Morrison Child and Family Services

A few Mental Health Mondays reminders 🌼

SAGE prom—Masquerade Ball edition 🪩🌟💃
 
With the help of staff and PPS teachers, the SAGE youth transformed the space with sparkling lights, candles, gold and black décor, masquerade masks, and a roaring 20s-inspired photo booth. The evening included a four-course dinner from Pastini, made possible through the generosity of our SAGE Circle donors (which the kids thought was just about the fanciest thing they’d ever seen). Everyone danced for hours, took photos, laughed with friends, and soaked up every moment. 
 
“While just the fun of having a prom is reason enough to invest the time, money, and effort that SAGE does, there are also really important reasons that we prioritize these kinds of events,” said Kelli Doolittle, SAGE Program Director. “Events like these allow SAGE youth to address the social-emotional impacts of trauma and process complex emotions through play, creativity, and positive social connection. Having relatable experiences can also help youth with reintegration by creating a sense of normalcy and belonging.”
 
We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to these events for our youth!

Our CEO Nick Gallo had the opportunity this past week to join Governor Tina Kotek , First Lady Aimee Kotek, Senator Reynolds, Rep Pham, and many others at The Ballmer Institute to witness the signing of critical mental health legislation. A win for behavioral health, these bills demonstrate a shared vision to create stronger systems of care to create better outcomes for kids and families across Oregon and beyond. That’s our goal every day at Morrison.