Wishing you good times, good cheer

and a memorable new year.

All of us at Georgia Parent Support Network, Inc. want to thank you for your support this past year. We hope to see you again in the new year!

January 1, 2022

A whole new year lies ahead in 2022. We have a blank slate for the 365 days and indeed the rest of our lives. Let’s take a few minutes today, the first day of the new year, to think about this. The new year can be a time of review. I personally don’t think “resolutions” for the New Year work very well. For me, they last as long as the first day I don’t get up to exercise and don’t want to. On the other hand, some deep thinking about the direction of my life and things I want to change and can change seem to work.

I am writing this a few days before Christmas. I love Christmas, and I always have. As I get older, time seems like the most precious commodity we have in life. I am giving some conscious thought to how I spend my time, and I am trying to allocate time to the things I want to do, can do, and the things that add quality to my life. As we enter this new year, I ask you to think about YOU and those you love around you. Don’t make too many rules for life, do things that lessen your stress, and bring you joy. If you like to sing – consciously begin to sing. Revisit the things in life that add to your quality of life and make time for them.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is special, as is every day.

Happy New Year!

Sue Smith

CEO

Training Opportunity

Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P)

The deadline for applications is

Deadline Extended - January 6, 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 January 14, 20-21, and 27-28, 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

[email protected] by Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 5 pm 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 three years) of a child who is living with 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.

Please find the application along with eligibility requirements outlined in the announcement below. Applications along with documentation must be submitted by Thursday, January 6th, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Anita Speed at [email protected].

Training Announcement

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

Be currently employed doing Peer Parent Support; or

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

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

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

Be able to commit to a 5-day training.

Sponsor the Night

Change a Life FOREVER.

Your sponsorship will provide much-needed financial assistance to families, youth, and young adults navigating mental health services and the road to recovery.

Sponsorship Information

[email protected] | (470) 815-6622

National | National Federation of Families

National Advocacy

Part of our role at the Federation is to track and follow important national issues and related funding, legislation and advocacy opportunities so we can keep families and our chapters informed and engaged in topics that impact families. Below you will find a video with our most recent listing of national advocacy organizations that can assist you in your efforts to represent the voice of families. Go to the green "View Slides with Clickable Links" button to go through the slides at your own pace and to access direct links to the websites and resources we have included.

Transitonal Youth Peer Center

Happy New Year!

2021 was a busy year with lots of exciting adventures and learning opportunities, we are all looking forward to the journey ahead and we hope you all decide to join us in 2022!

May this year bring you new happiness, goals, and achievements!

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 are no longer served by child and adolescent mental health services. At the Center, peers all strive to support one another to meet these goals include improvements in education, employment, and community life adjustment.

For enrollment information contact

Sheena Biggerstaff

Peer Center Supervisor

[email protected]

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Therapeutic Foster Care

Leveraging Youth Advocacy to Advance School Mental Health | Youth MOVE National

We are excited to announce the launch of our new resource designed to support Youth Advocates with Advancing School Mental Health across the nation. In 2014, Youth MOVE National worked on a policy initiative and held community forum discussions with youth in the community about what is helpful to their success and what is harmful.

NEXT MEETING

January 8, 2022

1:00 - 2:30 PM

Be Heard

Who knows you better than you? Parents, caregivers, therapists, probation officers, and teachers often don't understand where you are coming from. Learning to advocate for yourself respectfully is a skill you will use for the rest of your life. Through conferences, training, and chapter meetings, you will learn valuable techniques to be heard when making decisions about your future.

Youth M.O.V.E. Mission

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 fairness in all the systems that serve us. We have a purpose and the right to be equal partners in the process of change.

Details

Who can join? Anyone between the ages of 14 and 29

When do we meet? The 1st Saturday of each month

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

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

[email protected]

Behavioral Health Prevention

The Office of Behavioral Health Prevention (OBHP) is the state agency charged with providing prevention leadership, strategic planning, and services to improve the mental/emotional well-being of communities, families, and individuals in Georgia. The OBHP develops and contracts for prevention services across the state specifically designed to reduce the risks and increase protective factors linked to substance abuse-related problem behaviors, suicide, and mental health promotion.

Mental Health Treatment Works

Concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Get professional help. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, yet mental illness affects millions of people and their families nationwide. Know that treatment for mental illness is effective-and help is a phone call away.

Georgia Parent Support Network, Inc.

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