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| Volume 11 Issue 7 |
May 2022 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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MCF Welcomes New Excutive Director Christi Green
The Maryland Coalition of Families Board of Directors has named Christi Green as its new executive director. Green brings over a decade of executive leadership experience with organizations that work to empower underserved communities, deliver high-impact programs that address complex community challenges and mobilize resources and support for a broad range of initiatives.
Green comes to MCF from her position as executive director of St. Francis Neighborhood Center, a Baltimore-based organization that supports the academic, emotional and social needs of adults, youth and families in order to break the cycle of urban poverty. Green holds a master's degree in Theology/Theological Studies from the University of Dayton and a B.A in Speech Communications from Miami University.
"Maryland Coalition of Families is an amazing organization and I'm excited to be a part of it," said Green. "Coming out of the pandemic, the need for mental and behavioral health support has never been greater. We are in a pivotal moment to show we are the caring, expert resource Maryland families can turn to and trust."
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Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign Brings Resources to Families, Educators and Providers 
During Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 1-7 and beyond, the annual Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign brings mental health related resources, information and events to Maryland families, educators and professionals who work with children.
On the Children's Mental Health Matters! website you'll find a Family Resource Kit, featuring fact sheets on current mental health topics affecting children and youth, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder and so much more-- 22 topics in all! There is also an Educator Resource Kit designed specifically for teachers and other school-based professionals.
Other mental health resources include a set of free, printable Affirmation Cards designed to support childrens' resilence and mental well-being and Mental Health Book Lists for children of all age groups. For mental health events going on around the state, check out the Events Calendar.
Visit the Children's Mental Health Matters! Website
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2022 Legislative Session Wrap-up
During this legislative session, which concluded on April 11, Maryland Coalition of Families supported a number of bills that sought to increase access to behavioral health services and improve policies. While a number of bills we supported did not pass, there were many important accomplishments. Here is a summary of the bills that MCF supported that passed in the legislature and were sent to the governor.
HB 8/SB 275: Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (Time to Care Act of 2022)
Establishes the Family Medical Leave Insurance Program and Fund, to provide up to 12 weeks of paid benefits to a covered individual taking leave from employment for certain reasons, including caring for a family member with a "serious health condition" as defined in the bill, or for oneself experiencing a serious health condition. "Serious health condition" can include a mental health condition.
Read More Online
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Registration Now Open for Eastern Shore Family
Leadership Retreat June 3-4
Calling parents and caregivers with a school-age child with behavioral and/or mental health challenges living in Cecil, Dorchester, Queen Anne's, Kent, Caroline, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester or Somerset counties!
This free, two-day, in-person retreat on June 3-4 empowers you to be a stronger advocate for your child and your community. The Family Leadership Retreat provides a welcoming space for you to learn how to help your child by:
- Collaborating with your child's school
- Empowering you to promote the needs of your child, family and community
- Taking care of yourself and connecting with other families just like yours
There is NO COST to attend the retreat, however a completed application and commitment to attend is required. Stipends are available for childcare and transportation. Application deadline is May 20.
Learn More and Apply Online
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Parenting Through Depression
Most parents wonder at one time or another whether or not they're doing a good enough job. But for parents dealing with depression, these thoughts can feel overwhelming. Because depression affects self-esteem and makes it hard to stay engaged with daily life, parenting with depression might make showing up for your kids feel impossible.
If you're a parent dealing with depression, you're not alone. The latest research shows that 8.4 percent of adults in the US.--or 21 million people--have had at least one major depressive episode. And some research indicates that the risk of developing depression may be higher for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here's how to tell if you might be experiencing depression, and how to care for your kids (and yourself!) if you are. Depression is treatable, and with support, parents experiencing it can thrive.
Read the Article from Child Mind Institute
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Get Connected With Our Online and In-Person Support Groups
 MCF offers many 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
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Also online:
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Upcoming Trainings & Events:
Navigating Your Teen's Mental Health
Get an overview of the current state of teen mental health and learn evidence-based strategies to communicate with and support the teen in your life.
When: Tuesday, May 17
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3JFSuoP/jpxmn/1758901267?h=8MNPqYCmWHYM6mmMaPY9Hyxcz3430xCCTMkns5uulAc
Brain Disease of Addiction
This workshop from Maryland Rural Opioid Technical Assistance (ROTA) explains the science behind substance use disorders, looking at how the brain is affected by drugs and alcohol and exploring how the disease of addiction can develop.
When: Wednesday, May 18
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3whMvkx/jpxmr/1758901267?h=8MNPqYCmWHYM6mmMaPY9Hyxcz3430xCCTMkns5uulAc
Adverse Childhood Experiences
This workshop from Maryland Rural Opioid Technical Assistance (ROTA) explains how toxic stress changes the physiology of early brain development, covering the connection between substance use and trauma, and discussing protective factors for how to build resilient, self-healing communities.
When: Wednesday, May 25
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://go.mdcoalition.org/e/312281/3w407Rv/jpxmv/1758901267?h=8MNPqYCmWHYM6mmMaPY9Hyxcz3430xCCTMkns5uulAc
For a complete list of upcoming workshops and events, please visit our events page.
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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 openings in many areas of the state. Please check our website for a complete list of openings.
Statewide/Central Office:
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