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July 2013 |
Volume 2, Issue 7 |
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Brighter, Stronger Foundation Launches Its Therapeutic Integration Program!!!! |
It is with great excitement that I announce the opening of Brighter, Stronger Foundation's (BSF) newest Autism and Related Services Program. The primary focus of BSF's Autism and Related Services programs has always been to address the unique individual needs of children with Autism. BSF takes pride in providing quality, therapeutic services to foster levels of independence, increase life and social skills.
As you may know; one of the major characteristics of Autism is having a lack of social skills. Studies have shown that when children with Autism gain exposure to environments that promote using universal forms of communication and developing social skills; unwanted behaviors are decreased.
BSF's Clinical Manager, Robin Brooks, LGSW along with other members of our staff has worked very hard to ensure that all of our Autism Services, including Therapeutic Integration programs provides maximum opportunities to increase universal forms of communication and socialization among the children that we serve.
After working with children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities for the past 15 years, I am extremely happy to introduce BSF's Therapeutic Integration Summer and After School program to the community!
Please feel free to contact us with questions, or to schedule a tour!
Tyeisha Bright-Jones, LCPC
Co-Executive Director/Co-Founder
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Welcome Ms. Robin Brooks to BSF!!! | 
We are very excited to welcome Robin Brooks, LGSW as
Brighter, Stronger Foundation's new
Autism and Related Services Clinical Manager
Robin has always had a passion for helping others. She began working at an early childhood center; specifically with children with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Social Work.
After graduating from Frostburg University; Robin attended University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore to pursue a Masters Degree. She then went on to work as the Behavioral Specialist for an Early Learning Program in Montgomery County. There she learned how to appropriately identify behavioral triggers in the infant and toddler population.
Robin also has worked for various programs providing behavioral support and crisis management for school aged children with Autism.
"I am excited to help our participants reach their fullest potential!"
-Robin Brooks
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BSF Honors Its High School Graduates! | |
On Saturday, June 29th, we at Brighter, Stronger Foundation honored our High School graduates with a ceremony. It brought us great joy to recognize this milestone in the lives of these four gentleman. Despite challenges faced, they can proudly proclaim that they are part of the graduating class of 2013!!
During the ceremony, Family Trainers, Therapeutic Support Counselors, and Adult Life Planners had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the graduate that they have worked with. Each graduate received a certificate of completion, as well as, a gift to honor this special day.
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July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!! | |
In 2008, the House of Representatives passed a law that mandated the month of July be recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month honors the late Bebe Moore Campbell, author, advocate, co-founder of NAMI Los Angeles, and national spokesperson. Ms. Campbell passed away in November of 2006.
Campbell advocated for mental health education and support among individuals with mental illness and their families of diverse communities.
For more information click here
Did you know?
- The death rate from suicide for African American men is almost four times that for African American women, in 2009.
- African Americans are 20% more likely to report having serious psychological distress than Non-Hispanic Whites.
- Older Asian American women have the highest suicide rate of all women over age 65 in the United States.
- Suicide attempts for Hispanic girls, grades 9-12, were 70% higher than for White girls in the same age group, in 2011.
- While the overall death rate from suicide for American Indian/Alaska Natives is comparable to the White population, adolescent American Indian/Alaska Native females have death rates at almost four times the rate for White females in the same age groups.
- National Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental health data is limited at this time. Data will be published as it is released in reports published by the
CDC.
*Facts courtesy of the U.S Department of Health & Human Services-Office of Minority Health
(http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=539) |
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Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Program Events!!! |
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Community Resources/Discounts!! | |
Brighter, Stronger Foundation is pleased to announce that we are now a serving site for the
Summer Food Service Program!!
All children under the age of 18 can receive a FREE lunch at BSF!!
Start Date: July 1, 2013
Days: Monday-Friday (Except July 4th)
Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm
Click on the link below to find a serving sight near you!
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Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Adult Day Program Update!! | |
For the month of June our adults explored several topics. They identified positive job readiness skills, including, preparing a resume and interviewing for a job.
To end the month on a positive note, the group learned effective coping skills to deal with worrying.
Our program activities are goal oriented and taken from each individual's Rehabilitation Plan.
Here at Brighter, Stronger Foundation, we make goal achievement fun!!
All adults in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program are invited to our
Day Program!
The dates for the month of July are:
Tuesday, July 2nd from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, July 9th from 10am-12:30[m
Tuesday, July 16th from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, July 23rd from 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday, July 30th from 10am-12:30pm
To register for these days and to make transportation arrangements, please call us at 410-485-7555
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Therapeutic Youth Group's Updates! | |
Therapeutic groups allow for an opportunity for our youth to get together to discuss issues and concerns that they are challenged by.
With that being said, we highly encourage parents/guardians to have their youth attend these monthly groups.
Please make note of the following dates and times:
* 4-11 Year Olds-
Tuesday, July 9th & Thursday, July 11th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
* 12-17 Year Olds-
Tuesday, July 23rd& Thursday, July 25th from 6pm-7pm
Transportation and Meal Provided
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BSF is Taking a Trip to Adventure Park USA!!! | |
What better way to kick off summer vacation then by taking a trip to an amusement park?!
Brighter, Stronger Foundation has planned a trip for all of our youth, teens, and adults to:
Adventure Park USA
Date: Friday, July 12th
Departure Time from BSF: 9am
Return Time to BSF: 5:30pm
Cost: FREE
(Meal Included)
Please note the following:
*This trip is for participants ONLY
*You will need to secure transportation to and from
Brighter, Stronger Foundation's office
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BSF's Calendar of Events! | |
*July 1st- First Official Day of the Therapeutic Integration Program
*July 4th- Office will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday.
 *July 10th @ 10am- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
*July 12th @9am- BSF's trip to Adventure Park USA
*July 24th @ 1pm- FREE Entitlement Workshop @ BSF- Please call to RSVP
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Family Fun Activities!! | |
July is here and so is fun family time!! Check out these activities taking place this month!
*July 1st- Columbia Lakefront Festival Family Movie Nights - Movies will be screened at Lake Kittamaqundi under the stars. Films shown on Mondays are appropriate for young audience members, with G- and PG-rated selections such as "How to Train Your Dragon," Disney's "Brave," and "Oz: The Great and Powerful." Columbia Town Center, Lake Kittamaqundi's Lakefront Grounds, Columbia, 8:30 p.m., Ages: All ages, 410-715-3127, www.LakefrontFestival.com
*July 1st- Kids Cruise Free- A fun 45-minute narrated cruise of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. See Federal Hill, the city skyline, Fells Point, the USS Constellation and catch a glimpse of Ft. McHenry. One free child for every full price adult ticket on Mondays. Light Street Finger Piers, Baltimore, 1 and 3 p.m., Tickets Reqd. 410-268-7601, www.cruisesonthebay.com.
*July 4th- 4th of July Fun! Before you head out to see the fireworks, join us for a fun-filled day featuring: Pop Up Science: 11am & 11:30am Art A la Cart-Stars and Stripes Forever: 11:30am & 2pm Community Drum Circle: 1am-3pm Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore, 10am-5pm, Tickets Reqd. 410-727-8120, portdiscovery.org.
*July 6th- African American Festival- Celebrate Black history with an eclectic mix of regional and nationally-known entertainers, including top soul and R&B recording artists, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, foods and children's activities. M&T Bank Stadium (Lots B & C), Baltimore, 12- 10 p.m., 410-244-8861, www.africanamericanfestival.net.
*July 7th- African American Festival- Celebrate Black history with an eclectic mix of regional and nationally-known entertainers, including top soul and R&B recording artists, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, foods and children's activities. M&T Bank Stadium (Lots B & C), Baltimore, 12- 10 p.m., 410-244-8861, www.africanamericanfestival.net.
* July 15th- Kids Cruise Free- A fun 45-minute narrated cruise of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. See Federal Hill, the city skyline, Fells Point, the USS Constellation and catch a glimpse of Ft. McHenry. One free child for every full price adult ticket on Mondays. Light Street Finger Piers, Baltimore, 1 and 3 p.m., Tickets Reqd. 410-268-7601, www.cruisesonthebay.com.
* July 18th- NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Family Support Group - For adult relatives of persons with mental illness. Come share wisdom and coping techniques. Call for more information. Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Rd. (near Cold Spring), Baltimore, 7- 8:30 p.m., 410-435-2600, www.namimd.org.
* July 19th- Artscape 2013- America's largest free arts festival features live music, theater, dance and opera performances, classical, folk and experimental music, street theater, fine art and crafts from more than 135 artisans, world famous art cars, film, children's activities, exhibitors, and food and beverages. Mount Royal Avenue and North Charles Street, Baltimore, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Ages: All ages, 1-877-BALTIMORE, www.artscape.org.
* July 19th- Y of Central Maryland Family Carnival- This family-fun event will offer activities for all ages. Food and beverages will be available from 5-7 p.m. Activities vary by location, so contact your local Family Center Y for additional information. Space is limited, advanced registration is recommended. Family Center Y's, 5- 8 p.m., Reserv Reqd. Tickets Reqd. www.ymaryland.org.
For more family fun events, click the link below
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We thank you for your time and please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Have a positive and productive day!
The Staff of Brighter, Stronger Foundation
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ BSF_Foundation
Like us on Facebook @ Brighter Stronger Foundation
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