Chavelyn & Emma talk about the evolution of the services provded by SAFE Coalition (audio)

FM #1430 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1430 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chavelyn Santana, Director of Collaborative Care and Emma Kelley, Director of Adolescent Wellness for the SAFE Coalition. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Thursday, April 10, 2025. 

We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation

• Their individual road to SAFE

• The organization around three approaches 

• Adolescent wellness

• Family recovery

• Collaborative care

• Listening as key to growth of services to 55 communities

• The 90 day support plan

• The Gala as a fundraising event, May 8

The recording runs about 49 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1430-safe-coalition-services-04-10-25/

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

Chavelyn & Emma talk about
the evolution of the services

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

Purchase tickets to the SAFE Gala May 8 -> https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safegala/ 

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (video)

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople) posted Tue, Jan 07, 2025:

"Kensington, Philadelphia: known for its struggles, exploited by content creators, but rarely understood. Behind the stigma lies a public health crisis—and people who deserve dignity. 

Watch this doc & see the lifesaving work of Savage Sisters Recovery. https://t.co/hyUc43WB2W"

Direct video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhK8sTT43s

Shared from -> https://x.com/invisiblepeople/status/1876842642501202139

Have you seen the mock bedroom? Really seen it? (video)

SAFE Coalition's Jen Levine talks about the "Hidden In Plain Sight" exhibit

Request SAFE Coalition's Hidden in Plain Sight at your next parent/caregiver event. This interactive display and presentation teaches guardians how to identify substances within a teen's bedroom and how to have supportive, healthy discussions with their children about substance use.

Email info@safecoalitionma.org to schedule.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUq0QcFkwNA

Featured events by the SAFE Coalition

Be Here Tomorrow

In 2000, Kevin Hines attempted his death by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge at age 19. He survived the fall and ever since he’s dedicated his life to advocating for those with mental pain and talking about mental health. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope and healing while teaching the art of wellness and surviving pain with true resilience. Wednesday May 29, 6-8 PM. Registration and more info here. 

 

Pride Karaoke and Crafts

Join us for an evening of pizza, karaoke, and crafting! We will have plenty of crafts to choose from or you can BYOC (bring your own craft ;). Enjoy DJ'd music and karaoke with friends old and new. All high school-aged youth invited. June 1 6-8 PM at SAFE. Registration required.

 

LGBTQIA+ Community Education Night

Education, resources, support, and ally-ship skill building. June 13 6-7:30 PM at SAFE. Registration and more info here.

 

Families Anonymous

Join our 12-step support group for family members impacted by their loved ones substance use or mental health concern. Tuesdays 6:30 PM. Registration and more info here.

For more about the SAFE Coalition, please visit them at ->   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Featured events by the SAFE Coalition

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

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

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

Town Council agenda doc ->  

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

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

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 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)

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

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.

https://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

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

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

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)

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 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!

Sign up here! https://raceroster.com/events/2022/59159/road-to-recovery

Safe Coalition 5K Road Race - Apr 30