Need a laugh? Check out the Comedy Night that benefits Ben Speaks - Nov 13

Join friends of Ben Speaks for a night full of laughter to support our mission to provide positive channels of expression for youth, families and community. The evening will be filled with performances by three amazing local comedians. 

Featuring Will Noonan, Corey Rodrigues and Chris Tabb 

When: Sunday, November 13, 2022 starting at 7 PM

Where: Laugh Boston - 425 Summer Street, Boston, MA

Cost for this fund raising event: $50 per ticket, limited seating. You can purchase your tickets online -> https://tinyurl.com/b-comedy

Need a laugh? Check out the Comedy Night that benefits Ben Speaks - Nov 13

Conversation with Judy Giovangelo of Ben Speaks - 04/04/22 (audio)

FM #772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 772 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Judy Giovangelo and Bo Kinney of Ben Speaks on April 4, 2022.  

We started talking about their new program, Survive to Thrive, backed up to get the origin story of “Ben Speaks Louder Than Words” came to be. Then we discussed how the organization has evolved, developing programs to meet the community needs to find. We close with an asks for the community of listeners and provide links to resources mentioned. 

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Judy and Bo from Ben Speaks. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-772-judy-giovangelo-of-ben-speaks-04-04-22

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Ben Speaks home page -> https://www.benspeaks.org/

About Ben -> https://www.benspeaks.org/aboutben 

Survive to Thrive for girls -> https://www.benspeaks.org/survive-to-thrive-girls 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Conversation with Judy Giovangelo of Ben Speaks - 04/04/22 (audio)

Strive to Thrive: a program for "siblings of family members with mental health needs"

The Survive to Thrive Sibling Support Group is offered for youth who have siblings with mental health and behavioral health challenges living in the home. Ben Speaks’ knows the wide-ranging impact that mental health issues can have on families, and looks to serve as a resource to youth that are impacted by the stigma, volatilities, and demands placed on families. 

Siblings of family members with mental health needs may experience challenges and disruptions in their own emotional growth and development. This group will provide these youth with a nurturing environment to share their unique experiences of having a sibling with mental health needs, engage in empowering and fun expressive activities, and develop their own skills and resources, so that they may thrive in face of the challenges that they and their families encounter.

What is the Sibling Support Group?

• Group is open to youth ages 11-14 years old, living in MetroWest Massachusetts, who have siblings that struggle with mental health and behavioral health issues living in the home.

• Group sessions will include opportunities for both open and themed discussions, expressive art activities, age appropriate learning about mental health challenges and their impacts on families, and empowerment skills to enhance emotion regulation and effective communication.

• This program will be conducted virtually via ZOOM meetings. A reliable internet connection will be required. We will send all virtual meeting links and information via email after registration.

• 10 weeks - 1.5 hours each week (No group will be held September 16 due to Yom Kippur)

• Facilitated by Bretton Torkelson, Psy.D., Judy Giovangelo, Michael Giovangelo and Penny Young; Members of the Ben Speaks’ Board of Directors.

• Cost: This program made possible through grants and sponsors. Thank you to Rockland Trust, ADM Cleaning Services, Penny Young, Judy Giovangelo, Jim McCusker & Nicole Kittredge.

Visit https://www.benspeaks.org/survivetothrive for more information & to sign up.

Download flyer as reminder to follow up or share with someone ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4s3N2HfQzB9D5oFmHe8rzbmjRm1Dy5q/view?usp=sharing

 

Strive to Thrive: a program for "siblings of family members with mental health needs"