Parent Learning & Support
Workshops are offered free to parents/grandparents/caregivers/educators of children with
emotional/behavioral health concerns!
1.800.264.9224
Penobscot, Piscataquis, & Southern Aroostook Counties
Nikki Jackson, Regional Parent Support Coordinator, Ph: 884.9163 or
Email: njackson@crisisandcounseling.org
“How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. (Frustration, Anxiety and Tension) City
Workshop” by Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed. Facilitated by Nikki Jackson, Regional Parent Support
Coordinator
This unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same Frustration, Anxiety
and Tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. See how teachers, social workers,
psychologists, parents and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie's workshop reflect upon their
experience and the way it changed their approach to children who have a learning disability.
Friday, Oct 2, 2015 from 10 a.m.-noon at Community Health & Counseling Services, 1093 West
Main St, Dover-Foxcroft
“Non-Toxic Housekeeping Class” Presented by Nikki Jackson, Regional Parent Support Coordinator
Save money and reduce your family’s exposure to toxic cleaners! Join us and learn: how to avoid using toxic
chemicals and still provide a clean, healthy and comfortable home; how to save money and time with simple
cleaning techniques; and easy and inexpensive recipes to make safe, effective homemade household cleaners.
Friday, Nov 6, 2015 from 10 a.m.-noon at Community Health & Counseling Services, 1093 West
Main St, Dover-Foxcroft
“Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Fun! Creating a Cookie Jar Mix Gift” Facilitated by Nikki Jackson, Regional
Parent Support Coordinator
Whip up a homemade gift from the kitchen to show family and friends you truly care! Join us for this
evening of fun and create a cookie jar mix to take home with you as a gift for that special someone.
Personalize your jar by adding a tag and a simple ribbon or bow for a one of a kind touch. G.E.A.R. will
provide the supplies or feel free to bring a wide mouth canning jar or decorative items from home. Note:
You must pre-register for this workshop.
Friday, Dec 4, 2015 from 10 a.m.-noon at Community Health & Counseling Services, 1093 West
Main St, Dover Foxcroft
“Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting
Children with Behavioral Health Needs” Presented by Nikki Jackson, G.E.A.R. Regional Parent Support
Coordinator
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to help your child? Children with behavioral health needs do not
come with a manual! This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior
and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents. “Positive Behavioral Supports” emphasizes
practical ideas about how to meet your child where they are at and utilize their motivation to increase success.
Understanding and using Stage of Change concepts, maximizing provider involvement and enhancing natural
supports will be emphasized to provide usable tools that can be applied in a variety of real life situations.
Temper tantrums are disruptive behavior or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or
desires. Come and learn how to control your child’s tantrums by using behavior management.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Wings for Families & Children, 900 Hammond St,
Bangor
“Autism” Presented by Chris McLaughlin, Clinical Supervisor for Pediatric Outpatient Services at Acadia
Hospital
Chris will be discussing Autism and sharing ways that Acadia is working with this population of youth using an
innovative “pet” therapy program that Acadia has developed for youth in their programs. He will briefly outline
changes made to the diagnostic criteria for Autism and review services that Acadia offers to youth in the
community and how to make referrals to their programs.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Wings for Families & Children, 900 Hammond
St, Bangor
“Managing Stress: Strategies for Recognizing & Reducing Stress” Facilitated by Nikki Jackson,
Regional Parent Support Coordinator
We all have stress in our lives. The stress is even greater for parents of a child with behavioral health needs.
Please join us in the conversation and discovery of what stress is, how stress affects us, how to differentiate
between good and bad stress and learn about some different stress relief and reduction strategies that can
help us to live healthier lives. Please note: The workshop will be followed by a hands-on activity when we will
create bath salts to enjoy at home or give as a gift. Join me in bringing a favorite holiday treat to share with
the group.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Wings for Families & Children, 900 Hammond St,
Bangor
“Support Group Time” Facilitated by Nikki Jackson, Regional Parent Support Coordinator & Robin
Levesque, Regional Support Coordinator, Maine Parent Federation
Raising a child is a rewarding, but demanding job! G.E.A.R. Parent Network and Maine Parent Federation are
collaborating to offer a parent support group for parents in Southern Aroostook County. Come and join in the
conversation with other parents who share similar life experiences. If you are a parent of a child with
behavioral, emotional or developmental health needs, please consider joining us once a month at the location
listed below. Enjoy the opportunity to meet and compare notes with other parents who truly understand the
journey you are on.
Houlton: Meets 2nd Friday of each month from 9:30-11 a.m. at Cary Library, Meeting Rm,
107 Main St, Houlton
Bangor: Meets 3rd Friday of each month from 10:30-noon at Bangor Housing, Board Rm, 161
Davis Rd, Bangor
Note: There will be no meeting at the Bangor location in November.