Showing posts with label Substance abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Substance abuse. Show all posts

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Jen Knight-Levine updates Council on work of SAFE Coalition and the humane approach to dealing with migrant housing situation (audio)

FM #1082 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1082 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares a segment from the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The segment covers the guest presentation by Jen Knight-Levine of the SAFE Coalition


Jen,CEO and co-founder of SAFE, provides some statistics on the work being done to meet the needs of the community initially in substance abuse and mental health, and recently expanding to take a humanitarian approach to the migrant housing situation developing here in Franklin. 


The segment runs about 30 minutes including the Q&A with the Council members. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1082-town-council-mtg-segment-jen-knight-levine-10-18-23



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SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council.html 



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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"


Jen Knight-Levine updates Council on work of SAFE Coalition and the humane approach to dealing with migrant housing situation (audio)
Jen Knight-Levine updates Council on work of SAFE Coalition and the humane approach to dealing with migrant housing situation (audio)


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

The SAFE Coalition announces receipt of a 2 year $300,00 grant to support substance use cessation program

The SAFE Coalition today announced that they are the recipient of a 2 year, $300,000 grant from the Bingham Trust. This funding will directly support the Up In Smoke: substance use cessation program for any teen, in any community, between the ages of 14-18.

This three-day program will allow students to learn why they are using, hear from other local peers in recovery, and develop wellness recovery action plans to utilize after they have graduated from the program.

"Our mission is to listen to the needs of the community and develop programs for families to support those needs. Every day we hear from families and school systems about the need for teen support related to substance use and most specifically vaping" says Jennifer Levine, CEO and co-founder of The SAFE Coalition. "This funding will increase access for teens in any community to engage in evidence supported, SEL focused learned related to why they are using substances. We are so thankful to the Bingham Trust for this opportunity and are excited to begin to support our adolescents with their recovery!"

Features and benefits include
  • Suspension Alternative - This program can be used as suspension alternative for teens
  • Trained facilitator - SAFE facilitator has been trained in each modality of support
  • Transportation - If a teen would like to attend, transportation can be provided
  • Food Access - All snacks, waters, and lunch are provided
  • Peer Support and Counseling- Referrals to in-house services for teens and family

Availability
This program will run weekly, Tuesday- Thursday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM


About the SAFE Coalition:
SAFE is a judgement free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns across southeastern Massachusetts. Staffed by trusted, trained professionals and peer support volunteers, SAFE compassionately empowers individuals and their loved ones by breaking down barriers to treatment and emotional support in a way that inspires success on the journey to recovery.
 
The SAFE Coalition announces receipt of a 2 year $300,00 grant
The SAFE Coalition announces receipt of a 2 year $300,00 grant

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (video & slides & resources)

Missed our last Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media event?  

It's now available on our YouTube channel along with the presentation slides and resources pamphlet which are linked in the bio.

buff.ly/3jjHZf6


"On March 24, 2022, the Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force held the second installment of the Critical Conversations series. The night focused on the impact of social media on the social-emotional wellbeing of youth. Keynote speaker, Georgia Wells, tech journalist for the Wall Street Journal, kick off the event speaking on how the tech companies behind social media and the effects on young people. The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Karyn Polito provided additional remarks addressing state-level initiatives regarding social media usage. A panel was curated to offer various perspectives on the topic of social media and was followed by an audience question and answer session. You can access the slideshow here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/critical_conversations_social_media_3_24_2022.pdf

Resource list for parents can be found here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/cc_sm_trifold_v2.pdf


Saturday, April 2, 2022

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

FM #762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 762 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media event held at Franklin High School on March 24, 2022. 


The recording runs just under 2 hours, so let’s listen to the Critical Conversations event.

Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-762-critical-conversations-the-impact-of-social-media-03-24-22


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Event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546 


Critical Conversations Social Media resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/news/critical-conversations-impact-social-media-viewing 


Substance Abuse Task Force -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education


SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 


--------------


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!

------------------

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

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)
Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

Friday, April 1, 2022

SAFE Radio - Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (audio)

Anne Bergen and Jim Derick are hosts for SAFE Radio.

It is estimated that over 85 percent of all people suffering from substance misuse also suffer from a mental health challenge. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition exists to support recovery.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54b2a855-716b-4c31-aa3d-fc8cdbd6305a

ABOUT THE MA CLUBHOUSE COALITION

The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition is dedicated to expanding employment, housing, educational, social, and leadership opportunities available to Massachusetts citizens who have a mental illness. The MCC was organized to uphold and promote the values, principles and financial integrity of the international Clubhouse model toward the empowerment of people with mental health needs. Toward this purpose the MCC will take action, advocate, provide support, and offer opportunities to network and educate ourselves and the community while working as an organization to remove barriers to successful community integration. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition is committed to helping Clubhouses and individual Clubhouse members reach their full potential. 

Dedicated to assisting adults with major mental illness to live full, productive, stable lives in the community, the MCC is a non-profit organization whose membership includes more than 15,000 Massachusetts residents who have a major mental illness, and belong to at least one of the 32 community-based vocational and social rehabilitation centers, called “Clubhouses”. Membership in the MCC is awarded to Clubhouses (and their members and staff) which achieve certification from the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) ensuring the quality of services provided by these rehabilitation centers.

The MCC helps its member Clubhouses expand rehabilitative opportunities and services for employment, housing, education, health, peer support and mental health care. It also helps individual members develop the leadership skills that enable them to participate fully in life – not only at the Clubhouse, but also in the community. The MCC works to remove obstacles to gaining employment, an education and housing in the community and helps to diminish the stigma of living with a mental illness by engaging in educational endeavors. Operating as a clearinghouse of information, a provider of technical assistance, a vehicle for organizing and a coordinator of services and resources for Clubhouses across Massachusetts, the goals of the MCC are:

  • Work in partnership with local employers to increase employment opportunities for Coalition members through education and system change.
  • Increase local opportunities for members to gain an education.
  • Utilize educational approaches to increase affordable housing opportunities for members.
  • Organize and advocate for access to health care, dental care, substance abuse services for individuals with a major mental illness.
  • Provide leadership development opportunities for individual members through formal training, conferences and by encouraging and developing leadership towards participation in activities that influence public policy and on-the-job learning through leadership activities within individual Clubhouses and the community.

Participation in the clubhouse is free to those who have a serious and persistent mental illness. The Clubhouses are funded with state tax dollars via the Department of Mental Health. Clubhouses are founded on the belief that rehabilitation for people who are working to recover from the effects of mental illness is greatly facilitated when individuals participate in meaningful work, including paid employment.

Visit their webpage for more information -> WWW.MASSCLUBS.ORG 

SAFE Radio - Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (audio)
SAFE Radio - Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (audio) 


Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Safe Coalition Road to Recovery run-walk 5k - Apr 30

Join us Saturday April 30, 2022 at 8:00 AM for the 3rd annual Road to Recovery run-walk 5k!
Help us decrease stigma and increase awareness related to mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
All proceeds will go to further supporting the SAFE Coalition and our adolescent Peer to Peer after-school program!

THIS JUST IN:  NORFOLK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. K9 unit AND Command Center will be attending the Road to Recovery 5k!
This family fun event is growing with more supporters and visitors...don't miss out!

Safe Coalition 5K Road Race - Apr 30
Safe Coalition 5K Road Race - Apr 30

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

We are excited to host our next installment of our Critical Conversations series. 

Join us March 24, 2022 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the FHS Auditorium or via Zoom as we discuss the impact of social media on social emotional wellbeing. 

Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.

We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal as she quarterbacks a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.

The evening will include: 

  • Welcome and Opening remarks
  • Keynote Facilitated Conversation
  • Panelist Discussion 
  • Audience Q&A
  • So Now What? Session will provide strategies for parents of elementary, middle and high school students to foster mindful social media habits.
  • Breakout sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight facilitated by our Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) Student Representatives

Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3qpFWub

Shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1503411142819033090

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XkC0eEKZGj80rpKf2i_qajE12CCOISx4/view?usp=sharing

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022
Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Franklin Police joint investigation results in arrests of 3; seizure of weapons, and controlled substances

After a joint investigation with the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Massachusetts State Police, Franklin Police Detectives executed multiple search warrants on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 258 Washington Street, Apartment #2, Franklin.   

During the course of the investigation a package was intercepted through the mail which was addressed to an occupant at 258 Washington Street Apt. 2.  Probable cause was developed that illegal narcotics were contained in the package.   

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022 with the assistance of the Metro-LEC Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), the package was delivered and the search warrant was executed.  Two illegal firearms were located in a bedroom of the apartment.  One was a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a loaded Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun.  Several types of controlled substances were also found in the apartment.

Due to this investigation in conjunction with the evidence seized as a result of the three search warrants, three individuals were charged in this case.  Harry Alberini (04/13/1980), Sonya Peterson (09/18/1977), and Joseph Martin-Morse (09/16/1980) will be charged with several firearms and drug related charges and will be arraigned on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Wrentham District Court.

Franklin Police investigation results in arrests of 3; seizure of weapons and controlled substance
Franklin Police investigation results in arrests of 3; seizure of weapons and controlled substance (Franklin Police photo)

Friday, February 18, 2022

The SAFE Coalition Hotline answered 94 calls for help in January 2022

Thinking about calling?

WE ARE HERE = 508-488-8105

For more info reach out to -> Info@safecoalitionma.org


The SAFE Coalition Hotline answered 94 calls for help in January 2022
The SAFE Coalition Hotline answered 94 calls for help in January 2022


Thursday, January 13, 2022

SAFE Peer to Peer shares emojis to be aware of

Acronyms and abbreviations can be challenging to make sense of. In a digital and social media world, we also need to deal with emojis. Emojis are those little images some folks add to their posts. Other than some obvious happy faces, what do they mean? 

The SAFE Coalition P2P group shared this depicting which emojis can be code for drug use.


SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of
SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Critical Conversations - Mental Health & Substance Use 11/18/21 (video)

Catching up to sharing the video and presentation document from the Critical Conversations event held on Nov 18, 2021.

The Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Task Force teamed up with the SAFE Coalition to host the Critical Conversations Panel. This event was held online and in person at Franklin High School on November 18th, 2021. The panel featured 7 speakers with various perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience. The conversation focused on identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community.”

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As with most meetings/events in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the FHS auditorium. 

The Twitter hashtag #CC1118 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461472874309603335 


Photos from the event can be found in one album:  
  • Critical conversations info on speakers, agenda, and remote link info  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/83206 #cc1118
  • The THC available today is FAR more potent than that used in the 90's - like 60 times more potent! #cc1118 this is being used in vap cartridges
  • Dr Bergen introduces the panel for this discussion #cc1118
  • Dan, recovering alcoholic, wanted communication in his earlier days to have helped his turn to substance use as the aid; punishment, and increasing punishments, didn't help #cc1118
  • Jim, parent of a son with trouble, urges other parents to get involved, don't think it will just 'get better' #cc1118 ask for help, you are not alone.
  • Sgt Colecchi provides some staggering stats on current calls for mental health and substance abuse, a good number of them are youth under 18 #cc1118
  • Principal Hanna seeing behavior unlike anything seen during 25+ years teaching in a high school. The combination of the pandemic and substance use are driving the change in behavior #cc1118
  • Per Hanna, they are organizing to respond to this issue. it had not part of their charter. #cc1118
  • SAFE seeing students buying vaps via dealers more so now than before. Increase also seen in parental supply of alcohol and vaps. #cc1118
  • Rep Roy touts mental health legislation that the MA Senate just passed and sent to the House for their review/action. #cc1118
  • Resources from the FPS page for parents -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/pages/resources-parents #cc1118 simply sitting next to your youth rather than facing them to have the conversation is a help #cc1118
  • Do some homework on what the vapes look like, they do come via mail, it can be a quick trip to someone at the car in the driveway to get a supply  #cc1118
  • If near someone overdosing, call 911, do not drive to the hospital. The drugs are so fast acting, you'll be too late. 911 is the best way, paramedics should have narcan handy #cc1118
  • Shifting to the audience Q&A segment of the evening #cc1118
  • Late to this but shifted to the break out portion of the evening; checked out the "hidden in plain sight" display and product table. Fascinating info! #cc1118 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!
 
The event video is now available via YouTube  https://youtu.be/4z7humqI2Wo 

 




part of the "Hidden in Plain Sight" display
part of the "Hidden in Plain Sight" display


Thursday, November 11, 2021

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:
"Some conversations are better to have sooner rather than later.
Start and continue the talk on Mental Health and Substance Use during our Critical Conversations panel on 11/18 at 6 PM. 
Learn more here: https://t.co/yhf1nlYD3s"

 

Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community. Is a collaboration between the SAFE Coalition and Franklin Public Schools. This event will be held in the FHS auditorium and live via Zoom.

Mental Health and Substance Use are two critical issues that have a wide range of impacts among our families and within our community. We invite the Franklin community to join us for an evening of learning, listening, and engaging with local panelists of diverse perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience.  
 
The evening will include: 
  • Opening remarks from Jen Knight, Executive Director of the SAFE Coalition
  • Panelist Discussion 
  • Audience General Questions
  • Breakout Sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight display facilitated by our SATF Student Representatives

Panelists
  • Detective Mike Colecchi, SAFE Coalition Board Member, Franklin Police Dept.
  • Dr. Wendy Cohen, SAFE Medical Director and family practitioner
  • Dan Lagarce, Person in Recovery
  • Jeff Roy, State Representative
  • Jim Derick, SAFE Board of Director President, co-founder and Parent
  • Jen Knight-Levine, SAFE Executive Director, co-founder
  • Josh Hanna, Franklin High School Principal
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ypItJfHT3s
Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:
Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18
Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

Join Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty as she talks with SAFE Coalition's Executive Director Jennifer Knight-Levine.




SAFE Coalition hotline - 508-488-8105

SAFE Coalition website - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

For additional information, please visit the Health Dept. page at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at cliberty@franklinma.gov

The music for the intro and exit is called “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes Music and is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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


The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)
The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

Monday, August 23, 2021

“The Seven Types of Abuse” - Part 4 of the series

Another episode of “The Seven Types of Abuse”. Check it out now ⬇️⬇️. Or go back ⬅️⬅️ and watch the first three episodes.


All Episodes can also be found on the SAFE Peer to Peer YouTube 📺 channel as well. -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkhxAELvHg6_EtYx0HuNhQ/videos

Thursday, July 15, 2021

SAFE Peer to Peer: 7 Types of Abuse - Episode 2


"Over the past couple of months our Peer to Peer Group created, filmed and edited a Mini Video Series about the 7 Types of Abuse as a way to raise awareness about Intimate Partner Violence. 
⬇️ Check out Episode 2 below!
🎯 Tune in each week for a new episode!"
Direct video link =>  https://youtu.be/cK51OBSbGgI 

7 Types of Abuse - Episode 2
7 Types of Abuse - Episode 2
Image shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJycjWM2iy/

Saturday, July 10, 2021

SAFE Coalition - Peer to Peer Group - 7 types of Abuse (video #1)

"Over the past couple of months our Peer to Peer Group created, filmed and edited a Mini Video Series about the 7 Types of Abuse as a way to raise awareness about Intimate Partner Violence. 
⬇️ Check out Episode 1 below!
🎯 Tune in each week for a new episode!"
Direct video link =>  https://youtu.be/54CsyPfU9Hc

Shared from Facebook

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10

"On Wednesday March 10 at 7 PM the SAFE Coalition in Franklin is providing an opportunity for citizens to speak directly with Secretary Sudders and Dr. Paul Biddinger, Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Board about the vaccines and the rollout. 
It will be a tele-Town Hall meeting and a session to ask questions and hear from the experts about the COVID-19 Vaccine. 
You can watch the event by clicking on the link above on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 PM. To phone in and ask questions, dial 877-229-8493 and enter PIN # 120397"

Follow the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/930404551097062 

View on the SAFE Newsletter page  https://mailchi.mp/safecoalitionma/2-days-covid-19-tele-town-hall?e=5c4eabc7bc

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10
SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10


Tuesday, March 2, 2021

SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse

"New Support group added: starting MARCH 15th, 18+ sibling support group for anyone with a loved one grappling with substance use disorder

💜 "Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten"
Shared from Facebook:
"SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can’t, we can."
For more info about the SAFE Coalition, visit them on the web  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse
SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse