Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Maryland Families

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Volume 11 Issue 2

November 2021

This month we share:

Also included: employment opportunities.

It's Not Too Early to Become a Champion for Children's Mental Health!

In response to the critical need for support and resources around children's mental health, the Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign is gearing up early for the 2022 Campaign.

Each year, the Campaign invites schools and community organizations to join the Campaign as a Champion for Children's Mental Health, focusing on participation during the annual awareness week in early May. When you join, you get a digital toolkit complete with ideas on how to increase awareness of children's mental health issues in your community. Every participating Champion is highlighted on the Children's Mental Health Matters website and is eligible to be nominated for Champion of the Year for their creative and innovative awareness efforts. For more information, visit the sign-up page for School Champions or Community Champions.

Read More Online

MCF Leaders Receive Two Prestigious National Awards

Maryland Coalition of Families has some exciting news! This October, our Executive Director, Jane Plapinger, and our Director of Innovation and Strategy, Heidi Rochon, received prestigious awards from two national family peer support organizations.

Jane received the annual Executive Director Award for outstanding leadership. This award is given by the Family Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA), a national association of some 40 family-run organizations that provide family peer support. Jane has been the executive director of MCF for almost eight years. During this time, she has grown MCF's workforce and funding almost three-fold. Under Jane's leadership, MCF is a thriving, financially stable organization that provides high quality family peer support and navigation services to thousands of Maryland families each year.

Read More Online

Maryland's Behavioral Health Advisory Council Seeks Parent Volunteer

The state of Maryland relies greatly on the volunteer assistance of citizens from all walks of life to make a contribution through participation on state level councils and committees.

Currently, Maryland's Behavioral Health Advisory Council has a vacancy for a parent of a young child (under age seven) with a behavioral health disorder. This governor-appointed council was established to promote and advocate for a culturally competent and comprehensive approach to publicly-funded prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery services that support and foster wellness, recovery, resiliency and health for individuals who have behavioral health disorders and their families. You can find more information about the Council on their web page.

Click Here to Complete an Application

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.

Over 53 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers to family, friends and neighbors. Nearly a third of adult caregivers are helping someone with a mental illness. Caregiving can often have a significant impact on the life of the caregiver. It can make maintaining your physical and mental health more difficult and put a strain on work and social life. That's why it's so important for caregivers to take care of their own mental health. If you are a caregiver struggling with your own mental health, visit Mental Health America's website to take a free, anonymous and confidential screening.

If you need additional support, Maryland Coalition of Families is here for you! We provide personalized, one-to-one support to families coping with behavioral or mental health issues, including substance use disorders and problem gambling. All of our services are available at no cost to families. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 410-730-8267.

Read More Online

Giving Tuesday is November 30...Are You Ready?

Maryland Coalition of Families is participating in Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Today, Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

Right here in Maryland, so many families are still financially impacted by the pandemic and need your help. MCF is committed to going beyond our mission to support families by helping with utility bills, car repairs, medical supplies and other basic necessities. Every dollar you give goes to direct support for families. Your gift--no matter the amount--will make a difference. Please consider donating to MCF this Giving Tuesday.

Click Here to Give

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 with behavioral health challenges
Anyone who cares for a person with a substance use issue (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

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 in our central office as well as regional opportunities.

Statewide/Central Office:

Click here for a complete list of employment opportunities.

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue.

10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 234 | Columbia, MD 21044
Toll Free: (888) 607-3637 | Fax: (410) 730-8331

www.mdcoalition.org | Connect on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn | Join the Mailing List

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