COMMUNITY GROUPS/WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS
Due to the Pandemic, many groups are meeting virtually. Please reach out to the contact person to confirm and to receive an invite to join virtually.
Every Wednesday—The Mother’s Connection—9 am to 11 am. New Generations Family Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital. Mothers and their new babies, from birth through crawling stage, are invited to join this popular class. Mothers share their joys, frustrations, questions, and concerns as they make new friendships and receive positive support for their role as a mother. To register for or for more information call 828-586-7907.
Every Thursday—NAMI Connections. Starting at 7 PM combination support group. Held at First Methodist Church Outreach Center located at the intersection of Harrison and W Main Sts, Franklin. This meeting is hosted by NAMI Appalachian South and a mixed group of family members and individuals with mental illness. The group focuses on support, education, resources, and advocacy. For more information contact Donita at 828-526-9510 or Ann at 828-369-7385.
Every Saturday—Narcotic Anonymous (NA) Bonfire Meeting—7 pm. 81 Academy Street, Bryson City. Anyone in active addiction or in recovery is welcome. It rains, meeting held inside. For more information contact Amanda Garrett at restorationhousewnc31@gmail.com or 828-341-5299.
First and Third Mondays of each month—DIOM (Drugs in our Midst) Family Support Group—Starting at 6:30pm at the conference room at Haywood County Sheriff’s Office. Our purpose is to bring persons who have loved ones experiencing Substance Use Issues together. We support them, provide resources information, and share experiences and ways to make it work for you and your loved one. We pray together, cry together, and love each other. This is a faith-based program provided free for those who need our support. For more information contact Jean Parris at jeankparris@gmail.com.
First Tuesday of each month—Jackson/Swain/Qualla Chapter of the Autism Society of NC—Family Support Network of Region A Caregiver Cafe Meeting. Starting at 6 pm. Held at Swain Middle School—Media Center, 135 Arlington Ave, Bryson City and virtually via TEAMS. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111 orhttp://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.jackson.swain.qb
First Wednesday of each month—Cherokee County Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 6 PM. Held at Region A Partnership for Children’s Murphy office located at 141 Peachtree St, Suite 5, Professional Building, Murphy and virtually via TEAMS. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. RSVP is required. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111.
First Wednesday of each month—Cherokee County Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 10 AM or 6 PM. Held at Region A Partnership for Children’s Murphy office located at 141 Peachtree St, Suite 5, Professional Building, Murphy. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. RSVP is required. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111
First Thursday of each month—The Compassionate Friends of Western North Carolina. Starting at 6:30 pm at Longs Chapel United Methodist Church located at 133 Old Clyde Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785. The mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. For more information contact John Chapman at 828-400-6480 or jchapm1@gmail.com.
Second Monday of the Month—Parent Time Out Me Time!–Adoptive Parent Support Café “Support andEncouragement in the Parenting Journey”. 6 pm to 7 pm. This is an opportunity to join forces and learn with a unique group of like-minded adoptive parents, who want to share what they have learned and experienced, in every area of their parenting journey. Having the support and ideas from other focused and driven adoptive parents, allows us to see things differently, to get a new perspective on actions, get needed support, and helps everyone grow to a new level! Together, we can learn from each other how to thrive, and not just survive, during difficult times. For virtual joining information send an email to communications@childrenshopealliance.org. Register to join athttps://www.childrenshopealliance.org/events/.
Second Tuesday of Each Month—Grief Support Group—For individuals who have lost a loved one to the drug crisis–
Do you have a family member, friend or loved one struggling with addiction (Substance Use
Disorder)? Have you or someone close to you lost a child or loved one to the drug crisis? Are you searching for
hope and understanding? Would it help if you had someone to talk with or even a shoulder to cry on? Would
you benefit from peer-generated fellowship, outreach, and support? We are The SHARE Project, and we are
here for you and others like you! We have walked miles in your shoes, are fighting your same battles and have
cried your same tears. We have learned that power comes in unity, there is strength in numbers and together
we can make a difference! We are working to strip the shame and stigma from the drug epidemic so ordinary
people caught up in this extraordinary crisis have a safe place to land. We want you to know that WE DO
UNDERSTAND and YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Due to COVID-19 closings, please check our website for time and
location. https://theshareproject.org/upcoming-events/
Second Wednesday of each month—Relative Raising another’s Child support group. 10 am. This will be a judge free zone and place to share feelings, experiences and resources. Together we can support each other. Meet other grandparents and those in a grandparent role all are welcome, aunts, uncles or any relative that is raising a family member. Group will be held at Bethel Christian Academy located at 100 Park St, Canton. (Ring the bell on the front door of the school to be let in)For more information or questions, please contact Janet Lee at 702-370-1835.
Second Saturday of each month—Virtual Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 1 PM. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information about “protective factors” that keep you family strong. September through May. Meeting is virtual through the TEAMS platform. RSVP is required. For more information and the link to join, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111.
Second Thursday of the month—Jackson County Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 6 PM. Currently held virtually via TEAMS. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. RSVP is required. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111.
Third Wednesday of each month—Haywood County Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 8:30 AM. Held at the Region A Partnership for Children’s Waynesville office located at 367 Dellwood Rd, Building C, Waynesville. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. RSVP required. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111.
Third Thursday of the month—Jackson County Caregiver Group Meeting. Starting at 2 PM. Currently held virtually via TEAMS. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. This group focuses on families raising a child with a special need. Conversations and information for families to work together through challenging times. Sharing information around “protective factors” that keeps your family strong. Different theme each month. September through May. RSVP is required. For more information, contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org or 828-506-6111.
Third Tuesday of Each Month—Outreach Support Group—For individuals who have a loved one suffering from addiction–Do you have a family member, friend or loved one struggling with addiction (Substance Use Disorder)? Have you or someone close to you lost a child or loved one to the drug crisis? Are you searching for hope and understanding? Would it help if you had someone to talk with or even a shoulder to cry on? Would you benefit from peer-generated fellowship, outreach, and support? We are The SHARE Project, and we are here for you and others like you! We have walked miles in your shoes, are fighting your same battles and have cried your same tears. We have learned that power comes in unity, there is strength in numbers and together we can make a difference! We are working to strip the shame and stigma from the drug epidemic so ordinary people caught up in this extraordinary crisis have a safe place to land. We want you to know that WE DO UNDERSTAND and YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Due to COVID-19 closings, please check our website for time and location. https://theshareproject.org/upcoming-events/
Third Thursday of each month—Grandparent/Caregiver Info/Support Group—Are you a grandparent or family caregiver of a child? Or children?? Do you sometimes wonder how many people are in the same boat? Do you ever think “Things have changed since I grew up” and feel you could use information and support? Clay County Schools is offering an opportunity for caregivers to connect, identify helpful information/resources needed for grandparents/caregivers and for them to support each other. If interested in attending the Grandparent/Caregiver Info-Support Group please RSVP to Terri Hager, Outreach Worker for Clay County Schools at 828-389-8586 ext. 4225 or cell: 828-361-2776. Please leave a message. Childcare/snacks provided. Location is Hayesville Elementary School/Media Center from 3:30 – 4:45 pm. Park AFTER 3:20 at HES Parking Circle.
Third Friday of each month—Moms’ Connection—Usually meets at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church located at 495 Herbert Hills Dr, Hayesville from 10 am to 12 pm. A group for moms to connect, get support, tips, and have fun! Free Nursery care is available for kids 0-5 years. Meets the third Friday of each month. From 10am- 12pm. Check our page for updates on where we are meeting each month. For more information contact Militza Arias at 239-595-1550. Visit the Facebook page at momsconnectionhayesville.
Fourth Monday of each month—Adolescent Support Group for Chronic Medical Conditions 4 PM – 5 PM.
Are you a teenager with a medical condition? Do you wish that you could talk to others in similar conditions? This group will be a welcoming, non-judgmental, safe place for you to share your experiences and struggles, laugh with each other, and build a sense of community. Group will meet in the Reuter’s Outpatient Building of Mission Children’s Hospital, in the Chapel. Participants must have a current Mission Outpatient provider. For more information contact Sarah Kirkpatrick at 828-213-1869 or Sarah.kirkpatrick@msj.org.
Every other Sunday—CHA Virtual Teen Hangout. June 12th from 11 am to 12 pm is the first on in June and then every other Sunday after that. For teens 13 – 18. Judgement free zone. Gift certificates for all attendees. Connect and shar experiences with other teens in a safe space. Presented by Children’s Hope Alliance. For questions contact Christina Mitchell at 704-881-4346. Follow this link to join https://www.childrenshopealliance.org/event/cha-virtual-hangout-for-teens-3/2022-06-12/.
Smart Start (SS) / Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) Team Meetings—Cherokee County meets the 1st Wednesday of each month starting @ 1:00 PM; Clay County meets the 1st Thursday of each month starting @ 1:30 PM; Graham County meets the 2nd Thursday of each month starting @ 9:30 AM; Haywood County meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting @ 10:30 AM; Jackson County meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting @ 12 noon; Macon County meets the 4th Thursday of the month starting @ 12 noon; Qualla Boundary meets the 4th Wednesday starting at 12 noon with lunch at 11:30 am; and, Swain County meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month starting @ 10:00 AM. Holidays and weather may cancel the meeting. For more details contact Jody Miller at jmiller@rapc.org.
Monday through Friday—Car Seat Clinic—8 am – 4 pm (closed for lunch 12 pm – 12:45 pm). Held in the Beloved Women and Children’s Building (73 Kaiser Wilnoty Rd, Cherokee). Must have correct amount. Child must be present. EBCI enrollment card (parent or child). Car seats cost $20 for infant, convertible, combination, or high back booster. Questions about clinic or car seats please contact Savannah Farmer at 828- 359-6216.
A Monday of the Month—Macon County Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Caregivers—Meets from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Watauga Baptist Church located at 658 Watauga Church Rd, Franklin. Open to all foster/adoptive caregivers. Entrée is provided and attendees bring a covered dish to share. For more information and to find out what Monday the meeting for this month is going to be contact Stacey Messer at Macon DSS at 828-349-2124.
Mondays 4 pm to 5 pm or Wednesdays 12 pm to 1 pm—Listening Circles for those affected by Tropical Storm Fred. RFR is partnering with Meridian and Haywood County Health and Human Services to offer Listening Circles for anyone affected by Tropical Storm Fred. You may have been directly impacted, are supporting others who are, or perhaps you live or work in the community. We believe that everyone has the ability to deepen their resilience and experience better days even after hard events. That is why we are offering Listening Circles that are open to the public. Listening Circles are a safe space for people to connect online. They give you a chance to share how you are doing, work with our Listening Circle leaders to de-stress, and practice tools that can help when times are tough. Click here to joinhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85991380977?pwd=VVZ2Z3VoS3F3NzNCaUVCMWxMUElDdz09#success. Or call in 1-312-626-6799, meeting id 860 3540 5025, passcode 807704. There is no cost to participate. For more information or questions contact 828-367-7092 or information@resourcesforresilience.com.
Each Monday–NCDHHS COVID-19 Update Call for Members, Families and Stakeholders 2 pm – 3 pm–Each Monday at 2:00 p.m. Toll-Free: 877-336-4441 Access Code: 9264293. The Division of MH/DD/SAS and Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) remain committed to working hard to assess service gaps, create and amend policies, and direct funding into service areas that will be impactful in preventing the interruption and delay of behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services during this challenging time. This weekly call is for consumers, family members, and community stakeholders ONLY. If you are a provider who joins the call, please allow consumers, family members, and community stakeholders to ask their questions. Provider questions will be answered during the regularly scheduled NC Providers call. As new information emerges and guidance is created to respond quickly and proactively to COVID-19, please continue to get up-to-date information at the NC DHHS COVID-19 webpage. Additional resources for submitting questions and requests for information: Send an email with your question or comment to: BHIDD.COVID.Qs@dhhs.nc.gov or visit the NC DHHS website and click on this link to submit BH and IDD questions via an online portal.
Every Thursday—Reconnect for Resilience Listening Circles for Caregivers and Parents—6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. At Resources for ResilienceTM, we share practical tools to build up and support everyone’s resilience. Our easy- to-use strategies are meant for anyone to use as we work to help people stay healthy and connected during tough times. We believe that everyone has the ability to deepen their resilience and experience better days. That is why we are offering Listening Circles to all caregivers and parents who live in NC. Listening Circles are a safe space for people to connect online. They give you a chance to share how you are doing, work with our Listening Circle leaders to de-stress, and practice tools that can help when times are tough. For more information and the link to join the Listening Circles contact Mary Lloyd at mary.lloyd@resourcesforresilience.com.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Affiliates are offering virtual NAMI programs. These include NAMI Family Support Groups—meetings of family members, caregivers, friends, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Participants can talk frankly about their challenges and help on another through their learned wisdom; NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups—peer-based mutual support groups that meet for 90 minutes of safe, confidential personal sharing in a flexible group setting. The groups are open to any adult living with a mental illness and are designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model. The meetings are led by trained Support Group Facilitators living in recovery themselves; Support Group for Stress and Anxiety—open to both peers and family members and focuses primarily on stress, anxiety, and depression; Who Cares for the Caregivers?—trauma, anxiety, stress, and self- care support group for caregivers and friends of those with mental health conditions; Family-to-Family education program—a free, 8 session course taught by two trained volunteer teachers who themselves have a family member or loved one with a mental illness; NAMI Peer-to-Peer education program—free, 8 session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery; and, NAMI Basics education program—a free 6 week education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or who have already been diagnosed. You’ll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child are home, at school and when they’re getting medical care. For details on which affiliate and when the program is being offered click on this link for details and emails as you will need to register with that affiliate: https://naminc.org/programs/virtual-programs/.
Madison County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: Due to Covid-19, there are no in person meetings. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. All meetings that do occur will be Virtual and will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or madisonchapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.madison.
Macon County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: Due to Covid-19, there are no in person meetings. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. There will be a Virtual meeting beginning in January of 2021. All meetings that do occur will be Virtual and will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or maconchapter@autismsociety-nc.org or https://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.macon/.
Cherokee County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: There are no in person meetings due to Covid-19. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. There is a Virtual meeting scheduled on the Cherokee County Chapter of Autism Society Facebook page for 4th Thursday at 7pm. All meetings that do occur will be posted on the Chapter page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or cherokeechapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.cherokee.
Rutherford County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: Coffee meet-up 1st Monday at 10 am. No more walking group. Chapter meeting is the 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm. All meetings that do occur will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or rutherfordchapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.rutherford.
Haywood County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: 2nd Tuesday at 6 pm. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. The Haywood County Chapter has many Virtual events organized and posted on the Chapter Facebook page on a regular basis. Please refer to the Haywood County Chapter Facebook page for news and Virtual events as well as to the Autism Society of
North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or haywoodchapter@autismsociety-nc.org orhttp://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.haywood. All meetings that do occur will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org” along with the updated times
Buncombe County Chapter of Autism Society of NC: 2nd Monday at 7 pm. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. All meetings that do occur will be Virtual and will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or buncombechapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.buncombe.
Wilkes County Chapter of Autism Society of NC. 3rd Thursday at 7 pm. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. All meetings that do occur will be Virtual and will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety- nc.org or highcountrychapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.highcountry.
Henderson County Chapter of Autism Society of NC. 4th Monday at 7 pm. The Chapter provides support to local individuals with autism and their families. All meetings that do occur will be Virtual and will be posted on the Chapter Facebook page as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina calendar found at www.autismsociety-nc.org or hendersonchapter@autismsociety-nc.org or http://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.henderson.
Free Middle School Afterschool Program at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville (Grades 6-8)
We are open from 3-5pm every day after school. Our students hang out, play games, do
homework, and enjoy time together! Waynesville Middle School students ride Bus 22
(first load) to the FUMC Youth Area Parking Lot. Contact Anna Belle Lamar with questions & sign-ups! 828-226-5086 alamar@fumc-waynesville.com
December 3, 2022—Breakfast with Santa. 9 am to 11 am. Stecoah Valley Center 121 School House Rd, Robbinsville. For more information call 828-479-3364. $6 per person,
December 6, 2022–After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Started, Get Going—Triad area families. 9:30 am. Learn how autism may affect your child. Learn about options that may help your child. Understand how to locate resources to support your family. To be registered for this event email Judy Smithmyer at jsmithmyer@autismsociety-nc.org
December 6, 2022—Antidepressants: Not Just for Depression. 1 pm to 2 pm. Antidepressants treat depression, but did you realize there are other uses for this classification of medication? Join us to learn about the traditional and secondary uses of antidepressants, side effects and safe administration protocols. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP by following this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-antidepressants-not-just-for-depression-wgamhst/. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, please click button that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 861 416 593#
December 6, 2022—Enhancing Mental Health with Alternative Treatments (Animal Assisted Therapy & Laughter). 1 pm to 2 pm. This is a free event at Graham County Public Library located at 80 Knight St, Robbinsville, facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is designed for both care providers and recipients. It looks at alternative treatments and practice modalities and their impact on mental health. Many of the “outside of the box” interventions can be incorporated into the lives of people managing a mental illness and/or their caregivers to help create balance, stability and a reduction in stress and its maladaptive impacts. The main topics of this course will be Animal Assisted Therapy and Laughter. Registration Required: Please register here https://www.vayahealth.com/event/enhancing-mental-health-with-alternative-treatments-animal-assisted- therapy-laughter-2/ or call Graham County Public Library 828-479-8796.
December 6, 2022—Enhancing Mental Health with Alternative Treatments (Animal Assisted Therapy & Laughter). 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This is a free event at Macon County Library located at 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin; facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is designed for both care providers and recipients. It looks at alternative treatments and practice modalities and their impact on mental health. Many of the “outside of the box” interventions can be incorporated into the lives of people managing a mental illness and/or their caregivers to help create balance, stability and a reduction in stress and its maladaptive impacts. The main topics of this course will be Animal Assisted Therapy and Laughter. Registration Required: Please register here https://www.vayahealth.com/event/enhancing-mental-health-with-alternative-treatments-animal-assisted- therapy-laughter/ or call Macon County Library at 828-524-3600.
December 7, 2022– Enhancing Mental Health with Alternative Treatments Part 4 (Animal Assisted Therapy & Laughter). 1 pm to 2 pm. This is a free event at Marianna Black Library located at 33 Fryemont St, Bryson City, facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is designed for both care providers and recipients. It looks at alternative treatments and practice modalities and their impact on mental health. Many of the “outside of the box” interventions can be incorporated into the lives of people managing a mental illness and/or their caregivers to help create balance, stability and a reduction in stress and its maladaptive impacts. The main topics of this
course will be Animal Assisted Therapy and Laughter. Registration Required: Please register here
https://www.vayahealth.com/event/enhancing-mental-health-with-alternative-treatments-part-4-animal- assisted-therapy-laughter-3/ or call Marianna Black Library 828-488-3030.
December 8, 2022—Depression: From Surviving to Thriving webinar 1 pm to 2 pm. Depressive symptoms often present themselves through feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. This course examines different types, common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for depression, focusing on moving from a place of simply surviving to one of thriving. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this linkhttps://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-depression-from-surviving-to-thriving-wgamhst/ please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 734 514 391#
December 8, 2022— Commonly Misused Medications: Understanding Medication Side Effects on the Aging Brain. 1 pm to 2 pm. This is a free event at Jackson County Public Library located at 310 Keener St, Sylva, facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. Did you know misuse of medications is a growing problem in older adults? This course identifies commonly misused medications and discusses the physiological differences related to aging, as well as treatments and interventions. Attending this course can shed light on the various contributors to this growing problem. We also discuss the possibilities of how we can help as individuals and as a society. Registration Required: Please register here https://www.vayahealth.com/event/commonly-misused-medications- understanding-medication-side-effects-on-the-aging-brain-wgamhst-3/ or call Jackson County Library 828- 586-2016.
December 8, 2022—Cookies with Santa. 4 pm to 7 pm. Clay County Smart Start / LICC is hosting Cookies with Santa. Free event. Being held at the Beal Center located at 25 Herbert St, Hayesville Join us for cookies, milk, juice, resource information and meet Santa. For more information contact Jody at jmiller@rapc.org.
December 8, 2022—Coping with Holiday Stress and Social Anxiety. 6 pm to 7 pm. Free virtual training offered by Children’s Hope Alliance Post Adoption Support Services Team. Grow your knowledge and strengthen your skills as a resource parent. As a resource parent, it’s important to remain open to new information and skills to further your growth as a parent. Our trainings are designed to help you apply simple strategies, so you can develop your skills to become a more effective resource parent. You will learn how to become more successful in your parenting life by learning new methods and how to put them into practice. Please join us each month as we strive to help you grow to be the best resource parent you can be. Training certificates will be offered to all participants. To join training sessions: Go to CHA webpage www.childrenshopealliance.org, Go to “Events Calendar” then click on Join Meeting button, right beforeschedule training session. For additional information: Christina Mitchell Email: CAMitchell@childrenshopealliance.org Cell: 704 – 881 – 4346 or Aurora Zahos Email: MAZahos@childrenshopealliance.org Cell: 828 – 493 – 8416.
December 8, 2022– Estrategias para los Problemas de Comportamiento con el Autismo – Building on Strengths to Overcome Challenges (Spanish Only). 7 pm to 8:30 pm. La Sociedad de Autismo de Carolina del Norte invita padres y profesionales a este taller en español que explica cómo el déficit de autismo puede provocar comportamientos retadores y cómo ayudar al niño para superar esos desafíos. Regístrese en línea y recibirá un correo electrónico para acceder a la charla el día de la charla desde su celular, tableta o computadora atraves de GoToWebinar– https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6352360685483055371. Objetivos: Para revisar áreas centrales de déficit de autismo: la comunicación, la interacción social, el comportamiento y el pensamiento/aprendizaje; Para construir una mejor comprensión de que provoca el comportamiento retador basado en los déficits básicos, and Ejemplos de estrategias y recursos en la comunidad. Costo: Gratuito. Después de registrar, recibirá un email con instrucciones y código para assistir al webinar. Para más información, contacte Mariela Maldonado, Enlace de Asuntos Hispanos, mmaldonado@autismsociety-nc.org, 919-302-4625
December 9, 2022– Neurocognitive Disorders: Living with Dementia webinar. 10 am to 11 am. Commonly referred to as dementia, neurocognitive disorders can affect the way people perceive and engage with the world around them. This course looks at various classifications of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), delirium, and common changes associated with each type. Tips for caregiving are provided. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-neurocognitive-disorders-living-with-dementia-egamhst/, please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 338 356 009.
December 9, 2022– It’s A Brain Thing: The Study of Dementia Medications webinar. 11:15 am to 12:15 pm. Dementia can be a frightening journey for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Research continues to reveal more about this disease and treatments that may help. This class updates participants on how medications can help, as well as frustrating limitations. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-its-a-brain-thing-the-study-of-dementia-medications-egamhst/,please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 347 904 759.
December 12, 2022—2nd Annual Cookie Crawl. 12 pm. Graham County Schools Fundraiser for Food Truck Supplies Tickets $10. Only 150 tickets will be sold. For more information visit Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/2nd-annual-cookie-crawl/1331567117204497/?ref=110.
December 13, 2022—Depression: From Surviving to Thriving webinar 10 am to 11 am. Depressive symptoms often present themselves through feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. This course examines different types, common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for depression, focusing on moving from a place of simply surviving to one of thriving. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this linkhttps://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-depression-from-surviving-to-thriving-wgamhst%ef%bf%bc/ please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 108 407 69#
December 13, 2022– Enhancing Mental Health with Alternative Treatments Part 4 (Animal Assisted Therapy & Laughter). 2 pm to 3 pm. This is a free event at Hudson Library located at 554 Main St, Highlands, facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is designed for both care providers and recipients. It looks at alternative treatments and practice modalities and their impact on mental health. Many of the “outside of the box” interventions can be incorporated into the lives of people managing a mental illness and/or their caregivers to help create balance, stability and a reduction in stress and its maladaptive impacts. The main topics of this course will be Animal Assisted Therapy and Laughter. Registration Required: Please register herehttps://www.vayahealth.com/event/enhancing-mental-health-with-alternative-treatments-part-2-animal- assisted-therapy-laughter/ or call Hudson Library 828-526-3031.
December 14, 2022– Enhancing Mental Health with Alternative Treatments Part 4 (Animal Assisted Therapy & Laughter). 2 pm to 3 pm. This is a free event at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Public Library; facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is designed for both care providers and recipients. It looks at alternative treatments and practice modalities and their impact on mental health. Many of the “outside of the box” interventions can be incorporated into the lives of people managing a mental illness and/or their caregivers to help create balance, stability and a reduction in stress and its maladaptive impacts. The main topics of this course will be Animal Assisted Therapy and Laughter. Registration Required: Please register herehttps://www.vayahealth.com/event/enhancing-mental-health-with-alternative-treatments-part-4-animal- assisted-therapy-laughter-2/ or call Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Public Library at 828-743-0215.
December 15, 2022–After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Started, Get Going—Charlotte area families. 9:30 am. Learn how autism may affect your child. Learn about options that may help your child. Understand how to locate resources to support your family. To be registered for this event email Nancy Popkin at npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org. This workshop is intended for parents of recently diagnosed children who are 8 years old or younger. If your child is recently diagnosed but older than 8 years old, reach out to Nancy Popkin, npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org, to learn other ways we can provide support.
December 19, 2022– Depression: From Surviving to Thriving. 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. This is a free event at Jackson County Senior Center, facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. Depressive symptoms often present themselves through feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. This course examines different types, common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for depression, focusing on moving from a place of simply surviving to one of thriving. Registration Required: Please register here https://www.vayahealth.com/event/depression-from-surviving-to- thriving-34/ or call Jackson County Senior Center at 828-586-5494.
December 20, 2022–After the Diagnosis: Get Answers, Get Started, Get Going—Asheville area families. 3:00 pm. Learn how autism may affect your child. Learn about options that may help your child. Understand how to locate resources to support your family. To be registered for this event email Juliette Heim at jheim@autismsociety-nc.org
December 21, 2022– Antidepressants: Not Just for Depression webinar. 10 am to 11 am. Antidepressants treat depression, but did you realize there are other uses for this classification of medication? Join us to learn about the traditional and secondary uses of antidepressants, side effects and safe administration protocols. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-antidepressants-not-just-for- depression-wgamhst-2/ please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 240 990 357#
December 29, 2022– Neurocognitive Disorders: Living with Dementia webinar. 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Commonly referred to as dementia, neurocognitive disorders can affect the way people perceive and engage with the world around them. This course looks at various classifications of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), delirium, and common changes associated with each type. Tips for caregiving are provided. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-neurocognitive-disorders-living-with-dementia-egamhst-2/ please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event. We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 801 343 745.
December 29, 2022– It’s A Brain Thing: The Study of Dementia Medications webinar. 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm. Dementia can be a frightening journey for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Research continues to reveal more about this disease and treatments that may help. This class updates participants on how medications can help, as well as frustrating limitations. This is a free virtual event facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services. An email with an evaluation will be sent to you following the event. This must be filled out and returned before CEU’s will be sent out. Please RSVP below to attend. When you RSVP you will receive a confirmation email. This email may go to your spam filter. If you would like to attend this event, follow this link https://www.vayahealth.com/event/webinar-its-a-brain-thing-the-study-of-dementia-medications-egamhst- 2/ please click button below that says “Going” and complete the form. After you RSVP you can come back to this page to click on the attendee link to attend this event.We also have the option of calling in to attend event. Phone number is: 828-552-4129 and the code is 307 736 336.
January 11, 2022—Supporting Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Strategies for Service Providers. 12 pm to 2 pm. After this presentation, you’ll have a better understanding of: How alcohol use impacts the developing fetal brain; fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and how to support those who have FASD; common characteristics and symptoms associated with FASD; and the role we all play in preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Presentations will be delivered as a hybrid event; in-person and virtually. The in- person session will be held at a location TBD. To register, send an email to jmiller@rapc.org. Indicate if attending in person or virtually. Link to join virtually will be sent prior to the training. Certificate of attendance will be provided for 2 hours on content.
Autism Society—Start Where They Are—Free workshop series for parents of young children with autism.
This limited seating series will be led by a member of the Autism Society of NC clinical team and a parent of an individual with autism. We will emphasize finding the right starting point for your child as you address critical skills that lead to increased empowerment, independence, social connectedness, and health and safety. While not required, we encourage you to attend the full series if you are able. There will be many opportunities for group discussion and Q&A. 6-part series topics: • May 19: Understanding core features and perspectives of individuals with ASD; identifying big goals, finding the right starting point, and steps to get there • May 26:
Start where they are: Building engagement and social connection through play and reinforcement • June 2: Start where they are: Promoting self-advocacy and communication in young children • June 9: Start where they are: Promoting success in daily routines such as dressing, toothbrushing, toileting, and mealtime behaviors. • June 16: Start where they are: Heading off problem behaviors with positive support strategies
• June 23: Wrap up session: Identifying future directions for home implementation, connecting parents to additional resources and supports *Throughout the series, trainers will emphasize the ways that strategies shared are responsive to the core features of autism. Strategies will illustrate how to use evidence-based practices within everyday activities and family routines. Time: May 19, 2022 10:00 AM; May 26, 2022 10:00 AM; Jun 2, 2022 10:00 AM; Jun 9, 2022 10:00 AM; Jun 16, 2022 10:00 AM; Jun 23, 2022 10:00 AM. To register follow this link https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcu-gqTIoGNIOxr4XdRTDylFmWgWGy0Bt.
Vaya Health—Trainings are offered across the Vaya Health catchment area. For those in a county outside the Region A catchment area, visit this link to find other workshops being offered www.vayahealth.com/calendar.
Please check the Autism Society of NC for upcoming webinars as they are posted– https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/autism-workshops/.
Incredible Years—New classes starting soon. Weekly parenting program helping parents develop skills to support children’s social – emotional development. Serving Haywood, Jackson, and Macon Counties. Participating Families will receive: free programming; free meals; free child care; gift cards; fuel cards; fun family activities; highly qualified staff; and in a safe environment. Contact the program coordinator today. Andrea McClure at (828) 477-4532 or mcclure.andrea@swcdcinc.org.
Stressed? Need to talk? Call 24/7. Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming for adults, youth and children. Everyone has different stress responses that may include: feeling alone; irritable or feeling out f of sorts; head, stomach or body aches; changes in sleep or eating patterns; difficulty concentrating forgetful; fear for your own health; worried about the health of your family or friends; increased us of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs; feeling stuck, no time for self-care; or looking for ideas to stay calm and healthy. Hope4NC Helpline 1-855-587-3463. Find hope. Find help.
ECAC offers training for both families and professionals. All of our training and activities are available free of charge to families. We offer trainings on a variety of topics and can customize our workshops to match the needs of the audience. Excellent ways to learn new information and tune up your skills. For a list of scheduled trainings and topics click on this link https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/trainings-and-topics/.
Legal Aid of NC offers free Self-Help Clinics to learn how to handle certain basic legal issues without hiring an attorney. Due to the Coronavirus crisis, we now hold all of our clinics electronically using Facebook Live and Zoom. All of the clinics are still completely free and open to the public. Facebook Live: To participate using Facebook, visit our Facebook Live page when the clinic starts. You do not need a Facebook account to watch the presentation, but you do need an account to send questions to the presenters. Sign up for a free Facebook account. Zoom: To participate using Zoom, use the listing below to register for the clinic you are interested in. You do not need a Zoom account to participate in the clinic. Once you register, you will receive an email containing a link to the Zoom presentation. When the clinic starts, click the Zoom link to join. All clinics are completely free, but advance registration is required. The clinics will provide you with general legal information and guidance only. The clinics will not provide you with specific, individual legal advice. Upcoming clinics include: 7/1—Free Social Security Disability Clinic; 7/6–Criminal Expungement Clinic; 7/8—Free Employee Rights Clinic; 7/13–Free Child Custody Clinic; 7/15–Free Simple Divorce Clinic; 7/22–Free Tenant Rights Clinic; 7/27–Free HCPOA and Wills Clinic; 8/3–Criminal Expungement Clinic; and 8/5–Free Social Security Disability Clinic. All clinics start at 2:30 pm. For more information and a list of upcoming workshops click on the link https://www.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-clinics.
OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling–In response to COVID-19 we have suspended offering in-person classes and will be offering online classes instead. Bookmark this page as we update it with new online classes as they become available. We thank you for your patience and our hope is that these free, online classes can offer you support during this pandemic. To stay up-to-date with our current offerings, join our e-news mailing list at https://ontrackwnc.org/education/. Pre-registration is required for all online classes. Check the website for up-to-date class schedules.
Live, Interactive Online Classes: Managing Your Money During Uncertain Financial Times
Credit: How to Build and Repair Your Credit Score
- Wednesday, December 7 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM
- Monday, December 19 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Money Visioning & Goal Setting – Feeling stuck in your money life? Ready to start thinking about what you want to be different? In this class, you will get a clear picture of your money goals through an interactive visioning exercise. Then, you’ll learn how to create a realistic savings goal and plan the steps needed to reach it! You will leave this class with motivation and tools to start making your best money life a reality. This class is all about participation so come prepared with paper, pen (and maybe even crayons and markers if you have them) to jump start your learning. Sign up now.
- Tuesday, December 6 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 14 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Self-Paced, On-Demand Classes
Start and stop these courses as needed for your schedule. These courses take an average of 2-3 hours to complete, but this varies from person to person. They are available online, anywhere, at any time. Money Foundations
During this self-paced, on-demand class, you will be introduced to the foundations of basic money management that will help to change your understanding of your personal financial life. This class will teach you how to:- Create a realistic monthly budget.
- Save money regularly to pay for budget-busting expenses that always pop up (like getting new tires) and bigger savings goals like a family vacation.
- Build a personalized two-month emergency cash flow plan to make sure that you have the money on hand to pay your expenses and bills when they are due.
- Survive when you don’t have enough money to cover expenses by following six important steps.
Click here to get to the class, and then click the “Login” button to get started.
Credit: How to Build and Repair Your Credit Score
During this pre-recorded class, you will find out what credit is and why it’s important, gain understanding about what affects your credit score, and learn of methods to build and repair your credit score.
Click here to get to the class, and then click the “Login” button to get started.
– During this interactive class, you will find out what credit is and why it’s important, gain understanding about what affects your credit score, and learn of methods to build and repair your credit score. We will have handouts and use a whiteboard during this interactive class while also leaving plenty of time for questions. Bring a note pad to class because there will be plenty of good nuggets to take away!
Debt Payment During Uncertain Times
Financial uncertainty calls for a new approach to managing money and debts. In this pre-recorded class, we discuss how to use different debt repayment strategies when money is tight. We’ll look at hardship options for different types of debt (such as how to handle your car loan versus your credit card debt) and how to prioritize which debts to pay.
Click here to get to the class, and then click the “Login” button to get started.
Homebuyer Education
An online class through eHome America.
This in-depth class explores the process of buying a home, from the early planning stages through closing. You will learn about the roles that the realtor, lender, inspector, and closing attorney play in the process. The course takes an average of 8 hours to complete but you can stop and start as you wish. $100 per household.
Get started now.
Children’s Hope Alliance—Post Adoption Support Services Team. Grow your knowledge and strengthen your skills as a resource parent. Free virtual trainings the second Thursday of each month from 6 pm to 7 pm. As a resource parent, it’s important to remain open to new information and skills to further your growth as a parent. Our trainings are designed to help you apply simple strategies, so you can develop your skills to become a more effective resource parent. You will learn how to become more successful in your parenting life by learning new methods and how to put them into practice. Please join us each month as we strive to help you grow to be the best resource parent you can be. To access our training and events go to our website: www.Childrenshopealliance.org scroll down to “Event Calendar” and click on the link of the event of your choice. For additional information contact Christina Mitchell at 704-881-4346 /camitchell@childrenshopealliance.org or Aurora Zahos at 828-493-8416 / mMAZahos@childrenshopealliance.org.
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