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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to elevate the importance of emotional well-being for children, youth, and families. At SPAN, strong family engagement and supportive school communities are key to positive mental health outcomes.
Families are navigating stress and uncertainty every day. Creating space for open conversations, reducing stigma, and connecting to trusted resources can make a meaningful difference.
This month is an opportunity for schools, community organizations, and families to promote resilience and ensure every child and youth feel supported. In line with this year’s focus from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on challenging stigma, we can help by speaking openly, using respectful language, and sharing accurate information—making it easier for families to seek support.
Explore Mental Health Awareness Month resources from NAMI here.
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Lauren Agoratus to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Systems & Policy Research Network
Lauren Agoratus, NJ Coordinator for Family Voices at SPAN, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Systems & Policy Research Network as part of their 2026 Pediatric Complex Care Awards.
These awards celebrate individuals who dedicate their lives—through commitment and work—to serving children with medical complexity. The awards honor those who have made exceptional, long-lasting contributions to help children with medical complexity in many areas, including clinical care delivery, advocacy, policy, administration, research, and education/training. The awards also honor lived experience incorporated into any of these areas.
To learn more about the awards, click here.
Congratulations, Lauren on another well-deserved honor! You are an inspiration to all of us.
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Celebrating What We Build Together: The 2026 Debbie Esposito Parent Leadership Award
Nominations close this Friday,
May 8 for the 2026 Debbie Esposito Parent Leadership Award.
The Award shines a spotlight on a SEPAG that is making a real difference - through collaboration, leadership, and a shared commitment to every student. Inspired by Debbie’s legacy at SPAN, this award recognizes the strength of collective impact - because lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when families and schools come together, lift each other up, and lead forward - together.
For more on the award, the nomination procedure, and to find a link to apply, click here.
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Join SPAN's MEP Parent Advisory Council
Do you have a child under 22 years of age? Have you or any member of your family worked in agriculture?
Consider being part of an advocacy community of families like yours.
We have two upcoming meetings when you can learn more about joining our Migrant Education Project (MEP) Parent Advisory Council.
To register for our June 15 meeting at 6:00 PM, click here.
To register for our June 17 meeting at 6:00 PM, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact our MEP Project Coordinator, Danica LaFortune at dlafortune@spanadvocacy.org.
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It's Children's Mental Health Action Week.
Join Us Today for Beyond the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection
Join The American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence (CoE) on Social Media and Youth Mental Health during Children's Mental Health Action Week for this important webinar and panel discussion: "Beyond the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection"—exploring the relationship between technology, family life, and mental health."
Subject matter experts will take us beyond the screen to share what science tells us about the impact of screens and technology on the growth and development of children and youth, on family relationships, and on the mental health of our young people growing up in a digital world. Join us to better understand this vital topic and to get tools and strategies to prevent the harms of digital media overuse and, most importantly, to truly connect with the young people in your life and community.
Today, May 6, 1:30 - 3:00 ET
Online
To register, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE: SPAN's 2026 End of Summer Soiree is on
September 18!
Support, Partner,
Advocate, Navigate
Because families shouldn't have to figure things out alone
Join us on September 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal for an evening together for stronger families.
Parent leaders, supporters, advocates, community partners and SPAN staff will all be in attendance as we present three awards, share experiences, and enjoy each other's company with some great food and drinks. All to benefit SPAN and our mission!
Look for more details coming soon.
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Free Family Fun Day & Wellness Fair in Gloucester County
Each year the town of Swedesboro holds a Family Fun Day affiliated with Swedesboro-Woolwich Parks and Recreation.
This year, the event is incorporating a free Wellness Fair for the whole family, including:
- Free yoga, breathing, and exercise sessions
- Health resources
- Free check-ups
- Science & research clubs
- Mindfulness activities
Where:
58 Locke Avenue
Swedesboro, NJ
When:
Saturday, May 16, 11AM - 4PM
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Upcoming Events
SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
Highlighted Event This Week
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Assistive Technology and Transition to Adult Life
Thursday, May 21
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Online
This presentation will:
- Help families understand how assistive technology can play a critical role in supporting students as they prepare for life after high school
- Explore how AT can be integrated into transition planning to build independence, strengthen communication, support employment and postsecondary goals, and ensure students have the tools they need to participate meaningfully in their communities
- Provide practical strategies and resources to help students use AT confidently as they move toward adulthood.
To register, click here.
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