Mission Empower

Youth Event | Pokémon and Video Game Club | December 3, 2021
2021-12-03 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Meet us to play Pokémon and some fun, appropriate video games!

Youth Event | Holiday Destress | December 2, 2021
2021-12-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
How to destress through the holidays

Youth Event | Thanksgiving Harvest | November 18, 2021
2021-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Mission Empower with some light snacks.

Youth Event | Making Thank You Cards | November 11, 2021
2021-11-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Come write some thank you notes with us!

2021 HELIX Conference: Pennsylvania’s Low Incidence Conference
2021-11-08 - 2021-11-10
Dates/Times:
November 8, 2021: 1:00 PM to 5:20 PM
November 9, 2021: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
November 10, 2021: 8:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Location Options: In Person at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center OR Online via ZOOM
Join us for the 5th annual HELIX Conference!
Join us to celebrate high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities and to support school staff and families who are working hard to make those expectations a reality in our current school environments. This annual statewide conference offers an opportunity to learn and engage with presenters who are recognized in the field, as well as colleagues from across the state, highlighting effective instructional strategies and interventions designed specifically for students with low incidence disabilities.
We will have a combination of speakers presenting in person in State College, and virtually via ZOOM. When registering, you will have the option to choose either in person attendance or virtual attendance. Before registering, decide which option meets your needs. Our registration system will ask you to choose one type of registration, in-person only or virtual only. Once you choose your format, you will see the sessions that are available under that option.
Please visit our webpage for more information: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Presenters will include:
Kirk Behnke, Christopher Bugaj, Caterina Campbell and Nikki Huggan, Carole Clancy, Francine Dutrisac, Laura Hayes, Paul Jantz, Karen Kangas with Nora Connell, Vicki Knight, Rachael Langely and Marlene Cummings, Kelly and Jason Luhn, Jane Madell, Michella Maiorana-Basas, Kimberly Mathos, Juliana Pare-Blagov with Melanie Kabia, PEAL and HUNE (Lorie Brew, Tammi Morton, William Del Toro Vargas, Jill Houseal), Chris Tabb and Kaycee Bennett, Matthew Tietjen, Nancy Steele, TIES Center (Terri Vandercook, Gail Ghere, Jessica Bowman, Jennifer Sommerr), Catherine Wiseman-Hakes
Credits:
Act 48 clock hours
ACVREP credits
ASHA credits
Psych PA Board credits
NASP CPD credits
Instructional hours
Registration Information:
You may register online by clicking on the name of the event on the Training Events Calendar at: https://www.pattan.net/events/
You may register directly online by viewing the Training Events Calendar at: https://www.pattan.net/
For content related information and questions, please contact Kristin Starosta at kstarosta@pattan.net or 610-878-7237 or 1-800-441-3215 ext. 7237.
For general registration information and questions, please contact Annette Bauerlein, abauerlein@pattan.net or 800-441-3215 ext. 7211

Youth Event | Pokémon & Video Game Club | November 5, 2021
2021-11-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Come and join us to play Pokémon and some fun appropriate video games!

Youth Event | Communication | September 23, 2021
2021-09-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Different ways to communicate with people & what do you meme?

Youth Event | Ice Cream Social | September 9, 2021
2021-09-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Mission Empower, 1611 Peach Street, Erie, 16501, United States
Get to know the Mission Empower staff and play some games!

PA Community of Practice Transition Virtual Conference - Aug 11-12
2021-08-11 - 2021-08-12
Navigating the Future: A Lifetime Trip
August 11-12, 2021
2021 PA Community of Practice Conference Call for Proposals Flyer
Call for Proposals

The 2021 PA Community of Practice Transition Virtual Conference planning team is requesting proposals from individuals and groups interested in presenting virtually on a wide array of subject matter including:
– navigation of the education system and transition process for students and families
– current research and practical applications for the classroom and the jobsite
– identification and development of support systems
– ​setting a personalized vision for a meaningful life
Each session will be 60 minutes in length. Session types requested include: youth panel discussions, family member panel discussions, community of practice sessions, interactive presentations, and presentations introducing resources and information.
Conference Overview
The PA Community of Practice Virtual Transition Conference will bring together a diverse community of stakeholders to share information, explore resources, and gain knowledge regarding successful practices in secondary transition. The conference attracts more than 800 participants annually. Attendees include educators, students, family members, youth leaders, therapists, agency personnel, vocational rehabilitation staff, and many others.
General Guidelines for Submission

Proposals must be submitted via online application at https://fs25.formsite.com/3fHiZQ/xdcvxfj02a/index.html
All proposals must support post-school outcomes and align with a conference strand ​
Submission Deadline – March 31, 2021

Required Information for Session Proposals

Title of Presentation (100 characters or less)
Narrative Description of Session (300-500 words)
Session Abstract (50 words or less)
Alignment with Conference Strand
​​Name, Email, Employer, Title/Role of Presenters

Note: All required fields must be completed for proposals to be considered for presentation at the conference
Selection Criteria
Proposal selection is based upon the following:

Degree to which the proposal aligns with the conference purpose and strand(s)
Participation by cross-systems teams (e.g., interagency) including families/caregivers
Participation of youth/young adults and/or adults with disabilities as presenters
Clarity, organization, and feasibility of presentation proposal
Inclusion of evidence-based or promising practices
Appropriate for a diverse audience (e.g., youth/young adults, families/caregivers)
Potential to replicate and build capacity of outcome-driven practices
Degree to which proposal meets the youth and/or family engaging criteria

Please direct questions regarding proposal submissions to:
PaTTAN – East – Kim Cole, kcole@pattan.net

MISSION EMPOWER - Big Borthers and Big Sisters Program with Daniel Stone - June 30
2021-06-30 15:00 - 16:00
Registration:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0sx68ue84ab7a0
Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7D9VNBK

MISSION EMPOWER - What is Art Therapy W4 with Sheila Lorenzo - June 23
2021-06-23 15:00 - 16:00
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0sz7cn49701e68
Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/79X269V

MISSION EMPOWER - Free Lawn Festival Outreach Event - June 17
2021-06-17 17:00 - 20:00 | New Life & Spirit Revival Center, 315 E. 9th St., Erie, PA, 16503, United States
For any questions contact :
Norma Lewis at Mission Empower
Nlewis@missionempower.org or 814-825-0788 Ext 102

MISSION EMPOWER - Transition Goals, Activities, and Services in the IEP W4 with PEAL Center - June 16
2021-06-16 15:00 - 16:00
Wendi is going to discuss transition goals, activities, and services in the IEP. This part of the I.E.P can be overwhelming for some families. Mission Empower would like to help ease your concerns by offering this W4. The mission of the PEAL Center is to educate and empower families to ensure that children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs to lead rich, active lives as full members of their schools and communities.
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0skue633cb8b3b
Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/77XF7F7

MISSION EMPOWER - Make Mental Health Work for You W4 with NAMI - June 9
2021-06-09 15:00 - 16:00
NAMI with Rich – Make Mental Health Work for You. More than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood. That’s because stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness are still very much a problem.
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0sgof7c1bef99b
Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VH7TSG

MISSION EMPOWER - Introduction to the IEP Binder W4 - June 2
2021-06-02 15:00 - 16:00
Wendi introduces us to the IEP binder. What the IEP binder is. How to build the IEP binder. Making an IEP binder is a great way to keep information organized and ready when you need it. An IEP binder can help you prepare for IEP meetings and stay up to date on your child’s progress. This powerful tool can also help you communicate and collaborate with teachers and your child’s IEP team.
Registration
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0g4tng2e2cbb2e
Zoom
Meeting ID: 894 2546 9913
Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78WQL8T

City of Erie Summer 2021 Youth Programs and Recreation
2021-06-01 - 2021-08-31

MISSION EMPOWER - IU5 Free Food Program W4 - May 26
2021-05-26 15:00 - 16:00
Summer is almost here. Mission Empower understands that summer brings some challenges for some families..Summer means an increase in the grocery bill. You might be struggling a bit because COVID brought its own circumstances to you. Mission Empower brings you this W4 to help you find the nutritional resources for your family throughout the summer.
Registration:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=bqpx7qabb&oeidk=a07ei0t75uwc4fa4fa0

Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JZ3RGLT

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

2021 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Virtual Conference - May 11
2021-05-11

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

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!

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.

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
