Hello friends; wishing each of you a good 2021! As I consider 2020, I am overcome with gratitude for your support and partnership.
The year started with getting to be the keynote speaker at FACTOregon Regional Learning Summits teaching about Resilience. Going around the state and meeting so many parent advocates was inspiring.
Sharing about trauma and resilience with The Arc Oregon was a highlight of the summer.
Working on the LGBTQ+ Youth Support Project with Matthew was fun and rewarding. They and I would love to support families and youth in your area. We are open to leading additional workshops for parents and community members who are interested in learning how to support the LGBTQ+ youth in their communities. We have a Resource Fair ready to go and would love to host a Learning Collaborative.
In an effort to continue the work, I am assisting Fierce Families as they are starting up a volunteer parent peer network for transgender families. In their own words, “We are a network of families who cherish our transgender children, grandchildren, and other family members. We advocate for our loved ones with the collective strength of an ever-growing network of families from every corner of Oregon.” The work is needed and exciting!
Click here to learn more about Fierce Families
Working with the Central Oregon Support Network to provide Wellness Wednesdays and Youth Mental Health First Aid provided a bright spot in a difficult fall. Thanks to Dianna, Jenny, Yecina, Becky, and Melissa for sharing their expertise and passion for families. You can follow Melissa on Instagram at Click here for Inspired Boldness. Video recordings are available at https://www.codsn.org/codsn-recorded-webinars.html.
We know there will be challenges. We know that we are strong. Stay connected, take care. Process the stress as it comes. Know that you are enough. You are not alone.