As Grannie said,

"We have a brand new unused year to work on."

The New Year is always a time of reflection and projection for me. It is a time to count my blessings, remember those no longer with us, and recognize and celebrate the good times. For so many years, I had to fight not to be sad. I am sure those I remember and think of at this season would not want anyone to be unhappy. They enjoyed the holidays and would want us to also. 

Looking forward, things are changing at a rapid pace, which causes anxiety. I could improve at change, which I must work harder on. There are not many things we can be sure of in life, but the one we can all be sure of is that change will happen. The only thing we can change is how we react. For this new year, I plan to take my time responding and ensure I give "good change" a chance. 

Thanks for your support and love for the last 12 months.

We are strong and powerful, and we got this - new year 2024!

Sue L. Smith Ed.D, MPH

CEO

Embark on a transformative and supportive journey with the Georgia Parent Support Network (GPSN) in 2024 as we unveil a calendar filled with empowering events designed to strengthen families and foster positive connections within our community.

Visit GPSN.ORG

Mental Health Day at The Capitol

Please join us Wednesday, 1/24/24 at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot for Mental Health Day at the Capitol. Breakfast begins at 8am in the Freight Room.

20th Anniversary Mardi Gras Benefit Ball

We will “Let the Good Times Roll” as we crown our King or Queen of the Ball, enjoy fabulous speakers, compete in a costume contest hosted by our peers, participate in our silent auction and purchase raffle tickets for amazing prizes!

Join GPSN every Tuesday from 2 -3 PM for our weekly Parent Education and Support Group. Offered in English and Spanish. All sessions are on zoom. Speakers will be announced soon.

View pervious events on GPSN. ORG

This quarter, GPSN continues to work to support Georgia Federation Chapters throughout the state of Georgia. We meet with our chapters monthly via zoom on (3rd Tuesday of the month at 10 am). We currently have 37 chapters and we have 5 pending applications.

We have been preparing for the ongoing training series that will begin the third week of the month on Fridays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm beginning January and are scheduled out for the next six months. The training topics identified and developed were based on surveys recently administered to chapters in terms of what their needs and goals are for the future. The topics identified were advocacy, board development, social media, marketing, leadership, Constant Contact and Canva, grant writing, business development and funding opportunities.

Kisha Whitfield, Federation Coordinator

Watch the virtual playlist from our 34th Annual Conference in Chicago including powerful keynote speakers sharing lived experience and thoughts on social justice for families and their children. Learn more and plan to join us for the 2024 conference in Orlando, Florida, next November.

Parent Peer Specialist Certification (CPS-P) Training

Deadline: January 10th 5:00 pm EST

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 17, 18, 19, 25, & 26, 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. 

Invitation Letter & Application 

Unlocking the Impact of Becoming a Certified Peer Specialist for a Stronger Community Connection

Becoming a certified peer specialist parent is a meaningful and empowering journey that allows individuals to make a significant positive impact within their communities. By pursuing this certification, parents gain specialized knowledge and skills to provide invaluable support to others facing similar challenges. Certified peer specialists draw from their own lived experiences as parents, fostering a unique understanding and connection with those they aim to assist. This certification not only enhances one's ability to offer guidance and encouragement but also contributes to building a supportive network for parents navigating the complexities of parenthood. The role of a certified peer specialist parent is not only fulfilling on a personal level but also crucial in creating a community where individuals can share experiences, find solace, and work together towards fostering a nurturing environment for families. Ultimately, by becoming certified, parents can play a pivotal role in promoting resilience, empathy, and a sense of community among fellow parents.

Training Opportunity

The deadline to apply is

Monday, March 4, 2024.

A RESPECT Institute for Certified Peer Specialist-Youth (CPS-Y) is coming to GPSN! 

Monday - Friday, March 18-22, 2024

Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

If you are interested in this Respect Institute Training for Certified Peer Specialist-Youth (CPS-Ys) only, send the following information to Sue Smith at sue.smith@gpsn.org.

•  full name

•  contact information (phone number, e-mail address and mailing address)

Sue Smith, CEO

Georgia Parent Support Network

sue.smith@gpsn.org

In addition to its commitment to skill-building, the Transitional Youth Peer Center is amplifying its advocacy efforts for mental health. The center is participating in Mental Health Day at the Capitol to raise awareness, and advocate for increased resources for mental health services. To add a touch of celebration to the year, the center is gearing up for the GPSN 20th-anniversary Mardi Gras Benefit Ball, featuring an exciting costume contest hosted by the TYPC. This milestone event not only marks two decades of impactful service but also symbolizes the vibrancy and resilience of the transitional youth community. 

The Transitional Youth Peer Center's multifaceted approach to personal and community development underscores its dedication to fostering holistic growth and empowerment in the lives of young individuals on their journey to independence.

2024 Monthly Meeting Dates

Youth MOVE GA will be hosing hybrid meetings on the second Thursday of the month from 3:00 - 4:30 PM EST. Contact Cameron Cochran to join the meeting.

In Person:

1382 Metropolitan Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30310

Virtual : ZOOM

Meeting ID: 850 4969 2795

Passcode: YM-GA2024

January 11th 3:00 - 4:30 PM EST

February 13th

March 12th

April 9th

May 14th

June 11th

July 16th

August 13th

September 10th

October 8th

November 12th

December 10th

Have a questions

Cameron Cochran,

Youth MOVE GA - Adult Supporter

cameron.cochran@gpsn.org

Start A Youth MOVE Chapter

Starting a Youth MOVE chapter is an impactful way to empower youth, create positive change in communities, and contribute to a larger movement focused on fostering mental health awareness and support. It provides a unique avenue for individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people facing mental health challenges.

Info Session: January 29 3:00 PM EST

Via ZOOM

Have a questions

Sheena Szachon, Youth MOVE Georgia Statewide Coordinator

sheena.biggerstaff@gpsn.org

Empowering Youth Mental Health:

Youth MOVE Georgia Unveils Bold 2024 Goals for Growth and Advocacy!

As Youth MOVE Georgia (YMG) looks ahead to 2024, the organization is setting ambitious goals to further its impact and reach in advocating for youth mental health. One key objective is obtaining 501(c)(3) status, which would not only solidify YMG's commitment to its mission but also open doors to increased funding opportunities and partnerships. Achieving this legal status will enhance the organization's capacity to serve the youth community, ensuring sustained growth and resilience.

In addition to formalizing its status, Youth MOVE Georgia aims to strengthen relationships with local chapters. Building robust connections among chapters will create a more cohesive network, allowing for the exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices. By fostering collaboration, YMG can amplify its voice and advocacy efforts on behalf of youth mental health across the state. Furthermore, YMG is gearing up for a dynamic start to the year with active participation in the Mental Health Day at the Capitol in January. This event serves as a platform to engage policymakers and raise awareness about the importance of prioritizing mental health initiatives for young people. Moreover, the organization is excited to mark its presence at the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Georgia Parent Support Network (GPSN) Mardi Gras Benefit Ball, providing an opportunity for networking, recognition, and shared celebration of accomplishments within the mental health advocacy community.

Lastly, Youth MOVE Georgia is eagerly anticipating its involvement in Children's Mental Health Day on May 9, reinforcing its commitment to promoting positive mental health outcomes for young individuals and advocating for the resources necessary to support their well-being. As the organization embarks on these goals, it remains steadfast in its dedication to empowering youth voices and making a lasting impact on mental health advocacy in Georgia.

Let's recap 2023! This year we turned 3, exhibited at numerous community events, and nurtured and initiated partnerships. We had the honor to support other Georgia organizations at their events as exhibitors, such as The Promise Place Teen Summit in February (pictured above, left). We also had the privilege of hearing from teens across Georgia and saw this campaign's importance in every opportunity to share the mission and goals of Free Your Feels. Each event allowed us to understand the resources and connections needed for the teens of Georgia, their families, and the communities that support them. We hosted a community event with our FYF partner, Ser Familia Inc., in September (above, center), where we had real chats with teens of the community! Additionally, we hosted 3 Free Your Feels Teen Summits, in partnership with Silence the Shame and VOX ATL, in Dalton, Augusta, and Savannah. We are grateful to each community for welcoming us and encouraging teens and families to attend! 

Earlier this month, the final Free Your Feels Teen Summit was hosted in Savannah. There was an amazing turnout of 57 teens, 45 parents, and 8 vendors who were all eager to participate, contribute, listen, and share! The Mayor, Von R. Johnson, of Savannah joined the FYF Teen Summit and sat down with the teens of the community to chat on the Free Your Feels Teen Summit podcast led by VOX ATL.  

With all of the success of 2023, we know that we could not have reached as many teens across Georgia without YOU! Thank you for subscribing to these newsletters, liking and sharing our content, sharing resources, inviting us into your community, and believing in the campaign. 

What We'll Be Working On

As we step into the new year, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. With your continued support, we are confident that 2024 will be even more extraordinary. The potential for connecting even more teens and communities to resources and needs around mental health continues to grow thanks to you and your support. We are excited to meet with more teens and community leaders in 2024 to grow the reach of Free Your Feels!

We will be back in February with updated resources and announcements. In the mean time, make sure you are following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy New Year!

Learn how treatment and support make it possible for people with serious mental illness (SMI) lived experience such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia manage their disorder and live healthy and rewarding lives. Discussions include their individual paths to recovery, types of treatment, and supports they use for their specific disorder. To learn more about serious mental illness and the possibility of recovery, visit samhsa.gov/serious-mental-illness or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for 24/7 free and confidential information and treatment referral.