Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Maryland Families

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Volume 11 Issue 4

February 2022

This month we share:

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.

Let Your Voice Be Heard, Join Our Virtual Family Day in Annapolis on February 22!

Maryland Coalition of Families is hosting a virtual event to give families a voice with lawmakers in Maryland. Join us to advocate for behavioral health services! This free event offers a unique opportunity for your voice to be heard by those in our state legislature who have the power to make changes.

This event is perfect for those with behavioral health needs and their families as well as providers and advocates. By attending this event, you'll be able to:

Express your concern about the need for better access to behavioral health services and improved policies
Learn about important legislation in Maryland's House and Senate
Meet with legislators and their staff

For more information, contact Ann Geddes at [email protected] or 443-926-3396.

Register Online

MCF Now Supporting Families of Adults With Mental Health Concerns

MCF's newly launched adult mental health program links families to MCF staff who know firsthand what it's like to care for an adult with mental health needs. These staff draw on their experience to offer emotional support, share knowledge, and connect families with resources in their local communities.

Some of the mental health issues we have experience with include bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our staff help families coping with mental health concerns by:

Providing connections to resources, treatment options and other services
Collaborating with other agencies
Teaching self-care and resilency
Helping with goal setting and creating action plans
Offering support groups and learning opportunities

All MCF Family Peer Support services are confidential and provided at no cost to families. For more information or to get connected to an MCF staff member, contact us at [email protected] or 410-730-8267.

Learn More On Our Website

5 Effective Ways to Clear Your Mind

Stress can be compounded by not only what is happening in the moment, but also by past events or worry about the future.

If you've experienced this kind of stress, you may have noticed that the same thoughts replay over and over again in your mind, creating an endless loop and increased worry. This thought pattern not only does nothing to help solve the problems at hand, but can also interfere with healthy practices that can help create inner peace--like restful sleep.

While you may have been told in the past to "clear your mind" to let go of stress, this strategy isn't actually about letting go of all the thoughts and worries in your mind. Instead, it is about learning how to be more mindful and observing your thoughts without judgement. This article discusses some of the benefits of becoming more aware of your own thoughts. It also covers some strateties you can use to give yourself a break from these recurring, compounding stressors.

Read More Online

Action Alert: Important Family Survey from the National Federation of Families

Last year, the National Federation of Families conducted a survey to better understand the incredible challenges so many were facing. Families who completed the anonymous survey provided critical information about how the pandemic was impacting them and their children, especially in terms of academic progress, mental and behavioral health and substance use. As a result, the Federation created a compelling infographic that visually depicted the results.

Now, they are inviting families to participate in the second edition of the "How is School Affecting Children's and Families' Mental Health During COVID-19" survey. The survey is open to all parents and caregivers with children living at home who are in an educational program--at any level--or who chose to leave an educational program during the pandemic. Results of the survey will once again provide valuable information about the challenges families are experiencing and will inform advocacy efforts at the national level.

Take the National Federation of Families Survey

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:

Back to Basics: Resilience and Self-Love
Join other parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health needs on Zoom for a conversation about relationships. Learn how to overcome and conquer through difficult times and embrace change. For more info, contact Afiya Smith at 443-472-1016 or [email protected]

When: Thursday, February 17
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at : https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3LpPIFu/hlskk/1672923278?h=yT8A__t8xkxGFYf-5t3YHLF_xdxd0dfgF8-OGdJrDrs

Understanding Attachment Disorder
Early bonds with parents and caregivers have a long-term impact on a child's growth and development. This virtual workshop explores the disorders that can develop when these healthy bonds do not form as they should. For more info, contact Christina Spangler at 443-472-7918 or [email protected]

When: Friday, February 19
Time: 12:00 to 2:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3LO0A07/hlslm/1672923278?h=yT8A__t8xkxGFYf-5t3YHLF_xdxd0dfgF8-OGdJrDrs

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:

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

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