Gear Parent Network

Disaster Preparedness 101: Families Prepare & Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Go-To Meeting
When disaster strikes will you be ready? Flooding, blizzards, high wind, and intense storms with power outages are common disasters in Maine. This workshop focuses on the reactions and needs of children and adolescents in times of unexpected disaster – even a pandemic. This workshop focuses on the reactions and needs of children and adolescents in times of unexpected disaster. Participants will learn how to become prepared, engage their communities and emergency teams to effectively respond to the unique health and well-being needs of their children and youth. You will learn begin to plan and prepare for an emergency evacuation and learn strategies to make the unforeseen event more bearable and less traumatic.
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.

The Motivation Breakthrough: Six Secrets to Turning on the Tuned Out Child
2024-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
This video workshop explores proven techniques, strategies and scripts – based on six possible motivational styles – that will revolutionize the way teachers and parents inspire children to succeed and achieve. Rick Lavoie explodes common myths and gives specific advice for motivating children

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.

Helping Your Child Manage Their Meltdowns
2024-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you feeling like you are always walking on eggshells when dealing with your young child’s meltdowns? (Professionals sometimes call these behaviors “dysregulation”) Are you at a loss about how to help your child to be successful? You’re not alone! Join in the discussion about what meltdowns are and strategies that can be used to help your child better manage these meltdowns.
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.

Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs
2024-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to help your child? Children with behavioral health needs do not come with a manual! This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents. Positive behavioral supports emphasize practical ideas about how to meet your child where they are and utilize their motivation to increase success. Understanding and using Stage of Change concepts, maximizing provider involvement, and enhancing natural supports will be emphasized to provide usable tools that can be applied in a variety of real-life situations. Temper tantrums are disruptive behavior or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or desires. Come and learn how to manage your child’s tantrums by using positive behavioral supports!
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
2024-01-11 18:00 - 20:00 | 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!

About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
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.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Oh, My!
2024-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you raising a second set of children or youth at a time you thought you would be planning your retirement? This discussion will focus on specific issues that may be challenging for grandparents today and uncover ideas and solutions for greater success and less stress.
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
2024-01-08 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
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.

Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication
2024-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 | 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

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
