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'TIS THE SEASON
The holiday season is officially here- HURRAY. As I grow older, I appreciate the holiday season more each year. It may be because so many great things happen this time of year. I’m writing early because I heard something today at a conference that reminded me just how great you all are. When GPSN was just a few years old, our office was downtown on the corner of Peachtree Street and North Avenue, just across from the Fox Theatre.
At that point in history, the area was very run down, and our office was small. Actually, it was a part of the Mental Health America Office they did not use.
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We had only a couple of employees at the time. We hired a woman living with her three children in a shelter for the homeless. She had just been diagnosed with cancer and was really in need of help.She was a phenomenal peer worker; this was way before any trained peers or certified peer support people. Several weeks went by smoothly as we started to look for housing and services for our new employee. As the days went by, things such as change, food, and snacks began to disappear from our offices. We were working on one of our first grants, and one day I came in very early and found the family peacefully asleep on the office floor. Before the children woke up, the mother and I talked. She had been forced to leave the “shelter” because of her son’s behaviors, and she had nowhere to go.
I had a very important meeting later in the day; it was December 23. An emergency state meeting had been called, which was held in a local law office. One of the attendees was a friend and colleague who was the CEO of a children’s hospital; he noticed that I seemed worried. I briefly told him about the struggles of our new employee. He hurriedly left the meeting, telling me he would call me later. In about 4 hours, he called and said he would be at the office in a few minutes. He arrived and picked up the family. He had arranged a house, furnishings, food, and clothing and had everything in place. Decorations for Christmas were delivered, and mom was assisted in getting everything ready for the holidays. The next day we took her Christmas shopping so she could choose her kids presents herself. With the help of his family and church, this man was this family’s, Christmas miracle. This was also the start of a new life for them.
Since that Christmas many years ago, I have witnessed many miracles. I believe in miracles. I believe in miracles. I believe in miracles, and I believe in you. It takes us all to change the world for the better, one miracle at a time, and it makes you feel so good. Whatever you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday(s).
Sue Smith Ed.D, MPH
CEO, GPSN
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Calling All Elves!
If you've been reading along, you know we love holiday miracles. And during the holiday season, Georgia Parent Support Network needs your help spreading cheer to our children and families this Holiday season.
4 Ways To Give
- Email: Sue.Smith@gpsn.org
- Call: (404) 758-4500
- Donate via our website. (www.gpsn.org) Click Donate Now then Apply My Gift to GENERAL and put Holiday Adoption in the description box so we will know how to record your donation.
- Click on the survey link below to share your information for sponsoring and we will be in touch asap.
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Mental Health Day at The Capitol 2023
Save the date
January 31, 2023 | 9:00 AM -12 PM
Georgia Freight Depot then walk to Georgia Capitol South Wing.
This event will be Hybrid - Virtual and In Person.
Please stay tuned more information to come.
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Certified Peer Specialist Training | |
Training Opportunity for CPS-Parent | |
January 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Zoom
Parent Certified Peer Specialist (CPS-P) – Is the parent or legal guardian (in a permanent relationship for at least 3 years) of a child who is living with a mental health, substance use, or a co-occurring diagnosis who provides support to other parents who are raising a child with similar behavioral health conditions.
If you are interested in applying for this training, please submit your application and letter of reference to cps-p@gpsn.org by Monday, January 2, at 5pm so that we can extend the offer to others who may be interested if you are unable to commit to these dates.
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Training Opportunity for CPS-Youth | |
February 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Zoom
Youth Certified Peer Specialist (CPS-Y) – Is an individual who is a young adult, ages 18 through age 26, with lived experience living with a mental health or substance use condition, or both and who has received behavioral health services as a youth and is
willing and able to self-identify as a person living with a behavioral health condition and is prepared to use that experience in helping other youth and young adults living with similar behavioral health conditions.
If you are interested in applying for this training, please submit your application and letter of reference to cps-p@gpsn.org by Monday, January 23 , at 5pm so that we can extend the offer to others who may be interested if you are unable to commit to these dates.
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Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health | |
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December 1 | 1:30 - 2:30 ET
Reframing the Holidays.
As the saying goes, “Change is the only constant.” Our situations and relationships may have changed over time and are now challenging. We may look to the holiday season with confusing emotions or even dread. We’ll talk about how to reframe our outlook for the coming month.
Guest Speakers:
Sue Smith --CEO, Georgia Parent Support Network
Tyler Ross -- Recovery Coach, Mentor, and Youth Ambassador, OCARTA (Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery and Transformation Association)
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Federation Chapter Spotlight
Families Future Empowerment Coalition
Leader: Latisha Spikes
Contact: (706) 304-8393
Email: familiesfutureempowerment1@
outlook.com
Support Groups Offered on Zoom:
- Veteran Parent: 1st and 3rd Tue. at 6 pm
- Edu. Rise: 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm
- Neurosupportive: 1st and 3rd Thur. at 6 pm
- Challenge Tomorrow: 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6 pm
- Entrepreneurial: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 6 pm
- Empowerment – General parent support group – 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6 pm
To learn more about each of the support groups offered please visit our website.
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The Youth Peer Support Program serves homeless youth in the metro Atlanta area, ages 17-26. The program seeks to assist young adults in establishing a stable living environment, finding mental health services, and accomplishing their goals. The Youth Peer Support Program utilizes the social and emotional well-being and strength-based trauma-informed approach.
For enrollment information, contact:
John Parker M.SPEd.
Youth Peer Support Director
john.parker@gpsn.org
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RAVE 2022 Roundup! - Youth MOVE National | On Thursday, November 10th, Youth MOVE National opened a virtual stage for our annual Rockstar Awards. This is the third year the Rockstar Awards have been presented in a virtual space! This is a way for us to get creative in how we honor youth advocates, supportive adult allies, and organizations working towards enhancing and making youth-serving systems better. | | | | |
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YM-GA Chapters Attend National Conference
Youth MOVE Georgia attended the National Federation of Families Conference and attended numerous workshops geared towards enhancing their knowledge around mental health and wellness. We met with other Youth MOVE leaders throughout the country, learning about the different types of events and activities Youth MOVE members use to bring awareness within their communities.
A special shout out to the peer-to-peer support provided to our members who experienced their first flight. Youth MOVE Georgia also enjoyed attending a local basketball game with other federation members while embracing the atmosphere and historic scenario Oklahoma City has to offer.
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Transitional Youth Peer Center | |
Do You Know A Transitioning Youth in Need of Peer Support?
The Transitional Youth Peer Center is a place where young adults (17 -26) are empowered to live as productive, healthy citizens in their communities with the guidance and support needed to help them transition into adults.
Educational Opportunities
Navigating education can be challenging for young adults who have a history of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and/or behavioral differences. Education is the key to success and each young adult is encouraged and supported to pursue a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). The TYPC also assists participants with opportunities for post-secondary education including a college degree, technical school, or certificate program and provides trade union opportunities. The TYPC also provides linkage to other community partners through which young adults can learn trades.
At The Center, peers strive to support one another to meet their goals, including improvements in education, employment, and community life adjustment.
For enrollment information, contact:
Sheena Biggerstaff, CPS
Peer Center Supervisor
sheena.biggerstaff@gpsn.org
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Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities | |
Gov. Kemp Announces New Agency Leadership Appointments | Atlanta, GA - Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Kevin Tanner will head the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), following Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald's retirement. Monica Johnson will serve as Interim Commissioner until Mr. Tanner's start date on December 16. | | | |
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | |
Learn more about and use Screen4Success, the "Talk. They Hear You." campaign's new tool to help parents and caregivers better understand the health, wellness, and wellbeing of their children. | | | | |
Georgia Parent Support Network | GPSN. | | | | |
