​(76) Why we need to prioritise the mental health and wellness of autistic people | LinkedIn
For World Autism Acceptance Week, we are looking at how being autistic can affect a person’s experience of their mental health. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a mental health disorder, but a neurodiversity, like ADHD. However, owing to our world being majority made by and for neurotypical people, autistic people can struggle with their mental health in a world that not only isn’t designed for them, but that often misunderstands them and their needs too. 

But that doesn't mean your kids need to stop learning and exploring! Use everyday this week as a family to learn and grow together! Education starts in the home and it's never to late to incorporate some tips and tricks into your Spring Break routine. Teachable moments can be found in the smallest of tasks, here are just a few ideas you can incorporate in your household..

Celebrate International Women's Day & Women's History Month with the women who impact and change your life, not only today but every day. Take time to reflect and commit to standing up for the human rights of women everywhere. It is a time to celebrate progress made in women’s rights and a day to call for an end to gender inequality.

Practice activities and crafts that teach children about the roles women have played in the world and the struggles they have endured to get there. Get involved and let's acknowledge the women who have changed the world!

​https://www.linkedin.com/posts/femalequotient_womens-history-month-activity-6904490626218631168-kSxJ

Dream Bigger, in partnership with Families First Learning Lab, will be launching our First Annual Dream Bigger Program the summer of 2022! We are seeking public support to help reach our scholarship goal for participants and volunteers for career mentors for a 12-week session.
 
Dream Bigger is a three-month program that will assist underserved teens experiencing homelessness or who are aging out of foster care. It provides professional mentorship and hands-on training through skill building and experience in the workforce. Kicking off in June 2022, we will be offering financial workshops, career coaching, and goal setting for career success. Currently we are seeking volunteers for career shadowing - this will entail devoting half a day to showing a teen how to excel in their field of choice.

Dream Bigger founder Shannon Thompson says, “If you’re a leader in your profession and can help shine a light on what it took to get there, we would love to hear from you! The live learning experience is an invaluable part of the Dream Bigger program.”

We are also seeking monetary support for the Families First/Dream Bigger Scholarship Fund. Successful graduates of the program will receive a scholarship put towards their goals in the program. Applications for the Dream Bigger program are currently open for teens aged 15-20. Learn more about applying, mentoring, or supporting Dream Bigger at http://www.familiesfirstmt.org/dreambiggermt.html.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs and morals were the inspiration behind an entire movement of volunteers, humanitarians, and civil rights leaders around the world. As we reflect on this week & the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day its important to remember that it was meant to be a Day of Service.  Honoring his legacy by giving back locally or nationally should be important today, and every day. How can I be of service in this ever changing environment during the pandemic? We are so glad you asked! Here are some ideas:

• Donate blood, nationally there is a critical need
• Donate money to charities 
• Create care packages for people who are homebound
• Donate canned goods or non- perishable foods to local food banks
• Drop off unwanted clothing and/or household goods to local donation sites
• Create a platform virtually to educate or support children & adults
• Foster a cat or dog from local shelters, they need attention to!

Take to time to do your research about community work and volunteer opportunities, you would be surprised how many resources there are online! We are all in this together, let's spread a little love and kindness in honor of Dr. King.

Take your kiddos on a local Bear Hunt! Based off the book We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, families are putting teddy bears in their windows. Families can then go for a walk or drive searching for the bears. This is a great way to feel the sense of community in a safe, socially distanced manner. 

Check out the animated story with your children at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Waoa3iG3bZ4