Youth Summit 2020
2020-08-12 09:00 - 2020-08-14 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States

Literacy
2020-09-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States

Knowing Your Rights in the Midst of a Pandemic - October 8th
2020-10-08 18:00 - 19:00
Knowing your rights w/ Curtis Jones
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

JOIN MEETING

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 113-933-021
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Here is the information:
Knowing Your Rights in the Midst of a Pandemic

A Webinar Series Discussing How to Advocate for Your Child During Virtual Schooling

Join Curtis Jones on three Thursdays in October starting at 6 PM for guidance on your child receiving the accommodations they need to be successful during this new school experience! Register on our website at missionempower.org

October 8th — Advocating in the New Virtual World
October 15th — Rights and Responsibilities
October 22nd — Assistive Technology Tips

Knowing Your Rights in the Midst of a Pandemic - October 15th
2020-10-15 18:00 - 19:00

Knowing Your Rights in the Midst of a Pandemic - October 22nd
2020-10-22 18:00 - 19:00

Wonderful Wednesdays with Wendi
2020-11-04 15:00 - 2020-12-16 16:00
Each week Mission Empower has a live podcast at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Please subscribe to our newsletter to get an invitation to the next event!
Nov. 4th : Nami: Steve: Being Thankful with what we have
Nov. 11th : Abbe Biebel talking about Positive Youth Development
Nov. 18th : Cindy from PEAL Center: Covid-19 Annotated IEP
Nov. 25th: No program due to Thanksgiving break
Dec. 2nd: Tiahanna Martinez: Harborcreek Youth Services
Dec. 9th: Kelly King: PEAL CENTER and transitioning
Dec. 16th: Steve from NAMI and Managing Holiday Stress
If you have any questions, a topic or guest speaker you would like to see, please email Wendi at wwojtecki@missionempower.org

Youth Event | How Do YOU Learn? | February 4, 2021
2021-02-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Online Event on ZOOM
Youth ENVISION event hosted by Mission Empower

Find out which way you learn best & study tips
LINK to ZOOM Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81882734478

Youth Event | Movie Night | February 19, 2021
2021-02-19 18:00 - 20:15 | Tinseltown USA, 1910 Rotunda Drive, Erie, PA, 16509, United States
Youth ENVISION event hosted by Mission Empower

Movie TBD. This is a free event!

How does your child learn?
2021-03-03 15:00 - 16:00
Britney and Alex discuss different learning styles. Many students find learning new topics difficult, they may see their classmates grasping new topics quicker than they can and become frustrated, but by understanding and recognizing their specific learning style they can figure out what works best for them and become more confident and successful in school and even other aspects of their lives

Register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehn0yq5kcf0f8d71
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L9JTV9K

Youth Event | Art Night | March 4, 2021
2021-03-04 17:00 - 18:30 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Youth ENVISION event hosted by Mission Empower

Supplies will be provided!

Pathway of Hope / Tessa And Claira
2021-03-17 15:00 - 16:00
The Salvation Army of Western PA
Pathway of Hope is a program that works to help families overcome barriers like unemployment, unstable housing, and a lack of education in order to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability while leading families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. We appreciate support from companies like CSSI, to help give families HOPE
Register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehn14rjq17e6a8e6
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L35L27F

Youth Event | Seeking Employment / Volunteer Work Training | March 18, 2021
2021-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Online Event on ZOOM
Youth ENVISION event hosted by Mission Empower

Job readiness training, resume building
LINK to ZOOM Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85672050162

Career Street / Jennifer
2021-03-24 15:00 - 16:00
Career Street is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program linking businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools to create and share experiences for students to job shadow, intern, tour companies, benefit from class speakers, and participate in career workshops and fairs.
Register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehn1b0eud7d052bb
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VPSYM7W

Transition Night with OVR - March 30 @ 6:30pm
2021-03-30 18:30 - 20:30
We have great news! OVR is hosting a district-wide Transition Night with OVR on March 30th at 6:30pm specifically designed for transition-aged youth and families.
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help students and adults with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR can assist students in selecting their vocational goal, provide counseling and guidance, diagnostic services, assessments, job development and placement services.
This event will allow youth with disabilities and their parents/guardians to connect with a few of our staff, learn about OVR services, and to discuss the next steps to take toward gaining their independence. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) can assist youth throughout their transition process by working with our Early Reach Coordinators and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. Even after a student graduates from high school, OVR continues to help the student in obtaining their employment goal.
We would appreciate your assistance to spread the word about the upcoming Transition Night with OVR. Thanks always for your support! If you have any questions, please contact me. Anyone interested in registering should contact Jennifer Divins at jdivins@pa.gov. Thank you.

Youth Event | Game Night | April 1, 2021
2021-04-01 17:00 - 18:30 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Youth ENVISION event hosted by Mission Empower

Come play some games! Snacks provided!

MISSION EMPOWER - Wonderful Wednesdays with Wendi
2021-04-07 15:00 - 2021-04-21 16:00
Each week Mission Empower has a live podcast at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Please subscribe to our newsletter to get an invitation to the next event!
W4
April 7, 2021
Peal Center – Kelly King – Navigating Behavioral Health Systems
Registation
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehs6arage74aa0a5
Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MY9RKK2

W4
April 14, 2021
NAMI of Erie County Talking About Upcoming Programming
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehs6iqfo34ea086b
Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MTDD3Y8

W4
April 21, 2021
Lisa Karney From NWPA Career Link
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ehs6s9nz19134f0f
Zoom
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XTR9LDH
If you have any questions, a topic or guest speaker you would like to see, please email Wendi at wwojtecki@missionempower.org

PEAL Center Disability and Mental Health Summit 2021: Youth Sessions - Apr 12-13
2021-04-12 - 2021-04-13
DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 2021: YOUTH SESSIONS
April 12 @ 9:00 am – April 13 @ 11:30 am UTC+0

These sessions are specifically for transition age young people, ages 14-26. Families/teachers are welcome to assist or register for them.

About this Event

If you need any assistance registering for this event, please email kbrinkley@pealcenter.org
There are 4 sessions for youth. Please select which sessions you are registering for when prompted.
Monday, April 12th, 9:00-10:00 am: Using Your Voice for Change

Do you know of a problem that needs fixed? Is there something that you want to see changed for the better for everyone? Learn how powerful YOUR voice can be!

Monday, April 12th, 10:30-11:30 am: Building Healthy Relationships

What does a “healthy” relationship look like? How do I set boundaries for myself in a relationship? Learn how to value your own self-worth and identify what it means to be in healthy friendships and relationships.

Tuesday, April 13th, 9:00-10:00 am: Out of the Box Transition Planning

Learn about some of the unique ways transition teams have been preparing students for life after high school during the pandemic. Whether you’re at home or in school, there are countless ways to stay engaged and focus on the future!

Tuesday, April 13th, 10:30-11:30 am: Friendships: Building a Good Life for Teens & Young Adults

Making friends can be hard work. Let’s talk about what true friendship looks like, how to nurture friendships, and why they are important in everyone’s lives!

Family Members or Individuals: If you are registering an individual student to attend, please choose this option.
Teachers: If you are registering for a class, please choose this option. Please make sure you indicate how many youth will be attending, and how they will be logging in, either individually or all together. We understand that some students may be absent, but give us your best guess.
We look forward to seeing the youth who will be participating this year!

Register on Eventbrite

PA Early Intervention and Family Support Program Conference - April 27-28
2021-04-27 - 2021-04-28
Registration is Now Open!
The Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports is pleased to invite you to the upcoming virtual conference, Pennsylvania 2021 Early Intervention and Family Support Program Conference: Learning and Sharing to Support Children and Families on April 27-28, 2021.
This statewide conference will provide an opportunity for families and professionals to gain knowledge and skills in effective practices in Early Intervention, home visiting, and family support programs. The over 30 sessions will focus on topics including equity, family engagement, trauma informed care, social emotional development and service delivery.
Invited participants include: Early Intervention Infant Toddler/Preschool Leaders, Teachers and Service Providers; Family Support Administrators, Supervisors, Home Visitors, and Nurse Home Visitors; and Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention or Family Support Services.
This conference is intended for professionals and families involved in Pennsylvania Early Intervention and Family Support programs only.
The schedule for the conference and information about credits is available on the conference website. Participants can receive up to 7 credit hours for Act 48, Infant/Toddler, PQAS, Social Work or Nursing.
Registration Information:
1) There is no registration fee for this event however, pre-registration is required.
2) Please register by April 9, 2021 through the following direct link https://www.pattan.net/Events/Conferences/Course-2871/Events/Session-35471.
3) In order to be eligible for conference attendance and/or continuing education credit, participants must complete an evaluation at the end of the conference and include a verification code for each individual session they are applying for credit and/or attendance. The conference evaluation survey is entirely online and will be available on the conference platform at the start of the conference. You will not receive credit, or be marked in attendance, for any sessions for which you have not registered. You must complete the conference evaluation within the Chime App by May 7th to receive credit.
If you have any questions, please reference the Frequently Asked Questions on the conference website or contact the conference help desk at eita@pattan.net.
We look forward to your participation!
Deb Daulton, Director
Early Intervention Technical Assistance

Lessons from the Field: Family & Community Engagement and Returning to In-Person Instruction - Apr 28
2021-04-28 15:00 - 16:00
Attention: Education Agencies, Education Providers and Family & Community Engagement Staff
The U.S. Department of Education is hosting a webinar series to support educational settings in safely sustaining or returning to in-person instruction. The series features lessons learned and best practices from teachers, faculty, staff, schools, districts, institutions of higher education, early childhood education providers, other places of educational instruction, describing approaches to operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) invites you to join the next webinar, Family & Community Engagement and Returning to In-Person Instruction.
Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm EST
Please join us for this informative webinar featuring practitioners with notable success in effective strategies for engaging families and communities while re-opening schools following the pandemic. After a brief overview of the latest information from the U.S. Department of Education related to family engagement, practitioners will share promising practices and effective strategies for meaningful family and community engagement.
Speakers/Panelists

Christian Rhodes: Chief of Staff, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education
Jessica Cardichon: Deputy Assistant Secretary for K-12, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, U.S. Department of Education
Representatives from Local Education Agencies

Register Here!

Please contact NCSSLE if you have any questions. We look forward to sharing this information with you and hearing from you about the important work you are doing in your schools, communities, and states to meet the needs of your students and staff as they return to in person instruction.

MISSION EMPOWER - NWPA CareerLink Youth Programs W4 - Apr 28
2021-04-28 15:00 - 16:00
Did you know that Pennsylvania CareerLink offers youth programs? Are you a teen of working age? This W4 will discuss those programs in detail. Don’t want to miss this one.
Wendi from Mission Empower will continue speaking to PA Career Link about their youth programs. Join to see how your child 16+ is able to benefit from their programs. These discussions are always interesting.

Register Now!

MISSION EMPOWER - Karen Omniewski from Department of Health W4: Dental Services - May 5
2021-05-05 15:00 - 16:00
Wendi, Mission Empowers Parent Coordinator and Richard from Nami will be discussion upcoming programming through NAMI. Wendi will dig deeper about their services.Then we will have a Q&A session for all of our live session viewers. You don’t want to miss this!
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie County provides education and support of mental illness for individuals and families in an effort to improve the public’s awareness and understanding of mental health.

Register Now!

Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/96JL3ZG

2021 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Virtual Conference - May 11
2021-05-11
Speak Up!
Take Action!
Create Change!
Improving Systems for Families!
Tuesday May 11 and Thursday May 13, 2021
The agenda is set! Take a look at the graphic below and you will see that the 2021 SPAN Parent Leadership and Advocacy Virtual Conference will be chock full of valuable information to advance your Parent Leadership work in 2021 and beyond.
The SPAN Parent Leadership and Advocacy Virtual Conference is a statewide conference for and about meaningful Parent Leadership across New Jersey’s education, health, mental health, family support, human services and child welfare systems.
To Register: Click this link
Sponsors and Exhibitors: Click this link
If you have any questions, please email Nicole Pratt at npratt@spanadvocacy.org
For Sponsors and Exhibitors, please email Lanisha Makle-Ridley at lmakleridley@spanadvocacy.org

PA Care Partnership Webinar Series - May 11-June 24
2021-05-11 - 2021-06-24
May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2021

May 11, 2021, 2 to 4 p.m. ET: Jarred Vermillion, Heroes: Engaging Youth and Families Through Pop Culture, register now: http://bit.ly/2NfOZwK
May 13, 2021, 2 to 4 p.m. ET: Dan Dubovsky, Improving Outcomes by Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), register now: http://bit.ly/39cWCNa
May 25, 2021, 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET: #DearAdultWorld, Panelists: Calvin Ryerse, Allison Higgins, Diana Campo, and Patrick Miller, register now: http://bit.ly/3peVOwI
May 27, 2021, 2 to 4 p.m. ET: Dan Dubovsky, Improving Outcomes by Modifying Approaches for Those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), register now: http://bit.ly/39cWCNa

June 2021

June 10, 2021, 2 to 4 p.m. ET: Daniel Hughes, Ph.D., Building Trust with Children who have been hurt in Relationships. – register now: http://bit.ly/3sUdyzO
June 24, 2021, 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET: Riana Elyse Anderson, Ph.D., LCP, Healing Racial Trauma: Racial Socialization as a Clinical Strategy for Black Youth – Register now: https://bit.ly/2NK9geK

MISSION EMPOWER - NAMI Richard Walter - Current Programming W4 - May 12
2021-05-12 15:00 - 16:00
Wendi, Mission Empowers Parent Coordinator and Richard from Nami will be discussion upcoming programming through NAMI. Wendi will dig deeper about their services.Then we will have a Q&A session for all of our live session viewers. You don’t want to miss this!
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie County provides education and support of mental illness for individuals and families in an effort to improve the public’s awareness and understanding of mental health.

Register Now!

Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DVS5LXS

2021 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Virtual Conference - May 13
2021-05-13

CADRE Webinar - Exploring Implicit Bias and Microaggressions in Special Education - May 18
2021-05-18 11:30 - 16:00
On, May 18, 2021, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PT (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET), CADRE will host a free webinar, Exploring Implicit Bias and Microaggressions in Special Education., presented by Jason Harper, Founder of Harper Conflict Resolution, LLC.
REGISTERING:
Please register for the free webinar. Details about how to join the webinar will be sent to you upon registration. (If you’re unable to join, a recording will be available on the website.)
ABOUT THE WEBINAR:
Unconscious bias is the result, in part, of the human brain’s need to categorize and store vast amounts of information. While everyone has unconscious biases, it can create problems when they surface in our evaluations and decisions. In Special Education, our implicit biases can alter our decisions regarding who we assess, who we believe, and how we evaluate cases. Further, it is important to understand how microaggressions can affect our parties, clients, and colleagues, leaving them with negative encounters over our seemingly innocuous statements. This presentation will deepen knowledge and skills in the area of implicit bias, microaggressions and how to mitigate those factors when evaluating cases or working with families.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Jason Harper is the founder of Harper Conflict Resolution, LLC. He specializes in Education and Employment mediation utilizing a collaborative approach. In addition, Jason is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) consultant, conflict management coach, adjunct professor, and trainer. Most notably, Jason is the ADR Consultant for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, providing mediation and conflict resolution services to over 50 school districts and charter schools.

He is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law teaching on Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution and an Adjunct Professor of Mediation at Pacific Coast University, School of Law. Jason has also provided mediation and conflict resolution training for organizations such as the Western Justice Center and the International Visitors Council, training adults from over twenty different countries. Jason has been recognized by the California State Senate and the United States Congress for his mediation trainings.
This webinar will be recorded.
View past CADRE webinar recordings
Please note: If interested, you may email cadre@directionservice.org and we will update you on upcoming CADRE webinars and provide you with an opportunity to give us feedback.

PA Parent Family Alliance Webinar - Feeling Safe When the Sky is Falling: Helping Pre-School and Elementary School Children through a Global Pandemic - May 18
2021-05-18 19:30 - 20:30
This presentation looks at the impact of the pandemic on young children and uses what we know about resilience in order to help caregivers support their children’s healthy development despite the condition of the global pandemic.
Audience: parents of young children, teachers working with children to elementary age, others who work with families.
Presented by: Kristen Hennessy, Ph.D, is a licensed psychologist and trauma therapist specializing in the treatment of children with histories of complex trauma. She has worked in Central PA for over the past decade, and speaks locally and internationally on topics regarding the treatment of children with histories of complex trauma.
Presented in partnership with BHARP, System of Care Project. This event is funded, in part, under grant # 1H79SM08194-02 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US.
Register Now!

MISSION EMPOWER - GECAC Summer JAM W4 - May 19
2021-05-19 15:00 - 16:00
Summer is going to be here before we know it. Our teens are going to want some extra money, right? Well here is you chance to learn about the GECAC’S summer JAM. Summer JAM is GECAC’s program to help youth connect with local employers for the perfect summer job. Watch this W4 for more information about this great community program.

Register Now!

Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D9FXWGV

PEAL Center and PA Dept of Health's Youth and Family Leadership Symposium - May 20-22
2021-05-20 - 2021-05-22
We are partnering with the PA Department of Health to host the first Youth and Family Leadership Symposium on May 20-22, virtually. We are inviting youth and family members from across PA who have leadership experience and want to grow their leadership voice to impact systems that serve children, teens and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs.
Through interactive sessions scattered across 3 days, join leaders from all over the state and elevate your voice to create change. Together, we will engage with leadership experts, family panels, youth and caregivers during breakouts.
Some of the sessions include: “Finding your Leadership Rhythm,” “Building Networks with Purpose,” “Being the Only ‘Dad’ in the Room,” and “Expanding the Vision of Family Leadership.” Sessions will be held during the day and in the evening, as well as Saturday morning. Sessions will be recorded if you are not able to attend one of them, but live attendance is preferred.To RSVP, go to http://LeadershipSymposium2021.eventbrite.com.
We are anticipating diverse participants from various areas of Pennsylvania who bring a wealth of experience to attend. If you desire to grow in your leadership journey with us, please join us May 20th, 21st, and 22nd!
Come and “Bring Your Voice: Share Your Vision!” with us! You don’t want to miss it!
If you have any questions, contact kbrinkley@pealcenter.org.

PA Parent Family Alliance Webinar - Learning to Fly While Locked Down: Helping Middle and High Schoolers Through a Global Pandemic -
2021-05-20 19:30 - 20:30
This presentation will explore the unique developmental challenges of middle and high school students during a pandemic. We will explore how caregivers can support the healthy development of their adolescents despite the difficulties of the pandemic.
Audience: parents of middle and high school students teachers, others who work with families.
Presented by: Kristen Hennessy, Ph.D, is a licensed psychologist and trauma therapist specializing in the treatment of children with histories of complex trauma. She has worked in Central PA for over the past decade, and speaks locally and internationally on topics regarding the treatment of children with histories of complex trauma.
Presented in partnership with BHARP, System of Care Project. This event is funded, in part, under grant # 1H79SM08194-02 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US.
Register Now!
