The steering committee of Talbot FiRST™ First Responder Support Team recently presented its program to the Talbot County Council. Talbot FiRST™ brings together multiple agencies and partners to support the mental health of all its first responders in Talbot County − launching a robust peer support team that creates a pathway for immediate access to For All Seasons’ trauma-certified mental health services and works intentionally to build in proactive resiliency training.

“This is groundbreaking work for the state and the country, bringing resources together like this to take care of our first responders who never hesitate to take care of us,” commented Beth Anne Dorman, President & CEO of For All Seasons.

“We are really talking about how we infuse mental health services so that it is a daily conversation versus just being a reactive approach when someone is struggling,” she adds.

Matt Watkins, retired EMS Division Chief for Talbot County Emergency Services and Team Leader for Talbot FiRST™, added, “For All Seasons provides clinical expertise and the innovative programming design that we need to make this dream a reality. Beth Anne and Lesa Mulcahy have been champions for us, both on the steering committee for this program and during real-world responses to critical events in our community. For All Seasons’ response is always immediate, and that response time is critical. What we are creating here in Talbot County does not exist anywhere else in the state and is rarely found in the country – a multidisciplinary team solely focused on the well-being of first responders.”

Watkins continued, “I believe it’s incumbent upon leadership to take care of our people. This team is going to provide support for first responders in doing their jobs. Having For All Seasons support us and spearhead this program is invaluable.”

The Talbot FiRST™ initiative has been building for nearly 18 months, supported by national expert Dr. Jeff Thompson, a clinical research psychologist from Columbia University and retired NYPD detective. With extensive experience in suicide prevention and crisis intervention for first responders, Jeff has been instrumental in training the Talbot FiRST™ peer support team, ensuring our local experts are grounded in evidence-based practices that prioritize the mental health of our first responders.

“Peer support programs create a space where individuals can support each other in real-time, offering immediate comfort and solidarity during crises or stressful life events. Sitting side-by-side with peers who understand their unique experiences makes individuals feel more supported and validated. These peer interactions can also act as a bridge to connect individuals with additional resources or professional help when necessary. Everyone deserves to have positive mental health, and that certainly includes our first responders,” commented Thompson.

Talbot FiRST™ ensures that first responders have the mental health support they need. This program is not just addressing an immediate need – it’s creating a foundation for a healthier, more resilient community. As the initiative grows, its success will be felt far beyond the first responders it serves, benefiting the entire region and ensuring that those who protect us are also protected.

“First responders are always rushing in to help the people and we often don’t talk about the things we have experienced. There has always been a stigma that you don’t want to tell anybody you aren’t doing well. This program puts into place peers who can talk with each other and relate to one another throughout the ranks,” commented Tina Kintop, EMS Division Chief, Talbot County Department of Emergency Management Services.

Talbot County Council member Pete Lesher thanked For All Seasons for normalizing first responders’ and veterans’ need for mental health services, stating, “I appreciate what you are doing, not only in raising the recognition but in delivery of the services.”

Talbot County Council member Keasha Haythe, added, “I am really impressed by this program. This has to get out as an approach for other counties to take hold of.”

Talbot County Manager Clay Stamp, who is also the current Chairman of the EMS Board for the State of Maryland, concluded, “Maryland leads the nation, if not the world, in EMS services. The things we expose our 18-year-old kids who become EMTs, dispatchers, or police officers, are horrendous. We have got to come up with a better way to arm these individuals to deal with these things in a healthy manner and give them a support system. Right here in Talbot County, they have stepped up and they are making it happen first. I am very proud of our team.”

Initial funding to launch Talbot FiRST™ has been generously provided in part by the Wyman Family Foundation and the Rural Maryland Council, helping make this critical program a reality.

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For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across the Mid-Shore and throughout the state of Maryland. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

For All Seasons recently hosted two Human Trafficking roundtable discussions for professionals in child advocacy, law enforcement, and social services in the Mid-Shore region.  One session took place at the new Talbot County Health Department in Easton for participants from Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester counties. The second was held at Queen Anne’s County Library for participants in Queen Anne’s and Kent counties.

According to Susan Ahlstrom, Human Trafficking Regional Navigator, “The goal of the roundtables was to bring our partners together to discuss state legislation and policies around the crime of Human Trafficking, as well as to address related challenges, barriers, or gaps in providing services and adequate response for victims. The group also explored opportunities for further training and technical assistance.”

Statewide representatives in attendance included Heather Amador, Director of Victim Services Policy Programs from the Governor’s Office of Crime, Prevention & Policy (GOCPP); Neil Mallon, Senior Research Specialist at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work (UMB SSW); and Antwan Chambers, Human Trafficking Administrator for the Maryland Department of Human Services/Social Services Administration (DHS SSA). These speakers shared information about the importance of the Regional Navigator Program and how the program has been implemented in Maryland. The Regional Navigator Program was born out of the Child Sex Trafficking Screening and Services Act of 2019. It was designed to respond to the rising trend in child sex trafficking and to improve networks for assisting survivors and their families.

“I don’t think that it would surprise anybody to hear that sometimes children who are involved with the Department of Social Services or Law Enforcement, have fears and have a variety of barriers to accessing resources and services. Because we understand that there is such a critical need for connection between those youth and the services that would help to prevent trafficking or intercept a victim who is being trafficked, the Navigator role was really designed to be in a neutral role like a rape crisis center or some type of a community center,” commented Heather Amador.

“It absolutely happens everywhere in the state. It’s just looking at it under the right lens sometimes.  Although the Regional Navigator Program was established to deal with child cases, it’s absolutely not just a child issue. Trafficking transcends all age groups. It doesn’t have any socioeconomic or racial boundaries.”

Beth Anne Dorman, President & CEO of For All Seasons, introduced the state representatives and emphasized the important role of For All Seasons, and stated, “We’re here to support you and to not only share about what your role is as a mandated reporter, but to give you a lens into the Human Trafficking multidisciplinary team approach. Our program is designed to address the full spectrum of care, support, and prevention.”

“We’re not only committed to educating professionals and the general public, but we also are really helping folks to recognize the signs of trafficking. Our marketing and outreach campaign has been one of the most visible parts of the anti-human trafficking program and you’ve likely seen rack cards and billboards on Route 50. Within our education program, we really emphasize the importance of eliminating the stigmatization that happens for trafficking survivors; helping community members understand that victims often come from vulnerable, marginalized groups.  It’s crucial to be able to approach the issue with a comprehensive, trauma-informed understanding.”

“It’s happening in our communities and in our neighborhoods. This comprehensive approach between the reporting, outreach, education, and care coordination, along with For All Seasons’ established Rape Crisis Center, therapy, and psychiatry services – that’s really what allows us to be a part of a comprehensive response,” stated Neil Mallon who helped the participants to understand the mandated reporter role in Maryland, where any professional that suspects child abuse or neglect is mandated to report that abuse to the local departments of social services.

Antwan Chambers explained that force, fraud, and coercion are the three things to look for. He added, “Getting people to talk about anything like that is not easy.  Creating trust and asking questions like, is there ever any physical abuse or threat of physical violence in the home or relationship? Being trauma-informed when asking the type of questions to help draw it out is important. Survivors often don’t identify as victims of trafficking.”

“A person is not going to come up and openly identify a certain situation directly as trafficking. It’s kind of like looking under a rock a little bit for some of those other things that they may not realize are a problem. I think everybody has this stereotypical image of sex trafficking in their heads, and for some people, it involves tractor trailers and people being held captive, and white vans and things like that. Looking for the less obvious signs that there is some type of force, fraud, or coercion, and asking questions is what is important.”

Before closing the session, Dorman announced the upcoming launch of the For All Seasons self-paced, online Mandated Reporter course that will be released in October. She stated, “This will allow all partners involved in serving our vulnerable citizens to have free access to vital human trafficking information. The course is free and will offer CEUs for professionals who complete the program.”

The session also shared that as of October 1, 2024, mandated reporters will be required to report on labor trafficking. For further information about human trafficking and the For All Seasons Regional Navigator Program, visit https://forallseasonsinc.org/what-we-do-how-we-help/services/anti-human-trafficking/.

Approximately 1700 guests attended the For All Seasons 2024 Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Expo in Idlewild Park – a record attendance for the event. For All Seasons distributed 800 backpacks filled with materials to local students.

“We couldn’t do this event without For All Seasons staff, student volunteers, and our resource providers, who worked together to make this a memorable evening for our local kids and families. We especially want to acknowledge The Talbot Department of Social Services, The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Easton Lions Club, Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center, and PepUp, Inc. for their generous contributions towards the backpacks. With the growing costs associated with getting kids ready for school, these resources are invaluable to struggling families,” commented Katie Theeke, Vice President of Marketing & Communications.

It’s really important to us to partner with other agencies in our community. We can better meet the needs of children and families when we work together. There continues to be a growing need for support and resources locally, especially as we start the new school year. We are always excited to partner with For All Seasons each year for this truly valuable event,” added Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator, Talbot County Department of Social Services.

The following organizations attended the event and provided resources to participants, including Talbot County Department of Social Services, Aetna Better Health of Maryland, Appleseed Books, Talbot Humane, Talbot Hospice, Healthy Talbot, Easton Family YMCA, CarePacks, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Easton Elementary School, Shore Legal Access, Seedco/Maryland Health Connection, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center, Eastpoint Church, Choptank Community Health, Talbot County Health Department, Mid Shore Community Mediation Center, Talbot County Free Library, UM Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, State of Maryland Office of Oral Health, Chesapeake Creative Wellness, and Talbot Thrive. A special thank you to Aetna Better Health of Maryland for donating a bike for the raffle prize.

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For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Returning to school after a long summer break can be a stressful time for students, whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten, a transition to middle or high school, or just the end of the freedoms of summer. It’s normal for children to feel anxious about these changes. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends the following to help ease children’s worries as they transition back to school:

Communicate: Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school. Acknowledge their fears, make them feel understood, and reassure them that feeling anxious about these changes is perfectly normal.

Create Routines: A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation can help children adjust to the rhythm of the school year.

Make Advance Preparations: If possible, attend any scheduled school orientations. Meeting teachers, locating classrooms, and becoming familiar with the school layout can help students feel more confident on the first day of school. If there is not a scheduled orientation, make time to visit the school ahead of time to help children familiarize themselves with the environment. It can also be helpful to practice morning routines like getting ready for the bus or identifying routes to school.

Encourage In-person Social Interactions: Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. Social relationships can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Teens can pose a particular challenge with back-to-school transitions, especially as they transition to new schools – entering middle and high school. The following are some steps you can take to monitor your teen and help protect him or her from risky health behaviors and experiences:

• Talk with your teen about your rules and expectations and explain the consequences of breaking the rules.
• Talk and listen to your teen often about how he or she feels and what he or she is thinking.
• Know who your teen’s friends are including getting to know your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Get to know the parents of your teen’s friends.
• Talk with your teen about the plans he or she has with friends, what he or she is doing after school, and where he or she will be going.
• Set expectations for when your teen will come home and expect a call if he or she will be late.
• Ask whether an adult will be present when your teen is visiting a friend’s home.
• Talk with your relatives, your neighbors, your teen’s teachers, and other adults who know your teen. Ask them to share what they observe about your teen’s behaviors, moods, or friends.
• Watch how your teen spends money.
• Keep track of how your teen spends time online, and talk about using the Internet safely.
• Pay attention to your teen’s mood and behavior at home, and discuss any concerns you might have.
• If your teen does break a rule, enforce the consequences fairly and consistently.
• Make sure your teen knows how to contact you at all times.

For All Seasons wants to remind parents that every family is different, and perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up for your child and letting them know you are there to support them through the good moments and the challenging ones is a big part of the foundation for a great year. For All Seasons is available for parents and their children should any issues arise in the school year by calling 410-822-1018.

https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/back-to-school-and-mental-health-supporting-children

For All Seasons will host its annual School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Idlewild Park in Easton. Talbot County Department of Social Services is a key partner, contributing to the purchase of hundreds of backpacks pre-stuffed with supplies for community children in need. In addition to the backpacks and school supplies, the event will offer community resources, free Rita’s Italian ice, raffles, games, and more. Last year’s event drew approximately 1400 participants.

“This is one of our most successful events for connecting families in our community to important health and community resources available in Talbot County. While we are giving out school supplies and backpacks, it also provides our agency with an opportunity to share with families with  important mental health information at the start of the school,” states Katie Theeke, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at For All Seasons.

Among the vendors to date who will participate are Talbot County Department of Social Services, Talbot Hospice, Aetna Better Health of MD, Eastpoint Church, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Easton Elementary School, Appleseed Books, Talbot Humane, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, MD Office of Oral Health, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Talbot County Health Department, Crossroads Community & Corsica River Mental Health Services, Talbot County Free Library, Midshore Behavioral Health, Seedco/MD Health Connection, Healthy Talbot, CarePacks of Talbot County, Mid Shore Community Mediation Center, Choptank Community Health, and Easton Family YMCA. If interested in becoming a sponsor for the event, reach out to Lauren Weber, Vice President Strategy and Development at [email protected].

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

For All Seasons is excited to bring Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™ courage-building program to the community to provide practical tools and in-depth exploration of courage-building skills that will help prepare members of the Mid-Shore community to lead in work and life. Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons, and Lesa Lee-Mulcahy, LCSW-C, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons, are Certified Dare To Lead™ facilitators — two of fewer than 400 certified facilitators nationwide.  They trained the entire For All Seasons staff in the program over the past few years.

The Dare To Lead™ curriculum is based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, research professor at the University of Houston, and author of several #1 New York Times bestsellers. Dare To Lead™ is the culmination of a seven-year study on courage and leadership. According to Brown, courage is a critical skill set that leaders need if they are going to lead successfully and thrive during these times of volatility, ambiguity, change, and uncertainty.

For All Seasons is offering several cohorts of the four-day training to community members beginning November 12 – 15, 2024, and continuing January 28 – 31, 2025, March 25 – 28, 2025, and May 13 – 16, 2025.  The training focuses on four skill sets, including:

Rumbling with Vulnerability – Learning about the myths of vulnerability that stop us from fully leaning into our leadership roles and the relevance of emotional literacy.

Living into our Values – Transitioning from professing values to truly practicing them, even when it is uncomfortable. Gain clarity around beliefs and values, while taking care that intentions, words, thoughts, and behaviors align with those beliefs.

Braving Trust – Shifting from unproductive power dynamics to authentic and inclusive connection. Leaders operationalize this concept of trust into actionable behaviors, increasing trust in themselves and their teams.

Learning to Rise – Creating space for failure and mistakes — for ourselves and others. Leaders own their stories and sift through the discomfort, risk, and emotional exposure of vulnerability in service to connection, creativity, and courage.

“When you can come from a place of courage and understanding in the workplace, we can create a culture where everyone can show up authentically, we can have hard conversations, we can move through difficult times, and also celebrate all of the successes in a much different way,” comments Dorman.

“It’s important to us that we share out this knowledge beyond our organization, and strengthen leadership across our community and all professions. Representatives from several business sectors across our region participated in our community-wide training this past spring and reported that it was a ‘life-changing experience.’  When we think about leadership development and impacting the lives of those who serve our community, that feedback says it all.  This is not a ‘check-the-box’ training, but rather an experience that allows us to dig in together and shift the lens we lead within our place of work, at home, with our friends and family, and in our community.  It surpasses the typical ‘work training’ in ways that allow participants to grow both personally and professionally,” she adds.

“When I heard that For All Seasons was offering Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™ training in Easton, I jumped at the chance to participate. I had read Dr. Brown’s books and listened to her podcasts on leadership, but never considered that there could actually be certified trainers here on the Eastern Shore. The training, led by Certified Dare to Lead™ Trainers Beth Anne Dorman and Lesa Lee, far exceeded my expectations and positively impacted my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues,” stated Lori Ramsey, University Relations & Recruitment, The Aerospace Corporation.

“Rather than jumping to judgment, I now take the time to ask people to ‘say more’ to better understand their perspective. And, I try harder to remember that people are usually doing the best that they can. This program was a gift of time and personal growth, that has greatly impacted how I manage my team at work. I highly recommend the Dare to Lead™ program to anyone who would like to strengthen their personal leadership skills or corporate/non-profit teams that are looking to take their success to the next level.”

Another participant shared, “Admittedly, I was a skeptic coming into the Dare to Lead™ training. A friend of mine hounded me for years to read Brené Brown’s book, and I kept putting it off. Now, having experienced it, I can say with confidence that I am a better leader at work, at home, and in every aspect of my life. I gained new communication skills and learned a lot about myself,” says Liz LaCorte, Chief Advancement Officer Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

The goals and outcomes of Dare to Lead™ are dependent upon each participant’s full engagement. Your Dare to Lead™ experience will be best when you read the provided copy of the book Dare to Lead in advance of the program. Program days begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served daily. Participants who complete this four-day Dare to Lead™ program will receive a certificate of completion and the right to add the “I am Dare to Lead™ Trained” badge to their LinkedIn account.

According to Brown, “Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage.”

For further information and to register for this training, go to https://forallseasonsinc.lpages.co/dare-to-lead/.  If you have questions, contact For All Seasons’ Center for Learning at [email protected].

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For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

 

Women Who Care Talbot County recently nominated and awarded $16,000+ to For All Seasons at their May event. The mission of Women Who Care Talbot County is driven by a desire to make a difference in the local community. Inspired by hundreds of like-minded groups across the country and the world, the organization seeks to create a local group of 160 motivated women who are committed to the power of collective philanthropic giving.

“The concept of collective giving by Women Who Care Talbot County is unique and has offered us the opportunity to meet many new women and share our mission of providing the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and beyond. We appreciate the organization’s commitment to helping its members learn about the range of work being done to support community needs,” adds Lauren Weber, Vice President of Strategy and Development.

Women Who Care Talbot County brings women together for one hour three times a year, although you need not attend in person to be a fully participating member. Each member who joins commits $100 per meeting for a total of $300 annually. Women aged 35 and under may contribute a lesser amount of $50 three times a year.

“We are thrilled with the impact of our organization and the enthusiasm of our membership. Our numbers are growing and we look forward to all the good we can continue to do in and for our community through pooled philanthropic giving,” comments Amanda David, one of the founders of Women Who Care Talbot County.

To become an active member of WWCTC, please visit www.100womentalbot.org or https://www.facebook.com/TalbotWomenWhoCare. The organization’s next meeting will be September 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in English and Spanish, including therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Pride Month is a time for LGBTQ+ folks to gather and celebrate their freedom to live authentically. According to Mental Health America, this year’s celebration month theme is: Being your authentic self, if it is safe to do so, is one of the best ways to protect your mental health and well-being.

LGBTQ+ people experience mental health struggles linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are affected by mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, at higher rates than the general population, which is often due to stigma and discrimination. Nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ adults are experiencing mental health challenges today and LGBTQ+ adults are three times as likely to experience a mental health disorder than individuals who identify as straight.

Living with depression is challenging for anyone. But when you’re also facing disparities and hurdles associated with being LGBTQ+, such as rejection, discrimination, and violence, it can add to mental health challenges. An analysis of the recorded deaths by suicide in 18 U.S. states showed that the largest incidence of suicide is among middle-aged LGBTQ+ people.

An important step to mental health care is finding a healthcare provider that makes you feel safe, supported, and heard. Finding providers with whom you can create a personal connection will establish a safe space and allow you to develop a more personalized approach to your treatment plan. For further information, visit forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in English and Spanish, including therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Source: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health

On June 17, For All Seasons sponsored its second Migrant Resource Fair at the Volunteer Fire House on Hoopers Island in Fishing Creek, Maryland. The event, which drew over 130 participants, offered information and resources to local migrant workers, while also featuring arts and crafts, dinner, music, dancing, and plenty of fun.

“This was our second annual outreach event in Hoopers Island, and I’m delighted to say that it was a resounding success. Seeing the joy on the faces of the women and men enjoying the fair was truly heartwarming. The community’s overwhelming appreciation motivates me to improve this event year after year,” comments Ivy Garcia, Director of Latino Services at For All Seasons.

Garcia is serving as a bridge, connecting women to a variety of services, including mental health and rape crisis services at For All Seasons. She also provides education on self-esteem and helps migrant women as well as other Latino women across the region become empowered to take care better of themselves and to understand their mental health needs.

Because the crab-picking houses are very separate from each other in Dorchester County, For All Seasons decided to do an event where Garcia and the staff could reach all of the workers at one time to provide information on a variety of community services. Garcia reached out to some employers on Hoopers Island, including J M Clayton Seafood Company, Simmons Chesapeake Bay Seafood, GW Hall and Son, Russell Hall Seafood Inc., Lindy’s Seafood, Inc., Rippons Brothers Seafood, and Boats and Hose to encourage their workers to attend. Some employers on Hoopers Island as well as For All Seasons helped provide transportation for the workers so that they could participate.

Among the 20 vendors at the Migrant Resource Fair were Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Dorchester County Health Department, Choptank Community Health, Maryland Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank: SNAP Enrollment, Aetna Better Health of Maryland, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, University of Maryland Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, Dorchester County Public Library, Dorchester County Health Department Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, Santé Group, State of Maryland Office of Oral Health, St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Eastern Shore Area Health Center, Shore Legal Access, Priority Partners, Latido Latino, RESPIRAR Project, and Comptroller of Maryland. Vendors provided important resources including information on how to access medical and dental care, mental health services, health insurance, food, and clothing.

“The individuals who attend the fair are here with work visas. While they are here working, their needs can be met by For All Seasons and other local agencies. Every year, they bring different people to the island who will benefit from knowing this information, so it is important to keep providing these resources each year for them,” Garcia added.

Also in attendance at the event were 12 volunteers, including For All Seasons staff, many of whom are bilingual.  “We are grateful for the wonderful volunteers who came out to support our Latino Outreach event. The volunteers and staff were vitally important to making this event such a huge success,” commented Mary Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator at For All Seasons.

For further information on For All Seasons Latino Outreach efforts, contact Ivy Garcia at [email protected] or call 410-822-1018, ext. 207.

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For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

For All Seasons’ Center for Learning is pleased to offer “Not a Number: Facilitator Certification Training” developed by Love146 on June 4 – 6, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at Anchor Church in Easton, Maryland. This interactive five-module prevention curriculum is designed to teach youth how to make safe choices and protect themselves from human trafficking and exploitation through information, critical thinking, and skill development.

According to Susan Ahlstrom, Human Trafficking Regional Navigator at For All Seasons, “The program integrates a holistic view of the issue by focusing on respect, empathy, individual strengths, and the relationship between personal and societal pressures that create or increase vulnerabilities. Through open conversations, engaging activities, the use of media, and opportunities for disclosures, participants find ways to move beyond awareness to behavioral change. Participants will also learn through the curriculum how to help youth identify and utilize healthy support systems that may decrease their vulnerabilities.”

The training is open to 20 mental health/youth service professionals and is designed to equip professionals to implement the “Not a Number” curriculum. The training includes training on human trafficking and commercial sex exploitation of children, modeling of “Not a Number” modules; coaching on facilitation techniques with diverse settings and appropriate response to disclosures; and “Not a Number” participant teach back. This training program is supported by funding from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.

To attend the training, the participant’s agency will be required to sign a curriculum licensing agreement with Love146, good for one year. After the training, participants who have completed the training will be certified to implement “Not a Number” through their respective agency licenses. Each participant’s agency must pay an annual licensing renewal fee to continue using the curriculum ($125 per trainer).

The cost is $750 (a $1,275 VALUE) and includes 21 CEUs. To register, contact Desiree Lakey at [email protected]. For further information, visit [email protected].

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.