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Greetings!
 "Culture-a person's beliefs, norms, values, and language-plays a key role in how people perceive and experience mental illness, whether or not they seek help, what type of help they seek, what coping styles and supports they have, what treatments might work, and more. To effectively serve America's diverse populations, mental health systems need to understand and respect cultural differences." -NAMI
It is clear that mental health disorders affect individuals from all walks of life, from all ethnicities, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. To have cultural competency means being able to work effectively and sensitively with individuals within these various categories.
For individuals of color, a lack of cultural competency from mental health providers can mean the difference between a person seeking and obtaining a high quality of service.
In honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we at Brighter, Stronger Foundation encourage all to take the necessary steps to educate themselves and spread that awareness so that individuals from all cultures may receive fair and equal mental health services.
Statistics and Facts:
* According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Latinos will make up roughly 50 percent of the total U.S. population by 2050.
* According to the Commonwealth Fund 2001 Health Care Quality Survey, One of three Hispanics and one of four Asian Americans have problems communicating with their doctors, and
* Fifteen percent of African Americans, 13 percent of Hispanics, and 11 percent of Asian Americans said there had been a time when they felt they would have received better care if they had been of a different race or ethnicity.
* Access to language interpreters is limited. Among non-English speakers who said they needed an interpreter during a health care visit, fewer than one-half (48 percent) said they always or usually had one.
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When parents receive the news that their child has been diagnosed with special needs, all types of worries can begin to formulate. They may worry if their child will be able to go to Prom, play sports, and graduate from high school. We at Brighter, Stronger Foundation wish to let parents know, that your child can still experience all of that and more!!
Brighter, Stronger Foundation had the distinct honor of celebrating our High School graduate clients at its annual Autism and Related Services Commencement Banquet on June 21st. Six individuals received their certificate of completion at this celebration. Special thank you to our guest speaker, David Gardner, a parent of one of last year's BSF graduates and to all of the families that entrusted us to provide services to their child and family!
Below you will find highlights from this memorable event!
 
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During the last weeks of June, the Therapeutic Integration Program hosted its respite camp!
During this time individuals worked on Independent Living Skills, Social Skills, Sensory Tolerance, and Creative Thinking. This was done through recreational games, arts and craft activities, and field trips.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served.
Click here for July's calendar of activities!!
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After being indoors for the past couple of months, the Adult Day Program was ready for a real trip! On June 24th they traveled to the Inner Harbor for a day of riding water taxis and lunch at the park!
This trip allowed for an opportunity for individuals to address anxieties associated with community integration. They displayed the ability to interact appropriately with those in the community, as well as their peers. In addition, clients utilized their skills with being responsible for purchasing their own tickets. Click here for the calendar of activities for the month of July.
If you are an adult or have an adult client in our PRP program and are interested in these weekly groups, please call the office at 410-485-7555 and we will register you TODAY!!
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 "Whether it is a relationship or a friendship, without a foundation of trust, you have nothing."- Anonymous
What does this quote mean to you? This was the question posed to the youth during BSF's onsite therapeutic groups in June. Individuals shared their experiences with trusting others. As an activity, they were asked to trust each other as they were guided blindfolded through "mines" by their partners. They also had to trust one another's judgement as they built towers made out of spaghetti noodles and marshmallows. It was decided that trust is something earned and reserved for those who displayed trustworthy traits, such as, loyalty, dependability, reliability, and honesty. More importantly, they promised to strive towards having those traits themselves.
Click here for the Onsite Therapeutic Youth Group Schedule! |
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When working with our clients, our staff strive to help them reach their goals in a fun and therapeutic manner. Often times, the best results come from incentives.
For the month of June all PRP and IISS youth clients were rewarded for achieving their goals with a trip to Ultrazone Laser Tag! The day consisted of games, food, and fun all intended to let our clients know how proud of them we are for staying on task!
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How are you enjoying the summer so far? We hope that you have had the opportunity to check out all the events going on in your area! This is what is happening this month!
July 2nd
Red, White & Zoo Enrichment Day - Watch as the Zoo's animals receive special Fourth of July treats, including "fishsicles" and paper mache toys, and listen as zookeepers explain the importance of enrichment activities. Free with Zoo admission. Maryland Zoo, Baltimore, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., 410-396-7102, www.marylandzoo.org.
July 4th
Ports America Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration-
Friday, July 4, 2014 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm Inner Harbor Fireworks start at 9:30pm
Commemorate Independence Day with live music and celebratory fireworks in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration takes place Friday, July 4, 2014 from 7pm to 10pm.
July 7th
NAMI Support Group- A free support group to families and caregivers of those with mental illness. The group provides a caring atmosphere to share experiences and learn important coping skills. UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center on the third floor, Glen Burnie, 7- 9 p.m., 410-553-8070, www.mybwmc.org
July 10th
CA's Extreme Youth & Teens Program - Columbia Association's (CA) Youth and Teen Center at the Barn is offering 10 exciting excursions that will take them on adventures in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, with activities that range from beaches to caverns and from water parks to go-karts. See website for schedule and pricing. Ages: 9- 18, Reserv Reqd. Tickets Reqd. 410-992-3726, columbiaassociation.org/Home/Components/News/News/468
July 11th
Movies in the Park - Movies in the Park has become a summer tradition in Belair-Edison. This event is sponsored by Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.(BENI)as a way to engage the community in free, positive and entertaining activities throughout the summer months. Herring Run park movie shed off of Belair rd. and Chesterfield, Baltimore, 8:45 p.m.,
July 13th
Sensory Mornings at Walters- A morning of accessible museum programming designed specifically for families of children with Sensory Processing Disorders. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, 9- 11 a.m., 410-547-9000, www.thewalters.org.
July 16th
Finding Your Voice-A Primer for Caregivers- This presentation will help caregivers understand the ups and downs of taking care of a loved one. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Creamer Building, 3901 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Reserv Reqd. kennedykriegercard.eventbrite.com
July 18th
Y Family Carnival - This summer celebration will feature games, prizes, refreshments, and family-fun activities. Event times and activities vary by location, so please contact your local Family Center Y for specific details. Family Center Y's, Tickets Reqd. www.ymaryland.org.
July 18th-20th
Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days. Artscape features 150+ fine artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and off-site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; incredible live concerts on outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, film, experimental music and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children's entertainers and street theater; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site.
Artscape takes place in the Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street, Charles Street, Bolton Hill, and Station North Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods.
Friday: 11am-9pm, Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-8pm
July 25th
Brighter, Stronger Foundation's Youth Aquatic Outing- All youth client's ages 4-17 years old are invited to join us at Chick Webb Recreation Center for an evening of aquatic fun! 5pm-7pm. Reservation required call 410-485-7555.
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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
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