Gear Parent Network

Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication
2024-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Go-To Meeting
Effective communication skills are vitally important for thriving family relationships. Using tools such as non-violent and non-verbal communication can improve our ability to resolve conflicts that arise and strengthen bonds within families. As parents, we can master these skills and model them for our children. Join us in learning the various strategies that are at the heart of good communication.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

January Support Group
2024-01-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting
held virtually every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery
2024-01-02 15:30 - 17:00 | Go-To Meeting
Held virtually every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30–5 p.m
If you are a parent, caregiver or working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child/youth, please join us for this FREE 12 week program. You will explore hands on activities, along with guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children/youth in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences. Join us to explore ideas and build skills; strengthen your connection with your child or youth! Register online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpgJNGN2rk5Jn9mEZ4PlBDEKqv9IBGf_Pjks6ToNqjQJLIow/viewform or call Megan Dickinson at 207-859-1580.

“Ho-Ho-Ho! Holiday Family Scavenger Hunt!!”
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
We will be joining you virtually with our family in having fun celebrating the season with an old fashioned scavenger hunt. Each family will be provided a list of items to find around your home and a time frame to complete the hunt. So gather your family and join us in having some laughs and fun!” Note: You must pre-register for this workshop as there will be gift card giveaways!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

What’s Your Parenting Style? Identifying Your Style and How it Affects Your Interaction with Your Children.
2023-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop is intended to help you learn and identify your current parenting style and recognize the large impact that it has on your child’s development. We will review each of the four parenting styles. Through sharing of information and discussion you will be given the tools to use to evaluate both positive and negative influences in your lives and how it relates to your parenting style. Parents and caregivers can improve their skills by having and understanding of parenting styles, discipline, cultural influences and environmental issues.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD
2023-12-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact adults, teens, and children. It is estimated about 5% of the people experience SAD in the US and 4 out of 5 are women. One US study found rates of SAD were 7 times higher in New Hampshire then in California suggesting the farther we are from the equator, the more likely we are to develop Seasonal Affective Disorder. Join us for an educational and STRESS-LESS evening learning about SAD and how to deal with it.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Fun! Creating a Cookie Jar Mix Gift
2023-12-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Coastal Recovery Community Center, 11 White Street, Rockland or GOTO
Whip up a homemade gift from the kitchen to show family and friends you truly care! Join us for this evening of fun and create a cookie jar mix to take home with you as a gift for that special someone. Personalize your jar by adding a tag and a simple ribbon or bow for a one of a kind touch. G.E.A.R. will provide the dry mix supplies and some decorative items. Please do feel free to bring a quart wide mouth canning jar or decorative items from home.
Note: You must pre-register for this workshop.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Fun! Decorative Handprint Christmas Trees!
2023-12-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Ginny’s Natural Corner, 217 North Ave in Skowhegan, 217 North Ave
Bring your kids and join us and our local youth group in creating easy handprint Christmas tree designs for the holidays! All supplies necessary will be provided. Let’s have fun together, be creative and leave you with a little personalized memory to hold on to or create a personal gift to give this holiday season!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

December Support Group
2023-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Fun! Creating Ornaments!
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Join us for creating easy ornament designs for the holidays by recycling your old ornaments! Use any items or materials you wish to use that may be used such as: wrapping paper and ribbon, pictures, wrapping tissue paper, hair ribbons, beads, glitter, sequins and liquid glue. Let’s have fun together, be creative and leave you with a little personalized memory to hold on to or create a personal gift to give this holiday season!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Parenting with Dignity-Picking up This Ball Is a Victory for All
2023-11-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Go-To Meeting
G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include:
Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents – Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 6-9 p.m.
Session 2: Discipline, Deciding what you Want-Part 1 and 2 – Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 6-9 p.m.
Session 3: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 and 2 – Monday, December 4, 2023 from 6-9 p.m.
Session 4: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting – Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6-9 p.m.
Session 5: The Reasons Punishment Doesn’t Work – Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

November Support Group
2023-11-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting

Managing Stress During the Holidays
2023-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
The holiday season is here! While it is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it’s also the harbinger of stress for many of us. Join us and learn a few simple tips you could try to help reduce holiday stress before it begins so that it remains at a positive level rather than an overwhelming one.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Managing Caregiver Stress: Strategies for Recognizing & Reducing Stress
2023-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
We all have stress in our lives. The stress is even greater for parents or caregivers raising a child or youth with emotional and behavioral health needs. Please join us for this presentation and have conversation and discovery of what stress is, how stress affects us, how to differentiate between good and bad stress; you will also and learn about different forms of stress relief and reduction strategies that can help us to live healthier lives.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

How to Talk to Your Child about Substances
2023-11-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Go-To Meeting
Tara’s work is to prevent youth substance use and she supports youth-led and youth-serving programming that builds young people’s resilience and strengthens youth leadership on issues of public health, restorative practices, and social justice.
This discussion-based training will cover how parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings can talk to the children and young adults in their lives to reduce the risk of underage drinking and other substance use. We will provide the information and resources needed to address these issues early and often. It’s never too early (and it’s never too late!) to start these conversations or learn more and develop skills to continue and strengthen communication about substances. Together, we can encourage people under 21 to remain substance-free during the most critical years of brain development.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop”
2023-11-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
This unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same Frustration, Anxiety and Tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. See how teachers, social workers, psychologists, parents, and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie’s workshop reflect upon their experience and the way it changed their approach to children who have a learning disability.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Take Action Against Bullying
2023-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
October is Bullying Awareness Month! Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long-term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Defusing Challenging Behaviors: How to Effectively De-Escalate Your Child
2023-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
What is the best way to quickly defuse your child’s challenging behavior in the heat of the moment? Yelling at them? Punishing them? Grounding them in their room for a week? Or giving “Show ‘em who’s BOSS” vibes. Using these harsh methods will only add fuel to the fire and the point is NOT TO make things worse in those intense situations. Join us in learning to use different techniques that can help defuse a situation before it gets worse!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Empowering Young Adults with ID/DD
2023-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Young adults with intellectual and developmental disability labels are more capable, more fulfilled, and safer when parents support their empowerment. In this workshop, parents will explore how being an ally to their young adult’s independence can not only support individual development but also the strengthen relationships. Come learn skills and resources for supported decision-making and self-advocacy!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Parent Support Group
2023-10-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting
You are NOT Alone! If you are a parent wanting support, or are a parent/caregiver of a child with behavioral, emotional, or developmental health needs, please consider joining us to meet and compare notes with other parents who truly understand the journey you are on. Parenting and raising a child/youth is often challenging, however even more so with a child with an emotional or behavioral health concern. Join us in this safe place with no shame, blame or judgment either in person when specified below, or virtually from the comfort of your home and chat with other parents who share similar life experiences.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery
2023-10-03 15:30 - 2023-10-11 17:00 | Go-To Meeting
If you are a parent, caregiver or working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child/youth, please join us for this FREE 17 week program. You will explore hands on activities, along with guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences. Join us to explore ideas and build skills; strengthen your connection with your child or youth! Call Jenny at 207-859-2521 or register online at: https://kvcap-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctceihrTMuHteI7o14lSv9bWlUPeXQ32dM#/registration

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

September Evening Support Group
2023-09-26 19:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting

" Defusing Challenging Behaviors: How to Effectively De-Escalate Your Child”
2023-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
What is the best way to quickly defuse your child’s challenging behavior in the heat of the moment? Yelling at them? Punishing them? Grounding them in their room for a week? Or giving “Show ‘em who’s BOSS” vibes. Using these harsh methods will only add fuel to the fire. And the point is NOT TO make things worse in those intense situations. Join us in learning to use different techniques that can help defuse a situation before it gets worse!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

September Wednesday Support Group
2023-09-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting
occurs weekly, every Wednesday
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

August Evening Support Group
2023-08-29 19:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting

“G.E.A.R. Annual Family Picnic”
2023-08-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Tot Lot, Fish Hatchery Rd. (go to the end), Auburn
A light picnic buffet lunch will be provided and picnic tables are available. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs or blankets for additional seating; and if you have special dietary needs please do bring your own food. We will have fun activities too for both kids and adults alike! Registration is required. Parents/caregivers are responsible for watching their kids.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“Do You Speak Teen? ‘mnE Ps dnt bleev der is a gNR8N d/c b/t em n thr teen”
2023-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Communicating with teens today is more challenging than ever but not impossible! This workshop will explore modern technology and give you some new ideas to peek into your teen’s world. The framework of the 40 Developmental Assets® will also be shared. Minneapolis-based Search Institute® has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development – known as “developmental assets” – that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring and responsible adults.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Family Fun Beach Day!
2023-08-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Morgan’s Beach Route 155, Enfield-Lincoln Rd, Enfield, Route 155, Enfield, ME, 04493, United States
Join us at Morgan’s Beach on the western shore of Cold Stream Pond. Entrance is free so join us for this fun and relaxing social event with other parents and their kids! The grounds include a sandy beach, picnic area, playground, changing rooms/bathrooms along with refreshments sold at the Trap Shack. Bring your own sunscreen, blankets, chairs, toys & towels!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

“How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop” Video Presentation by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed.
2023-08-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
