Flowers are booming; people are planting orchards and gardens and emerging from their homes more confidently than in the last few years. And yet, although people I meet and talk to rarely mention having lived through a major epidemic, it seems things are still slightly “out of kilter.” There’s a lot going on in the world, and it’s sometimes hard to understand.

Every day, I see people, neighborhoods, communities, government agencies, and others reaching out to try to help. Yet there continues to be a tone of unrest. I ask myself, has it always been this way, or did I just notice it? I welcome your thoughts on the subject.

My mom has been heavy on my mind for a few days, perhaps because Mother’s Day is approaching. My mom died 63 years ago. In theory, you would think – come on now, get over it. It hasn’t worked that way. Sometimes, she is as close as the day she died; sometimes, she seems impossible and far away.

I have recently been downsizing—giving the things I’m not going to use to the people I want to have them and to people who want them after I’m no longer here and making Goodwill’s shelves a little fuller. It’s a good feeling, but it brings home a lot of thoughts and wonderful memories, underscoring that time is our most precious commodity.

It may sound corny, but count your blessings and hold those you love a little more closely. May is a month for happiness.

Sue L. Smith Ed.D, MPH

CEO

News

Georgia Parent Support Network Statewide Parent Education and Support Group

Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM

Via Zoom

Georgia Parent Support Network (GPSN) conducts weekly statewide parent education and support group meetings aimed at providing a nurturing and informative environment for parents. These meetings occur every Tuesday at 2:00 PM

Join SPSG Meeting

Lisa Pace, MSHS, CPS-P Director of Operations

Therapeutic Foster Care

The state of Georgia currently has over 11,000 children in foster care. Open your heart and your home to become a foster hero today!

The first step necessary to become a foster parent is to attend a virtual informational session. GPSN’s TFC program will offer weekly informational sessions for potential foster parents on Wednesdays via Zoom for the remainder of the year. During informational sessions potential parents learn all requirements necessary to become a therapeutic foster care provider with GPSN. Sessions are 2hrs. and mandatory when trying to become a foster parent. Only 1 session is necessary.

Feel free to join us on any Wednesday at 11am using the link below.

Join Information Session

If Wednesdays do not work for your schedule, feel free to reach out to me directly to schedule a session that will meet your needs.

LaTasha Reeves TFC Recruitment and Compliance Coordinator

Homeless Youth Peer Support Program

We bid farewell to John Parker, who has gracefully led the Youth Peer Support initiative with dedication and passion. His tireless efforts have uplifted countless young lives, leaving an indelible mark on our community. As we embark on a new chapter, we warmly welcome Cherlon Jones as the incoming Youth Peer Support Director. Cherlon brings a wealth of experience, having worked in our program with Fulton Street Outreach, where she has done outstanding work. With her unwavering commitment to empowering youth, Cherlon is poised to carry forward the legacy of support and mentorship. Her vision and leadership will undoubtedly steer our program toward greater heights, enriching the lives of many. Here's to a seamless transition and a bright future under Cherlon's guidance.

Do you know a homeless youth in need of support?

Cherlon Jones Youth Peer Support Director

Youth MOVE National

Youth MOVE National’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Campaign “MOVE It Forward” is the slogan for much deeper work—uniting individual youth from Youth MOVE Chapters across the country in crafting and presenting a message, a demand for change. Each year the most pressing issue for our network may change, but Youth MOVE will still be here to MOVE It Forward.

Celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness

No matter what your plan is for Children’s Mental Health Awareness (CMHA) Month, we challenge you to post something about your project on your website or social media.

This May, share a message online that will be part of your larger campaign. If you have established an idea, make it bigger! Make a flyer, share a graphic, or share a video of your group chatting about the idea. Be sure to @YouthMOVENational and tag us on social media platforms! #CMHA2024 #MoveItForward.

Youth MOVE Chapter Network

Our Youth MOVE chapters are always on the MOVE, making a difference for their communities! This month is no different. Our chapters are participating in Mental Health Awareness Month in various ways. Take a look!

Virtual eCPR Training Series

May 6th 6pm – 8pm ET / May 13th 6pm – 8pm ET / May 20th 6pm – 8pm ET

Youth MOVE Georgia

Kickin' It with Youth MOVE: Kickball Tournament

Sat, May 18 | 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Kickin' it with Youth MOVE, a dynamic event hosted by Youth MOVE Georgia, dedicated to empowering young people and advocating for mental health awareness. On May 18th, they are hosting a kickball tournament like no other – a spirited event aimed at kicking mental health stigma to the curb.

3 Teams Needed!

Whether you're a seasoned kickball pro or just looking for a fun way to support a great cause, Kickin' it with Youth MOVE welcomes you with open arms. Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and register your team today for a day of fun, friendship, and meaningful impact.

How to Get Involved

Spread the Word: Share information about Kickin' it with Youth MOVE on social media and encourage others to join Youth MOVE.

Become a Sponsor: Support Youth MOVE Georgia's mission by becoming a sponsor of the event and making a tangible difference in the lives of young people.

Together, We Can Kick Mental Health Stigma to the Curb!

For More Information:

Cameron Cochran CPS-P Lead Peer Mentor

Transitional Youth Peer Center

Exciting news is brewing at the Transitional Youth Peer Center! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our monthly group therapy sessions, led by the incredible Dr. Kisha Whitefield. This isn't just about therapy; it's about creating a warm, supportive space where young folks like you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Dr. Whitefield brings not just expertise, but genuine empathy and understanding to the table. Whether you're navigating tough transitions or just need a listening ear, these sessions are here for you. Come join us as we embark on this journey of healing and growth together.

Do you know a youth in need of peer support?

Sheena Szachon CPS-MH Transitional Youth Peer Center Director

Certified Peer Specialist Training - Parent

we are accepting applications for the Parent CPS-P training scheduled for May 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 2024 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.

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.

If you are interested in applying for the parent training, please submit your application and letter of reference to cps-p@gpsn.org by the deadline of Thursday, May 9, 2024 before 5 pm. Application link is below.

CPS-P Application

Anita Hess, Program Manager

Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P) and

Certified Peer Specialist Youth (CPS-Y)

Calendar June-December 2024

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

In our mission to enhance the support network for mental health and substance use disorder crises in Georgia, we're excited to highlight the significant engagement and utilization of the 988 Georgia Resources platform. Over the past few months, we've witnessed a remarkable surge in traffic, with a nearly 15% increase in new users and more than a 223% increase in overall visits to the Resources section. This uptick is a testament to the growing awareness and importance of the 988 initiative among our stakeholders and the general public and to the increase in the resources now available.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

2024 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

Check out what SAMHSA is doing and share our materials, and remember that we all play active roles in caring for our mental health!

The Toolkit is a One-Stop Shop

Social media content to help spread awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our well-being, promote acceptance and support of anyone living with a mental illness, and share key resources.
Best practices for engaging in healthy discussions about mental health.

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