Part 1 of a 3-part series: "Crisis: Before, During, and After." Knowing when it's time for decisive change before a possible crisis.
About this Event

Hosted by the , “Family Connections” is a virtual community for fathers, mothers, parents, caregivers, and the family peer workforce who support family members experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges.

As a parent, family member, or caregiver, learning the signs and symptoms of substance use and/or mental health challenges in your child of any age is an important first step. When we begin to recognize they may be exhibiting those signs and symptoms, our fear can be both immobilizing and unsettling. Yet many parents, caregivers, and family members will tell you it led to a turning point when they knew they were heading into a possible crisis.

Crisis demands some sort of change in the family, and this change is very stressful. But when we accept our concerns and the hardship, it leaves room to accept the desire for change. The family can then access the will, support, and resources for the whole family to heal.

Join us on January 9th. for the first of a three-part series focused on "Crisis: Before, During, and After." We'll start with a conversation between two parents who will share their own turning points – and accepting it was time for decisive change for their family.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how a potential crisis may present an opportunity for decisive change within the family.
By accepting that the current situation is not working, parents and caregivers can be motivated to get support, new skills, and resources.
By understanding that each family member is affected differently in a potential crisis situation, each person will need different resources and support to thrive.

Susan Terry–Ball is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS) and Case Manager 1 (CM1) at LIFT Community Action Agency in Southeast Oklahoma. She serves as Vice-Chair for Parents Helping Parents Board of Directors, a National Federation of Families affiliate in Oklahoma. A mother and grandmother, she’s worked in the mental health/substance use field for over six years and has been in recovery for 11 years.

As a peer recovery specialist, she leads mental health and substance use classes in rural Southeast Oklahoma to include local Boys and Girls Clubs, youth, and families. She provides peer support and case management to people who are incarcerated or in a residential treatment facility, and works directly with those who are preparing for reentry into the community to succeed. She also provides resources and guidance for women in residential treatment to support their recovery. In addition, she’s developed strong relationships with local law enforcement to address stigma surrounding mental health and substance use

Terry-Ball developed a monthly Tri-County PEER Call for peers to connect and is certified as a Behavioral Health Case Manager 1, Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Opiate OD and Narcan Administration Trainer, SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery), and SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment).

Gail Cormier is Project Director for the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC), led by the National Federation of Families, brings over 25 years of experience providing national and statewide technical assistance and expertise working with families, youth, and young adults. She is a proven national family leader with both professional and family-lived experience.