Maryland Coalition of Families is pleased to share our 2020 Annual Report. Last year, our staff connected, supported and empowered 2,528 families—our highest number ever—despite the logistical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of our staff, we continued serving families without interruption even as we evolved and expan ..

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is still important legislative work to be done. One of MCF’s priority bills this year is HB 405, Special Education—Judicial Actions—Attorney’s Fees and Related Costs. HB 405 would allow parents to be reimbursed for attorney’s fees and expert witness costs if they win their case in a due process hearing or court procee ..

The holiday season is an important time to check in with loved ones about their gambling activities—and to talk with youth about the risks of gambling. The typical stress of the holiday season, combined with increased separation and isolation this year due to the pandemic, can be a trigger for some problem gamblers. “A change in someone’s behavior or an increase i ..

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. And yet, for some, the holiday season brings increased stress and risk for behavioral health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there is an annual spike of drug and alcohol related deaths between December and January. Studies also show that binge drinking is highest d ..

November is generally when we start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. This time of year is often marked with gatherings of family and friends, religious and social celebrations and traditions that bring joy and comfort. Unfortunately, this year will probably look different for most of us because of the pandemic. Anxiety, sadness and a sense of overwhelm—both ..

If you’re looking for a career that lets you turn a challenging life experience into an opportunity to help others, consider becoming a Family Peer Support Specialist! We currently have full-time openings for Family Peer Support Specialists in Baltimore City or Anne Arundel/Prince Georges’ counties. Candidates must have personal experience (not work experience) as a family  ..

It’s tempting to use the pandemic as a reason we don’t have time or energy to take care of ourselves right now. It seems that every day we must deal with unfamiliar and unexpected challenges. Just when we feel like we have a handle on our current situation, it changes. For some of us, the working from home arrangement that seemed like a short-term solution has now become a  ..

By Patricia R. Williams M.S. Ed, MS-ABA, BCAT, CFPS Family Peer Support Referral Specialist With many school districts choosing to begin the school year with some variation of a virtual environment, this year will be another one for the record books. Even if last year ended in frustration with the virtual format, we are here to make this year’s transition a bit easier for y ..

If you have a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem, it can be hard to understand why addiction happens and why it is so hard to escape the cycle of substance use. You may want to help, but feel unsure where to start or what to do. Maryland Coalition of Families is here to help! On Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM, MCF staff will present Exploring the Stages of Change:  ..

It is neurologically impossible to be both stressed out, and really loving and kind at the same time. When members of our family feel stressed—even young children—their ability to be empathetic and compassionate towards others dwindles away. This results in short tempers, selfish behaviors and hurt feelings all around. While it is just not possible to be per ..