Fairfield, CA - On Wednesday, May 8, families from the community convened at the Sullivan Language Immersion Academy for an uplifting event aimed at enhancing family engagement and wellness. Hosted by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD), the Strengthening Family even was held in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month.
Attendees were treated to a hearty dinner provided by the FSUSD Child Nutrition, setting the stage for an evening filled with enriching activities and meaningful connections. The event, made possible through collaboration with the Solano Office of Education (SCOE) and Solano Behavioral Health, featured breakout sessions tailored for both adults and youth. FSUSD Community Outreach Liaisons played a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing the youth activities.
Adult participants benefited from sessions conducted in both English and Spanish by SCOE Mental Health and Wellness clinicians, offering invaluable skill-building opportunities. Topics ranged from fostering family engagement to wellness strategies, with discussions focused on nurturing family bonds and promoting healing.
“Strengthening our families is paramount to promoting mental wellness, ultimately leading to a healthier and more vibrant community. This endeavor is best achieved through collaborative efforts across various sectors,” remarked Dr. Veneisha Johnson, Clinical Services Supervisor with SCOE.
Dr. Johnson further emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This was a unique opportunity to collaborate with schools, families, children, and the community. By empowering parents with the tools to fortify their homes, we can positively impact children's educational outcomes. We are committed to creating a space for parents to voice their needs, allowing us to plan future events collaboratively.”
While adults engaged in meaningful conversations, youth attendees participated in expressive art projects guided by Solano Behavioral Health. Their creative endeavors included painting flower pots, crafting painted face masks, and contributing to a collaborative paper tree adorned with leaves fashioned from their handprints.
Holly Collins, FSUSD Coordinator of Parent and Family Engagement, expressed her delight at the event's success: "This was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with our community partners and provide essential mental health and wellness resources for families. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with SCOE and Solano Behavioral Health to offer additional events in the upcoming school year."
The event was partly funded by a grant awarded to SCOE by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The ReCast grant—Resilience and Community after Stress and Trauma—aims to support local communities in working together to improve behavioral health, empower residents, reduce trauma, and sustain community change.