CONFERENCE: Wednesday, May 13 – Friday May 15, 2020
PRE-CONFERENCES: Tuesday Afternoon—May 12, 2020 (Parents & Youth Advocates)
Wednesday Morning—May 13, 2020 (Parents, Youth, Education, TAY, Counties/Agencies)
AT ASILOMAR CONFERENCE GROUNDS IN PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA
The California Mental Health Advocates for Children & Youth (CMHACY) conference is the most recognized and longest standing conference for children’s mental health in the state of California. Our annual conference is California’s premier event for all interested in learning about, advocating for and promoting policies, programs and practices that enhance the well-being of vulnerable children, youth and families. As we commence the planning of our 40th annual conference, we look back at how far we’ve come since 1980—growing from a small group of 40 county children’s coordinators to over 600 attendees in 2019.
Breaking the Stigma of Addiction
Tony Hoffman will elaborate on his early childhood, and will provide a deep understanding of early childhood trauma and how substance use became a coping mechanism to help him escape the mental health struggles that trauma gave birth to. Tony believes every individual struggling with addiction has untreated trauma, the lack of knowledge on how to heal from this trauma creates the mental health struggle that causes an inevitable shift in behavior where substance use is the first effective coping mechanism the person finds. The unfortunate reality is the substances which are used as a coping mechanism also create the addictions that are destructive to not only themselves but eventually everything around them. This is depicted in the detailed stories Tony tells of his own life as addiction takes over his ability to make healthy choices and his life spirals out of control as a result.
Tony will speak about the entire reformation process of his life that challenges stigmas and belief systems of old regarding addiction, homelessness, prevention and rehabilitation. His story helps provide a fresh perspective on how to work with those struggling with addictions and help get them to a place of happiness and sobriety.
BIO: TONY HOFFMAN, FORMER BMX ELITE PRO
After paroling prison on December 13, 2008, Tony Hoffman started living out his dream, with his addiction behind him. Tony is a Former BMX Elite Pro and placed 2nd at the 2016 World Championships in Medellin Colombia in the Masters Pro class. Tony coached Women’s Elite Pro, Brooke Crain, to a 4th place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil. His story is full of redemption as he has seen some of the highest highs, and the lowest lows. Tony has presented on the prestigious TEDx stage and is the Founder and Director of The Freewheel Project, a non-profit that mentors thousands of youth through action sports. Today, Tony is one of the most requested substance abuse speakers in the country, traveling 200 days a year to share his inspiring story with various audiences. Tony’s future goal is to open the Tony Hoffman Wellness Center where he hopes to redirect the lives of those struggling with addiction onto the path of sobriety and purpose.
In October of 2018, CMHACY lost Jim Preis to cancer—a former CMHACY Board member, Friend, and frequent workshop presenter and moderator of our Friday Policy Panels. Jim was legendary In the children’s mental health movement in California and across the nation. Through his big battles, little skirmishes, productive collaborations, and persistent refusals to accept injustices, we witnessed decades of Jim’s undaunted and collegial efforts to improve the lives of Californians.
As Executive Director of Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. in Los Angeles Jim dedicated his work and his life to improving access to and services/supports for people with mental health and emotional challenges. Jim’s impact was huge in the children’s mental health movement exemplified by his role as lead attorney on the lawsuit that in California expanded EPSTD to include mental health services.
In honor of his many contributions the CMHACY Board has dedicated the Advocate of the Year award to Jim. By renaming the award in his honor, it will serve as an annual reminder of the extraordinary deeds that we can accomplish working together, and the incredible individual work he took on across his decades of service. CMHACY will honor his memory by recognizing others who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others and who share the values and commitment to service that he stood for and for which he fought.
All attendees are invited to join us at our free Welcome Reception following our opening plenary session. Come mingle with other attendees and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, view our 2020 poster presentations, meet our speakers & sponsors, and celebrate CMHACY’s history with us as look back on 40 years!
Improvements in public child/family mental health at the local and state levels does not happen without the efforts of a champion or leader. This category seeks to identify public colleagues who have seized upon opportunities to build something bigger, something better – either as a pilot program or through legislation or regulatory changes – and who are undaunted by competing priorities and/or funding and authority conflicts. CMHACY has granted this award to legislators, legislative aides, Boards of Supervisors, personnel from county and state offices, private providers and parent advocates.
The Fatherhood Initiative, Alameda County Public Health Department
The Fatherhood Initiative aims to strengthen, coordinate, and grow existing male and fatherhood services support within the Maternal, Paternal, and Child & Adolescent Health (MPCAH) system of care. The Fatherhood Initiative promotes responsible fatherhood and healthy relationships through parenting education and skill building. It provides male-centered case management and care coordination through support programs. The Initiative collaborates with First 5 Alameda County to promote the Father Corps program and partners with Alameda County Healthy Start Initiative and Black Infant Health to ensure early intervention practices.
The goals of the Fatherhood Initiative are to improve the quality of life for Alameda County children, families and communities by:
BIO: MELVIN CALAWAY JR., ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE PROGRAM
Melvin Calaway Jr. is a Family Support Case Manager for the Alameda County Public Health Department Fatherhood Initiative Program. Where he strives to strengthen the personal and professional growth of fathers. As a member of the Alameda County Breastfeeding Coalition Steering Committee, Melvin is able to utilize his skills of support and empowerment to foster the education while empathizing the importance of the fathers’ role in the process of breastfeeding. He has ten years of experience as a community service provider, throughout Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Alameda Counties.
Melvin is a native of Oakland, California. He is also a father of five children. Melvin received his Bachelor of Art in Psychology from San Francisco State University, and recently completed his Masters’ in Social Work at Walden University. He is an experienced public speaker, group facilitator, and mental health consultant. Melvin has a passion for uplifting and empowering diverse individuals and families in need.
BIO: CHRISTOPHER GIBSON., ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE PROGRAM
Christopher Gibson is a Family Support Case Manager for the Alameda County Public Health Department Fatherhood Initiative Program. Chris’s focus is to encourage dads to be Resilient, Present, and consistent with their parenting. Currently, he is serving as the oversee of supervisor of two fatherhood being held at WIC sites in Oakland, Ca. He is a member of the Alameda County Fathers Corps, where he works with other fatherhood service providers to influences system-wide change, in family court, Social Services, Child support, and others that have a biased view of men and fatherhood. Chris also provides technical assistance to health clinics to become father-friendly and help with outreach and group facilitation.
Chris is a native of Richmond, California. He is also a father of three children. Chris received his Bachelor of Science from California State University East Bay and will be starting his Masters’ in Public Administration in Fall 2020. Chris also currently serves as a Youth Pastor at Bethel Church in Richmond.
All are invited!! Come to Merrill Hall for to celebrate CMHACY’s 40TH YEAR!! Join us for dancing, good food, and a fun time! Enjoy our photo booth, awesome DJ and lots of snacks. There will amazing Raffle prizes too! See you on the dance floor!
This Friday morning session will bring together a small group of statewide known policy experts who will lead discussions, and connect with the audience, through non-traditional, unique interaction, promoting engagement and involvement throughout the morning on several of the most significant policies currently facing California. These policy issues will include, but not be limited to: Medi-cal Healthier California for All -and- the status of the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) and the discussions around “Refresh of MHSA”. This unique interaction, and audience engagement in regards to these powerful policy issues, will culminate in an inspirational Call to Action.
