Maine Parent Federation, INC

02/25/2026

You know this feeling... the ache of carrying your child’s entire history in your body, the vigilance, the instinct to protect, the moments when advocacy feels like the only thing holding everything together.

In her latest blog, Joanne explores the tension between knowing your child better than anyone and learning, sometimes painfully, to let collaboration in. This piece names the fear, the resistance, the hope, and the growth that can emerge when care becomes shared rather than carried alone.

Read: https://courageousparentsnetwork.org/blog/the-depth-of-the-well-parents-and-clinicians-are-experts/

02/25/2026

Additional appointment days have been added!! Call now to schedule your Aroostook CA$H Coalition Free Tax Prep appointment: 207-764-3721 Ext.8

Looking for Free Tax Prep in your area? Visit www.cashmaine.org/find-your-location/ or call 211 to see what is available in your community.

02/25/2026

What many adults see as defiance after school is often a child who has used every ounce of energy holding it together all day.

After-school restraint collapse happens when a child has spent hours masking, complying, concentrating, managing sensory input, following rules and meeting expectations. By the time they get home, their nervous system is overloaded and exhausted. The behaviour that follows isn’t deliberate or manipulative. It’s the body releasing stress once it finally feels safe.

That’s why meltdowns, tears, anger, shutdown or refusal often show up with the people they trust most. Home becomes the place where they don’t have to pretend anymore.

Understanding restraint collapse shifts the response from punishment to support. It invites us to prioritise connection, predictability, rest and co-regulation before correction.

If this is showing up in your home, the After-School Restraint Collapse Toolkit walks you through what’s happening in the brain, why it looks the way it does, and how to support your child without escalating the moment.
Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

🎟️ Do you have your tickets for March 17th yet?

Just a few weeks away—our conference is right around the corner!

Grab your tickets today and be part of a meaningful day filled with inspiration, connection, and community impact. 💛

We can’t wait to see you at Family Voices: Heart of Change!

Learn more and register here: https://www.mpf.org/heart-of-change/

Welcome Maine Families and Community Partners, Family Voices: Heart of Change! This summit is a collaborative partnership between the Maine CDC and the Maine Parent Federation, bringing together families, professionals, and community organizations to learn, connect, and inspire meaningful change. Ma...

02/24/2026

There is a new virtual support group for Maine brain injury survivors who are also parents/in a parenting role (and their support systems). The group will meet on the last Wednesday of each month, and the first meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 25. More info below!

02/24/2026

Today at Noon! A general forum to ask us... well... anything! Join alongside MPF staff, community members, and Maine families to meet us and have your questions hears. We will have the option of one-to-one breakout rooms for more private questions and personal preferences. Occurs on the last Tuesday of each month noon- 1:00pm

Please Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucOCqqzsuE9QllHV5ECWAZKty01TqHUhZ

Connect with us anytime parentconnect@mpf.org

02/24/2026

STARTING TONIGHT! Youth and Young adults, REGISTER NOW!

We’re excited to offer another Voices Rising series led by Alyssa Mathieu. This spring, we’ll be working alongside youth and young adults ages 14–26 to explore strategies and best practices for navigating adulthood.

From February through June, participants will engage with Empower the Learner (ETL)—a digital profile designed to help youth and young adults share their story, identify strengths, and reflect on their goals for adulthood.

Built in Canva, ETL provides a creative and accessible template that allows participants to create a profile about themselves, in their own voice and style.

Any questions? dcampbell@mpf.org

https://www.mpf.org/event/voices-rising-finding-yourself/

02/23/2026

Organization turn to tiny homes to help combat youth homelessness

02/23/2026

⚡⚡ Reminder: if you get SNAP and you've lost your food due to a power outage that lasts longer than 8 hours, you can ask for replacement benefits.

🔷 To get your SNAP replaced, you need to report your loss of food to DHHS by e-mailing farmington.dhhs@maine.gov or calling 1-855-797-4357 AND you will need to fill out and submit this form to DHHS within 10 days of your power coming back on: https://vist.ly/4skh2

🔷 DHHS will verify the power outage and if you are eligible, they will replace up to one month’s worth of SNAP benefits.

02/23/2026

Lunch & Learn: Resources to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Virtual: Join us on ZOOM
First Wednesday of the month
March 2026-June 2026
12pm-1pm

Questions & Registration: Email Sitara Sheik, VR Counselor, at Sitara.N.Sheikh@maine.gov or Sazza Carter, Case Manager, at Sazza.Carter@mainehealth.org

ASL interpreters provided.

Presented by the Maine Department of Labor, MaineHealth, and Disability Rights Maine.