June 2019 Newsletter

We are here for you. Call Us!
(802) 876-7021
(800) 639-6071

PO Box 1577
Williston, VT 05495

June 2019 Newsletter

Subscribe to our email newsletter

June 2019

Families
Empowering Families

In this issue:

A message from the director

Happy Pride Month!

Summer Vacation tips and ideas

Advocacy Alert!

Leadership Opportunities

A Message From the Director

Dear friends,

Mental Health Awareness does not end in May, it is every day and all year long. Join me in talking about it, I’ll be wearing my buttons and green ribbons all year long.

Vermont is so beautiful in June; children and teachers are eager for the summer to start! This month we are sharing some summer self-care and care giving ideas for the family.

Be sure to take in all the resources we have shared this month regarding Pride month!

Mark you Calendars for June 18th! We hope to see you in Rutland, family VOICE matters when it comes to creating a 10 Year Vision for the Vermont Mental Health System of Care plan. Don’t miss it!

Enjoy all the best Vermont summers have to offer, don’t miss an opportunity to STOP, BREATHE, and ENJOY yourself, friends & family summer.

Best,

~Cindy

P.S. This goat kid was born on June 1st along with her brother at New Village Farm where our Program Evaluation Coordinator, Logan, volunteers. What a wonderful way to greet the beginning of summer!

Happy Pride Month!

June is the month when the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ community is celebrated!

Unfortunately our society still has a long way to go towards supporting and accepting LGBTQ individuals including children. Due to discrimination and bullying LGBTQ children and youth are at a greater risk of mental health issues including depression and suicidality. According to the
Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey

LGBT youth are 2x more likely (30% vs 14%) to have been bullied in the last 30 days than their heterosexual peers
LGBT youth are 3x more likely (12% vs 4%) to have skipped school in the last 30 days because of feeling unsafe than their heterosexual peers
LGBT youth are 4.5x more likely (18% vs 4%) to have attempted suicide in the last 12 months than their heterosexual peers

The findings of the VRBYS are pretty concerning and really show that love and compassion is needed in interacting with all children and youth no matter their sexual orientation and gender identity. What can you do to help?

Outright Vermont
is an amazing local non-profit for LGBTQ children and youth and their families. They have
drop in space and support groups
for LGBTQ youth and their parents and even have a
summer camp
! Are you looking for services for an LGBTQ youth you know that is struggling? Outright Vermont has a
mental health resource guide
and a listing of LGBTQ specific
crisis lines
.

Do you have a youth in your life who has come out as LGBTQ?
PFLAG has a great list of ways to support your loved one.

Even though June is Pride Month
Vermont’s Pride Week and Parade
are in September! Vermont’s Pride Parade will be taking place on Sunday September 8th on Church Street in Burlington.

Summer Vacation Tips and Ideas

Happy Summer Vacation! Figuring out how to keep your kids entertained during the summer can be tricky, especially if you have a child or children with emotional and mental health needs!

Mental Health First Aid
has a great list of 15 self-care activities during the summer that you can do by yourself or with your loved ones!

Ditch the couch and relax outdoors. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and something to read and set up camp on a shady patch of grass.
Go for a stroll. A long walk can be a great way to clear your head and enjoy a warm summer afternoon. You can also grab a friend and get your exercise while catching up.
Explore your local farmer’s market. Take advantage of seasonal produce and local vendors. A trip to the farmer’s market can be a great opportunity to try new foods and incorporate healthier options into your diet.
Start a garden or join a community garden. Gardening can be a nice way to meditate, enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine. It can also serve as a bonding time with your family or a way to make new friends. And at the end of the day, you can enjoy the literal fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!
Tidy one small space. Perhaps a drawer or the top of your desk – even having one space clean and free of clutter can help you feel calmer.
Make a summer feel-good playlist. Bring on the summer tunes! Music can be an effortless way to improve your mood and motivate you to get moving. Bonus points for listening while exercising or cleaning.
Have a picnic. Enjoying a meal outside can be an easy way to get some fresh air and sunshine and shake up your daily routine.
Try a new exercise. Getting those endorphins flowing can help calm your mind and improve your mood. Think about doing something outdoors like hiking, tennis or swimming. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
Look for things going on in your community. Search online or in the newspaper for events going on around town. Consider outdoor movies, yard sales, festivals, farmer’s markets, concerts or dance classes. Making fun plans can help you feel excited and give you something to look forward to.
Start or continue a journal. Writing can be a great way to express how you feel and check-in with your emotions. Or, it can just be a place to doodle or draw. Make it whatever you need.
Reconnect with someone. Call an old friend – or even a grandparent or parent.
Do an at-home spa day. Taking a bubble bath, using a face mask or doing a DIY pedicure can all be affordable ways to help yourself feel cared for. A candle, essential oils and relaxing tunes can all add to the spa vibe.
Go exploring. Pull up a map and find a new area of town that you haven’t been to yet.
Practice mindfulness. Try meditation or make a list of 10 things you are thankful for.
Do a needs assessment. How did your last week go? Is there anything you could do to make next week better? Maybe you need more sleep, more social time or to prepare some healthy meals before your next busy week. Take a moment to reflect and think about how you can make time for whatever you need to best care for yourself.

Advocacy Alert!

Creating a 10 Year Vision for the Mental Health System of Care

Tuesday, June 18

1:30-4:30 p.m. or 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Rutland Mental Health Services Education & Wellness Center, Engrem Avenue, Rutland

RSVP
: Please RSVP with the session you will attend

(afternoon or evening) to:
Jennifer.Rowell@vermont.gov

Directions:

The Education and Wellness Center is immediately adjacent to Rutland Mental Health Services’ main building at 78 South Main Street. Engrem Avenue is a one-way street. If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must access Engrem Avenue from East Street. Bus service is available for the afternoon session.

The Vermont Department of Mental Health will hold four public forums around the state this summer in order to hear thoughts and suggestions from Vermonters about our mental health system of care. These conversations will inform the basis of a shared commitment and accountability for a 10 – year vision of an integrated, holistic health care system.

Join VFFCMH in sharing your perspective and experiences in the mental health system of care. This is a chance to have your voice be heard and bring change to families and children’s mental health services in Vermont!

Leadership Opportunities!

Want to help families like yours? We have leadership opportunities for parents who want to be Local Interagency Team Parent Representatives or Parent Support Providers or both!

We are looking for Parent Support Providers in the St. Albans and Brattleboro regions and Local Interagency Team Parent Representatives in the St. Johnsbury, Newport, and Springfield regions. If you’re interested please contact us for more information at 1-800-639-6071 or vffcmh@vffcmh.org.