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August 2022


Summer is on the way out, and school starts any day now. Time continues to fly by. This summer has been an excellent growing season if you like to plant or garden. I have especially enjoyed the many rainstorms this summer.

Last month I talked about the previous two years and how it has affected our interactions with those we love and care for, and how we have all felt the loss of our usual rhythm of life. This month I was reminded of just how much. I won’t say much because there are no words to express my feelings. All of us have lost more than we will ever fully realize in the passing of Sherry Jenkins Tucker. She was nothing short of absolutely phenomenal. She set a standard for putting people with mental illnesses first and foremost in everything she did in life. I have waited to say anything publicly because there are no words to adequately express how I feel. My heart is heavy; my thoughts and prayers go out to Randy, who was, as Sherry once told me, “the person who makes my life possible.” 


For those of you who may not know, Sherry has been the Executive Director of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network for many years. Under her leadership, the Network has become the model program for persons in recovery in Georgia, nationally, and internationally. Many of the advances in programs in Georgia for persons with mental illness directly result from Sherry’s exceptional leadership. As we go forward, we stand on the shoulders of a great visionary and leader. Thanks so much for all that you added to my personal and professional life. I love and miss you, Sherry.



Sue L. Smith Ed.D, MPH

CEO

Certified Peer Specialist Training

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 Training Opportunity

Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P)

Deadline for Applications is

August 1, 2022


The Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Office of Children, Young Adults & Families, and the Office of Recovery Transformation, along with Georgia Parent Support Network are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Parent CPS-P training scheduled for August 11, 12, 18, 19, and 26, 2022 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with breaks provided. This training will be a 5-day training and will require a full commitment. This training will be offered virtually on Zoom. 

 

If you are interested in applying for this training, please submit your application and letter of reference to cps-p@gpsn.org by  Monday, August 1, 2022 at 5pm so that we can extend the offer to others who may be interested if you are unable to commit to these dates.

 

Parent Certified Peer Specialist (CPS-P) Is the parent or legal guardian (in a permanent relationship for at least 3 years) of a child who is living with a mental health, substance use, or a co-occurring diagnosis who provides support to other parents who are raising a child with similar behavioral health conditions.

 

Candidates must be the parent or legal guardian of a child living with mental illness, substance use and/or co-occurring diagnosis; and must

   

1. Be currently employed doing Parent Peer Support; or

2. Be currently employed in the public sector Behavioral Health system as a paraprofessional and have the desire to distinguish themselves as a Parent CPS-P; or

3. Have related experience serving youth and families through participation in community volunteering, support groups, family organizations and/or advocacy.

4. Priority will be given to those who are currently providing peer support services and those who intend to work in that role.

5. Be able to commit to a 5-day training.

 

Please find the application along with eligibility requirements outlined in the announcement below. Applications along with documentation must be submitted by  Monday, August 1, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Anita Speed at anita.speed@gpsn.org.


Download Application
Submit Application

National Federation of Families

for Children's Mental Health

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Stay Up to Date | National Federation of Families

We encourage you to stay up to date on important advocacy and funding opportunities, legislation and other news that impacts families. Below you will find a video highlighting both state and national advocacy organizations. You can click the "view these at your own pace" option below the video to access direct links that will connect you with these organizations and their resources.

Following our Legislative and Advocacy page on Facebook is the best way to stay updated on what is happening nationally and in the states. Remember, keeping up on what is happening with federal and state-level legislation is key to being prepared to address issues if they arise in your home state.


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Georgia Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health

View Past Recordings

Street Outreach Program

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Welcome To The Team


Moving into August, the Street Outreach program welcomes Brooke Hume to the team. The Street Outreach program will continue to assist and serve our emerging adults in establishing stable living environments, finding mental health services, and setting and accomplishing their dreams.

Support for Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness


The Street Outreach Program serves homeless youth in the metro Atlanta area, ages 17-26. The program seeks to assist young adults in establishing a stable living environment, finding mental health services, and accomplishing their goals. The Street Outreach Program utilizes the social and emotional well-being and strength-based trauma-informed approach.



NEW ONLINE REFERRAL FORM: CLICK HERE


For enrollment information, contact: 


John Parker M.SPEd.

Street Outreach Director

john.parker@gpsn.org

Transitonal Youth Peer Center

A Walk in The Park


Peers at the center learn about the health benefits of taking a walk in the park with friends. There are many health benefits

for people who regularly walk, including

improving medical conditions like diabetes, preventing cancer, heart attacks,

and stroke, contributing to a longer life, and boosting overall well-being. For

most people, walking is easy and inexpensive and can help save money on

transportation. Walking provides an opportunity to connect with others, either

by walking with a companion or by greeting neighbors and passers-by. 


To learn more, check out SAMHSA's Program to Achieve Wellness.


Walking For Health: Recommendations For Individuals With A Serious Mental Illness

Are You A Transitioning Adult in Need of Peer Support?


The Peer Center provides training, life skills, mentoring, and peer support to youth transitioning into adulthood (17 -26) that child and adolescent mental health services no longer serve. At the Center, peers strive to support one another to meet their goals, including improvements in education, employment, and community life adjustment.


NEW ONLINE REFERRAL FORM: CLICK HERE


For enrollment information, contact: 


Sheena Biggerstaff

Peer Center Supervisor

sheena.biggerstaff@gpsn.org

Therapeutic Foster Care

New Foster Parent Informations Sessions


TFC will offer 2 New Foster Parent Orientations for the month of August. 



8/11/2022 @ 1pm-3pm

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8638391536 

Meeting ID: 863 839 1536


And 


8/25/2022 @ 1pm-3pm

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84079006827 

Meeting ID: 840 7900 6827




Latasha Reeves is also available for 1 on 1 sessions if potential parents are unable to attend scheduled meetings. 


Please email latasha.reeves@gpsn.org for scheduling 1 on 1 sessions.

Contact Latasha

Youth Motivating Others through

Voices of Experience (MOVE) National

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Youth MOVE National Welcomes New Executive Director, Mark Saint Amour - Youth MOVE National

Dear Youth Advocates, We are excited to announce that Mark Saint Amour (they/them/their) will be joining Youth MOVE National as its next Executive Director! Mark was selected as a result of a national search that included a competitive field of more than 120 candidates.

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Youth MOVE Georgia

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Youth M.O.V.E. Georgia exists to unite diverse individuals in the commitment to share our voices and raise awareness about issues that affect youth and young adults. We advocate for our rights and for fairness in all the systems that serve us. We have a purpose and the right to be equal partners in the process of change.



NEXT MEETING


Thursday

August 6, 2022

1:00 - 2:00 PM




Upcoming Meeting Dates


Who can join? Anyone between the ages of 10 and 29. When do we meet? The 1st Saturday of each month


August 6th

September 3rd

October 1st

November 5th

December 3rd

If you are interested in joining us for our statewide meeting, please contact

Sheena Biggerstaff | Youth M.O.V.E. Georgia Coordinator

sheena.biggerstaff@gpsn.org

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Visit Website

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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988 Partner Toolkit

SAMHSA recognizes the need for governments, states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, and partners to speak with one voice to ensure there is a clear understanding about what 988 is and how it will work. We encourage you to use these communication outreach materials and build upon them with your community coalitions to meet the needs of your specific audiences.

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Helpful Resources for Families

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Empowering families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and mental health outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. SPAN's individual assistance, workshops, and resources are available in languages other than English.

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Georgia Parent Support Network, Inc.

1381 Metropolitan Parkway Atlanta, GA 30310 | (404) 758-4500

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