Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Somerset)
2022-04-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-31 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-06-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-06-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | Virtual
If you are a parent or caregiver working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child, join us for this FREE 17-week program.
You will explore hands-on activities and guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences.
Together we will:

Explore ideas and build skills.
Strengthen your connection with your child.
Increase your and your child’s healing.

The Somerset county group is for those living in the county and surrounding areas. There are seventeen sessions, all about 90 mins, which will take place on Zoom on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in this free program, please contact Elisa Sousa at (207) 446-4778 or Anne Osolinski at (207) 859-2521 for more information or to register.
You may also register online here >> https://tinyurl.com/2p8hzshm

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Kennebec)
2022-04-26 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-10 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-17 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-24 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-06-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
If you are a parent or caregiver working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child, join us for this FREE 17-week program.
You will explore hands-on activities and guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences.
Together we will:

Explore ideas and build skills.
Strengthen your connection with your child.
Increase your and your child’s healing.

The Kennebec county group is for those living in the county and surrounding areas. There are seventeen sessions, all about 90 mins, which will take place on zoom on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in this free program, please contact Elisa Sousa at (207) 446-4778 or Jenny Freudlich at (207) 895-1580 for more information or to register.
You may also register online here >> https://tinyurl.com/2p8fu9jr

Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference – Youth Track
2022-05-02 12:30 - 17:30 | Go-To Meeting
Join us on May 2nd for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference!
Previously called Children’s Mental Health “Awareness”, in 2022 we’re changing the “A” to Acceptance. This significant shift to “acceptance” speaks more directly to our goal to eliminate bias and discrimination that individuals with a mental illness diagnosis or symptoms experience. We believe the term acceptance more directly combats prejudice. Mental health exists on a spectrum and almost everyone experiences challenges at some point in their life. Recognizing that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and accepting individuals who struggle for a period – or a lifetime – is critical to reducing the fear, worry, blame, and shame that families and their loved ones experience – and increases the likelihood that those who are in need will seek te support and treatment they deserve.
Conference Agenda
12:30 – 1:45 / Sharing Your Story – AJourney in Ownership, Building Community and Reducing Stigma
Presented by: Kevin Segal, Markus Perry, Elias Peirce, Saras Yerlig, PIER Program Speakers’ Bureau
There is much value in encouraging youth and young adults to have open conversation about mental health and challenging life experiences. Join us to hear from a group of young adults and peer support specialists who speak publicly about their mental health and have learned that in doing so it has helped with owning their own narratives, allow them to grow as individuals and to build community among people with share experiences. In this presentation, youth and young adults will learn considerations when preparing to speak publicly about your mental health experiences, what ideas you might include and strategies for reflecting and debriefing after sharing your story. To be oneself and be seen as oneself can be a form of healing and transformation.
2:00 – 2:15 / I’m Worried About My Mental Health – What Should I do?
Presented by: Izetta Story, Maine’s System of Care Steering Committee Youth Member
Are you feeling alone? Concerned about your mental wellbeing? We all need support throughout our lives and building a group of supports is essential in maintaining good wellbeing. Please, join me as I share the important message of you are not alone, who can help me, and when to ask for help. We are all in this together.
2:30 – 3:45 / Centering Youth Voice in Treatment Planning
Presented by: Katrina Ringrose, Advocacy Director, Disability Rights Maine; Maggie Bouchard and Christopher Buysse, Youth Peer Support Partners, Youth Peer Support Statewide Network
Empowering young people to engage in treatment begins with ensuring their voice is heard and valued in decisions that impact their lives. In order to meaningfully do this, we must make youth feel like they belong in spaces where their needs are discussed and that their contributions matter. This is not only their Right, it achieves better outcomes. Presenters will share practical ways adults can genuinely partner with youth through very “adult-centric” processes and incorporate strategies to develop self-determination and decision making skills. Also, learn more about Maine’s Youth Peer Support services and the Rights youth have when receiving treatment.
4:00 – 5:30 / Introducing Transformative Justice to Youth
Presented by: Bruce King (Co-Executive Director), Darryl Shepherd (Project Facilitator and Transformative Justice Lead), and Adan Abdi (Project Facilitator), Maine Inside Out
There has been a push for Restorative Practices in recent years as a means to create alternative sentencing possibilities around legal infractions. This usually sees facilitators stepping in resulting from referrals from system contacts. However, how do we address harms that have not risen to the level of system intervention? When conflict is escalating but have not resulted in anything that requires immediate disciplinary action, how do we utilize similar principles to create a more receptive and cohesive culture? Transformative Justice is an approach to creating a safe culture through teaching kids to conquer conflict with deep listening and careful response to harm that they may embody and practice actively.

Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference – Parent/Provider Track
2022-05-05 09:00 - 14:00 | Go-To Meeting
Join us on May 5th for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference!
Previously called Children’s Mental Health “Awareness”, in 2022 we’re changing the “A” to Acceptance. This significant shift to “acceptance” speaks more directly to our goal to eliminate bias and discrimination that individuals with a mental illness diagnosis or symptoms experience. We believe the term acceptance more directly combats prejudice. Mental health exists on a spectrum and almost everyone experiences challenges at some point in their life. Recognizing that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and accepting individuals who struggle for a period – or a lifetime – is critical to reducing the fear, worry, blame, and shame that families and their loved ones experience – and increases the likelihood that those who are in need will seek te support and treatment they deserve.
Conference Agenda
9:00 – 10:30 / Celebrating Difference: Unpacking Implicit Bias to Help Youth Thrive
Presented by: Tess Macoy, LMSW-CC, Clinical Manager for Crisis Services, Crisis and Counseling Centers and Elisa Sousa, LSW, MEd, Manager of Community Case Management Services, Crisis and Counseling Centers
It’s okay not to know what to say! Existing in a polarized culture can be confusing for everyone, but for kids, the struggle can literally be life or death. Mental health outcomes are significantly worse among marginalized youth including those who live in poverty, are LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, experience disabilities, and people of color & ethnic minorities. While two presenters cannot speak to all these diverse experiences, we invite you to explore your implicit biases and learn some simple steps to foster compassionate curiosity as a first response.
We will do a deeper dive for one community, LGBTQ+ youth, to understand risk and protective factors for suicide prevention and how positive identity development can save lives.
10:45 am – 12:15 pm / Empower ME System of Care Grant
Presented by: Kathryn Temple, SOC Director, Ronnie Lowell-Sirois, SOC Lead Family Coordinator; Jennifer Smith, Sue Gagne and Jamie Ploss-Story, G.E.A.R. Parent Network Family Peer Specialists
This presentation will provide an overview of the Empower ME System of Care Grant, four-year grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA.) The goal of the grant is to ensure Maine families have access to community-based services for children, youth and young adults with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs that is coordinated across systems, individualized to a family’s unique needs, strengths, and culture, and where the families are the primary decision makers in the care of their children. Through partnerships with providers/agencies and the community, our intention is to build upon System of Care values and principles while empowering families to work together.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm / Suicide Prevention
Presented by: Mike Mitchell, LCSW, CEO, Crisis and Counseling Centers
This workshop will discuss the warning signs and practical approaches to address suicide prevention in children and youth. Participants will have a working understanding of what to look for and how to best address concerns to stem the grown momentum of suicides in our youth.

“ACEs, Being a Trauma-Informed Parent: Linking Childhood Trauma to Long-Term Health & Social Consequence”
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home can have long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study demonstrates the connection between childhood trauma and a wide array of physical & mental health problems. Despite the trauma in their lives, children can survive and even thrive. Protective factors, including healthy relationships with parents and caregivers, foster resilience in children and help them to overcome early adversity.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth”
2022-05-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting
All children have outbursts from time to time; however, some children have chronic problems in their ability to regulate emotions and behaviors even when adverse consequences may occur. This lack of self-control can cause significant distress or impairment in a child’s or youth’s life. A number of different diagnoses are unified by impulsive and disruptive behaviors, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and impulse control disorder (ICD). In this workshop you will learn more about the disorders defined in the chapter on disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what treatments are available, and what parents/caregivers can do to better respond to disruptive behavior.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“ADHD 101 – What We Want to Know but Forgot to Ask!”
2022-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, how to diagnose and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, supports; and treatment and management. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Take Action Against Bullying”
2022-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long-term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect?”
2022-05-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Our children are our future and child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business! In this workshop learn what is considered child abuse; state and national statistics; what Maine law is and how to report child abuse or neglect; the difference between “punishment” vs. “discipline”; child behavioral management examples and what are family and child protective factors; in addition to sharing stories of parenting lessons learned.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Kennebec)
2022-05-31 15:30 - 17:00

“Basic Advocacy! How to Advocate for what your Kids Need!”
2022-06-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
What does it mean to being a good advocate? Many parents and caregivers have faced challenges in getting their child’s behavioral health and education needs met. Having your heart in the right place is very important, but is only the beginning. Learning to communicate and advocate effectively with service providers, doctors and teachers is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s needs are being met. It is also important to know that the advocacy process doesn’t need to be confrontational. You can have ongoing, collaborative and constructive relationships with others. Developing your advocacy skills is the next step to forming your own strategies about how to solve problems, resolve conflicts and become a more effective advocate.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“What’s Your Parenting Style? Identifying Your Style and How it Affects Your Interaction with Your Children.”
2022-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop is intended to help you learn and identify your current parenting style and recognize the large impact that it has on your child’s development. We will review each of the four parenting styles. Through sharing of information and discussion you will be given the tools to use to evaluate both positive and negative influences in your lives and how it relates to your parenting style. Parents and caregivers can improve their skills by having and understanding of parenting styles, discipline, cultural influences and environmental issues.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Kennebec)
2022-06-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
If you are a parent or caregiver working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child, join us for this FREE 17-week program.
You will explore hands-on activities and guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences.
Together we will:

Explore ideas and build skills.
Strengthen your connection with your child.
Increase your and your child’s healing.

The Kennebec county group is for those living in the county and surrounding areas. There are seventeen sessions, all about 90 mins, which will take place on zoom on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in this free program, contact Elisa Sousa at (207) 446-4778 or Jenny Freudlich at (207) 895-1580 for more information or to register.
You may also register online here >> https://tinyurl.com/2p8fu9jr

“Toxic Chemicals and Our Children’s Developing Brains”
2022-06-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Go-To Meeting
Why is environmental health so important? Consider the following information: Twelve million American children or 17 percent of all Americans under the age of 18 have one or more developmental, learning or behavioral disabilities; more than 1.5 million Americans are autistic. In the 1970s, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children; studies show that in Maine it occurs today in 1 in 59 children; 127,000 adults and children in Maine are identified as having learning disabilities; and 37 percent of the children receiving special education services in our public schools have learning or attention disabilities. Learn why it is important to protect your family from toxic chemical exposures.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Non-Toxic Housekeeping Class”
2022-06-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Go-To Meeting
Save money and reduce your family’s exposure from toxic household cleaners! Join us and learn how to avoid using toxic cleaning chemicals and still provide a clean, healthy and comfortable home; how to save money and time with simple cleaning technique; easy and inexpensive recipes to make safe and effective homemade household cleaners.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Helping Your Child Manage Their Meltdowns”
2022-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you feeling like you are always walking on eggshells when dealing with your young child’s meltdowns? (Professionals sometimes call these behaviors “dysregulation”) Are you at a loss about how to help your child to be successful? You’re not alone! Join in the discussion about what meltdowns are and strategies that can be used to help your child better manage these meltdowns.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Summer Safety: Keeping it Cool! Preventing Heat Related Illness and Sun Safety for Children”
2022-06-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Sunburn, heat cramps, heat stroke and skin cancer often are not thought of when you are enjoying the outdoors. Come learn about the importance of keeping your children and yourself safe while having fun in the sun! Parents may share their challenges and some ideas how they deal with the sun protection and summertime issues.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.
