Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Maryland Families Email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.
Volume 11  Issue 4 December 2021

This month we share:

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities. 
How to Support a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays

As you think about how to support loved ones this holiday season, make sure to give extra consideration to those in recovery from substance or alcohol challenges. This festive period can be especially stressful for those committed to maintaining their recovery from alcohol use.

In a recent survey, 94 percent of respondents in recovery reported feeling overwhelmingly or moderately stressed during the holidays. As people gather with family and friends, the combination of emotions, stress, and the presence of substances like alcohol can put a person at risk of relapse, which runs higher during this time of year. 

Read More Online  
Mental Health Association of Maryland Seeks Input on Mental Health Services

Mental health and substance use needs in Maryland are at an all-time high. During the upcoming election, the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) has the opportunity to raise awareness about these issues among candidates for governor and the Maryland General Assembly, and they want to know what is most important to you.

Please take a few minutes to complete their brief survey. Your answers will help MHAMD plan their advocacy efforts over the next year and beyond. 

Take the Maryland Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Survey
Tips for Helping Kids with Social Skills Challenges Cope With the Holiday Season
​​​​​​
Holiday events are supposed to be fun. But for kids with social skills issues, these events can pose challenges and create stress. Use these eight simple tips to help your child successfully navigate this very social season. 
  1. Practice hellos and goodbyes. The more you practice, the easier it will be for your child to call up the right words. It doesn't have to be a lot: "Hi, it's nice to see you!" and "Thanks for having me--I had a good time!" will usually do it.
     
  2. Tell your child what to expect. Let your child know how the day will unfold (if you're not sure, ask your hosts in advance). You might say something like "When we get there, the kids will be watching football or playing downstairs. After an hour we'll have dinner. The kids will sit at their own table. Then it's dessert, and we'll go home." Your child may feel more relaxed knowing what's going to happen next. 
Read More Online
​
Keeping Our Kids Safe: Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit
​​​​​​
Preliminary data shows a concerning rise in youth suicide deaths over the past year. The Office of Suicide Prevention has developed a toolkit, "Keeping Our Kids Safe" to address youth suicides. This toolkit has been created primarily for professionals and adults who work with youth, but this comprehensive resource is also appropriate for teens looking to learn more about how to ask for help.

The kit contains fact sheets on the following topics:
  • Supporting People with Lived Experience
  • Warning Signs of Suicide
  • Risk Factors of Suicide
  • Health Risk Factors of Suicide
  • Protective Factors of Suicide
  • Groups at Elevated Risk of Suicide
  • R.A.C.E. for Suicide Prevention
  • Lethal Means Safety
Download the Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit
​
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
Also online:
Upcoming Trainings & Events:

What's in Your Drugs? A Look at Novel Psychoactive Substances and Drug Additives
Join us for this virtual workshop to learn about drugs that are currently being "cut" or counterfeited with harmful substances, the history of novel psychoactive substances as well as harm reduction techniques and prevention strategies. For more info, contact Austin Torsch at 443-276-8115 or [email protected]

When: Thursday, January 6
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/s-detail-7012M000002Clz3/h3gyv/1620654475?h=lDL3pmTeUt6quOvKtYwWI1O_E_gyDaA259ATwSQ6z_c

Baltimore County Virtual Open House for Families Involved With Juvenile Services
Join other families who have a youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Services. Learn about the ways MCF can support you and your family and get connected to community resources. 

When: Thursday, January 13
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
To Register : Contact Janet Jones at 443-878-9367 or [email protected]

For a complete list of upcoming workshops and events, please visit our events page.
 

MCF Employment Opportunities


MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have openings in many areas of the state. Please check our website for a complete list of openings.

Statewide/Central Office:
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
 
DONATE TODAY
Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:

Maryland Coalition of Families
10632 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 234
Columbia, MD 21044
unsubscribe from all emails   update subscription preferences