New Parent Class 1/5/2007 - 3/30/2007

New Parent
Connections

Fridays 10:00 -11:15 am
January 5th-March 30, 2007

Women' s Center Conference Room at Houston Medical Center

Open to all parents and their
newborn to 6 month old.

Have you ever wondered?
Is my car seat safe?
When will my baby sleep through the night?
This isn't what I expected?
What do I do all day with a baby?
When do I start to prepare my child for school?

For more information call
Tian Foss 478-923-5923

Receive a free Children's Book

Policy alert re adolescent health and youth development cuts

CONNECTED to Public Policy
Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin---December 7, 2006

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program Department of Human Resources (DHR) proposed FY08 budget recommends cutting $3.4 million from the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program. There are two major components of the AHYD program and services: * Youth development coordinators (18 positions throughout Georgia) and related community-based services, including teen pregnancy prevention services and health outreach. These positions and services provide a network of community-based support to help adolescents succeed as they move into adulthood. By focusing on the positive assets of youth and working in partnership with families, schools, public agencies, community organizations, and the faith community, the AHYD program and services reinforce positive attitudes, healthy behaviors, and activities and reduce risk-taking behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, poor school performance, and sexual activity. * Teen Centers (currently 31 throughout Georgia). Teen Centers were created in 1997 to address high teen pregnancy rates in Georgia. Pregnancy rates have declined significantly in Georgia, but they have declined at even a higher rate in counties with a Teen Center. Each center is unique, as communities have been able to customize programs and services to meet local needs in ways that fit with local attitudes and concerns. What we understand: The proposed redirection in funds would eliminate youth development coordination and all of Public Health's community teen pregnancy prevention services. Teen Centers would not be eliminated. What may be at risk? * Georgia's 18 youth development coordinators, who act as the outreach and coordination point for the statewide youth development system. These coordinators work with teens and their families and in collaboration with other community organizations such as Family Connection. Their efforts build upon and expand community resources to improve the quantity and quality of services for adolescents and youth. Youth development coordinators serve the entire state, but are located in the following counties: Bibb, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Crisp, Dekalb, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Laurens, Lowndes, Richmond, Troup, Ware and Whitfield. * Community teen pregnancy prevention services and adolescent health outreach that are provided in counties where there are no Teen Centers. These programs serve thousands of Georgia teens.

Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin--- December 6, 2006

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (continued) Georgia has worked hard to develop a comprehensive youth development system and our hard work has paid off with a steady decline in the teen pregnancy rate over the past 10 years. Why would we dismantle a system that has been so successful? According to the 2006 Georgia Kids Count report, the teen pregnancy rate in Georgia has declined from 68.3 per 1000 in 1994 to 39.4 per 1000 in 2004. Infants born to teen mothers tend to have lower birthweight and greater incidence of infant mortality. Pregnant teens are less likely to seek and receive timely prenatal care. Children born to young mothers are more likely to have increased health and behavioral problems, poor school performance, and be at increased risk of child abuse and neglect. DHR's budget proposals for FY08 have been forwarded to Governor Perdue and the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). Governor Perdue and the OPB staff are working on the Governor's version of the FY08 budget, which will be finalized soon and presented to the Georgia General Assembly soon after the session convenes on January 8, 2007.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you are concerned about how these proposed cuts will affect services in your community, you should contact Governor Perdue. You should also share your concerns with your own state representative and state senator. You can write, call, fax or e-mail Governor Perdue: Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Tel: 404-656-1776, FAX: 404-657-7332 E-mail: <http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml> If you are not sure who your state representative and state senator are, go to www.vote-smart.org <http://www.vote-smart.org>. On the panel on the left side of the page, you are asked to enter your nine-digit ZIP code. Instructions for determining your nine-digit ZIP code are included. Once you have entered this information, you will be provided with contact information for all of your elected officials, including your state representative(s) and state senator.

Trevor Survival Kit available

I thought folks may be interested in this FREE resource.

Jason
__________________________________________
Jason Hobbs, LCSW, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
404 Corder Road, Suite 100
Warner Robins, GA 31088
office tel: (478) 322-1113
office fax: (478) 322-1114
http://jasonhobbs.blogspot.com

The Trevor Survival Kit a Valuable Resource for Educators & Youth
Service Providers

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning youth face many
social factors that put them at higher risk for self-destructive
behaviors, including suicide. In 2001, the Massachusetts Youth Risk
Behavior Survey (MAYRBS) concluded that LGB youth are "almost four (4)
times as likely to have attempted suicide (31% vs. 8%)" and "more than
five times as likely to have received medical treatment for a suicide
attempt (16% vs. 3%)" than their heterosexual peers. The Trevor Project,
a non-profit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and
questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention among that group,
believes that there is a cure for these grim findings.

To this end, the organization created The Trevor Survival Kit. This
classroom tool for middle and high schools, colleges and universities,
is to be used in conjunction with the Academy Award-winning short film,
Trevor-about a 13 year-old boy that attempts suicide after realizing he
might be gay-to generate constructive discussion about the myriad of
issues surrounding suicide, personal identity and sexual orientation.
"Through education and frank, open discussions with all youth about the
issues that cause them to feel isolated, alone, misunderstood and
'different' from their peers, we can make a difference," stated Andy
Scheer, the organization's Program & Outreach Director. "By empowering
our youth, we make them gatekeepers of one another's lives."

To receive a complimentary copy of The Trevor Survival Kit-which
contains The Trevor Teaching Guide, short film Trevor, posters and other
outreach materials-please send an email to Moi Garica at
Moi.Garcia@TheTrevorProject.org or call their administrative offices at
310.271.8845 ext 229. To ensure proper delivery, please include your
name, position, institution name, street address, and telephone number
when emailing requests.

Judy Hoff

Sr. Coordinator, Safe Schools

PFLAG National

www.pflag.org

919-496-2192

NASW CE 11/17

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Please join us as we wrap up our 2006 CE program year with a two-part
program for November and December. On November 17th from 12:00-1:00 PM at
Coliseum Psychiatric Center there will be a presentation of the PBS
Documentary "Out of the Shadow" the story of a family's struggle to deal
with their mother's schizophrenia. On December 15th there will be a
discussion of the video, the book "Saving Willie" which is one of the
daughter's account of life with a schizophrenic mother and advocacy options.

Please call 994-0110 by 8:00 PM, November 15th and 8:00 PM December 13th to
reserve a space or space and lunch.

We need volunteers to serve on an Education Committee to plan the programs
for 2007.

To cut down on mailing expense, please provide a telephone number, an E-Mail
address or several self addressed stamped envelopes so we may continue to
notify you of CE events.

If your job, distance or lack of interest prohibits you from taking part in
CE events, please notify us so we can take your name off the local mailing
list for monthly CE events.

We will still send all members notice of five hour Ethics Programs.

AVLF/Marcus Institute Lecture Series

The AVLF and the Marcus Institute are offering the following lectures for parents and professionals serving the needs of children and youth in Georgia.

More information is available at: http://www.georgiacourts.org/agencies/cpp/lecture.php

October 11, 2006 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Legislative Update: New Laws Affecting Georgia's Children
Karen Worthington Esq., Co-Director of the Barton Clinic

November 8, 2005 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Understanding Medications Used to Treat Childhood Disorders
Dr. Roy Sanders, The Marcus Institute

December 13, 2005 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Anxiety and Depression: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Therapeutic Approaches
TBA

January 10, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Expressive, Receptive and Pragmatic Language Skills: A critical need for assessment and therapy
Heather Taylor, M.A., CCCSLP
Co-Founder Cobblestone Therapy Group

February 14, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
You Got to Have Friends! Developing Appropriate Social Skills in Students with Learning and Behavior Problems
TBA

March 14, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
The Effect of Violence and Chaos on Children's Neurological Development
Interventions, strategies, and coping mechanisms
TBA

April 11, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Behavior Problems: The Role of Self-Regulation in Destructive, Impetuous and Impulsive Behaviors
Dr. Claire Coles
Director, Fetal Alcohol Center at the Marcus Institute

May 9, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
The Impact of Excessive TV and Videogames on Children
How does it affect concentration and behavior
TBA

NAMI Consumers need your unwanted items for their big yard sale!!

NAMI clients need your unwanted items for their big yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 28!! Pickup available within reasonable distance. Help MH consumers help themselves! Feel good about helping others! :-)

Mental health clients at NAMI, 209 Elberta Road, Warner Robins, need your unwanted but salable items for their yard sale to be held on Saturday October 28 starting at 8:00 am.

You can drop off your items at the NAMI workshop at 209 Elberta Road, Warner Robins between 9:00 and 4:00. If you need directions, call 328-0508 or 929-9444 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on a workday.

For larger items, or a big number of items, you can call Kelvin Taylor for pickup at 328-0508. If Kelvin is away from the phone, leave a message for him. LAST DAY FOR PICKUP OF ITEMS IS OCTOBER 26.

The proceeds are used 100% for the client recreation fund, trips to fun places like Major League and local games, the Atlanta Acquarium, pizza parties, cook-outs, the Georgia National Fair, and so on. Mental health clients often have limited funds and limited access to social events. "Fun times" are such a delight to them, and therapeutic as well!

NAMI-Central Georgia is a licensed non-profit United Way Agency that serves the mentally ill through residential services (NEW HOPE CENTER), employment training (NEW HOPE ENTERPRISES), greenhouse program, litter pickup at RAFB, and social and family outreach programs such as "Family to Family" classes. Your donations are tax-deductible. Ask for a form if you wish.

You've been wanting to clear out the attic and the garage. Now's the time to do it! Residential and business furniture welcome, as well as technology items and appliances in working condition. Housewares and kitchen stuff and knick-knacks also sell well! Be sure to attend the yard sale too! You know you can't resist a good bargain !!

Online Forum 10/25 Children and DV

October 25, 2006—Join an Online Discussion
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/WebForumNotice/101706/welcome.html

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has partnered with the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to bring you a Web Forum discussion on assisting children exposed to domestic violence. Join the live discussion October 25 with co-hosts Dr. David Finkelhor and Betsy McAlister Groves.

Dr. Finkelhor is Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, Co-Director of the Family Research Laboratory, and a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Groves is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Massachusetts, is the Founding Director of the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston Medical Center, and is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Visit the OVC Web Forum <http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum> now to submit questions for Dr. Finkelhor and Ms. Groves and return on October 25 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion.

GACA Statewide Family Violence 11/5-11/8, Savannah

THE 13TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE FAMILY VIOLENCE CONFERENCE

GACA The Georgia Commission on Family Violence presents.

Redefining Best Practices. Through the Survivor's Eyes

November 5-8, 2006

Marriott Riverfront Hotel

Savannah, Georgia

Featured Speakers:
Olga Trujillo
Zulema Ruby White-Starr

For Registration and More Information copy and paste in your brouser:
" http://www.blogger.com/ registration bulletin.pdf "

If this doesn't work, try: http://www.blogger.com/

Faith Based Initiatives forums, statewide

DFCS's office of Faith Based Initiatives is
hosting four forums around GA to recruit faith organizations to partner
in the work of strengthening families and preventing child abuse.

Flyers for the specific forums are available (including registration form
and location addresses) but the basic date/location info is:

Macon, GA Friday Sept. 22, 10:00-2:00

Calloway Gardens Monday, Sept. 25 10:00-2:00

Valdosta, GA Thursday, Sept. 28 10:00-2:00

Feel free to forward this to any faith-based organizations you think
would be interested and ask them to register. If anyone has questions,
Edna Foster (the organizer of the forums) her contact info is on the
flyers.

Thanks everyone!
Jo-Anne

Jo-Anne Henry
Statewide CPPC Director
GA Division of Family & Children Services
2 Peachtree Street, Suite 18-213
Atlanta, GA 30303
tel: 404.783.3344
fax: 404.527.7443
e-mail: jahenry@dhr.state.ga.us

NAMI Meeting 9/25: What Scientologists Believe about Mental Illness

NAMI MONTHLY MEETING

MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

OUR SPECIAL SPEAKER
MARY ANN VAN HARTESVELDT

"What Scientologists Believe About Mental Illness
and Why You Should Care"

MEETING AT 7:00 PM

NEW HOPE CENTER
100 STORY ROAD
WARNER ROBINS, GA 31093

Women's Shelter Opening in Warner Robins

Grand Opening: COSC's Women's Shelter
"A New Women and Children's Homeless Shelter"

You are cordially invited to share with us in this wonderful event and we would like to thank all those who helped to make this vision a reality.

Date: September 21, 2006
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30pm

Address: 312 A Duke Avenue
Contact Information: (478) 922-3195
ccenter@cbi.mgacoxmail.com
All Military & Civil Service Personnel Our CFC # is 9056
All Financial Contributions Are Tax Deductible
And Can Be Made At our Website www.coscga.org Through Pay Pal

NASW Lunch N Learn 9/15, 12noon

NASW LUNCH N LEARN

Please join us at noon on September 15th at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon in the ground floor conference room for a very special CE presentation. Sue Fort, Executive Director of Georgia Chapter NASW, Betty Ryan, Chapter staff member and Beverly Mears, student intern will give us a "Georgia Chapter Update." They will share with us upcoming legislative initiatives, chapter response to Medicaid changes, annual conference preview as well as future plans for the Georgia Chapter.

Please take this opportunity to connect with our state chapter and let your opinions be heard. We need presenters, topic suggestions, presenter suggestions for upcoming Lunch N' Learns.

Please call 464-4264 by noon Wednesday, September 13,2006 to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, ACSW, LCSW
Central Georgia Unit Education Coordinator

Bereavement Camp Scheduled for 11/3-11/5

Camp Wings: A bereavement camp for children ages 6-16, sponsored by Heart of Georgia Hospice.

The camp offers a unique blend of therapeutic activities, arts & crafts and recreation to help bring hope and healing.

November 3 - 5
Camp Martha Johnson - Lizella, GA
Cost: $10

For more information or to register, call 953-5161

NAMI Family-to-Family Course in Houston 8/28/06

NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY COURSE WILL BE OFFERED IN WARNER ROBINS

Sign-ups for the free course beginning now.

A 12-session free Family-to-Family course for relatives of mentally ill persons will start on August 28, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bonaire First Baptist Church, 142 W. Hwy 96 Bonaire Ga ( corner of hwy 96 and Old Perry Rd ).

You do not have to live in Houston County to participate.
The nationally acclaimed Family-to-Family course will be taught by two volunteers from the middle Georgia chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mary Ann van Hartesveldt and LaVonne Harn. The course provides information, support, and help with coping with the problems of a mentally ill relative.

The course will meet from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for 12 consecutive weeks, starting Tuesday August 28. The course and all materials are free. It is strongly recommended that participants pre-register for the course and be willing to commit to attend all 12 meetings. The course is limited to 18 participants.

To register for the course or to get more information, call LaVonne Harn @ 478 213 7080 ( cell ) or email at harnss@bellsouth.net <mailto:harnss@bellsouth.net>.

Be advised that Family-to-Family is an educational and support course only for family members of the mentally ill. It not intended as treatment for those who are themselves suffering from mental illness. Those individuals are urged to seek medical help and get into an appropriate treatment program.

Mrs. van Hartesveldt holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has been an employment counselor for the Middle Georgia Consortium for the past 16 years. She is a member of the board of directors of NAMI-Central Georgia and active in community affairs.

Mrs. Harn is a registered nurse and retired as vice-president for patient services at the Medical Center in Macon. She is currently president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Central Georgia, Inc. (NAMI), and has participated in a variety of community activities.

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe disorders

The local branch office of NAMI is located at 209 Elberta Road in Warner Robins. For information about membership and other programs, call 328-0508.

NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. is a United Way agency.

NASW August 18, 12noon

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Please join us August 18th from 12:00-1 :00 PM at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon for a presentation of "Midlife Crisis or Not" Stages of Mid Adult Development by Jo Caywood, LCSW, retired school social worker.

Please call 478-464-8264 by noon on August 16th to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, LCSW
Education Coordinator South Central Unit

Phoenix CSB Job Opening CEO

Executive Director

Phoenix Center Community Service Board, a behavioral health agency serving a three county area in Middle Georgia, is seeking an executive director with proven leadership skills. Candidate must be able to lead a diverse workforce and promote a positive and professional image in the community.

Candidate must have a master’s degree from an accredited university in the behavioral health or health administration field and at least three to five years of related experience. Previous fiscal management, program management and managed care experience is highly desirable. Commitment to the public service mission of the Community Service Board and to serving high-risk clients in the three county community is a must. Candidate must be willing to reside in the three county service areas. Salary range is 60K to 80K depending on experience.

Please submit resume and salary requirement to: Nancie Masters, Human Resource Manager, P.O. Box 2866, Warner Robins, Ga. 31099 or email to nanciemasters@hotmail.com. Deadline for applying is August 14, 2006.

September 7 Houston Co CASA Luncheon with First Lady

CASA Houston County Luncheon

On September 7, 2006, CASA of Houston County, Inc. will have the honor of sponsoring a luncheon for Georgia’s First Lady, Mary Perdue. She is touring Georgia to promote her “Our Children” Summit. Children’s issues are the First Lady’s primary focus. Mrs. Perdue is committed to working to support children in foster care and the juvenile justice system.

CASA of Houston County, Inc. is using this wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about the needs for child advocates and financial contributions to support the work of the local CASA program. Our goals for the 2006-2007 fiscal year include:

· Increasing the number of trained CASA Advocates
· Increasing number of children served.
· Promoting community awareness of CASA of Houston County.
· Increasing funding to meet and maintain our program goals

Nationally, CASA, champions the rights for abused and neglected children throughout our country. For more detailed information about the CASA of Houston County program, please refer to the enclosed brochure or visit our website at: www.casaofhoustoncounty.org

As a sponsor, you will receive a formal invitation to luncheon, reserved seating, and recognition on the printed program. We are also inviting local media to cover this monumental event. We have made it easy for you to decide the level of support that will reflect your financial ability and commitment. The following list states the levels of support:

Make A Difference

· Cherub up to $100.00
· Angel $101 to $500
· Archangel $501 to $1,000
· Guardian Angel $1,001 and above

We thank you in advance for your contribution to the CASA of Houston County, Inc. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at 478.396.2185.

Respectfully,

Terry Di Diego, ED
CASA of Houston County, Inc.
206 Carl Vinson Parkway Warner Robins, GA 31088
478 542 2141 Office 478 922 4279 FAX casa@houstoncountyga.org <mailto:casa@houstoncountyga.org>

Job Opening Family Counseling Center

Job Notice
www.fcccg.org

The Family Counseling Center of Central Ga. is seeking to hire a full time (40 hours per week) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker to provide counseling services in the Macon and Warner Robins office.

DUTIES include:

Providing individual, marital, family and group therapy with appropriate populations as they present themselves whether through referral or in individual sessions.
Conducting all case management duties necessary to support the on-going clinical work which includes but is not limited to: case record documentation, follow-up with ancillary contacts, attendance at any case reviews held by referring agencies, etc.
Other Duties: Assisting other staff members in their duties as needed to maintain the smooth and proficient operation of the agency.

Work Hours:

Macon:

Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Warner Robins:

Thursday & Friday: 8:30 to 5:00 PM

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must hold a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling or Clinical Social Work.
Prior experience in a clinical work environment is preferred.
Must pass a criminal record check.

Individuals interested in this position should send their resume’ to:

Frank Mack

Family Counseling Center

277 MLK Blvd. Suite 203

Macon, Ga. 31201

Resumes’ will be accepted until position is filled

Violence Prevention 9/25-9/26 Atlanta

Violence Prevention: Promoting Health Communities
September 25 and 26
Atlanta, Georgia

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and the Hamilton Fish Institute are proud to announce that we will sponsor a conference entitled Violence Prevention: Promoting Health Communities. The Hamilton Fish Institute on School and Community Violence is a national resource for the research and development of school violence prevention strategies. We will address issues on Youth Violence, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and Sexual Violence. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for healthcare professionals and is offering 16.25 CEU/CME to persons that attend the Conference.
The conference is scheduled for September 25- 26th, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. It is our aim to provide training and increase awareness among practitioners and community stakeholders about violence prevention and the new strategies that are rapidly growing in programs across the United States. Local and national leaders will be present to talk about successful activities and programs in their communities to deter violence.

Dr. David Satcher will address the conference's theme in the morning by discussing the relationship between violence prevention and mental health issues. Dr. Satcher served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and as the 16th. US Surgeon General. He is the past President of Morehouse School of Medicine. There will be a plenary session followed by concurrent breakout sessions that will review and discuss violence and its relationship to mental health issues.
To find out more information about the Conference visit our webpage: http://www.msm.edu/ViolenceConference/Violence.htm..

You can also contact Dr. Katherine Erwin for additional information at (404) 756-5278 or Dr. Kisha Braithwaite at (404) 756-8923, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00.

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Thanks to all those members and guests who served as presenters for our recently completed licensure renewal cycle. We are actively seeking volunteers for future presentations and welcome suggestions. THERE WILL NOT BE A LUNCH N' LEARN FOR JULY.

Please join us August 18^th from 12:00-1 :00 PM at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon for a presentation of "Midlife Crisis or Not" Stages of Mid Adult Development by Jo Caywood, LCSW, retired school social worker.

Please call 478-464-8264 by noon on ,August 16^th to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, LCSW

Education Coordinator

South Central Unit