News & Library
Keep up with the latest news about Firefly Children and Family Alliance, from recent announcements to new programs and services
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND WELLNESS STRATEGIES SPECIFIC TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Initially created in 1926 by educator Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week”, Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black people in the United States and across the diaspora. As a social services agency invested in ending the stigma around mental health and counseling, it’s important to acknowledge the organizations, websites, and programs removing the barrier of access to culturally competent care. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) indicates that while “anyone can develop a mental health problem; African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers.” To add to the conversation about Black American mental health and wellness, here are a few useful resources to finding mental health services and wellness strategies specific to Black people.
JULY IS MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH!
July is Minority Mental Health Month. Established in 2008, it is also known as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and serves to increase public awareness of harmful stigmas and disparities in mental health care for minorities and underserved communities.
Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, advocate, national spokesperson, and co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles. She advocated to provide mental health education and improve mental health care access for people of color. When Campbell passed away in 2006 her close friend, Linda Warton-Boyd along with allies and friends, fought for recognition of a Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Kris’ Corner – The ABC’s of Foster Care
So I wanted to take a few minutes to give you the 411 on the ABCs of FC. For some reason, these seem to be on the DL, so oftentimes you have to guess what they *might* mean. But they don’t need to be on the QT…so here’s is your starter list for talking to those...
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS SUMMER
It’s summertime which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Although Summer 2020 will be a summer like no other with the stress and modifications due to COVID19, there are still plenty of things to do to make lasting memories.
Kris’ Corner – You don’t have to be a parent to be a foster parent
Over the years, I’ve had people tell me that they’re just not sure they could foster because they don’t have any other children, and they’ve never parented. So I typically respond with something like this, “At some point, we were all in the same position…we weren’t...
JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH AND FATHER’S DAY IS THIS WEEKEND!
There is no better time of year to support the men in your life by encouraging them to focus on their health. When it comes to a healthier body and mind, prevention is critical. Many of the risk factors for disease are preventable. Learning what to look for and what changes to make, can help lower those risks.
SUMMER PLANS: CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH KIDS!
IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!
Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth takes place on June 19th every year to commemorate the 1865 federal orders read in Galveston, Texas stated that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863! While Juneteenth celebrations have been canceled, or moved online due to COVID-19, you can still learn and celebrate with your family! Below are some ideas to celebrate the day.
Kris’ Corner – What if I get too attached?
When I meet people and discuss foster care the question that inevitably comes up (even in a five minute conversation while I’m working a booth) is “what if I get too attached?” And sometimes it is followed up with, “I just couldn’t give them back.” Well, first, if you...
Kris’s Corner – Fostering isn’t for everyone
Fresh on the heels of May’s Foster Care Awareness Month, I know that some of you may be wrestling with whether or not to throw your hat in the foster parenting ring. So I want to pause and put a little something out there: not everyone should be a foster parent. Yes,...
HOW YOU CAN ENHANCE YOUR ALLYSHIP FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY!
Each year the month of June is celebrated as LGBT Pride Month. Pride events can include performances, festivals, speaking events, and the infamous Pride parade – all celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and identities. Although Pride events happen throughout the year, June was chosen as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stone Wall Riots: a series of protests that began in June of 1969 that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement.
As a gay woman, I enjoy attending Pride events. I love seeing same-sex couples proudly holding hands, transgender and non-binary folks making their voices heard through art and performances, and LGBT parents celebrating with their children.