Abiding Presence hosted a trauma awareness training, led by Fairfax County’s Trauma-Informed Community Network. View the full Trauma 101 training here!
Read More
Book Review - by Lynne Linder: I came across Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED talk from 2014 in my quest to find out more about ACE’s and the Trauma Informed Community... In her book, “The Deepest Well,” she explains how she became aware of ACE’s through the ACE study and how and why she changed her pediatric practices based on her new knowledge and understanding…
Read More
Help Needed!
Help assemble and place our new furniture for our Trauma-Informed Space in the Narthex!
Below are times for you to drop in and help out!
Assembly Workshops:
May 6: 10am-2pm
May 7: 10-2pm
Email Sarah Snow if you can make it! (sarah@abidingpresence.net).
Read More
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church has recently become the recipient of a $4,000 grant by the Fairfax County Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN). This grant that will allow us to create a “trauma-Informed space” in the narthex and entry-hallway.
Everyone’s response to this news is: “Yay! Wait, what does that mean?”
The trauma-informed research shows that our physical space could foster healing or harm.
The goal of this “Trauma-Informed Spaces” grant is to implement those proven ways of providing safe, healing spaces. We’re applying it to our Narthex and entry hallway: the first space anyone who walks in our doors will encounter.
Read More
In this edition of the Healthy Minds podcast, learn how praising children is one of the ways parents can build up children's self-esteem and self-worth, including more about the two distinct kinds of praise parents can give. Listen now.
Read More
The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) encourages residents to educate themselves and others on ways to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health. SPAN’s newly redesigned, mobile-friendly website has information and resources like a free self-screening easy to scan lists of risk factors and warning signs, suicide prevention videos for teens, peers and parents, and easy access links to hotlines and text lines.
Read More
Especially during the pandemic, parents may be concerned about their children’s’ mental health. Healthy Minds Fairfax and the CSB have gathered information on what to look for and how to get help. Read the news story, or get a printable flyer with this information, and share with your networks.
Read More
Have you ever wanted to VOLUNTEER with NAMI Northern Virginia’s programs? Well, NOW is the perfect time to do so! NAMI Virginia will be offering a number of virtual Program Volunteer Trainings in early 2021. To learn more or apply to become a Program Leader with NAMI Northern Virginia, contact info@nami-nova.org.
Read More
GMU Center for Psychological Services COVID-19 ESSENTIAL WORKERS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT LINE 8:30 AM- 8:30 PM, Mon-Fri 8:30AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday. Essential workers such as teachers, grocery store workers, and medical professionals can call to speak confidentially with a trained provider about stress, anxiety, depression, or grief for free. 703-215-1898
Read More
NIMH has issued a Request for Information to seek input from a variety of stakeholders including researchers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and individuals from other relevant organizations (e.g., schools, social welfare, justice, faith communities) around the risks for and prevention of death by suicide and suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB) of Black children and adolescents. Responses are due January 15.
https://grants.nih.gov/.../notice-files/NOT-MH-21-035.html
Read More
In this Healthy Minds podcast, Maria Genova, an FCPS psychology supervisor, shares unique ways we can all give through “connections” this holiday season and reap the results of added joy in our lives. She addresses how we can learn to flex our “happiness” muscles and how we can look for the micro-moments to feel and demonstrate and cultivate optimism.
Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval and unexpected stress in the lives of so many people. To support Virginians, the VA C.O.P.E.S. (Compassionate, Optimistic, Person-Centered, Empowering Support) warmline is available to offer support. The mental health tip line started in May 2020 and, thanks to new funding, the service will be extended through May 2021.
CALL OR TEXT: 877-349-MHAV | 877-349-6428
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
The Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA), representing over 160+ school PTAs and the Fairfax Special Education PTA (SEPTA) have joined together to address the use of restraint and seclusion in FCPS. To view the revised FCPS policy, click here, and to view the SEPTA position statement (also adopted by FCCPTA board) click here.
Read this article for next steps and how you can help advocate for a trauma informed FCPS.
Read More
Advocates are preparing for the upcoming 45-day session of the VA General Assembly. Follow the Voices blog for news about the Governor’s proposed budget (coming soon) and opportunities to advocate. Teams are being formed focused on Early Childhood, Foster Care, and The Campaign for a Trauma-Informed VA/Racial Truth & Reconciliation.
https://vakids.org/our-news/blog
https://vakids.org/.../blog/racial-truth-reconciliation-va
Read More
Formed Families Forward- Check out their website and give them a follow on social media to stay informed about their offerings, which currently include a twice monthly IN PERSON peer support group for teens and young adults, and regular webinars covering topics that will be of interest to many TICN members and the families you serve. https://formedfamiliesforward.org/
Read More
Lifelong Learning from Virginia Theological Seminary offers this complimentary retreat in gratitude for our supporters from 9:00 - Noon on Friday, December 11 on Zoom.
Register today using this link: Register today!
Department of Family Services- A schedule of upcoming parenting classes is attached to this message. Classes are being offered virtually, and upcoming offerings include ARC Reflections, a course for parents who have a child who has been impacted by trauma. Calendar in article.
Read More
From the Office for Children’s Neighborhood School Readiness Teams- They are currently having some small group virtual meetings on topics of interest (e.g., mental health support, needs of preschool directors) and will continue to have these periodic meetings. If there are topics any of you want to suggest for small group, virtual meetings or you want to participate in the groups, please let Elaine know- p.elaine.barker@fairfaxcounty.gov
Read More
On November 5th, Governor Northam signed the Marcus-David Peters Act, a new law requiring the implementation of new co-responder models to mental health crisis across Virginia. The law, named for Marcus-David Peters, a black man who was shot and killed by Richmond police in 2017 while suffering a mental health crisis, will create a system where mental health clinicians work alongside law enforcement to address mental health crisis calls. This system aims to de-escalate situations involving an individual with a mental health concern without the use of force. We commend Governor Northam for signing this into law.
Read More