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Learning, Connection, & Community Impact
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July’s issue reflects a season of learning, partnership, and community-centered impact at MACC. From the 2026 School Success Conference and statewide training opportunities to certification programs, partner events, and continued conversations around culturally responsive mental health, we are grateful to share the work happening across our network.
In this issue:
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MACC has moved!
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Recap of the 2026 School Success Conference
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MACC at the OACBHA Conference
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Family Peer Supporter and Adult Mental Health First Aid certification updates
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July/August public trainings
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Partner event highlights
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Board Spotlight, podcast feature, wellness resources, newsletter redesign, and July dates to know
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MACC has officially moved! We are now located within Directions for Youth and Families on Indianola Avenue near The Ohio State University campus.
We are excited to be in a more centrally located space that gives our team additional room to grow, connect, and welcome the community. This new location also provides MACC with more space and the ability to host our own in-person trainings, smaller events, meetings, and community-centered programming in the future.
As we continue settling into our new home, we look forward to creating more opportunities for learning, connection, and collaboration. We are grateful to Directions for Youth and Families for helping us start this next chapter and excited for what it will allow us to offer our partners, providers, families, and communities across Ohio.
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2026 School Success Conference – Stronger Together
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MACC was proud to be part of the 2026 School Success Conference: Stronger Together held June 10–11, 2026, at Eversole Middle School in Plain City, along with several partner organizations across Ohio. As MACC’s main conference of the year, this event brought together educators, behavioral health professionals, school-based providers, prevention specialists, community partners, and youth-serving professionals for two days of learning, connection, reflection, and collaboration.
This year’s theme, Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities, was reflected throughout the conference as attendees participated in meaningful workshops, heard from dynamic speakers, connected with partners, and shared personal reflections and stories. Across both days, sessions focused on youth wellness, prevention, mental health, family support, culturally responsive care, cross-system collaboration, and building responsive school communities that better support students, families, and the professionals who serve them.
We were fortunate to welcome two incredible keynote speakers. Leon Smith, the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, brought powerful insight and inspiration to the conference, while Matt Eicheldinger, award-winning author, former middle school teacher, and social media personality, shared memorable lessons rooted in his experience as an educator and storyteller. Matt is best known for his Matt Sprouts middle-grade novel series and his memoir, Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments, which each attendee was also lucky to receive a free copy of.
The conference also offered opportunities for wellness, creativity, and connection throughout the day. Attendees could visit the Calming Corner, which featured aromatherapy, a soft and peaceful atmosphere, and art supplies for quiet reflection. Multiple art therapy stations offered creative projects and supplies, including opportunities such as painting fun rocks. Therapy Dogs were brought onsite each day, offering a chance for free pets and hugs. The event also included raffles with incredible gift baskets, adding moments of excitement and celebration throughout the conference.
Even during the first Ohio heat wave of 2026, it was amazing to see so many happy faces, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection across the two days. The feedback received was incredible, and MACC is grateful to the speakers, vendors, planning partners, volunteers, attendees, and community members who helped make this year’s conference such a meaningful and impactful experience. Events like this remind us of the power of coming together across systems to strengthen support for students, families, and communities across Ohio.
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2026 OACBHA Conference – Inspiring a Stronger Tomorrow
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MACC was also pleased to attend the 2026 OACBHA Mental Health & Addiction Conference in early June, where our team had the opportunity to connect with behavioral health professionals, community partners, advocates, and organizations working to strengthen care and support across Ohio.
Conferences like OACBHA provide meaningful space for learning, collaboration, and continued dialogue around the needs of individuals, families, providers, and communities. MACC is grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important statewide conversations and to continue building relationships that support culturally responsive, equitable, and compassionate systems of care.
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Upcoming Trainings You Won’t Want to Miss!
Click on the linked titles to register, or you can register on our website.
Exploring the Best Practices for Supporting Families Affected by Substance Use Disorder
July 9, 2026 • 10:00 AM–12:10 PM
Familial Involvement in the lives of people living with SUD is a complicated consideration. This presentation will highlight the benefits and challenges associated with familial support for those living with SUD. In addition, we will review research and reflections on best practices to safely and effectively leverage the positive opportunities while safeguarding clients from the challenges.
2 OH CEUs awarded
Substance Use Across the Lifespan: Prevention, Treatment, and Community Response
July 15, 2026 • 10:00 AM–12:10 PM
Explores how substance use risks evolve from adolescence through older adulthood. Participants examine prevention strategies, treatment considerations, and community responses that support wellness across the lifespan.
2 OH CEUs awarded.
Restorative Practices in the Mental & Behavioral Health Field – Implications on Access and Services
July 22, 2026 • 1:00 PM–4:10 PM
Restorative Practices in the Mental and Behavioral Health Workplace introduces trauma-informed, human-centered strategies that strengthen workplace culture, organizational wellbeing, and team connection. Participants will explore how restorative practices support belonging, individual agency, accountability, and inclusive participation while building environments where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered to learn, collaborate, raise concerns, and innovate.
3 OH CEUs awarded.
Loneliness, Loss, and Substance Use Later in Life
July 29, 2026 • 10:00 AM–12:10 PM
Explores how isolation, grief, and major life transitions can contribute to substance use among older adults. Participants examine prevention strategies and supportive interventions that promote connection, purpose, and wellness.
2 OH CEUs awarded.
Talking to Adolescents about Substance Use Disorder
August 13, 2026 • 10:00 AM–12:10 PM
This training engages providers in recognizing the barriers that negate effective conversations with adolescents about their behavioral health and how to overcome them. Via a reflection on best practices, evidenced based techniques, and scripts and tips, participants will be empowered to reflect on and revamp their communication strategies with adolescents who are at risk for substance use disorder or are already affected.
2 OH CEUs awarded.
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**Reminder: MACC offers customizable private and public trainings on behavioral health, mental health, cultural health, and substance use topics, with sessions available in both virtual and in-person formats. We can offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those licensed with the Ohio Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, and Ohio Peer Support. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to our Program Director, Jon Moorehead II at jmoorehead@maccinc.net
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Recent Trainings
June was a full month of learning, certification, and community-centered training at MACC. Throughout the month, MACC hosted and supported opportunities focused on family peer support, mental health awareness, youth development, substance use, recovery, and cross-system collaboration.
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NAMI Family Peer Support Specialist Training — June 15–17 and June 24–25
Trainer: Tameika Wright
This certification training supported individuals preparing to serve families, youth, and caregivers through lived experience, advocacy, connection, and practical support. Attendees strengthened their understanding of the Family Peer Support role and explored how peer support can help families navigate systems, build confidence, and feel less alone while supporting children and youth with behavioral health needs.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid — June 16 and June 23
Trainer: Rachael DuBose, M.S.Ed., LPCC-S, CCTP
This nationally recognized training helped participants build skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Attendees learned practical strategies for offering early support, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources. Certified participants joined the more than 4.5 million Mental Health First Aiders across the country.
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Positive Youth Development in Practice: Strengthening Youth Voice, Equity, and Cross-System Support — June 22
Presenter: Ruchelle Pride, M.S., CDE, CPC
This training focused on strengthening youth voice, equity, and collaborative support across systems serving young people and families. Attendees explored how positive youth development principles can be applied in real-world settings to promote belonging, leadership, resilience, and meaningful youth engagement.
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Reimagining Substance Use: From Policy to Practice — June 24
Presenter: Nick Szubiak, MSW, LCSW
Presented in partnership with the Ohio Chapter of NASW, this session explored substance use through the lens of policy, practice, stigma reduction, and person-centered approaches to care. Attendees were encouraged to examine how systems, language, and policy shape the experiences of individuals with substance use needs, while considering practical ways to support more compassionate and effective service delivery.
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Beyond Sobriety: Empowering Lives through Trauma-Informed Recovery — June 30
Trainer: Rachael DuBose, M.S.Ed., LPCC-S, CCTP
This training explored recovery beyond sobriety, with a focus on trauma-informed approaches, empowerment, healing, and sustained wellness. Attendees considered how trauma, identity, environment, and support systems can influence recovery, while learning strategies to promote dignity, resilience, and long-term well-being.
We are grateful to each trainer, presenter, partner, and participant who joined us in June. These learning opportunities reflected MACC’s continued commitment to culturally responsive care, prevention, peer support, mental health awareness, recovery, and community connection.
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Partner Events Spotlight
This summer, MACC is continuing to show up in spaces that bring people together around learning, wellness, prevention, and community care. We are especially looking forward to the following partner organization events and connecting with older adults, service providers, partners, and community members through upcoming conferences and collaborative programming.
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Rise and Restore: An Educational Wellness Summit
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MACC is excited to be a vendor and assist with training at Rise and Restore: An Educational Wellness Summit on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg/Toledo. This annual conference focuses on helping older adults stay connected, informed, and empowered through technology, digital access, hands-on learning, and community resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore valuable tools, connect with local organizations, and learn about resources that support independence, wellness, safety, and meaningful community engagement. Doors open at 8:00 AM. Registration is expected to be available soon, and more information can be found here: https://itstimeforeden.org/restore-and-rise-summit/
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2026 Senior Tech Conference
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MACC is looking forward to attending and being a vendor at the 2026 Seniors Tech Conference on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the OSU Fawcett Center in Columbus.
This annual conference focuses on helping older adults stay connected, informed, and empowered through technology, digital access, hands-on learning, and community resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore tools and information that support independence, safety, wellness, and connection, while also engaging with vendors and community organizations offering resources for older adults, caregivers, veterans, people with disabilities, and families.
Doors open at 8:00 AM, and registration is now open. More information and registration details can be found here: https://seniorstechconference.com/
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Levels Unlocked Senior Wellness Workshop Series
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MACC is also proud to announce that we have partnered with Levels Unlocked Enterprises Ohio to host a 4-Part Senior Wellness Workshop Series through the LevelUpLand’s program for seniors. These sessions will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from June through September and will focus on topics that support connection, emotional wellness, and healthy aging for older adults.
LevelUpLand’s senior programs are designed to create supportive, interactive opportunities for older adults to connect through gaming, wellness, and community-based engagement. MACC recognizes the importance of reducing isolation, supporting emotional well-being, and creating spaces where older adults can stay connected and engaged. We are looking forward to being part of this meaningful series. More information about LevelUpLand’s senior programs can be found on their website: https://www.levelupland.org/senior-programs
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Kythryn Carr Harris, MSW, LISW-S
Board Member
This month, MACC is proud to highlight Board Member Kythryn Carr Harris, a behavioral health and child welfare executive with more than 20 years of experience leading cross-system partnerships, advancing public policy, and supporting system transformation.
Kythryn has built a career centered on improving outcomes for children, families, and adults with high needs by strengthening access to behavioral health services, developing integrated systems of care, and leading large-scale initiatives across healthcare, child welfare, courts, housing, education, and community-based services.
Most recently, Kythryn served as Executive Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Operations at MetroHealth System in Cleveland, where she led strategic transformation efforts across 17 outpatient behavioral health sites. In this role, she helped expand access to care by embedding behavioral health providers into primary care settings, supporting service growth, improving operational efficiencies, and advancing integrated care models.
Prior to her work with MetroHealth, Kythryn served as Vice President of Clinical Services at the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH). As a member of the senior executive team, she helped oversee an $80 million service delivery system and a network of more than 40 providers serving high-need children and adults. Her leadership contributed to meaningful system improvements, including expanded crisis care, increased access to substance use disorder treatment, stronger jail-based care coordination, and collaborative initiatives with courts, law enforcement, housing, schools, and healthcare partners.
Kythryn has also held leadership roles with Franklin County Children Services, where she directed family services and provider administration, oversaw a large child welfare service system, and led federally funded initiatives focused on integrating evidence-based behavioral health practices into child welfare services. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to strengthening community-based care, improving access, and supporting systems that better serve children, families, and communities.
In addition to her executive leadership experience, Kythryn has served as a community lecturer with The Ohio State University College of Social Work and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health’s Community Psychiatric Fellowship Program. She holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is also a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor designation in Ohio and a Certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer.
Kythryn brings to MACC a deep understanding of behavioral health systems, child welfare, public policy, provider networks, and community collaboration. Her experience leading transformational initiatives and building partnerships aligns strongly with MACC’s mission to promote culturally competent care, education, advocacy, and connection across communities.
Kythryn’s thoughts on what brought her to and future goals for, MACC:
Kythryn stated she has valued the work and training MACC is known for, for years. She hopes to help MACC expand their reach and training programs more fully across the state, but especially in the Northeastern region of Ohio.
**Find out more about our Board and Staff on our website!
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Mental Health Conversations Podcast Series
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MACC is excited to share that all four episodes of our Mental Health Conversations podcast series are now available!
Hosted by Executive Director Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA, this special series was introduced in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and creates space for thoughtful, honest conversations about mental health, wellness, families, systems, lived experience, and community support.
Across the series, Erica speaks with behavioral health professionals, advocates, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience to explore the many ways mental health is shaped by culture, access, stigma, trauma, family, caregiving, systems, and connection.
The full series features:
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Ronald Betz, LSW
Longtime behavioral health professional and MACC Board member Ronald Betz discusses stigma, access to care, affordability, culturally responsive services, representation, lived experience, and the importance of community-based support.
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Allesha Crawley, LISW-S
Therapist and founder of Namaste Zen Counseling, Allesha Crawley shares insight on therapy, stigma, access to care, trauma, family and workplace stress, survival mode, medication, empathy, and the importance of normalizing mental health support.
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Anita Godfrey, LSW
Director of Foster Care at Cadence Care Network, Anita Godfrey explores the connection between mental health, trauma, foster care, family support, caregiver self-care, barriers within the child welfare system, and how communities can help children and families heal, reconnect, and thrive.
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Charity Harrison, LSW
Founder of Beautifully Flawed, Charity Harrison discusses barriers to mental health care, including stigma, access to providers, long wait times, and the challenges families may experience when trying to connect children and youth with timely support.
Through these conversations, MACC hopes to continue encouraging honest dialogue, reducing stigma, and highlighting the many ways mental health and wellness are shaped by lived experience, culture, systems, family, and community connection. We are planning to continue the podcast, so new episodes will be arriving soon!
Watch the full episodes below or visit MACC’s website to view the complete Mental Health Conversations series.
Episode 1: MACC Full Interview – Ron Betz, LSW, MACC Board Member
Episode 2: MACC Full Interview – Allesha Crawley, LISW-S, Namaste Zen Counseling
Episode 3: MACC Full Interview – Anita Godfrey, LSW, Cadence Care Network
Episode 4: MACC Full Interview – Charity Harrison, LSW, Beautifully Flawed & Jon Moorehead II, MACC Program Director
Be sure to follow MACC on social media for additional clips, updates, and future conversations.
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July
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Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
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July 4: Independence Day (USA)
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July 19 – 25th: Black Maternal Mental Health Week
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July 24: International Self-Care Day
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July 26: National Disability Independence Day (commemorates the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act)
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July 30: International Day of Friendship
August
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National Civility Month
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August 2: International Day of Friendship
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August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
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August 19: World Humanitarian Day
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August 21: Senior Citizens Day
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August 26: Women’s Equality Day
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August 30: National Grief Awareness Day
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July Reflections: Self-Care Day – Making Care Part of Everyday Life
July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a reminder that caring for ourselves is not a one-time activity or something we only do after burnout sets in. Self-care is part of how we sustain our health, relationships, work, and ability to show up for others. The World Health Organization describes self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability, with or without support from a health worker.
For those working in behavioral health, social work, counseling, peer support, caregiving, advocacy, and community service, self-care can be especially important. The work is meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Self-care does not have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. Often, it begins with small, consistent practices that help protect energy, restore focus, and support connection.
Try these everyday self-care practices:
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Check in with yourself before checking in with everyone else.
Take one minute at the start of the day to ask: What am I carrying? What do I need? What can wait? This small pause can help you enter the day with more awareness and intention.
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Build recovery into your routine.
Self-care is not only what we do after a hard week. It can be a short walk between meetings, drinking water before another cup of coffee, stepping away from your screen, taking lunch away from your desk, or giving yourself a few quiet minutes after a difficult conversation.
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Protect your physical foundation.
Stress is harder to manage when our basic needs are ignored. Sleep, movement, food, hydration, and medical care are not extras; they are part of sustainable wellness. NAMI notes that protecting physical health can support mental health and strengthen our ability to maintain healthy habits.
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Notice your stress signals.
Pay attention to the signs that you may be reaching capacity: irritability, fatigue, difficulty focusing, feeling disconnected, headaches, tension, or loss of motivation. NAMI encourages recognizing personal stress triggers and using that awareness to plan for support and coping strategies.
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Create boundaries that support your capacity.
A boundary may look like closing your laptop at a reasonable time, pausing before saying yes, limiting after-hours messages when possible, or asking for clarification when a task feels overwhelming. Boundaries are not about caring less; they help us care with more sustainability.
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Stay connected.
Connection is a form of self-care. Reach out to a colleague, friend, family member, peer, supervisor, or trusted support before stress becomes isolation. Even a brief conversation can remind us that we do not have to carry everything alone.
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Use July 24 as a reset point.
On International Self-Care Day, choose one small practice you can repeat beyond the day itself. It might be a daily walk, a weekly check-in with a friend, a five-minute breathing practice, a consistent lunch break, or a commitment to ask for support sooner.
Self-care is not selfish, and it is not separate from the work of helping others. It is one way we sustain compassion, presence, and purpose — not just on July 24, but every day.
Looking for additional support or wellness resources?
Explore these organizations for information, tools, crisis support, and community connection. Click the links to learn more:
World Health Organization — Self-Care Resources
Information on self-care as a way individuals, families, and communities can promote health, prevent illness, maintain wellness, and cope with health challenges. (WHO)
National Institute of Mental Health — Caring for Your Mental Health
Practical tips for supporting mental health, including movement, sleep, relaxation, goal setting, gratitude, and staying connected. (NIMH)
NAMI — Managing Stress
Guidance on recognizing stress triggers, building coping strategies, and developing a personalized approach to managing stress and supporting mental health. (NAMI)
NAMI — Taking Care of Yourself
Resources for family members, caregivers, and supporters who are caring for others while also needing to protect their own well-being. (NAMI)
CDC — Managing Stress
Everyday strategies for coping with stress, including taking breaks from news and social media, making time to unwind, practicing gratitude, and connecting with others. (CDC)
Mental Health America — Self-Care and Mental Health Resources
Tools and information to help individuals understand their mental health, support loved ones, and access mental health information for personal, professional, and community use. (Mental Health America)
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Newsletter Refresh Coming Soon!
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We are excited to share that MACC Monthly will have a refreshed look beginning next month!
As MACC continues to grow, we want our newsletter to be more concise, even easier to read, more engaging, and more useful for our community of providers, partners, board members, peer supporters, families, and advocates. The updated format will help highlight upcoming trainings, community events, MACC updates, partner opportunities, wellness resources, and ways to stay connected with our work.
We look forward to sharing this improved version with you in our next issue and continuing to create more meaningful ways for you to connect with MACC.
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A monthly space for reflections, updates, and important news from MACC Executive Director, Erica C. Crawley. Stay connected with her latest insights and the work happening across our organization.
June was a full and meaningful month for MACC, filled with learning, transition, partnership, and connection. From participating in the OACBHA Conference to supporting the 2026 School Success Conference: Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities, our team had the opportunity to engage with educators, behavioral health professionals, prevention specialists, peer supporters, community partners, and youth-serving professionals across Ohio.
The School Success Conference was especially meaningful as MACC’s main conference of the year. It brought together professionals and partners who share a commitment to supporting students, families, and school communities through responsive, culturally informed, and collaborative approaches. The energy, conversations, and shared learning from this event reminded us how powerful it can be when systems, providers, and communities come together with a common purpose.
June also reflected MACC’s continued commitment to building community capacity through training and certification opportunities. Our Family Peer Supporter training supported the growing need for certified peer supporters who can walk alongside families with lived experience, compassion, and practical support. We also hosted Adult Mental Health First Aid Certification, helping more individuals build the skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
In addition to this work, MACC has entered an exciting new chapter with our move to a more centrally located space within Directions for Youth and Families near The Ohio State University campus. This transition required careful planning, patience, flexibility, and a great deal of behind-the-scenes work from our staff. I am deeply appreciative of the team’s hard work throughout both the planned transition and the physical and organizational aspects of the move. Their dedication helped make this next step possible, and we are excited for the opportunities this new space will create for in-person trainings, smaller events, meetings, and community-centered programming in the future.
As we look ahead, I am grateful for the staff, board members, trainers, partners, and community members who continue to support MACC’s mission. The work of advancing culturally responsive care is strengthened by collaboration, and June was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we continue showing up, learning together, and building meaningful connections across our communities.
Yours in Service,
Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA
Executive Director, MACC
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Our Mission, Vision, and Work
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Who We Are
Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) is an Ohio-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing cultural competence, equity, and inclusion across systems of care and community services. For more than 20 years, MACC has served as a statewide resource through professional trainings, technical assistance, community-centered initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen culturally responsive practices across behavioral health, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, and community settings. MACC works to reduce disparities, elevate community voice, and help organizations better serve historically marginalized and underserved populations across Ohio.
Our Mission
MACC’s mission is to advance culturally responsive, compassionate, and equitable practices that strengthen communities and improve systems of care across Ohio. This work is rooted in collaboration, education, and a commitment to reducing disparities while supporting individuals, families, and professionals.
Our Vision
MACC envisions communities and systems where equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness are embedded in practice, and where all individuals and families have access to respectful, informed, and supportive care.
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