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| Volume 15 Issue 9 |
June 2020 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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MCF Stands With the Black Community
 MCF stands in solidarity with the Black Community in this time of grieving, anger and pain. We denounce racism in all its forms, in particular the threat and killings of African-American/Black people. We are outraged by the systemic racism and bias that we have seen and that continues, including the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and the confrontation with Christian Cooper in Central Park.
MCF exists to help families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. We recognize the value and critical importance of behavioral health to the overall well-being of the family. We also acknowledge the damage and impact of systemic racism on health. We see, first hand, the impact of racial trauma--how generations of systemic racism has contributed to the Black Community's psychological, emotional and social distress. Every day, we see the obstacles Black families face in accessing the quality treatment and recovery services they need and deserve.
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Self-Care: The Lessons From Lockdown
 In Maryland, we are beginning to ease the restrictions from the COVID-19 health emergency. It’s been a tough few months with most of our lives turned upside down. Yet, if we look closely, there are probably some self-care lessons we’ve learned during the past months that we should remember. At MCF, many of us have realized that we must prioritize our mental health before a crisis so we can be more resilient when things turn south. We have become better at distinguishing between being alone and being lonely. We have also been
reminded that, even in a virtual world, we can choose to show up in a way that spreads connection, empathy and love.
Read the Online Article
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Maryland Legislative Session Wrap-up
 The 2020 legislative session ended three weeks early on March 18, due to COVID-19. Due to the shortened session, legislators focused on priority legislation, and many bills did not receive a vote.
MCF has delayed publishing a legislative summary as we were waiting to see if Governor Hogan would veto a key piece of legislation related to the provision of behavioral health services to children and adolescents in schools–the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, also known as the Kirwan Commission Bill (HB 1300/SB 1000). Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, the bill was indeed vetoed.
Here is a summary of the bills that MCF supported in the 2020 session and their outcomes:
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Sanity-Saving Tips for Parents
When you have a child with behavioral health challenges, maintaining a productive and peaceful routine while the whole family is at home together can seem like an impossible goal. As we head into the start of summer, DeVaki Leonard, MCF’s Family Leadership Assistant, shares her tips for making daily life less stressful and more joyful.
- Establish a positive morning routine. Start the day with hugs, kisses and a good breakfast. Use this time to assess your child’s mood and emotions, which will help prepare you to handle any disruptive behavior or triggers.
- Build structure and consistency. Talk to your child about how to respect each other while you are both staying busy and offer daily reminders of proper etiquette for online learning and social activities. Children often lose some skills over the summer and providing review or practice time over the summer can help. Set limits on what’s allowed during your children’s learning time.
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We're In This Together: Taking Flight Group Supports Young Adults
Taking Flight is MCF's statewide program for young adults ages 18-26, led by four young women who use their personal experience with behavioral health challenges to help others. They provide informal peer support and connection, work to break through stigma and advocate for positive system changes.
"I often say that I wish I had a group like Taking Flight to turn to when I was struggling the most with my mental health," explains Haley Rizkallah, Senior Youth Engagement Specialist. "I always assumed that my peers were having no trouble navigating their jobs, housing and relationships, which often made me feel even worse. Then I realized, with the help of friends who were willing to be vulnerable with them, that we all struggle and we all need support."
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Remembering Ginger Rosela
The MCF family is deeply saddened at the tragic passing on May 23 of Ginger Rosela,  our beloved and much-admired colleague. Ginger was a Family Peer Support Specialist, and one of five substance use family advocates who helped establish MCF’s Substance Use Family Navigation Program four years ago.
Everyone who knew Ginger was touched by her energy, enthusiasm, honesty and humor. After the loss of her son, Jake, to an overdose in 2013, helping other families became Ginger’s calling and her life’s work. Ginger worked tirelessly and fiercely to ensure that every family she supported had opportunities for the “help they needed and deserved,” a phrase she used frequently. She fervently believed that recovery was possible. Being part of MCF enabled her to broaden her work with families, and teach and inspire others to do this work.
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Get Connected With Our Online Support Groups
 MCF now offers many online support groups to provide a safe space for you to learn, share and receive compassionate help. All are facilitated by trained Family Peer Support Specialists who have dealt with similar challenges in their own families. Current groups are available for:
- Parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges
- Young adults ages 18-26 struggling with behavioral health challenges
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with substance use (alcohol or drugs)
- Parents who have lost a child to overdose
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with problem gambling
Groups are free for all participants and are held on different days of the week and different times of day. Find one or more that can work for you and join us soon!
Find a Support Group
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Also online:
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Upcoming Trainings & Events:
MCF: Who We Are and How We Help
Join us for an interactive online workshop focused on educating and assisting caregivers of those with substance use, mental health or problem gambling issues. Learn about MCF's services and how family peer support helps you help your loved one.
When: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Online
Read More and Register
Recognizing & Responding to Substance Use Disorders
Join us for an interactive online workshop focused on educating and assisting caregivers of those with substance use issues.
When: Thursday, June 25
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Online
Read More and Register
You Are Wonderfully Made: Mindfulness, Self-Care and Wellness Workshop
Join other parents and caregivers of children with mental and behavioral health challenges for a workshop to help you learn to focus on yourself--so you can take care of others.
When: Tuesday, June 30
Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
Where: Online
Read More and Register
Family Fun and Games
Leave your struggles behind for a little while to have fun, laugh and play games. Children of all ages are welcome.
When: Every Friday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Online
Read More and Register
For a complete list of upcoming trainings and events, visit our web site.
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MCF Employment Opportunities
MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:
- Chief Program Officer - For an individual with extensive human services leadership and management experience.This position oversees MCF’s growing portfolio of programs
and serves as a member of our senior leadership team in Columbia, MD.
- Mid-Shore Family Peer Support Specialist - For those with personal experience as a family member, caregiver, or other loved one of an individual with substance use challenges. Easton, MD.
- Anne Arundel County Family Peer Support Specialist - For those with personal experience as a primary caregiver of a youth, adolescent or young adult who has/had intensive mental health needs or substance use challenges, as well as experience with the Department of Juvenile Services on behalf of a youth, adolescent, or young adult. Severn.
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