The Community Backyard works in Orange and Chatham Counties to ensure that youth with mental health and substance abuse needs have access to high quality services right here in their own backyards. THE COMMUNITY BACKYARD... CONVENES: We have brought together leaders in our community to begin a dialogue about the most pressing needs of our young people and their families. CREATES: We are introducing programs that will result in better-trained, better-informed professionals and community members. COORDINATES: We are developing local collaborations to build more services with greater capacity. ADVOCATES: As an independent organization, we represent the children and families of Orange and Chatham counties to state and local leaders. For more information please email bguthrie@mhaoc.com As of July 2006, the Community Backyard (CBY) and the Mental Health Association in Orange County (MHA/OC) has joined hands to work together to meet the needs of our youth’s mental health and substance abuse needs. CBY is thrilled to become a program of MHA/OC, which has so many goals similar to our own. Working together, CBY and MHA/OC can become stronger and more effective in creating a healthy and safe community for all. Billie J. Guthrie was hired as the new Senior Director of the Community Backyard in July 2006. She comes to us from OPC where she worked in Housing and was the Liaison to the Consumer and Family Advisory Council. Her prior experience includes in-home work with high-risk families, helping to spearhead the development of the Club Nova thrift shop, case management for adults with mental illness at Northside Clinic and chair of the Community Initiative to End Homelessness in Orange County. Billie holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from UNC, with an emphasis in community organization and non-profit management. The Community Backyard's Substance Abuse Treatment Training Institute PRESENTS An Ongoing Teaching Case Conference Series: Applying Best Practices in the Treatment of Adolescent Substance Abuse WHAT: Twelve-month teaching case conference series to assist participants more effectively apply best practices within the context of actual cases. Each session is two hours for a cumulative total of 24 contact hours (approved by AHEC and NCSAP). A peer supervision model will be facilitated by Paul Nagy, LPC, LCAS, CCS of the Duke Addictions Program. WHO Child serving professionals who are willing to commit to twelve sessions (one per month for 2 hours each) with caseloads that include adolescents who have substance abuse issues. WHEN & WHERE: The first session will be January 17, 2007 at 8:30am at the offices of the Mental Health Association in Orange County (302 W. Weaver Street, Carrboro). FEE: The entire twelve month series, including 24 contact hours for ONLY $250 per participant. This series is an excellent opportunity for you or your staff to work towards obtaining licensure. Slots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register, contact Billie Guthrie by January 10th at 919-942-8083. Take the SAFE HOMES Pledge! Visit the website for the Committee for Alcohol and Drug Free Teeangers: www.cadft.org The Community Backyard Awarded Federal Grant to Reduce Underage Drinking and Drug Use Coming Soon: A new web page for the Chatham Community for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth and their first annual SAFE HOMES pledge drive. Fall 2006 Newsletter Home • Who We Are • What We Do • Resources • Publications • Contact Us The Community Backyard is a program of Mental Health Association of Orange County (MHA), a 501c-3 non-profit organization. The Community Backyard • The Veneable Building • 302 W. Weaver Street • Carrboro, NC • 27510 919-942-8083 • bguthrie@mhaoc.com web design by uniqueorn enterprises