Involvement Opportunities
The Family Involvement Center offers many ways to get connected and involved with our behavioral health community, network of families, and system transformation activities. The Family Involvement Center has opportunities for youth, parents/caregivers, professionals, and community members including Youth Leadership, Family Leadership, Committees, Focus Groups, Volunteering and our newest initiative, a Book Club to confront attitudinal bias and stigma.
In an effort to enhance our local children's System of Care and to reflect the community it serves, we welcome you to join us in our commitment to improving services and supports for children and families, reducing stigma and discrimination associated with behavioral health issues and providing a place where people can come together to strengthen families and our community.
Take Back the Night Event in Phoenix
This year Take Back the Night in Phoenix focused on education and advocacy to change the culture of rape and domestic violence in our communities. According to Take Back the Night event coordinator, Katelyn Baxter-Musser there were more than 150 people in attendance with 33 agencies represented. According to Baxter-Musser, “Everyone stated that they had a good time and felt empowered by the event.” A candlelight vigil was one of the night’s highlights.
Zira Franks, Family Involvement Center [FIC] Parent Partner was one of the 5 speakers that shared their personal stories as survivors of domestic violence [DV] and abuse at the event held March 1, 2013 from 4:30pm-8:30pm at the Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix. The Family Involvement Center hosted a table at the event and distributed information about local resources to empower survivors and bring an end to the cycle of violence.
Zira stated that she was “born into violence” and that her “free from DV day” was finally achieved October 8, 2010 at 11:16 AM. “I needed to find hope from someone who understood and listened without judgment.” She received assistance and still communicates with Shelter without Walls. As a single mother of a child with “the gift of autism,” Zira creates time for daily acts of self-care so she can continue to thrive and enjoy life; as Zira says, “I can see the hope.” One of her future goals is to learn how to skydive.
Zira received peer parent support and is now a parent partner at FIC. Today she inspires hope through peer-to-peer support and understanding, helping other families to advocate for themselves and their families’ needs. “It’s not a job, it’s who we are,” says Zira.
