FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear All,
What are you proud of? When we are asked that question, I think we immediately start to list our worldly accomplishments. I got a promotion at work. I got the IEP my kid needed. I’m President of our SEPAC. While these accomplishments are certainly something to be proud of, after reading our feature articles in this newsletter, I’m asking myself “What am I proud of?”
You’ll see in the following articles, two people (Joe and Alex) truly living their authentic lives. No games, no airs, no bending to the wishes of others. They are proud of who they are – not what they’ve accomplished. As parents who have struggled with our child’s mental health challenges (at least I know I have!), we often compare our “accomplishments” with those of others. Why don’t have I have more financial security? Why can’t I get ahead in my job or even keep a job? Why don’t I have the big, beautiful house? But, do these things really make us proud?
What am I proud of? I’m proud of WHO I am – deep down in my heart. I’m proud that I can embrace everyone, every family, every culture. That I’m compassionate and kind. As long as I am true to WHO I am, to WHO my heart is, I can be proud. Really proud.
What are you proud of?
Be proud, my friends, of YOU!
Be well, my friends. Estar bien, mis amigos.
Pam Sager
CONNECT WITH US!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
What to Know, What to Expect: Juvenile Justice 102
6:00 - 7:30 PM 6/17/2025
Planificación Para una Crisis de Salud Mental: Camino Hacia la Preparación
6:00 - 8:00 PM 6/18/2025
Guardianship is Not the Only Option: Supporting Decisions in Adulthood with Center for Public Representation Tuesday
6:00 - 8:00 PM 6/24/2025
Herramientas PAX
6:00 - 8:00 PM 6/25/2025
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
8:00 - 9:30 AM 6/26/2025
Qué Saber, Qué Esperar: Justicia Juvenil 102
CLICK ON A TITLE FOR MORE INFO!
5:00 - 6:30 PM 6/26/2025 or visit http://ppal.net/events/
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Parent/Caregiver Support
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MONDAY
Are you navigating the mental or behavioral health systems for a child, teen, or young adult?
Request 1:1 peer support!
We have NO waitlist!
WEDNESDAY
Virtual: Soul Sessions
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Virtual: Relax & Connect 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Virtual: Parenting Young AdultsLooking to the Future
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Virtual: Grupo de Apoyo Hispanol
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hybrid: Parenting Young Adults - Looking to the Future
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Virtual: Parents Raising LGBTQIA+ Children 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
THURSDAY
Virtual: Grandparents Lunch and Learn 2nd Thursday 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Virtual: Soul Sessions
5:00 - 5:30 PM
Virtual: Grandparents Connections 4th Thursday
6:30 - 8:30 PM
TUESDAY
Virtual: Soul Sessions 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Hybrid: Caregiver Connections
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Do you need help navigating and advocating in the school system for a loved one with mental or behavioral health needs?
Book an Ask The Advocate Appointment parentsupportgroup@ppal net
Virtual: Parent Support Group 6:00 - 8:00 PM
FRIDAY
Virtual: Parenting Power UP 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IN PERSON: Family Support Group for Lynn Families
6:30 - 8:30 PM Every other Friday
PPAL's Question of the Month April 2025 Results
Accessing DMH (Dept. of Mental Health) services? What families are saying...
42% have not needed DMH services
21% have DMH services for child/young adult
9% have applied for DMH services in the last 2 yrs (waiting to hear/denied)
28% were discouraged from applying
Many families indicated that their child has needs that include mental health AND developmental or intellectual disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders).
What does this mean for families?
Not every child with mental health needs requires DMH services. There are other options to obtain mental health services, such as the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative and community behavioral health centers These may be paid for by MassHealth or commercial health insurances.
DMH may provide additional services for children, youth, and young adults for the most serious mental health needs not met by insurance.
Many DMH services require an application and service authorization. Some services are available without a DMH service authorization. For a list of DMH services click HERE.
For families of children and young adults with an autism spectrum disorder, there are Autism Support Centers throughout MA providing an array of information and referral services, resources, and supports. For more information click HERE.
Contact PPAL if you need help understanding or accessing DMH services.
If you need help from PPAL right now, request family support here or call us toll free at (866) 815-8122.
PPAL's Question of the Month May 2025 Results
Family
experiences with
stigma related
to mental health? What families are saying...
Families continue to experience stigma related to mental health at heartbreaking levels.
For most children, the impact of their mental health needs shows up in all aspects of their lives. Families shared the following of children have been viewed negatively for their mental health needs. 90% 72%
SCHOOL said child's behaviors were a conduct problem and not related to their mental health needs
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS (ex: pediatrician, ED, or school nurse) did not take child’s mental health needs seriously
Child not invited to SOCIAL EVENTS EXTENDED FAMILY/FRIENDS excluded child
What does this mean for families?
At PPAL, we know this can feel frustrating, isolating, and lead to hopelessness. You don’t need to handle it alone.
In addition to PPAL, many organizations across MA provide FREE services for families. Contact PPAL to be connected to these services.
Contact PPAL to be connected to these services. WE GET IT! WE CAN HELP! of families felt they have been blamed for their child’s mental health needs.
Self-Awareness, Connection, and a Really Cute Cat
One LGBTQIA+ Youth’s Mental Health Journey
This Pride Month, we’re honored to share the story of Alex a young adult whose journey through mental health challenges and identity exploration showcases their strength and selfawareness, as well as the importance of mental health support, self-care, and belonging.
Alex (he/they) is a 19-year-old pansexual student majoring in business administration. When they’re not studying, they love driving, listening to music, and gaming online. They're also a devoted cat parent to Hemmy. “He’s officially my emotional support animal,” says Alex. “He’s my self-care.”
Mental Health in Focus
Alex has been in therapy since the age of three and says their challenges “snowballed” during their pre-teen and teenage years During this period, they needed more intensive care and were hospitalized four times
Now, things are more stable. “I’ve had no suicidal ideation for a few years, and haven’t selfharmed for 5 years. Things have gotten a lot better.”
They credit a combination of therapy, the right medication, and a supportive school system. And Hemmy, of course “My main [self-care] thing is taking care of my cat and being with my cat.”
Alex has also benefited from family support, especially from their mother—though that relationship, like many, has evolved over time.
Navigating Identity
Alex first came out as trans at 12 and pansexual at 13. “I was younger when I came out as my identity... I was happy and excited to come out, and told everyone in my life”
The reaction from friends was overwhelmingly positive. “People had already supported my friend who came out, so I assumed I’d be supported too and I was right.” Over time, Alex has helped support other friends through their own coming out journeys as well.
Family acceptance took more time “It wasn’t always the same with my mother; it took my mom awhile to get used to me being trans... but she has become a good support system now.”
At one point, when they didn’t feel accepted, Alex said, “I was an ‘angsty teenager’” who didn’t feel supported, and would seclude themselves by staying in their room or going on long walks. They would rebel. “But we got here, we’re all good now,” Alex reflects.
When asked what “family” means, Alex simply said: “Just people that I love.”
Strength in Struggle
Mental health has been a constant in Alex’s life—“I have always known it’s important, because I had my own struggles with mental health for all of my life.”
Their LGBTQIA+ identity, of course, didn’t create mental health challenges—but it did intersect with them. “Not everyone supported me at the time, including important figures in my life,” which left a mark Still, “maybe [I was] a little more happy after coming to terms with my queer identity.”
They’ve seen both the harm and healing that can come from family dynamics. “With my mom, it was not great at first…” but over time, as they didn't change their stance on being trans, and COVID happened, “we had more heartfelt conversations about it, so my mom slowly got better about accepting my identity”
Looking Forward
Alex reflects on the current political climate with concern. “I want to get the hell out [of America] but I can’t afford to, so I’m just trying not to be a target.”
Despite those fears, they remain grounded in small joys and future plans When asked what excites them, Alex says, “As long as I continue my education, the main thing personally for me is I hope I get enough money to get my own house... I’ve always wanted to have my own little place.” They envision a porch, reading books, music, and maybe a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
They are proud of their milestones especially in education. “One thing I’m proud of myself is that, especially with one of my disorders for my mental health, only 30% of people with my disorder graduated fr
Sharing Wisdom and Hope
To anyone struggling, Alex offers this: “It truly depends on the person... time doesn’t heal, but the memory becomes different with all the good experiences that occur. Stuff will get better, and stuff will get worse—nothing’s permanent. But taking drastic solutions to numb the temporary pain, is the only thing that’s permanent.”
And when it comes to how others should approach LGBTQIA+ and mental health issues, their message is clear:
“[LGBTQIA+ folk] are people that love and cry and believe the same as you. The only difference is how they feel inside. We all feel different inside—even if we’re both trans and pansexual, we still feel different things. No one ever feels the same, we’re just all human, so treat each other with kindness, be kind until someone’s not kind to you.”
“You never know what someone is going through in those situations, and it doesn’t affect you, so I don’t see the point of someone being rude or mean to someone with mental health issues, or who identifies as something they do not.”
Though the future may feel uncertain, Alex is committed to continuing their journey with honesty, self-awareness, and support “I feel like I’m going to be much happier than I would have been if I’d bottled it down, especially with mental health—I have the support I need, the meds I need, my coping mechanisms that help me. I’m still growing and learning.”
Pride is about visibility, and it’s also about voice. We’re grateful to Alex for sharing theirs. This June, let’s honor LGBTQIA+ youth and their mental health journeys—not just with celebration, but with real support
Family, Advocacy, and Resilience Family, Advocacy, and Resilience
Joe Sandagato’s Journey Through Parenthood, Mental Health, and Equality
Joe Sandagato’s Journey Through Parenthood, Mental Health, and Equality
For Joe Sandagato, family has always been the center of his world—and the center of his life’s work A proud father, seasoned advocate, and dedicated professional in the child welfare system, Joe’s story is one of deep-rooted commitment to both the LGBTQIA+ community and families navigating mental health challenges.
Joe and his husband began their journey together more than three decades ago, entering into a civil union in 1993 officiated by a Vermont justice of the peace. Even early in their relationship, Joe knew he wanted to be a parent. While the path to fatherhood wasn’t clear at first, he and his husband decided after much research and soul-searching that they could make the biggest difference by adopting children through the Massachusetts foster care system.
Over the years, Joe and his husband have adopted seven children—six boys and one girl each with unique stories and varying mental health needs All of their children came into the family with trauma, and each has engaged in therapy to heal and grow. Their son Malcolm, once facing particularly deep struggles, is now thriving in his 30s, living mostly independently and building a life rooted in his own hardwon resilience.
Their home is full of love and connection. With kids ranging in age from 15 to 34, the family is tight-knit sharing nightly dinners around the table, morning and after-school checkins, and annual outdoor adventures, including a beloved boys’ hiking trip and a girls’ trip of their own. Joe describes their dynamic as a “throwback to the 70s and 80s,” with an emphasis on time spent together and strong family traditions.
Joe Sandogato recently became the Executive Director of Cape Cod Foster Closet, a nonprofit that supports faster, preadoptive, and kinship families with donations and connections to support in their communities.
Joe's personal experiences profoundly shaped his professional path. After beginning his career in executive leadership, he shifted focus toward child welfare and mental health advocacy. His inquisitive spirit drove him to understand the intricacies of Massachusetts’s child-serving systems a process he describes as filled with “blood, sweat, and tears.” Joe has served as chair of Department of Children and Families (DCF) advisory boards, volunteered and worked with organizations like the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), and become a trusted community leader. Through listening sessions and collaboration, he has worked to make these systems more accessible and family-friendly.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are cornerstones of Joe’s values His family is a “little melting pot,” coming from a variety of cultural backgrounds. He’s long championed LGBTQIA+ rights and has contributed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives professionally and as a volunteer. But despite the progress he’s helped achieve, Joe is deeply concerned about today’s political climate.
“What’s going on right now is in opposition to work I’ve done my entire life,” he says. “I’m concerned and fearful for so many people in the LGBT community and the equality community.”
Raising children with mental health needs has never been easy, Joe explains—but in the current environment, it’s even harder. “Your very identity may block your child from receiving the services they so deeply need” For LGBTQIA+ families, the stakes are high. Joe speaks about the heightened anxiety many are feeling and how, for some, the need for an “exit plan” from the country has become a serious consideration. “It’s a nice thought if it’s available to you,” he says, “but it’s out of reach for most families.”
Joe is also alarmed by funding cuts to essential services, especially through federal agencies like SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “When there’s political discord layered on top of mental health challenges, it makes everything worse. There are more questions than answers right now about the future of mental health in this country.”
He draws a historical parallel to the 1980s, when the extant mental health system was dismantled, leaving a devastating gap in care. “Now we’re being challenged again—with more budget cuts and less support. I was encouraged by all the years of progress in LGBT and DEI spaces to think the country was moving forward.” But now, he says, it feels like we’re being pulled backward.
Still, Joe remains committed. His life and work are testaments to the power of family, however it's built. He encourages others not to give up, even in the face of broken systems and dark political moments.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Resources
Massachusetts-Based Resources
BAGLY (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth)
Youth-led, adult-supported organization offering social support, advocacy, and programs for LGBTQ+ youth.
Safe Homes
Provides support, resources, and opportunities for socialization in a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14–23.
Out Now Youth
Offers a safe space for queer youth and allies to learn about themselves, develop friendships, and explore LGBTQ+ history
Boston GLASS
Serves LGBTQ+ youth of color with drop-in services, behavioral health support, and community engagement.
Generation Q
Provides support for LGBTQ+ youth in Western Massachusetts, including social groups and leadership development.
Waltham House
A group home offering a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14–18, focusing on family reunification and independent living.mass gov
The Home for Little Wanderers – Out at Home
Provides outpatient therapeutic support services for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
Fenway Health
Offers comprehensive medical and behavioral health services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
LGBTQIA+ Community Resources
National Resources
The Trevor Project
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Trans Lifeline
A hotline offering peer support and resources for transgender individuals.
PFLAG
The first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies.
LGBT National Youth Talkline - 800-246-7743
Provides peer support and information for LGBTQ+ youth, available daily from 4 PM to midnight EST.
Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER)
Advocacy organization led by transgender youth, offering educational resources and support.
Rainbow Youth Project USA
Supports LGBTQIA+ young people through mental health services, legal assistance, and advocacy.
Point Foundation
Offers scholarships and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students.
PPAL’s FAMILY ADVOCACY ALLIANCE
(FAA) serves to give a voice to those parents who make change for the good of the whole. We are y before legislators, organize letter/email writing , and also keep the media updated on our plights.
Youth MOVE Massachusetts
Harvey Milk once said, “Hope will never be silent.” That quote has been an essential quote for me since the ninth grade. As long as we keep hope in our hearts, we can never be silenced, and we can prevail.
Harvey Milk
Gay rights activist and community leader and one of the first openly gay public officials in the United States
This quote means so much due to the relevance to what I want to accomplish in my life and my future career path. This quote is also relevant to the world we live in today and to all of the people advocating for the rights they deserve. Hope plays a huge part in our society, and we can’t just give up on the concept If we all simply gave up hope, what would we have left? We would have total destruction and tears in the eyes of the ones we love the most. We’d have a complete lack of progress and more pain than we could ever begin to handle.
When I think of the word “hope” and all of the people I know who embody it, I also think of the word “fighter.” Fighters not only have hope in their heart, but they advocate for the causes they truly believe in, and fight against the things that take away from their cause I like to hold the belief that I am a fighter. I’ve been through my fair share of tough times and challenges in my life, but in total honesty, I simply want to use my lived experience to help those who are going through similar struggles in their lives. No one should have to fight these demons alone, and that is why I want to be involved in the mental health field.
Trying to stay positive is a hard thing to do, but I really try to do just that Even if at times staying positive seems impossible, it is vital because all negativity does is drag us down. For me, my friends play a huge part in my positivity. Almost all of my friends have been diagnosed with a mental health “disorder.” I put quotes around disorder because although these are not “normal” for a brain, they still play a part in who we are, even though that’s not all there is to us. The people who have taught me the most about hope are the ones who have these disorders. They’ve taught me about resilience
I know in my heart that I am the fighter I am because of the friends I have had the pleasure of knowing. I not only fight for myself, but I fight for all of the people I love who have taught me that everyone has something to say; sometimes they simply need help to say it. Giving everyone the chance to speak up on issues they believe in is important. Listen to the hopes and dreams of others, because hope is vital to societal growth.
No matter how grim a situation may seem, you can find hope not only within yourself but in others as well. No one is incapable of having hope in their soul. Sometimes they just need a helping hand to guide them. So, in honor of Harvey Milk, remember “Hope will never be silent,” and we as a human race can never be silenced.
Written by a young adult guest blogger who wishes to write anonymously
https://youthmovemassachusetts.net/why-hope-will-never-be-silent/
What is Youth MOVE Massachsuetts?
Youth MOVE Massachusetts is a youth and young adult-led organization rooted in peer support through lived experience with mental health needs. We provide our youth participants with access to leadership development and training opportunities and we offer opportunities for engagement in statewide and national policy advocacy efforts.
Contact Youth MOVE Massachusetts: @youthmovemassachusetts https://youthmovemassachusetts.net
Lunch and Laughs with PPAL!
Adoptive, Foster & Kinship Parent/Caregivers!
PPAL knows the value of shared and connected community and that certainly includes adoptive, foster, and kinship parent/caregivers! In fact, both PPAL’s Executive and Associate Directors are adoptive parents, as is one of our Family Support Specialists. Two of them add foster and kinship to that list as well!
We were excited to put together an afternoon of respite for these parents and caregivers The group enjoyed some conversation, a delicious lunch at Worcester’s Mare e Monti Trattoria (can you say cannoli?), and a comedy set by Amy Tee, a local comedian who talks regularly about her lived experience with mental health and recovery. It was a fabulous and relaxing afternoon.
“Today was amazing. Thank you so much for a delightful afternoon. I don’t take a lot of time for myself, unless it is for something like today.”
- Parent attendee
Adoption/Kinship/Foster Resources
Massachusetts-Based Resources
MARE (Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange)
Who it's for: Prospective and current adoptive families. What they offer: Child matching, adoption parties, family support, and educational workshops.
Website: https://www.mareinc.org
Adoption Journeys
Who it's for: Families who have adopted or are providing guardianship. What they offer: Post-adoption support services including counseling, support groups, and referrals.
Website: https://www cfservices org/pg-adoption-journeys.php
Walker Cares - Adoption Support Services
Who it's for: Post-adoptive families and guardians. What they offer: Mental health and support services for children and families.
Website: https://walkercares org
Click to check out a resource!
Adoption/Kinship/Foster Resources
National Resources
Child Welfare Information Gateway – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Who it's for: All stages of the adoption journey. What they offer: National database of adoption resources, legal guidance, and publications
Website: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/
AdoptUSKids
Who it's for: Families considering adoption, especially from foster care. What they offer: Adoption listings, training tools, and guidance on working with adoption agencies
Website: https://www.adoptuskids.org
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
Who it's for: Adoptive families, professionals, and advocates. What they offer: Advocacy, peer support networks, and resources on adoption subsidies and trauma-informed care
Website: https://nacac.org
Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
Who it's for: Adoptive families and mental health professionals. What they offer: Training, counseling, webinars, and toolkits for supporting adopted children’s mental health.
Website: https://adoptionsupport.org
Creating a Family
Who it's for: Families considering or navigating adoption and foster care. What they offer: Podcasts, courses, and blogs on adoption topics, including trauma and attachment
Website: https://creatingafamily.org
Come Away for the Day Respite
Respite for caregivers of kids with mental health challenges has been needed for many, many years And while longer term, overnight respite is still a stretch, PPAL was happy recently to be able to host two respite days for parents/caregivers in our Westborough office. The all-day programs included time for sharing our stories, struggles, and successes; self-reflecting on our limiting beliefs (You ARE enough!); doing some trauma-sensitive yoga/meditation; mini-massages; and rock painting/coloring! There was food - a special lunch catered by Simply Delicious Catering- and each participant got to make their own flower bouquet to take home with them! The connections (and re-connections!) made were meaningful and the comfort with each other evident.
“If you are affiliated with PPAL then I highly suggest you attend a PPAL Caregiver Retreat I am so grateful I found time to make it happen It was beyond worth it I could release my tears and laugh and smile after. I had some amazing food that I didn't cook or pay for. I got lots of hugs and encouragement. I took home lots of memorabilia. Thank you to everyone over there at PPAL for this all.” - Nicole, Parent.
“Thank you to the staff of ANGELS at PPAL for a beautiful day of nurturing and bonding Our connection was on a deep internal level that heals the heart and the brain We laughed, cried, ate, and just got to BE together I arrived exhausted, tired with gray skies I left with my soul truly replenished with the flowers of love and light ” - Oonagh, Parent
Our final respite day before summer will be on Sunday, June 22. Space is limited. If you’d like to join us, please email ebose@ppal.net immediately!
PPAL'S 14TH ANNUAL Children's Mental Health CONFERENCE
AHUGESUCCESS!
PPAL recently held our 14th Annual Children's Mental Health Conference The day was packed! We kicked off the conference with messages from Commissioner Brooke Doyle, MA Department of Mental Health, and Commissioner Cecely Reardon, MA Department of Youth Services. Thank you Commissioners Doyle and Reardon for sharing your hope and good wishes with us!
Next came our Keynote Speaker, Hasan Davis, J.D. Known as “The Hope Dealer,” Davis shared with us his life journey through mental health, learning disabilities, domestic abuse, and court involvement. He had us laughing, crying, remembering, and identifying! He did exactly as he promised - he dealt HOPE! Hasan’s keynote was definitely one of the highlights of the day. Please come back soon, Hasan. We miss you already!
In addition to the 12 workshops offered during the day (including a Spanish track), another highlight of the conference was PPAL’s Annual Children's Mental Health Awards Ceremony Each year, we thoughtfully consider members of our community who have shown dedication to advancing children's mental health through their hard work, leadership, and advocacy. We're thrilled to have 13 remarkable award winners this year! [See box below for details on the award winners.] Congratulations to all!
Thanks also goes to PPAL’s small but mighty conference team: Meri Viano, Pamela Bows, and Lynn Feingold You are awesome
We hope our attendees came away from the conference with renewed hope, knowledge, and community! We certainly know our staff did!
PPAL staff, DMH Commissioner Doyle, and Keynote Speaker Hasan Davis getting prepared for the conference!
J.D. “The Hope Dealer” Founder/CEO, Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C. www.hasandavis.com
Author: Written Off (2016), The Journey of York (2019), Human Writes (2022) The Race (2022) Available on Amazon.com and Booksellers everywhere
PPAL'S 14TH ANNUAL Children's Mental Health CONFERENCE
Thank you to our generous partners and sponsors– we couldn’t do this con ence without their support!
JoeChung Plumbing Belmont,MA
CoralValerio
Children’s Mental Health Awards
Each year, we thoughtfully consider members of our community who have shown dedication to advancing Children's Mental Health through their advocacy and leadership We're thrilled to introduce you to our 13 remarkable award winners:
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION
JoshGreenberg,J.D. VP Government Relations, BostonChildren'sHospital
EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY LEADERSHIP AWARD
AliceMayball
Parent & participant in the DYS film Seeing Red: Changing The Narrative
EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY LEADERSHIP AWARD
JesusRuiz Founder and President of LeavingTheStreetsMovement
LIFETIMEACHIEVEMENT INADVOCACYAWARD
MariaZ Mossaides Director of the Office of the Child AdvocateforMassachusettsanda member of The Possible Zone BoardofDirectors
EXCELLENCEINFAMILY LEADERSHIPAWARD
KaieshaSkinner
Parent & participant in the DYS film Seeing Red: Changing The Narrative
PUBLIC POLICY AWARD
TheHonorableKayKhan 11thMiddlesexDistrict(retired)
EXCELLENCEINFAMILY LEADERSHIPAWARD
WandaRuiz FounderandExecutive DirectorofLeavingTheStreets Movement
PUBLIC POLICY AWARD
TheHonorableRuthB.Balser 12thMiddlesexDistrict(retired)
EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH PEER ADVOCACY AWARD
JonathanD.Bowen-Leopold
CHANGING LIVE AWARD
Sgt. Jack Coffey Mendon Police Department
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AWARD
EXCELLENCEINYOUTH LEADERSHIPAWARD
AnnaCadyClouse
Youth MOVE Massachusetts
PeerSupportSpecialist
CHANGINGLIVES AWARD
Felicia Cormier
Clinical Coordinator / Co Responder LICSW, Braintree Police Department Harbor Area Family ResourceCenter
PPAL’s Annual “Fun at Dunn” 2025
This year we had a blast at the annual “Fun at Dunn” 2025 family resource event! We had a diverse crowd of families of all ages join us despite the chilly May weather in western Mass!
While eating some great pizza and ice cream, families were able to scope out resources from the area, paint rocks, chat, and shoot off bottle rockets with the Boy Scouts!
Community Corkboard
THANK YOU for partnering for PPAL’s 14 Annual Conference, th the LARGEST children’s mental health conference in New England! Learn more about the MA Department of Mental Health here
THANK YOU for partnering for PPAL’s 14 Annual Conference, th the LARGEST children’s mental health conference in New England!
Learn more about the MA Department of Youth Services here
“We
have to stop thinking about diversity and start thinking about inclusion.”
- Viola Davis, Actress
June 2025 June 2025
