youth Are Saying blog titled "Am I not deserving of a forever family?" about overcoming trauma and finding purpose and knowledge through struggle and destruction by one of outstandingly talented young adults, Mateo, here . Then check out "Our family's path to recovery from trauma" written by guest blogger Christie Roberts
here
. Be sure to comment and share!
You can now subscribe to the PPAL blog and never miss a post. Look for the subscribe information on the blog page.
New Trainings!
We have several new trainings coming up! All trainings are FREE -- sign up today to reserve your space! Check them out!
Mental Health and the IEP
Thursday, November 8, 2018
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Gardner, MA
Salud Mental y Plan de Educación Individual (IEP)
Viernes, Noviembre 9
Viernes, Noviembre 30
10:30 AM to 12:30 AM
East Boston, MA
Juvenile Justice 101
Wednesday, November 28
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Leominster, MA
Salud Mental y Plan de Educación Individual (IEP)
Jueves, Diciembre 6 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Leominster, MA
Also, check out these Fall dates for our Worcester Family Network Social Support Group. We hope to see you there!
Family Networking and Social Support Group
PPAL office in Worcester
1
st
and 3
rd
Wednesday of each month
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Upcoming Dates:
November 7, 2018
November 21, 2018 - No Meeting Thanksgiving Holiday
December 5, 2018
December 19, 2018
Email [email protected] for more information about these or other support groups and email [email protected] for more information about upcoming trainings or to inquire about a training in your area! Hope to see you there!
Did You Miss It?
PPAL is excited to announce the launching of our new YouTube channel! Currently, we have four videos on navigating the transition age with your child, three in English and one in Spanish. We encourage you to check them out
here
and subscribe to the channel so you will be the first to know about new videos!
November Monthly Meeting:
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
Thank you to everyone who came out to the October Statewide with Geoff Cushner! We had a great presentation and conversation on mental health, covering topics like grounding techniques, problem solving apps, using emotional color wheels, and being a 'feeling detective.' Thanks to everyone who came out and participated!
This month, we are happy to welcome Brenda Dater (MSW, MPH) and Nancy Parker (LICSW) to present on Asperger/Autism and co-occurring mental health concerns, acquiring practical strategies for working with families who have lived experience on the autism spectrum, and gaining a better understanding of your goals and approaches for your work.
We invite you to attend the next PPAL Monthly Meeting on November 13th at Plymouth Church in Framingham if you have lived experience (family members, family partners, family support specialists, parent/caregivers, young adult peers, or others in family support roles).
Please pre-register by November 9th to be guaranteed a seat and lunch.
Plymouth Church 87 Edgell Road Framingham, MA 01702
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Latest Poll Results
October Poll Results
World Mental Health Day, on 10/10/18 this year, was started in 1992. What has improved the most around mental health in the last 26 years?
Awareness.....77.78%
Advocacy.....11.11%
Stigma.....11.11%
Education.....0%
Take our November Poll on our website:
November is National Adoption Month and this year's theme is about youth voices. How can communities better support youth/young adults in foster care?
Be educated about foster care policies
Connect to foster care alumni
Have young people speak about their experience
Advocate for housing opportunities for transition age yout
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and important articles!
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