CONFERENCES
Attend state conference
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI )Minnesota hosts its state conference Sat., Nov. 5 at St. Paul RiverCentre. The theme is Charting a New Future. Learn how to reduce mental health disparities and advance health equity from the opening keynote speaker Dr. Kisha B. Holden. Then choose from 18 breakout sessions on a wide variety of current mental health topics, including children and screen time, the important role of peer specialists, the impact of war on mental health, and many more. Check online for rates and registration information. FFI: www.namimn.org
PUBLICATIONS
Anniversary is marked
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities announces release of a new publication celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the first Olmstead Planning Committee efforts. A legal settlement agreement was approved in December 2011 with the state, and required appointment of an Olmstead Planning Committee in 2012. The Planning Committee met and recommended to then-DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson that the Governor consider appointing an Olmstead Subcabinet. Gov. Mark Dayton signed Executive Order 13-01 appointing the first Olmstead Subcabinet. The report provides a 10-year summary of achievements and is based upon review of Olmstead reports and interviews with key informants. FFI: https://mn.gov/mnddc/
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
PACER workshops sampling
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are online and livestreamed at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs.
Back to School Stress: Tools and Apps to Minimize School Stressors is 2-3 p.m. Thu, Oct. 13. School is back in session and elementary and high school student may experience increased stress. The workshop explores tools and apps you or your child can use to decrease stressors and distractions.
Proactive Crisis Planning for Children with Mental Health Challenges is 6:30-8 p.m. Tue, Oct. 18. When children or teenagers experience escalating behaviors at school, a proactive crisis plan can help support recovery and wellness. The session will provide information on strengths-based planning in the school setting. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE
Learn about cohousing
Ann Zabaldo, co-developer of a grassroots built 43-unit intentional community in Washington, D.C., speaks live via Zoom at 7 p.m. Wed., Oct. 12. Zabaldo consults on a national level, and serves on the board of Mid Atlantic Cohousing. She lives with disabilities. A live Q&A will follow her talk. All are welcome, and Zabaldo’s talk is free. But only 100 people can attend.
Cohousing communities are designed for connection–individual homes plus shared spaces–and are co-designed and managed by the residents. There are 150 such communities in the US, with more being built.
The talk is hosted by Twin Cities Cohousing Network, an all-volunteer nonprofit devoted to raising awareness about and supporting co-creation of cohousing in our area.
FFI: bit.ly/ZabaldoOct22
They’re on the move
After more than 75 years on Lyndale and Franklin, Vision Loss Resources, DeafBlind Services Minnesota, and Contract Production Services are moving as of Sat, Oct. 1. Their new home is at 3230 Spruce Street, Little Canada MN 55117. Doors will be closed to the public until Mon, Oct. 10. FFI: 612-843-3439, 612-871-2222, info@visionlossresources.org
Many classes available
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has set up a wide variety of free and in-person online mental health classes. Choices include Hope for Recovery, Transitions, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family, Positive Psychology, Creating Caring Communities, smoking cessation, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more.
The classes are designed for family members and caregivers, persons living with a mental illness, service providers, and also the general public. Find a complete listing of these classes and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Classes” or go straight to https://namimn.org/education-public-awareness/classes/scheduled/.
