Hello fellow redhedds! I just realized that it has been TOO long since I last wrote a blog designed specifically for redhedd. What? Is Eunice shirking her redhedd responsibilities? No, I've been lax. I have no responsibility....just an undying devotion to our dying breed.
So far, 2010 has been good to me.I have had a job interview, yay! I've been to my parent leadership meetings. I am supposed to audition for a variety show on Sunday but thinking about putting the kaybosh on that idea because I have too many conflicts in my schedule of advocacy and support services. For instance, the rehearsals will be on Tuesday night - I WORK on this night and once a month, I have a meeting on that night. Another conflict of scheduling, they have Sunday evening rehearsals, I have children that must stay on schedule but also I will hold my local parent support and advocacy group meetings on Sunday evenings.
I am too involved in my advocacy and support network to care about a little variety show. The klincher is that I have rehearsed for weeks now! I always say that I have stage fright but really I do not. I know that I have a nice voice and it is a God-given talent; however, I have other skills to continue to hone and use to assist other families like mine.
Advocacy and support for parents wrestling with issues due to flaws in the State of Connecticut's mental health system of care. If I could describe to you some of the issues that cause barriers to care, you would be astounded. Right now, I am working on planning and coordinating a motor cycle ride to benefit Autism families so they can afford Autism-related services.
Yes, the state of Connecticut just opted to add state laws covering some Autism-related services but still, the most important service is not covered: respite services. Respite service is short term care that helps a family take a break from the daily routine and stress. It can be provided in the client's home or in a variety of out of home settings.
Respite care is an essential part of the overall support that families may need to keep their child with a disability or chronic illness at home. These services are also desperately needed for parents who have a child with ANY behavioral health issue.
Yes, one might argue that respite services are much like a babysitting service BUT the services are provided by trained professionals that contract with the stressed out single mother who is having difficulty with the child in the home. Respite services assist to make the family unit more cohesive. This is a brief synopsis of the service and the implications for a family using these services are not only a more cohesive family unit but also reduces stress in the home.
From experience, I know what happens in the home when the parent is not receiving the appropriate amount of support.
So - I am in the preliminary stages of setting up this motorcycle ride. I am thinking BIG because on of my mantras is if I shoot for the moon and miss, in the least, I will land amid the stars. There is no failure, only lessons.
Be well kind reader; Be well!
Eunice
Tags: Eunice Crankyponts
