PCLG NEWS

The latest PACER newsletter includes a great story about PCLG Co-Chair Karen Malka and her daughter Talia. Thanks for adding your voice! Check it out at the PACER website:

This past week, a tragic suicide at a local high school painfully reminded all of us of the importance of talking with teens about mental health and raising mental health awareness at our schools. What is your school is doing to raise mental health awareness?

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has a comprehensive “Toolkit for Schools” which includes ideas about helping students cope.

Mental Health America has a good flyer about talking to teens about mental health and how to see help.

Parent Catalyst Leadership Group

Hennepin County Parents of Children with Mental Health Concerns

October 2015

Parent Catalyst Leadership Group

Support for Families

PCLG Support Group for Parents 2nd Monday of each monthSabes Jewish Community Center4330 Cedar Lake RoadSt Louis Park, MN

NEXT MEETING: November 9 at 6:30 pm

NAMI Hennepin Parent and Family Support 1st Saturdays; 2:15 – 3:45 pmLake Nokomis Recreation Center, MinneapolisBilingual support for Spanish speakersPhone: 612 370-4923

NAMI Connections Young Adult Support 1st & 3rd Wednesdays; 6:30-8 pm For young adults aged 16-20. Boneshaker Books2002 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis

NAMI Parent Resource Group1st & 3rd Fridays, 6:30-8 pmMelrose Center, St. Louis Park

Family Voices of Minnesota Call 1-866-334-8444 to be matched with a trained parent mentor

NAMI Minnesota - Parent E-mail Warmline parent.resources@namimn.orgAll messages will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note this is not a crisis line. If your child under age 18 is having a mental health crisis, call Hennepin County. If there is an immediate risk of physical danger, call 911

Calendar of Events

Community Conversation on Mental IllnessAs part of Mental Illness Awareness week, NAMI Minnesota is sponsoring a series of Community Conversations across Minnesota to encourage people to talk about mental health, challenge myths surrounding mental illness, and promote prevention and early intervention. The events are free and feature a panel presentation followed by group discussion.  • Minneapolis, Monday, Oct 5, 6:00-8:00pmCentral Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

More Joy, Less Stress – Creating Teen ResiliencyThe Washburn High School Parent Council and Ramsey PTA are co-sponsoring this presentation by Dr. Kevin Harrington. Using his experience in mind-body medicine, Dr. Harrington helps teens learn skills to manage difficulty and become healthy, happy and competent individuals. •Minneapolis, Oct 6, Tuesday, 7 pmRamsey Middle School Auditorium, 1 West 49th Street

PACER: Leveraging Technology to Improve Executive FunctionThis workshop will explore tools and strategies to help with attention, memory, planning, organization, time management and self-monitoring. Learn how to choose the right tools to help individuals with disabilities move toward independence in a variety of settings including education and employment.•Bloomington, Oct 8, Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 pm (Streaming option also available)PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd.

HEART: Stand Against Stigma EventHelping Every At Risk Teen (HEART) has partnered with Prairie Care and the Wayzata School District to host this event with Dr. Joel Oberstar focusing on teen wellness. •Maple Grove, Oct 10, Saturday, 11 am – 1 pmHindu Temple of Minnesota, 10530 Troy Lane N

Center for Engaging Autism: Mindfulness for ParentsThis six-week workshop is designed specifically to target stress reduction through training and mindfulness in parents with children with autism. Fee includes six classes led by certified parent coach and special education teacher. •Golden Valley, Oct 12 – Nov 16, Mondays, 6:30- 8:00 pmGolden Valley Lutheran Church, 5501 Glenwood Ave.

PACER: Parent TalkThis workshop will provide parents of children ages birth to 5 with tips on how to talk with early childhood professionals about their child’s strengths and needs. This I also an opportunity for parents to talk with other parents to share experiences and tips. •Bloomington, Oct 13, Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 pmPACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd.

Parent Catalyst Leadership Group

Westminster Town Hall Forum with Patrick KennedyThe former U.S. Representative and son of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy will present “The Pain of Mental Illness and Addiction: A Personal Journey.” Rep. Kennedy has authored dozens of bills aimed at increasing the understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This speech will be recorded by Minnesota Public Radio.Minneapolis, Oct 13, Tuesday, 7:00 pmWestminster Presbyterian Church, Nicollet Mall and 12th Street

PACER: Challenging Behaviors and the IEPChildren and youth with challenging behaviors often struggle to be successful in school. This workshop will describe challenging behaviors, discuss why they are difficult to change, and offer suggestions about how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to make a plan that supports school success.•Maple Grove, Oct 20, Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 pmMaple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lane

Public Safety Open House for Families with Special NeedsEnjoy this chance to meet other families with special needs, access community resources, and build relationships with local police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and police K-9. This open house will be set up and staffed to accommodate families with special needs. Free, but space is limited.Golden Valley, Oct 24, Saturday 11am – 1pmGolden Valley Public Safety Building, 7800 Golden Valley Road

PACER: Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Your Young ChildParents of young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities will learn about brain development and behavior, different temperament types, stages of development, and strategies to provide children with acceptable ways to have their needs met.•Bloomington, Oct 26, Monday, 6:30 – 8:30 pmPACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd.

Check out NAMI’s Schedule of MAKE IT OK public awareness programming on Twin Cities Public TV

Parent Catalyst Leadership Group

PCLG is part of the Hennepin County Children Mental Health Collaborative (HCCMHC).hcpclg@yahoo.com or www.hcpclg.wordpress.com