Florece en Comunidad
2026-09-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MD
Florece en Comunidad – Grupos de Apoyo para la Salud Mental y Conductual
Puede unirse de manera anónima
The Parents’ Place of Maryland organiza un grupo de apoyo virtual mensual en nuestro estado para familias hispanas con seres queridos afectados por problemas de salud mental, uso de sustancias y juego problemático.
Virtual en Zoom
Participe de este grupo de apoyo virtual si usted:

Vive en el estado de Maryland
Usted o algún ser querido ha sido afectado por problemas de salud mental, consumo de sustancias y/o juego problemático
Desea conectarse con otras personas
Quisiera recibir apoyo e información

¿Preguntas? Por favor comuníquese con Joan Balbuena Hernández al correo electrónico joan@ppmd.org
Regístrese Aquí!

Coffee and Conversations: Elementary School
2026-09-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | MD
Join our Coffee and Conversations sessions if you have children in grades 1st through 5th.
Coffee and Conversations is a safe virtual space to:

Share ideas
Share frustrations
Get resources
Make new friends

We meet the first Thursday of each month at 12:00pm.
Click here to register!
Please email Alexis Watson at alexis@ppmd.org with any questions!

Lunch and Listen: A support group for families dealing with behavioral health
2026-09-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL, Glen Burnie
Attend this virtual support group if you:

Reside in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, or Carroll county
Have loved ones affected by mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling
Would like to connect with others
Would like to receive support and information

Questions? Please email communications@ppmd.org
Click here to register. You may join anonymously.
See our monthly topics of discussion below!

August 6, 2026: “All for One and One for All: Community Schools”
September 3, 2026: “Back to School/Back to routines”
October 1, 2026: “Holding Two Truths: Acknowledging that love and distress often coexist”
November 5, 2026: “It’s OK to Be Tired: Caregiver Burn Out”
December 3, 2026: “Be a Good Samaritan, not because you have to, but because someone else needs you to: A focus on the Good Samaritan Law”
January 7, 2026: TO BE DETERMINED
February 4, 2026: TO BE DETERMINED
March 4, 2026: “Storms affect everyone, no matter what type they are: Habits vs. Addiction”

6th Annual Sober Living Hope and Healing Fest
2026-09-05 12:00 - 17:00 | Coppermine Cascade Park, 2841 Snydersburg Rd, Hampstead, MD, Westminster, MD, 21074, United States
We are excited to invite you to join us at the upcoming 6th Annual Sober Living Hope and Healing Fest this fall! Focused on strengthening community connections through the spread of local resources and services to aid families and caregivers, this event is sure to provide a plethora of valuable community resources!

Embracing Strength: Southern Maryland Support Group
2026-09-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-14 12:00 - 13:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL, Glen Burnie
Attend this virtual support group if you:

Reside in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s county
Have loved ones affected by mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling
Would like to connect with others
Would like to receive support and information

Questions? Please email Donna Howard at donna@ppmd.org
Click here to register. You may join anonymously.
See our monthly topics of discussion below!

May 13, 2026: Building Emotional Resilience
Jun 10, 2026: Understanding Substance Use Disorder
July 8, 2026: Letting Go Without Giving Up

We will discuss healthy boundaries with children and loved ones and do a supporting/enabling boundary setting activity

August 12, 2026: Grief and Loss When a Loved One Is Still Living – Support for Parents and Caregivers, Including Parents of Incarcerated Children

HCC Fall 2026 Dragon Connection Fair
2026-09-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD, 21044, United States
Are you an HCC student looking to connect with on- and off-campus resources available in the community and learn more about school clubs? Then don’t hesitate to join us at the 2026 Fall Dragon Connection Fair, with the addition of music, snacks, activities, and a chance for students to win prizes, this event is sure to be an educational and fun opportunity for all!

Simply Breathe: North Central Support Group
2026-09-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL, Glen Burnie
Attend this virtual support group if you:

Reside in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford, or Cecil county
Have loved ones affected by mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling
Would like to connect with others
Would like to receive support and information

Questions? Please email Crystal Simpson-Howell at crystal@ppmd.org
Click here to register. You may join anonymously.
See our monthly topics of discussion below!

February 11, 2026: “Healing Hearts and Minds”
March 11, 2026: “Mattering – understanding tools and skills that can connect purpose to building a meaningful community”
April 8, 2026: “Pregnancy & Infant Loss”
May 13, 2026: “Self-Care and Wellness”
June 10, 2026: “Self Growth”
July 8, 2026: “Freedom to Feel”
August 12, 2026: “Supporting Neurodiverse Kids”
September 9, 2026: “Recovery Month – Addiction Loss”
October 14, 2026: “Meaningful Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank”
November 4, 2026: “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget”
December 9, 2026: “Self-Care and Wellness”

Coffee and Conversations: Middle & High School
2026-09-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | MD
Join our Coffee and Conversations sessions if you have children in middle and high school.
Coffee and Conversations is a safe virtual space to:

Share ideas
Share frustrations
Get resources
Make new friends

We meet the first Monday of each month at 12:00pm
Click here to register!
Please reach out to LaShonda Scott at lashonda@ppmd.org with any questions.

A Place To Breathe: South Central Support Group
2026-09-15 12:00 - 13:00 | online
Attend this virtual support group if you:

Reside in Howard, Montgomery, or Prince George’s county
Have loved ones affected by mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling
Would like to connect with others
Would like to receive support and information

Questions? Please email Kim Birnbaum at kim@ppmd.org
Click here to register. You may join anonymously.
See our upcoming monthly topics of discussion below!

June 16, 2026: “988 and 211”
July 21, 2026: “Breathing Helps”
August 18, 2026: “Parenting Teens Who Use Substances”

Welcoming Week: Where We Belong Connections for Love and Balance
2026-09-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Greenbelt Program Room, Conference Room, Auditorium - 11 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770, Greenbelt, MD, 20770, United States
Looking for an exciting community event near you? If so then don’t hesitate to join us with your family at the upcoming Welcoming Week: Where We Belong Connections for Love and Balance this September. Aimed at bringing together local families and caregivers for a day of fun to celebrate the diversity and achievements of our community, this event is sure to be won’t that you won’t want to miss!

Café y Conversaciones
2026-09-16 13:00 - 14:00 | MD
REGISTRARSE AQUÍ
Café y Conversaciones es un espacio virtual seguro para:
• Compartir ideas
• Compartir frustraciones
• Obtener recursos
• Hacer nuevos amigos
PREGUNTAS?
Envía un correo electrónico a Silvia Ramos a silvia@ppmd.org o Brenda Rivera-Ruiz a brenda@ppmd.org
CUANDO
tercer miércoles
de cada mes
1:00 PM

Courageous Conversations: Eastern Shore Support Group
2026-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL, Glen Burnie
Attend this virtual support group if you:

Reside in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset county
Have loved ones affected by mental health, substance use, and/or problem gambling
Would like to connect with others
Would like to receive support and information

Questions? Please email Anne Marie Izzi at annemarie@ppmd.org
Click here to register. You may join anonymously.
See our monthly topics of discussion below!

February 18, 2026: “Beating the Winter Blues”
March 18, 2026: “The Signs of Substance Use Disorder”
April 15, 2026: “Alcohol Awareness Month: Know the Facts”
May 20, 2026: “Bridges Out of Poverty”
June 17, 2026: “Is My Teen Struggling with Substance Use Disorder?”
July 15, 2026: “Daily Mindful Meditations”
August 19, 2026: “Back to School Basics”
September 16, 2026: “PACEs”
October 21, 2026: “Mental Health During the Holidays”
November 18, 2026: “Sobriety and Mental Health Self Care During the Holidays”
December 16, 2026: “Recognize and Celebrate Your Successes”

Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference
2026-09-17 09:00 - 16:30 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL
The 2026 Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference is happening on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 9am to 4:30pm.
Pete Wright, Esq. is a nationally recognized special education attorney best known for winning the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Florence County School District IV v. Shannon Carter (1993), which strengthened families’ rights under special education law. A former student with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, he co‑founded Wrightslaw.com with his wife Pam Wright, creating the leading online resource for special education law and advocacy. Through his books, trainings, and decades of legal work, he has helped families, educators, and professionals understand and navigate their rights within the special education system.
Pete Wright will lead this conference to provide families and professionals with a deep understanding of special education law and how to advocate effectively for children and youth.
Purchase your ticket here!
Speaker Pete Wright, Esq. will cover:

Special education law
Tests and measurements
Smart Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Effective advocacy tactics

Conference details:

Live Spanish interpretation! (Conference can be made available in other languages upon request.)
Three Wrightslaw books included with ticket purchase (Retail price of $113.60)
Tickets cost $180 for families and $240 for professionals (Get $15 off when you purchase by June 17, 2026!)

This conference is hosted by The Parents’ Place of Maryland and the Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,262,422 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Purchase your ticket here!
Thank you to our conference sponsors who make this day of education and empowerment possible:

Mental Health Association of Maryland
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
PAWS and THINK! Books
Salsivo, LLC
Sputnik Moment
TowerCares Foundation

Conferencia sobre Derecho y Defensa de la Educación Especial de Wrightslaw
Pete Wright, Esq. es un abogado reconocido a nivel nacional por décadas de trabajo ayudando a las familias a comprender sus derechos bajo la ley de educación especial.
El presentador Pete Wright, Esq., hablará sobre:

Ley de educación especial
Pruebas y mediciones
Programas Educativos Individualizados (IEP) SMART
Tácticas de defensa eficaces

Interpretación en español en vivo
¡Compre su entrada ahora!
¡Tres libros de Wrightslaw incluidos con la compra del boleto!
(Precio de venta al público: $113.60. ¡Consigue los libros, la experiencia y los conocimientos de Pete Wright, y mucho más!
*Obtenga un cuarto libro gratis si compra antes del 17 de junio de 2026.
(Libro electrónico: Avances y casos legales en educación especial de 2017)
¡Compre su entrada ahora!
*Obtenga $15 de descuento al comprar antes del 17 de junio de 2026.
$180 para familias
$240 para profesionales
Esta conferencia es organizada por The Parents’ Place of Maryland y el Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center.
Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo de la Administración para la Vida Comunitaria (ACL) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS) como parte de una subvención de asistencia financiera por un total de $1,262,422, con financiación total de ACL/HHS. El contenido es responsabilidad del/de los autor(es) y no representa necesariamente la opinión oficial ni el respaldo de ACL/HHS ni del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos.

11th Annual South End Community Block Party
2026-09-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Hagerstown City Park, 680 Highland Ave, Historic City Park, MD, Baltimore, MD, 21740, United States
We are excited to invite you to attend the upcoming 11th Annual South End Community Block Party this fall. Aimed at bringing local families and caregivers together for a day of fun, community and information this event is sure to be one that you won’t want to miss!

Virtual Kinship & Thriving Support Group
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL
Virtual Kinship & Thriving Support Group through Charlene’s Circle of Support
Every 4th Tuesday | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Are you a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, godparent, or trusted family friend currently raising a relative’s child or considering kinship care?
Being a kinship caregiver can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it alone. Join for an evening of connection, encouragement, and community with others who truly understand the journey.
This virtual support group is a safe and welcoming space to:

Connect with fellow kinship caregivers across Maryland
Access helpful resources and practical information
Hear from monthly guest speakers
Learn tools to help you thrive in your caregiving role
Share experiences and build supportive relationships

Whether you’re new to kinship care or have been caregiving for years, you are welcome here.
Registration is required. Click here to sign up.

3rd Annual Break the Stigma: Recovery is Healing Together
2026-09-23 10:00 - 13:00 | On Our Own of Carroll County, 265 E. Main Street Suite C. Westminster, Westminster, MD, United States
We are excited to invite you to join us at the 3rd Annual Break the Stigma: Recovery is Healing Together event! Focused on breaking barriers and holding open conversations regarding recovery to build a more supportive community. This event is sure to be one that you won’t want to miss!

Apostando al cerebro: Entendiendo la Adicción al Juego en los Jóvenes, las Señales de Alerta y como Prevenirlo
2026-09-23 18:00 - 19:30 | MD
¿Le preocupa que su hijo/a o un/a amigo/a podría estar lidiando con problemas de juego o apuestas?
En este taller, hablaremos sobre:

Qué es la adicción al juego
Cómo la adicción al juego afecta al cerebro
Signos de advertencia del juego en menores
Formas de prevenir la adicción al juego

¿Quiénes deberían asistir?

Padres y cuidadores
Jóvenes y adultos jóvenes

Dónde: Virtual a través de Zoom
¡Regístrese ahora!

HCC Fall Resource Fair
2026-09-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Hagerstown Community College Main Campus, 11400 Robinwood Drive Hagerstown, MD 217420, MD, 217420, United States
Are you looking for an event near you that is focused on connecting HCC students and families with valuable community resources and services this September? If so, then don’t hesitate to join us at the HCC Fall Resource Fair!

Hispanic Health & Resource Festival / Festival de Salud y Recursos para la Comunidad Hispana
2026-09-26 09:00 - 15:00 | Pip Moyer Rec Center, 273 Hilltop Ln, Annapolis, MD 21403, Annapolis, MD, 21403, United States
We are excited to invite you to join PPMD at the upcoming Hispanic Health & Resource Festival this Fall. Aimed at connecting families and caregivers in our Hispanic/Latino community with valuable health related resources and services this event will include a food drive, giveaways, an exciting kid’s corner and so much more. So don’t hesitate to join us for a day of information and fun!
Nos complace invitarle a acompañar a PPMD ​​en el próximo Festival de Salud y Recursos para la Comunidad Hispana este otoño. Este evento, cuyo objetivo es conectar a las familias y cuidadores de nuestra comunidad hispana/latina con valiosos recursos y servicios de salud, incluirá una distribución de alimentos, sorteos, una divertida zona infantil y mucho más. ¡No dude en acompañarnos para disfrutar de un día lleno de información y diversión!

IEP Basics
2026-09-30 18:30 - 20:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL
During this workshop, families will:

review the basics of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans
learn about your role in school meetings
gain advocacy tips and strategies to use in IEP and 504 meetings
learn more about PPMD’s services and supports

Presenter: Marlo Lemon (PPMD’s Co-Deputy Director of Training and Strategic Partnerships)
Who should attend?
Families of students with IEPs and 504 plans
When: September 30, 2026
6:30 – 8:00pm
Where: Virtual through Zoom
Register here!

Básico del IEP
2026-09-30 18:30 - 20:00 | online, ONLINE/VIRTUAL, Glen Burnie
Durante este taller, las familias:

repase lo básico sobre los Programas de Educación Individualizada (IEP) y los planes 504
aprenda sobre su rol en las reuniones escolares
obténga consejos y estrategias de abogacía para usar en reuniones de IEP y 504
aprenda más sobre los servicios y apoyos de PPMD

Presentadora: Joan Balbuena Hernández (Coordinadora de Capacitación y Alcance Comunitario en PPMD)
¿Quién debería asistir?
Familias de estudiantes con IEP y planes 504
Cuándo:
30 de septiembre de 2026
6:30 – 8:00pm
Dónde:
Virtual a través de Zoom
¡Regístrase ya!

The Southern Maryland Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association 5th Annual 5K Walk/Run & Health Fair
2026-10-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Tucker Road Community Center, 1771 Tucker Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744, MD, 20744, United States
Looking for a fun way to support positive change for nursing care and health equity for our African American Community? If so, then pleases don’t hesitate to join us at the Southern Maryland Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association 5th Annual 5K Walk/Run & Health Fair this fall!

Coffee and Conversations: Birth - Kindergarten
2026-10-06 13:00 - 14:00 | MD
Join our Coffee and Conversations sessions if you have children ages 0-5.
Coffee and Conversations is a safe virtual space to:

Share ideas
Share frustrations
Get resources
Make new friends

We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm.
Click here to register!
Please reach out to Addy Dayton at addy@ppmd.org with any questions.

HCPSS Transition Fair
2026-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, Columbia, MD, 21044, United States
We are inviting you to join us at the upcoming HCPSS Transition Fair! Aimed at connecting families and caregivers with local transition resources and information, this upcoming event is sure to be an exciting and informative community event!
