Parent Professional Advocacy League

Addressing Student Behavior as an Education Matter
2021-09-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This talk will provide a review of school obligations to address challenging behaviors of students with IEP’s and 504 plans, and those not identified as having a disability.
REGISTER
Return to School 2021: ‘What Families Need to Know about Student Rights and School Discipline’
This virtual speaker series in late August and September is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, to address needs which resulted from or were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PPAL Statewide Meetings
2021-09-14 10:00 - 11:30
Social Security: Understand All You Need to Know with Caitlin Thomas
REGISTER
PPAL’s Statewide meetings are meant ONLY for parents/caregivers/family members/family partners of children with behavioral health needs. (Peer leaders who work with children and have lived experience are also welcome.)
Questions: statewide@ppal.net

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-09-09 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or at Dunn Pond State Park for Parent Peer Support & Information Sharing
Deborah Downing – Program Director Westwinds Clubhouse will present information about this Community Healthlink Program, and answer questions about services and/or resources available to support your youth/young adult. Bring your questions!
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858
Meeting I D: 999 7647 8858 / +1 646-558-8656
Questions? Email Ann and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-08-26 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or in-person (location TBD) for Parent Peer Support & Information Sharing
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858
Meeting I D: 999 7647 8858 / +1 646-558-8656
Questions? Email Ann and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-08-18 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or at Dunn Pond State Park for Parent Peer Support & Information Sharing
Deborah Downing, Program Director Westwinds Clubhouse, will present information about this Community Healthlink Program, and answer questions about services and/or resources available to support your youth/young adult. Bring your questions!
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858
Meeting I D: 999 7647 8858 / +1 646-558-8656

The Right to Remain in School to Learn: An introduction to school discipline and student rights, for all students
2021-08-18 13:00 - 15:00
This introduction to school discipline and student rights, which will be offered twice, will be an overview of federal and state laws relevant to school discipline, as applied to students with and without disabilities. Register here
Return to School 2021: ‘What Families Need to Know about Student Rights and School Discipline’
This virtual speaker series in late August and September is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, to address needs which resulted from or were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PPAL Statewide Meetings
2021-08-10 10:00 - 11:30
PPAL Welcomes Sue Badeau
In the mental health field, whether as parents, caregivers, professionals or community advocates, we must address a wide array of child and family needs while following agency regulations, policies and paperwork. In recent times, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased racial unrest and frequent natural disasters, we are finding that we must do this and more without our usual resources, tools or approaches. Meanwhile, we are faced with our own emotions – grief, loss, anger, confusion, frustration – and the very real impact of secondary trauma. How do we cope with this mix of emotions while also doing our job?
This event will help participants understand, express and cope with their emotions and create a self-care plan to develop resilience in the face of uncertainty and circumstances that change daily.
Sue speaks nationally and internationally on trauma, racial justice, family engagement, self-care and more. Sue and her husband, Hector, are lifetime parents of 22, two by birth, 20 adopted and have also been foster parents to 75.
PPAL’s Statewide meetings are meant ONLY for parents/caregivers/family members/family partners of children with behavioral health needs. (Peer leaders who work with children and have lived experience are also welcome.)
Questions: statewide@ppal.net

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-08-05 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or at Dunn Pond State Park for Parent Peer Support & Information Sharing
Are you looking f or parent to parent support? Do you have questions about services and/or resources to support your youth/young adult? You are not alone!
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858
Meeting I D: 999 7647 8858 / +1 646-558-8656
Questions? Email Ann and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

Hispanic Support Group
2021-07-27 10:00 - 12:00
Claudia Segura, LICSW Intake Manager de Wayside Milford Servicios a la Comunidad, Tema: Violencia Doméstica o Asalto Sexual en la comunidad Hispana y Recursos Legales Disponibles.
Questions? Email Irelsa and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/95866333379?pwd=[REDACTED]

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-07-22 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or at Dunn Pond State Park for a Meet & Greet conversation with MA State Representative Jon Zlotnik
Second Worcester County District covering Ashburnham, Gardner, Part of Westminster & Winchendon
Bring your stories & your questions!
Questions? Email Joel or Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858

North County Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY)
2021-07-21 18:00 - 20:00
Gardner Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to join us virtually or at Dunn Pond State Park
Tamela Develkis, Program Director – Crystal Clubhouse, will present information about this Open Sky Community Services Program, and answer questions about services and/or resources available to support your youth/young adult. Bring your questions!
Questions? Email Joel or Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858

Hispanic Support Group
2021-07-20 10:00 - 12:00
Compartiremos informacion importante para los padres.
Questions? Email Irelsa and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/95866333379?pwd=[REDACTED]

Worcester Support Group
2021-07-19 10:00 - 12:00
Spanish Special Education Series
Worcester Support Group invites you to join us virtually & at Elm Park
Parent Peer Support & Information Sharing
Are you looking for parent to parent support, information or resources?
You are not alone! Come walk with us or join us on zoom!
https://zoom.us/j/94029610898?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 2961 0898 Passcode: [REDACTED] +1 646 558 8656
Questions? Email Tara and Joel at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
See the Flyer

Family Network Social
2021-06-10 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social welcomes Xavier Cardona, Nurturing Fathers – One Dad’s Story
Xavier is a proud father and a highly experienced trainer on fatherhood, engagement, domestic violence, men and trauma and a facilitator of nurturing fathers’ groups, support groups for fathers and so much more! Come hear from a Dad’s perspective! Providers welcome!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/98798978222

PPAL Statewide Meetings
2021-06-08 10:00 - 11:30
Three Critical Cs for Mental Health Parents: Community, Communication, and (self) Care
PPAL Welcomes Deborah Vlock, Ph.D.
Drawing on front-line experience, collective parent wisdom, clinical research, and a lot more seat-of-the-pants parenting than she cares to admit, Deb will talk about the three critical Cs for mental-health parents: Community, Communication, and (self) Care. Her presentation will include, among other features, excerpts from her 2018 book, Parenting Children with Mental Health Challenges: A Guide to Life with Emotionally Complex Kids (Rowman & Littlefield) and posts from her Psychology Today blog, with actionable steps for feeling a little more in control and a lot less lonely on this unacknowledged hero’s journey we travel.
Deb is a Boston-based writer of fiction and creative non-fiction. Her work has been published in print and online, and can be found in literary journals and glossy magazines, as well as on newsy and literary blogs. She also writes a regular blog, called “What to Expect When You Get the Unexpected: A Mother’s Notes on Childhood Mental Illness,” for Psychology Today. Deborah is available for media and speaking engagements. www.deborahvlock.com
PPAL’s Statewide meetings are meant ONLY for parents/caregivers/family members/family partners of children with behavioral health needs. (Peer leaders who work with children and have lived experience are also welcome.)
Questions: statewide@ppal.net

PPAL's 10th Annual Conference
2021-06-04
Holding Hands in Hard Times
A Children’s Mental Health (virtual) Conference
SAVE THE DATE!
PPAL’s 10th annual conference is June 4th!
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available.
Contact conference@ppal.net for details.

Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth
2021-06-02 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) welcomes Maryann Davis, Ph.D., Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research
Come hear about the PASS Study “Peer Academic Coaching for College Students with Mental Health Conditions.” Have you been wondering where to find useful tools to help your youth/young adult? If yes, then you definitely should attend!! Providers are welcome!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858

Family Network Social
2021-05-27 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social welcomes Jennifer Malcom-Brown, Program Director UMASS Child Trauma Training Center
Do you wonder what effects traumatic experiences have on your child’s mental health and what are the treatments available to help? If yes, then you definitely should attend!!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/98798978222

The Road to Readiness, Setting the Stage for Better Outcomes
2021-05-20 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop is intended for parents/caregivers of children, youth and young adults who are struggling with their mental health.
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-the-road-to-readiness-setting-the-stage-for-better-outcomes-tickets-151042461067

Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth
2021-05-19 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) welcomes Dave Sebastian, Coordinator of Mentoring Art, Wayside
Are you looking for a different kind of night of fun and support? Dave is known for his vast experience with creating space for artful expression which is a great way to incorporate art as selfcare. If you are curious about this type of support, then definitely attend!!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858

Family Partner Info Session
2021-05-19 10:00 - 11:30
Interested in becoming a family partner?
Hear from 3 individuals and their journey with lived experience who are working in the field.
Questions and to RSVP: email talves-hunter@ppal.net
Event Flyer

Family Network Social
2021-05-13 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social welcomes Johanna Sagarin, PhD, Clinical Director – Ellsworth Child & Family Counseling Center

Are you wondering what a neuropsychological evaluation covers?
Does your child struggle in school and you are not sure if the diagnosis really explains what is going on?
If yes, then you definitely should attend!! Providers are welcome!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/98798978222

2020-21 Family Cafe Series: Community Conversations with Topics that Matter to Families
2021-05-11 17:30 - 19:00
Cafe #3 May 11th, 5:30 – 7 PM
Explore Summer Survival Options
Register here: https://youinc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckf-ihpzMtGdXfGOJgxBVAVDj3cusNBQSI
This event is a collaboration of PPAL, EEC, Winchendon Public School, You Inc., Luk, GCAT, and Project Apples/Leominster CFCE

PPAL Statewide Meetings
2021-05-11 10:00 - 11:30
Understanding and Managing Pandemic-Related Anxiety with Dr. Nadja Lopez Reilly
PPAL’s Statewide meetings are meant ONLY for parents/caregivers/family members/family partners of children with behavioral health needs. (Peer leaders who work with children and have lived experience are also welcome.)
Questions: statewide@ppal.net

Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth
2021-05-05 18:00 - 20:00
Family Network Social Parents of Transition Age Youth (P-TAY) invites you to PPAL/YMM/KIVA/Zia Center’s
Virtual ART Show

Theme “The Pulse of the Pandemic”
Please join us to view and discuss this year’s art entries. Art entries should capture your interpretation of this year’s theme. Please see separate flyer for deadline details. Young adults are encouraged to participate!
Are you looking for parent to parent support?
Do you have questions about services and/or resources to support your youth/young adult? If yes, then you definitely should attend!!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/99976478858

Winchendon Family Network Social
2021-05-04 15:30 - 17:00
Winchendon Family Network Social welcomes Joel Khattar, Dawn Christie and Dev Kaplan from PPAL

“I’m Driving But, I Still Need an Emergency Kit”
Hear about a multi-cultural young adult & parent approach to shifting the transformation to be independent & successful
Are you looking for parent to parent support?
Do you need help finding resources to support your child or have questions about services?
If yes, then you definitely should attend!!
Questions? Email Kathy and Ann at Parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
https://zoom.us/j/97147962913

The Road to Readiness, Setting the Stage for Better Outcomes
2021-05-04 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop is intended for parents/caregivers of children, youth and young adults who are struggling with their mental health.
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-road-to-readiness-setting-the-stage-for-better-outcomes-tickets-151041989657

Children's Mental Health Week
2021-05-02 - 2021-05-08
Children’s Mental Health Week is just around the corner! Across the state, hundreds of families and youth, professionals and educators, clinicians and many others promote awareness of how important every child and youth’s mental health really is.
See our Children’s Mental Health Week area of the website

The Road to Readiness, Setting the Stage for Better Outcomes
2021-04-27 18:00 - 19:30
This workshop is intended for parents/caregivers of children, youth and young adults who are struggling with their mental health.
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/145581765981
Download the Flyer

The Road to Readiness, Setting the Stage for Better Outcomes
2021-04-21 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop is intended for parents/caregivers of children, youth and young adults who are struggling with their mental health.
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/147627675351
Download the Flyer
