In For All Seasons’ podcast and video series, Bring on the Mess!™, For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman and Chief Clinical Officer Lesa Lee, LCSW-C, discuss strategies for overcoming the “holiday blues” to make this holiday season more peaceful, joyful, and calm. Watch one session or all four to gain insights that could make a difference in how you approach your holidays this year.

Session #1: Expectations and Managing the Holiday Blues

• Why we get the holiday blues and where they come from.
• The holidays can ignite a pursuit of perfection. How to let go of unrealistic expectations.
• Ways to approach the holidays when not everyone is on the same page.
• How we can reclaim the joy of the season through connection and presence.

Session #2: When Your Kids Are Stressed During the Holiday

• How to plan ahead to help your child manage anxiety.
• Balancing busy schedules with connected family time.
• Ways to take care of yourself so you can be more present when your child is stressed

Session #3: The Introvert During the Holidays

• Setting boundaries on holiday expectations to prevent excess stress.
• How to give yourself permission to say “no” to an event.
• Ways to schedule a break for yourself can be at your best for everyone.

Session #4: Presence over Presents

• Finding appreciation for the small moments of joy the season brings us.
• How to practice mindfulness.
• Ways to find “presence” for yourself and others.

For All Seasons will host the third annual free Frosty’s Holiday Village event on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Talbot County Courthouse, 11 N. Washington Street in Easton. Participants can stroll through the event while enjoying free activities, including professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, complimentary cocoa, cider, and winter treats, and a continuous showing of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” on the big screen. Last year, nearly 1,400 people participated in this annual outdoor community event. This year, attendance is expected to grow to nearly 2,000 community members.

Presenting sponsors include The St. John Foundation and Willow Construction. Additional sponsors include The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, the Fraternal Order of Police Cambridge-Dorchester Lodge #223, Easton Utilities, Tidewater Inn, WBOC, Ewing, Dietz, Fountain and Kaludis, P.A., Construction Services and Supply, Inc., Qualifacts, and the Delmarva Pride Center.  Volunteers from Earth Data, Inc. will again be onsite to help set up and secure the Frosty’s Holiday Village inflatables.

Due to a special partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, this year’s event will extend across West Dover Street, which will close for the event, and into the library. The Talbot County Free Library will give out free books to attendees, while the library property will host several Holiday Village activities including a photo booth, face painting, and free holiday crafts.

“This has become a signature community event bringing a diverse audience to welcome in the holiday season. We look forward to gathering together with the community again this December 1^st,  hoping that people of all ages will dress warmly and come get into the spirit with us,” comments Lauren Weber, Vice President of Strategy & Development.

Preregistration for professional photos with Frosty is encouraged at www.forallseasonsfrosty.org.

For All Seasons has recently welcomed three interns, Meghan E. McPherson, Brianna Mench, and Kevin Nugent, who come from various clinical settings to participate in its intern program. Undergraduate and graduate schools utilize For All Seasons for students who need clinical experiences in social work to meet the requirements of their programs. These hands-on experiences are preparing the next generation of social workers.

Intern Meghan E. McPherson is currently the Family Services Case Manager and Truancy Reduction Court Program Intern at the Maryland Judiciary in Cambridge and a Care Associate in health information management at PinnacleCare. She is pursuing her master’s degree in social work at George Mason University and is a graduate of Washington College in Chestertown.

Brianna Mench joined the For All Seasons Medical team as a Preceptor supervised by Kristen Gordy, RN, MSN, CRNP, Psych Nurse Practitioner. Brianna is working as a registered nurse with the Christiana Care Health System and is currently working towards becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) while attending Walden University.

Kevin Nugent was a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional at Channel Marker in Cambridge before becoming a graduate student in the Counselor Education Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

The month of September is No Matter What…You Matter Suicide Prevention Month and For All Seasons urges all citizens to actively work toward the prevention of suicide and to reach out to one another and ASK – “Are you okay?” LISTEN – without judgment, and SHARE – vital resources to promote an inclusive and mentally healthy community.

In the U.S., suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 – 34. In Maryland, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 10 to 34-year-olds. In 2021, 1 in 5 Maryland Mid-Shore teens ages 14 to 17 attempted suicide at least once. These statistics are staggering, and these deaths are often preventable.

Checking in with someone could help save a life. If someone you know is showing signs of depression, withdrawal, or unusual behavior, take time to check-in. Reach out to your circle of friends and family. Be attentive to those whom you have concerns about, and connect them to resources. There are proven treatments to help those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Someone experiencing a crisis may not recognize that suicidal thoughts are often temporary, and with professional support, hope and healing are within their reach.

ASK “Are you OK? Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Be direct and compassionate. Research shows that asking this question will not put the idea into someone’s mind.

SHARE “You are not alone. Help is available.” Connect them to services. For All Seasons is just a phone call away.

LISTEN You don’t need to have all the answers. Be fully present without judgment. Allow the person to share their story.

Staying socially connected and having strong, supportive relationships can increase one’s sense of meaning and belonging and protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Everyone needs connection, and the good news is there is more than one way to create bonds with others. The image below outlines the many people and places where connections can be found. How will you create connections for your own benefit and to support those in your circle?

Most importantly, if you need suicide prevention resources and a step-by-step conversation guide visit: NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines are English 410.820.5600 and Español 410.829.6143. English/Español Text is 410.829.6143. For the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Dial 988.

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.

Approximately 1500 people attended For All Seasons 2023 Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Expo in Idlewild Park in Easton where more than 650 backpacks filled with materials were distributed to local students.

For All Seasons 2023 Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Expo was a great success. Approximately 1,500 people attended, and we distributed more than 650 backpacks filled with materials to local students. A large cadre of dedicated staff, student volunteers, and resource providers worked together to make this a memorable evening for local kids and families. The Talbot Department of Social Services made a generous contribution towards the backpacks.

“Going ‘back to school’ is something a community does; it is not one family; it is not one business or even one school. It is all of us together. People and families these days are hurting. They need these supplies. We make it so every kid, regardless of socioeconomic status, can start the school year on their best foot,” said Jonathan Qvarnstrom, Outreach and Marketing Associate at For All Seasons.

For All Seasons extends its best wishes to all the kids and schools in our vicinity, hoping for a safe, joyful, well-equipped, and spirited beginning to their academic year. The following organizations attended and provided resources to participants, including the Talbot County Health Department, Talbot County Department of Social Services, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., Talbot County Free Library, Talbot Hospice, Aetna Better Health, CarePacks, Eastpoint Church, Brookletts Place – Talbot Senior Center, Seedco Maryland, Dorchester County Health Department, University of Maryland Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc., Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Easton Elementary School, Whoop Connect, SHORE UP! Inc., Choptank Community Health System, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Easton Economic Development Corporation, Cub Scout Pack 190 – Easton, MD, Maryland Department of Health Office of Oral Health, Grace Street Recovery Community, Appleseed Books, and Talbot Humane.

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 hosting a free community event, “We All Have a Role to Play in Suicide Prevention,” on September 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre in Easton. The event is part of a powerful speaker series presentation led by suicide expert and leader within the Veterans Affairs’ National Suicide Prevention Program, Dr. Andrew Moon, and facilitated by For All Seasons President and CEO Beth Anne Dorman. Participants will strengthen their awareness around the topic of suicide prevention, and learn how to reduce suicide risks, leaving attendees with the hope, readiness, and strategies to make a difference in their community.

Dr. Moon will share his invaluable experience in averting crisis points before suicidality.  He is a clinical psychologist with a career focus on trauma, suicide prevention, and education, and is currently the Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Engagement, and Education for the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Office. He will share insights into national, state, and local mental health data, specifically how suicide impacts specific groups, including veterans, first responders, LGBTQ+ populations, and youth. In addition, he will outline the pivotal role each one of us plays in suicide prevention, offering practical strategies for recognizing signs of struggle and responding effectively. Moon will share how to foster an environment of safety for those in your circle to prevent suicide and support those you care about.

September is No Matter What…You Matter Suicide Prevention Month

The month of September is No Matter What…You Matter Suicide Prevention Month and For All Seasons urges all citizens to actively work toward the prevention of suicide and to reach out to one another and ASK – “Are you okay?” LISTEN – without judgment, and SHARE – vital resources to promote an inclusive and mentally healthy community.

In the U.S., suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 – 34. In Maryland, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 10 to 34-year-olds. In 2021, 1 in 5 Maryland Mid-Shore teens ages 14 to 17 attempted suicide at least once. These statistics are staggering, and these deaths are often preventable.

Checking in with someone could help save a life. If someone you know is showing signs of depression, withdrawal, or unusual behavior, take time to check-in. Reach out to your circle of friends and family. Be attentive to those whom you have concerns about, and connect them to resources. There are proven treatments to help those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Someone experiencing a crisis may not recognize that suicidal thoughts are often temporary, and with professional support, hope and healing are within their reach.

ASK “Are you OK? Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Be direct and compassionate. Research shows that asking this question will not put the idea into someone’s mind.

SHARE “You are not alone. Help is available.” Connect them to services. For All Seasons is just a phone call away.

LISTEN You don’t need to have all the answers. Be fully present without judgment. Allow the person to share their story.

Most importantly, if you need suicide prevention resources and a step-by-step conversation guide visit: NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines are English 410.820.5600 and Español 410.829.6143. English/Español Text is 410.829.6143. For the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Dial 988.

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 part of the Governor’s initiative, the Maryland Regional Navigator Program, serving human trafficking victims under the age of 24 in the Mid-Shore of Maryland. Although For All Seasons has been working with victims of human trafficking for years, this program connects its new Human Trafficking Navigator, Susan Ahlstrom, with experts across the state to better support human trafficking victims on the Mid-Shore.

Ahlstrom brings experience as a mental health and wellness counselor and is a Certified EFT/Tapping Practitioner, most recently working as the T.A.M.A.R. (Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, and Recovery) Coordinator for female detainees at the Dorchester and Caroline County Detention Centers. She has over 25 years of experience working in nonprofit development, community building, education, and youth advocacy. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Arts in English from William Smith College in New York.

“I hope to help mitigate the upward trend in Human Trafficking by expanding For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center’s outreach; and strengthening the medical, legal, social service, and mental health collaboration that has already been established to support survivors. I believe my counseling and education background, along with strong communication and networking skills will help facilitate the most effective trauma-informed response to serve victims and their families in the Mid-Shore region and beyond,” Ahlstrom comments.

Human trafficking involves using force, fraud, or threats to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act against a person’s will, often for little or no pay, or something of value such as food, shelter, clothes, or drugs. It is a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children. All persons under age 18 who exchange sex for something of value are human-trafficking victims regardless of the presence of force, lies, or threats. A child cannot legally consent to commercial sex.

The Eastern Shore is an attractive place for trafficking because of its geographic location in proximity to transportation routes by land, air, and sea that offer opportunities for human traffickers to go undetected. Major highways like I-95, Routes 40, 50, 301, and 13 all make transporting victims and meeting buyers easy. In addition, three major international airports, inexpensive bus transportation, train service, and a high rate of seasonal work, make Maryland attractive to human traffickers.

To learn about how to identify possible human trafficking victims, the industries where human trafficking most likely occurs, and ways to help, visit WeSupportSurvivors.org. If you would like more information or would like to request an anti-human trafficking presentation for your place of work or community, email Susan Ahlstrom 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.

On July 17, For All Seasons sponsored its first Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair at the Volunteer Fire House on Hoopers Island in Fishing Creek, Maryland. The event, which drew over 140 participants, was the dream of Ivy Garcia, Director of Latino Outreach and Education at For All Seasons.

“We have struggled with how to reach out to this very isolated community which has needs in its Latino community during the months between April and November when the migrant workers are here on work permits working in the crab-picking houses. COVID prohibited us from meeting in person, so we tried doing support groups via Zoom, but the workers’ schedules were not compatible and the Internet connections at the time in this area were poor,” comments Ivy Garcia, Director of Latino Outreach and Education at For All Seasons.

“I then contacted a Latina worker who had been working for 29 years at Old Salty’s Seafood on Hoopers Island. She asked if I could start visiting some of the workers there in person. So, on May 1 of this year, I started a support group on Hoopers Island for 17 women and also began meeting with individual women who have needs there.”

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 women there become empowered and independent as some are in abusive relationships.

Because the crab-picking houses are very separate from each other in Dorchester County, Garcia decided she needed to do an event where she could reach all of the workers at one time to provide information on a variety of community services. She reached out to some employers on Hoopers Island, including GW Hall and Son, Russell Hall Seafood Inc., AE Phillips & Son, Inc, Lindy’s Seafood, and Old Salty’s Seafood to encourage their workers to attend. Some employers and individuals on Hoopers Island helped provide transportation for the workers so that they could participate.

Among the vendors at the Migrant Resource Fair were Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Dorchester County Health Department, Choptank Community Health, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., Maryland Food Bank, Aetna Better Health of Maryland, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, University of Maryland Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, The Salvation Army of the Mid-Shore, Harriett’s House, and Talbot Humane. Vendors provided important resources including information on how to access medical and dental care, mental health services, health insurance, food, and clothing.

“We had a great turnout with both men and women attending. This was the first time that an event of this kind for the migrant community had been held on Hoopers Island and I am grateful for the volunteers who helped make it a success, including Nicolasa Hipolito who is also involved in our Latino Support Group. We were thrilled to be a part of it and to see the positive response from those who attended,” Garcia comments.

“I hope that we created a connection with these individuals and made them aware of the services that exist for them in Dorchester County. They come here legally and have needs occur while they are here working that can be served by these agencies. Hopefully, we can do this every year because every year they bring different people to the island who will need to know this information.”

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

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.