News

Parent Catalyst Leadership Group

PCLG Parent & Caregiver Support Group

PCLG’s Parent Support Group will continue to meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month.  We’re all going through a lot these days and it’s easy to get a bit deflated.  Join us from whatever living space best suits your needs! 

Join us Thursday, at 7pm!  Jan 14,  Feb 11,  Mar 11, 2021  

Contact us at hcpclg@yahoo.com for Zoom Meeting info.

JANUARY 2021 TRAININGS

NAMI: Hope for Recovery                                                                           Thursday, Jan 7, 6:30-9:30 PM

Participants gain knowledge about various mental illnesses, coping, system, communication strategies, recovery, navigating the mental health and local resources. The class is intended for people who have a family member or friend living with a mental illness. Register here.

 

 NAMI: Intro to Mental Health Advocacy

This class is an introduction to mental health advocacy and includes understanding the history, how to engage legislators and share your story effectively, and a rundown of current legislative priorities. (Class available at 2 different times/days)

Thursday, Jan 9, 11:00 AM- 12:00PM      Register here.

Monday, Jan 11, 5:00-6:30PM      Register here.

 

AUSM: Mental Health from a Distance                                                                Tuesday, Jan 12, 7:00-9:00PM

2020 was a challenging year. For autistics who have historically relied on certain structures, people, and resources, social distancing has drastically changed how we can care for our mental health. This session will offer suggestions, strategies, and resources for self-care and mental health management when you are limited to your own home. Find ways to help build structure, meet your sensory needs, and socialize during a time of social distancing.

Cost: $10-25  Register here.

PACER: It’s About Time! Tools to Support Time Management for All Ages –Register for this workshop This one-hour virtual workshop will provide a quick introduction to a variety of tools that support time management, such as clocks, timers, and alarms.  Apps and devices will be demonstrated that are appropriate for young children, teens, and adults.

Wed, Jan 13, 1:00 – 2:00 PM (ONLINE)

NAMI: Family to Family This 8 week class offers families information about mental illness, treatment, and resources to help a loved one living with mental illness.  Participants will also build communication skills, reduce stress, and find support.

• Tuesdays, Jan26 – March 16, 6:30-9:00pm (Contact Doug @ douglasakraft@gmail.com)
• Thursdays, Feb 4-March 25, 6:30-9:00pm (Contact Marilyn @mdornfield@namimn.org)

 PACER: Incorporating Movement to Support Focus in Young Learners –Register for this workshop

This workshop will explore tools like supportive seating and structured movement breaks to help young students incorporate movement throughout the day with the goal of increasing focus.

Tues, Jan 26, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ONLINE)

 

PACER: Ways to Help Your Teen Stay Organized –Register for this workshop

Do you know a teen who struggles with keeping track of their schoolwork, managing their time, and staying on-task? These are called executive functioning skills. Learn about technologies that can help middle and secondary students (grades 7 – 12) develop these skills. This virtual workshop is brought to you by MN Statewide Family Engagement Center and PACER’s Simon Technology Center.

Tues, Jan 26,  12:00 – 1:00 PM (ONLINE)

 

PACER: Educating your Child with Mental Health Needs: Special Education

This workshop focuses on the challenges students with mental health needs may experience with distance learning, including hybrid models, and offers strategies for using the IEP to provide support and instruction.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021           6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ONLINE – Register here)

 

RESOURCES –

Resources for Families

• Child care: We understand many child care centers or programs are closing temporarily. Parents and guardians who temporarily need child care resources, or find themselves newly needing child care can call Child Care Aware of Minnesota at 1(888)291-9811 or go to www.parentaware.org to search online for child care options.
• Information and tutoring resources for families during school closures: https://schoolclosures.org/

• Free internet access for low income families – To sign up for Comcast, applicants can simply visit com There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. To use USI Wireless, Look for the “City of Minneapolis Public WiFi” or “USI Wireless” networks on your mobile device and you will be connected.  The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport. No password or credit card is required to sign in.  Contact USI Internet support for more information or to get help over the phone.

• Food resources: crowd-sourced Google Document (updated frequently — please call to verify information listed). See Free Meals for Kids map from Hunger Solutions as well.
• Many more resources for Childcare, Utilities, Unemployment, Financial, Food, and Housing Assistance are listed on this Family Voices Resource Page.
• Individual/family preparedness: See information from MDH.
• United HealthCare Emotional Support Line: call any time at 866-342-6892. This 24/7 Optum Help Line is staffed by professionally trained mental health experts. It is free of charge and open to anyone.

Crisis Resources – Hennepin County, Minnesota

• Hennepin County Mobile Child Crisis Team (612) 348-2233 Children’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams can help you and your child get through a mental health crisis. For individuals age 18 and over, call 612-596-1223
• Call 911 instead if you think there is immediate risk for your child of harming themselves or others. 
• Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741 741 — free support at your fingertips
• National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ crisis intervention and suicide prevention): 1-866-488-7386

COVID-19 Resources for Students with Disabilities

• Minnesota Department of Education – Special Education and COVID-19 
• Minnesota Department of Education – COVID-19 Updates
• U.S. Department of Education – Supplemental Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities