MLC Family Resource Newsletter

Hello MLC families! I'm Kate Allen (she/her), your .5 school social worker and I am here as an advocate for you! I have worked for over 20 years as a school social worker and am thrilled to be at MLC for my second year. Please reach out if your family needs confidential support. We will work together to come up with a plan that fits your needs. I am in Rm. 205 every Thursday and Friday and every other Wednesday. Email: kallen1@pps.net

Some of the amazing resources we have at MLC include:

• On-site gently used clothing closet for students K-12. Referral to the PTSA clothing closet at the Marshall campus.
• On-site confidential free mental health and substance abuse counseling with partners from William Temple House, and NARA as well as MSW clinical social work intern Neveah.
• Holiday support with adopt a family, gift card drive and holiday tree assistance. Please note the partner Adopt a Family program opens October 1st so email Kate today to get your family's wish list added to the program!
• Scholarships to help with everything from school supplies to field trips.
• Bus passes for low-income middle schoolers.

Every season I will send out a newsletter of community resources and supports for you and your family. This season's edition is short and sweet but will grow in future months. If you are interested in volunteering to help please reach out to the PTSA!

We are excited to launch a new stronger partnership soon with William Temple House Anchor and Access providing school-based mental health services to a small group of students. Stay tuned for details from Kate after the contract is signed and the logistics are in place!

NAMI Basics is a free educational program that provides learning and practical insights for parents and primary caregivers of children or adolescents living with mental health conditions. Wednesday mornings starting mid-October.

Brains in Bloom: The neuroscience behind your child's big feelings and behaviors - a 3 session workshop series taught by therapist and former MLC parent MereAnn Reid - staring Sept. 28.

Raising Brave Kids: Parenting groups for parents of anxious kids ages 5-18 and Confident Kids resilient skills groups for kids K-grad 5. Located in NW Portland and online.

For qualifying families, Moms Meals offers home-delivered meals at no cost for families on Medicaid. Click here to see if you are eligible.

OHP members will need to renew more often and eligibility rules are changing! See this OHP toolkit or this short fact sheet for all the information you need or check out these quick videos below:

• ​"Stay Connected, Stay Covered" (30 sec, ​​English​)
  
• About OHP Work or Activity Rules (2-3 min. English and Spanish)
  
• How to Meet OHP Work or Activity Rules (3-4 min., English and Spanish)

Not sure if your family qualifies or if your kids are still enrolled with OHP? Did you know that PPS has an OHP navigator to help assist your family? Email Kate to get connected! kallen1@pps.net