Blog
2020 Annual Report Released
Tara Wetherell - Tuesday, January 26, 2021
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 ..
COVID and the 2021 Maryland Legislative Session
Ann Geddes - Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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 ..
Problem Gambling and the Holidays
Tara Wetherell - Thursday, December 10, 2020
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 ..
Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season
Tara Wetherell - Thursday, December 10, 2020
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 ..
Want to Be Happier? Be Grateful!
Gail Doerr - Tuesday, November 10, 2020
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 ..
Turn Your Life Experience into a Career Helping Others
Tara Wetherell - Friday, October 16, 2020
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 ..
Six Realistic Self-Care Practices for Right Now
Gail Doerr - Friday, September 04, 2020
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 ..
5 Ways to Make Virtual Back-to-School the Best Possible Experience
Tara Wetherell - Thursday, September 03, 2020
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 ..
Using the Stages of Change to Help a Loved One with a Substance Use Disorder
Tara Wetherell - Tuesday, August 04, 2020
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: ..
A Kindness Practice for Families
Tara Wetherell - Tuesday, August 04, 2020
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 ..