If you are a youth serving organization
and wish to request a training contact drbarbbrady@inspiringdreamsnetwork.org
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY, JANUARY 19th, 2023 - 12pm - 12:30pm
Regional Transition Navigator Services (RTNS)
Regional Transition Navigator Services (RTNS) is an initiative at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities to support struggling youth between the ages of 14 and 25. The RTNS team works directly with at-risk youth and young adults to address their needs as they move toward independence. This can include assistance with challenges such as housing, employment, mental health and/or recovery services, academic support, food insecurity and more. The eligibility requirements include, they must be 14 to 25 years of age, must live in the state of West Virginia, and must be facing, or have a history of, Severe Mental Illness (SMI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and/or fear of becoming homeless. Their services are free, and referrals can be made through the RTNS website. This info session will provide more details about the program and how to refer for services.
PRESENTER: Rebekah M. Gleaner
CULTURAL COMPETENCE: EMBRACING DIVERSITY
I’m Okay You’re Okay
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023. 1pm - 3pm
Meeting Room #311B, Kanawha County Public Library,123 Capital Street Charleston, WV
This training is being provided for the WV Statewide Afterschool Network and Step-by-Step.
Primary audience: Directors and staff in afterschool programs in
Contacts: Loren Farmer loren.farmer@mail.wvu.edu or Cassidy Bailey CBailey@stepbystepev.org
TRAINING OBJECTIVES: Participants will…
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Be able to explain what cultural competence is
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Be able to describe multiple components of culture
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Understand why conflict occurs between various culture disrupting cultural competence
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Understand and practice ways to build cultural competence
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Understand how to support individuals with disabilities build cultural competence
DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF AUTISM
FREE TRAINING - January 25th, 2023, 10am-11am (ZOOM)
Trainer - John Barton, IDN Board Member, Director, WV Autism
DESCRIPTION: Autism is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. In the US, one in every 44 children is diagnosed with Autism. This workshop will focus on explaining autism in everyday language and dispelling common myths about autism including causes, characteristics and impact. Participants will also learn about treatment options, resources, and best practices in behavior management and positive learning supports.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Staff and volunteers who serve youth, parents, grandparents, caregivers, school staff, and others… if you’re struggling to understand how to best support YOUTH WITH AUTISM, this training is for YOU!!!
This training initiative is made possible by a grant through The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Free training and community info sessions will be offered to youth-serving organizations Clay, Putnam and Kanawha County, including school staff, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Camp Appaoy Schouts, Camp Appa Daycare and Afterschool Programs, Mission WV, Education Elevators, YMCA Clubs, youth ministies, and more.
MINDSPRING MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
Live events, free and on-demand programming, expert talks & local resources — we’ve got everything you need to learn about mental health.
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Tues 2/7 | 12-1:00p CST
OCD manifests differently in different people – and involves much more than anxiety about germs or compulsions to clean. This one-hour webinar provides an accessible guide to understanding this often-misunderstood diagnosis, including symptoms of OCD, co-occurring disorders, and treatment options. Learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others.
I Don't Need Help: Supporting People Who Can't See Their Mental Illness | Wed 2/8 | 12-1:00p CST
Why do people sometimes reject help? Discuss the reasons why people refuse mental health care and how to respond & cope in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Responding in a Mental Health Emergency | Thurs 2/9 | 12-1:00p CST
We know what to do when someone breaks their arm: brace it and go to the hospital. But what should you do when someone is experiencing a mental health emergency? Learn what causes crisis situations and the warning signs, how to respond, and what to do once the crisis has ended.
Supporting Emotional Regulation in Youth: Managing Emotional Storms | Mon 2/13 | 12-1:00p CST
Despite our best efforts to prepare children to manage big storms of emotions, they will struggle sometimes. Managing emotional storms takes emotional & physical maturity, and practice. In this webinar we’ll look at the warning signs that indicate an emotional storm is on the horizon, interventions to support children when they feel an emotional storm brewing, and how to reduce the impact of the storm.
Sponsored by Polk County Iowa’s Behavioral Health and Disability Services agency
Understanding Trauma | Tues 2/14 | 12-1:00p CST
Trauma is defined by the emotional and psychological effect an event has on people, and less by the event itself. Explore the science of trauma and discuss how trauma impacts physical & mental health with a licensed therapist.
Understanding PTSD | Wed 2/15 | 12-1:00p CST
Trauma impacts everyone differently, depending on the nature of the trauma, presence or lack of social supports, access to treatment, and coping strategies. This one-hour seminar provides an accessible guide to understanding what causes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, its symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and treatment options. Learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others in this one-hour seminar.
Understanding Agoraphobia | Thurs 2/16 | 12-1:00p CST
Often believed to be a fear of leaving the house, agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that runs much deeper. Join us to develop a more thorough understanding of what agoraphobia is, what causes it, and how it is treated. Learn tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones with a licensed therapist.
Understanding Eating Disorders | Tues 2/21 | 12-1:00p CST
Although our culture is preoccupied with food and weight, and disordered patterns of eating are very common, clinical diagnosis of eating disorders is less common. Even for professionals who have been treating them for years, eating disorders can be confusing illnesses. Explore the types of eating disorders, their signs & symptoms, risk factors, and treatment in this one-hour seminar. Learn practical steps for supporting loved ones and tips for discussing this often-misunderstood topic.
Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Wed 2/22 | 12-1:00p CST
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is defined by negative self-image and misperceptions about appearance. Preoccupation with perceived flaws can result in anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Explore the diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and common misconceptions of body dysmorphic disorder in this one-hour seminar. Discuss treatment options and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others.
Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) | Thurs 2/23 | 12-1:00p CST
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is an eating disorder characterized by very selective eating habits, a disturbance in eating patterns, or both. Separate myths and facts and explore the signs and symptoms, prevalence, and treatment of this often-misunderstood diagnosis. Learn practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones in this one-hour seminar.
Supporting Emotional Regulation in Youth: Being a Calming Presence & Making Amends | Mon 2/27 | 12-1:00p CST
How can we best support children when they get stuck in a storm of big emotions? Learn how to be a calming presence in a child’s moment of distress and how to repair damage the storm has done in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Sponsored by Polk County Iowa’s Behavioral Health and Disability Services agency
Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder | Tues 2/28 | 12-1:00p CST
Schizoaffective disorder is a complicated illness that is often confused with other disorders. Explore the diagnostic criteria, signs, and symptoms that differentiate schizoaffective disorder from other illnesses. This one-hour seminar includes information on causation, risk factors, treatment options, and ways to cope if you or a loved one have been diagnosed.
INTERNET SAFETY WEBINAR - Feb. 9 | 2pm
In this webinar, Trooper First Class T. D. McFeeley member of the Crimes Against Children’s Unit of the State Police, will provide general education on the internet, it’s dangers and safety concerns.
Learning Objectives
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Healthy technology in the home
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How to teach our students/children about internet safety concerns
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Legal ramifications of an online presence
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WV State law regarding texting/sexting
This webinar training is 1.5 hours. CEUs: 1.5 CEUs will be provided for social workers.
Webinar Audience: This webinar was designed for Middle & High School Parents, Professionals working youth, School Counselors, and Social Workers. Credentials are not required to enroll, anyone is welcome to participate in the online course.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Trooper, First Class T.D. McFeeley, West Virginia State Police
Trooper First Class T. D. McFeeley member of the Crimes Against Children’s Unit of the State Police, will provide general education on the internet, it’s dangers and safety concerns. TFC McFeeley has been a member of the WV State Police force for 8 years, stationed around the state. He is currently stationed at South Charleston and has served in Clay, Calhoun, Kanawha and Mason Counties. He has investigated a variety of cases and now specializes in the online exploitation of children cases along with sexual/abuse cases with children.
LEGAL AID of WV
You are invited to attend a free webinar showcasing. Conducted by the Legal Unit,
Behavioral Health Advocacy unit and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs
Feb 23rd | 1:30p
Services provided by Legal Aid of WV
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Legal services for low-income individuals and families, including benefits.
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A Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents in long-term care facilities.
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FAST advocate for children in schools with educational plans.
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BHA advocates individuals with mental health, intellectual disabilities, and Substance Misuse Disorder.
Who can benefit:
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Community Service Providers
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DHHR Service Providers
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Families of individuals with mental health issues and SUD
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All Agencies that work with West Virginia residents
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General Public
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & RESILIENCE
Part I: March 1st: 12pm – 1pm (Via Zoom)
Part II: March 29th: 12pm – 1pm (Via Zoom)
This is a CLOSED event for Education Elevators’ mentors. Questions about this training or any attendance exceptions should be directed to Allison McJunkin allison@educationelevators.org
Trainer: Dr. Barb Brady, Executive Director, Inspiring Dreams Network
DESCRIPTION: Supportive, caring relationships are critical building blocks for healthy youth development and the heart of what youth need to learn, grow, and thrive. Relationships provide an environment of trust, positive reinforcement, good modeling, and constructive feedback for social-emotional and intellectual growth. This presentation covers research best practices in establishing healthy adult/youth relationships and the role of adult mentors/coaches in helping youth identify and connect with protective factors and build resilience. (This workshop has been broken down into 2 smaller units to accommodate participant schedules.)
Part I - Objectives
1. To share research about healthy adult/youth relationship outcomes
2. To identify and discuss key elements of healthy adult/youth relationships
3. To understand nonjudgement listening and effective feedback practices that form healthy
adult/youth connections
Part II - Objectives
4. To review the 7 keys to building resilience
5. To identify 7 positive experiences that help youth thrive and have positive outcomes
6. To understand protective factors and the mentor’s role with connecting youth
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
March 2nd, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capital Street Charleston, WV
Trainers:
Sarah Brown MA - MHFA Trainer, Prestera Center
Dr. Barb Brady - Founder, Executive Director, Inspiring Dreams Network
Identify. Understand. Respond.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about common adolescent mental health issues that teaches a five-step process on how to identify, understand and respond to these youth issues. Those who successfully complete the course earn a Mental Health First Aider Certificate.
This YMHFA training is very interactive and engaging, teaching a 5-step action plan for how to help young people (age 12 - 18) in both crisis and non-crisis situations . Come prepared to have fun and learn how to better interact with and support middle and high school age youth with mental health needs.
POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM
MARCH 2023 SEMINAR SERIES • MAR 7, 8, 9, 2023 • 1pm (Zoom)
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) is hosting a webinar series via Zoom for parents or caregivers, who have children with a disability up to 12 years old interested in general information about promoting their child's development.
In each webinar, a Parent Network Specialist and Triple P practitioner from the Family-to-Family Program will lead the presentation. A behavior specialist from the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Program will also participate to conduct a Questions & Answer session for tips and strategies. Parenting Tip Packets will be made available to all participants.
Registration is free but required. Simply click on the ZOOM link provided to register and receive the login info.
Using the link below, register for one, two or all seminars. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
CONNECTIONS MATTER TRAINING
TUESDAY, MARCH 14th, 9am - 12pm (VIA ZOOM)
Trainers:
Jessica Dianellos & Michelle Baranaskas, Team for WV Children
Dr. Barb Brady, Inspiring Dreams Network
DESCRIPTION: Connections Matter is designed to engage community members in building caring connections for youth and families to improve resiliency and wellbeing. Everyday connections are more important than we ever believed. Our brain, our relationships and our community are all inter-connected. Science tells us that relationships have the power to shape our brains. Relationships help us learn better, work better, and parent better. When we experience tough times, they help us heal. With each positive connection, we develop a healthier, stronger community. This session uses video, discussion, and experiential activities to engage participants in exploring connections to build stronger, more connected communities to support youth and families.
SUCCESS COACHING & MENTORING INTRODUCTION
Thursday, March 16th, 9:30AM - 12pm
Room 319, Marshall University Graduate College
South Charleston, WV
Presenters: Linda Bragg, Teresa Epperley, and Mary Jane Pope Albin
Board Members, Inspiring Dreams Network
Contact Linda Bragg lindabragg@inspiringdreamsnetwork.org with any questions
ABOUT THIS OVERVIEW: This training will provide an overview of Inspiring Dreams Network’s (IDN) Success Coaching and Mentoring reform-focused, advocacy model. This overview is designed for school and community mentoring program leaders. This intro will provide information for them to decide if they have the interest, staff, and funding to implement the program.
WHO IS INVITED: School and organizational leaders interested in providing success coaching to middle and high school students in the six-county region of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (Boone, Clay, Kanawha, Fayette, Lincoln, and Putnam). Also invited are interested county leaders from counties served by the Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative.
ABOUT OUR MODEL: Success coaches practice transformative leadership and support by first building a relationship of trust, truth, and empowerment. Our focused concepts and steps are designed to transform students from the status of “at-risk of academic failure” to a trajectory of improvement and empowerment. Our success coaching model focuses on clear and tangible steps of student engagement, grit, perseverance, and responsible reactive behavior choices. These practices help students to witness the correlation between these steps and improvement, leading them to believe that success is possible for them.
Those who commit to the training will then participate in a two-day intensive workshop and be provided with a year of follow-up consultations and support by IDN. The trainings are culturally responsive and evidence-based--a hybrid model of standards from the University of Minnesota’s Check and Connect Program and the United States Department of Education’s Graduation 2020 Program.
IDN’s highly professional success coaching trainers embody the vision of supporting youth in reaching success in education in the direction of their passion so that they may achieve their dreams. During the work, success coaches often observe specific needs of their mentees and are skilled in recognizing and carrying out referral procedures with utmost discretion.
ANGER MANAGEMENT FOR YOUTH - MAR. 28TH | 4-5pm
Join us for the online training Anger Management for Youth. During this free, interactive training, participants will learn strategies to identify and cope with their anger in healthier ways and be the bigger person. No CEUs are available for this training as it is geared toward youth. A certificate of completion will be available.
Training Objectives:
• Identify what it feels like to be angry
• Discuss stress reduction tactics
• Practice relaxation strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation
For more information please contact us at 855-558-4296 or at pbs@hsc.wvu.edu
REGROUNDING OUR RESPONSE (RORWV)
Helping Change the Trajectory of the Opioid Epidemic to Improve Outcomes for Families
CFWV PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES
Each webinar will be held twice a day, at 9:00 am and at 3:30 pm, for 30 minutes LIVE via Zoom. They will be recorded and housed on CFWV's YouTube channel for later viewing. CFWV welcomes counselors, administrators, educators, and business partners to join. Register for one topic or all topics in the series. Please note that each date in the series will have a unique ZOOM link. Therefore, participants must register for each session that they plan to attend. Be sure to check your inboxes/spam boxes for your registration email, as it will have the link to the Zoom training.
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April 6, 2023: CFWV a Family Guide
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April 20, 2023: CFWV Tools and The Counselor's Work Plan: A Crosswalk and Discussion
Visit the CFWV YouTube channel to view recorded sessions from January, February, and March. Those topics include:
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CFWV for the Middle School Student
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CFWV Resources and Creating a College-Going Culture
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CFWV and the Career Clusters and Pathways
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CFWV and the PEP
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & RESILIENCE
Part I: Wednesday, April 19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (via Zoom)
Part II: Wednesday, April 26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (via Zoom)
TRAINER: Dr. Barb Brady - Executive Director, Inspiring Dreams Network
DESCRIPTION: Supportive, caring relationships are critical building blocks for healthy youth development and the heart of what youth need to learn, grow, and thrive. Relationships provide an environment of trust, positive reinforcement, good modeling, and constructive feedback for social-emotional and intellectual growth. This presentation covers researched best practices in establishing healthy adult/youth relationships and the role of adult mentors/coaches in helping youth identify and connect with protective factors and build resilience. (This workshop has been broken down into 2 smaller units to accommodate participant schedules).
Part I - Objectives
1. To share research about healthy adult/youth relationship outcomes
2. To identify and discuss key elements of healthy adult/youth relationships
3. To understand nonjudgement listening and effective feedback practices that form healthy adult/youth connections
Part II - Objectives
4. To review the 7 keys to building resilience
5. To identify 7 positive experiences that help youth thrive and have positive outcomes
6. To understand protective factors and the mentor’s role in connecting with youth
PREVENT WV SUICIDE
May 1st, 2023 - 1pm-4pm (via Zoom)
Everyone needs help and hope to live life. Our response matters not only when one tragedy has occurred, but after exposure to devastating and/or difficult life experiences, pertaining to mental health and substance misuse. There is a need for compassionate support for those with both loss and lived experiences.
This customized Help Hope Heal© training session for Inspiring Dreams Networkis rooted in evidence, based on best practices methods and personal experiences, and includes a comprehensive approach acknowledging and supporting immediate and longer-term complicated grief and care. We will touch on the core components of postvention help after a loss, survived suicide attempt, or traumatic experience as each is complex and unique requiring a deep level of understanding and support.
Specifically speaking about mental health and suicide - these events are life-altering and life-changing for those involved. Effective prevention includes postvention knowledge as well as how to connect to intervention supports available when needed. This is vital to healing, recovery, and being able to move forward; this isn't just about death or loss, it's also about survival. As a result of where we are right now in our continued response to the Covid-19 pandemic, substance misuse, and mental health overall, our response(s) must be to help, and hope, and ultimately be person-centered and healing.
Facilitators:
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Barri Faucett, Prevent Suicide WV
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Michelle Toman, Brother Up
Keepers of Life© - Content for This Workshop Includes:
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Suicide & Mental Health
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Substance Misuse
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Trauma
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for Prevention, Intervention, Postvention & Recovery
We ask that you have access to a camera (phone or webcam) to participate in this training, as being on-screen during our time together is respectfully required.
A certificate of attendance, upon completion of this session, will be provided to participants
ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE TRAINING SERIES
DATES - May 3rd, 10th, 17th
Trainer: Dr. Barb Brady, Executive Director, Inspiring Dreams Network and Awareness Task Team Chair,
The ACES Coalition of WV
ACES 101: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
May 3, 2023 - 1pm - 2:30pm (Via Zoom)
ACES 102: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences
May 10, 2023 - 1pm - 2:30pm (Via Zoom)
ACES 103: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences
May 17, 2023 - 1pm - 2:30pm (Via Zoom)
DESCRIPTION: The youth you work with may struggle with trauma effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) We invite you to learn about ACES, the impact on brain development and behavior. ACES often interfere with school success and can negatively impact participation in activities, events, school, relationships, overall wellness, and life outcomes This ACES training series is intended to help caregivers and adults who serve youth better understand the impact of ACES and to learn some best practices strategies to help youth and families overcome and prevent the future occurrence of ACES, changing lives in a positive direction.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER
MAY 18 - 11am - 12pm, via Zoom
Trainer: Dr. Barb Brady - Founder, Executive Director, Inspiring Dreams Network
Summer can be a difficult and challenging time for youth or it can be filled with fun, inspiration and growth. Parents, community mentors, and youth leaders can play a key role in supporting student success this summer. Join us to learn best practices and resources you can share with the youth and families you serve.
Workshop Goals:
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To review best practice summer activities for youth (Grades PK - 12)
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To share resources that are fun, safe, and engaging for summer learning and growth
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To discuss and share online safety resources.
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To encourage participant sharing of best practices and resources
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This workshop is provided through a grant from the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.