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June 2026 | Trainings, Events, & Updates
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June is a busy and meaningful month at MACC as we look ahead to the 2026 School Success Conference: Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities, taking place June 10–11 in Plain City. This conference brings together educators, behavioral health professionals, school-based providers, prevention specialists, community partners, and youth-serving professionals for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
As summer begins, we are focusing on the importance of strong school communities, supportive systems, and continued opportunities for professional growth. Across Ohio, conversations around youth wellness, prevention, mental health, family support, and access to responsive care remain essential — and MACC is grateful to be part of this work alongside so many dedicated partners.
This month, we are also highlighting several upcoming certification trainings, including opportunities to become a Family Peer Supporter through hybrid trainings offered in partnership with NAMI, as well as a two-part Adult Mental Health First Aid training. These learning opportunities reflect MACC’s continued commitment to equipping professionals, caregivers, families, and community members with practical tools to support wellness, connection, and care.
Throughout May, MACC recognized Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing resources, encouraging supportive conversations, and highlighting the importance of mental wellness, prevention, recovery, and community connection. We also introduced MACC’s Mental Health Conversation Series, featuring Director Erica C. Crawley in conversation with community leaders, behavioral and mental health professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. The first three full episodes are now available and can also be viewed on MACC’s website.
As we move into summer, MACC is also continuing the work of Start the Right Conversation through upcoming many substance use prevention and education trainings. These opportunities will build on our commitment to helping families, providers, and community members approach conversations about substance use, addiction, treatment, recovery, and mental wellness with compassion, dignity, and hope.
We are also recognizing several important June observances, including Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ Month, Men’s Health Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, Juneteenth, and PTSD Awareness Month. These observances remind us that wellness, belonging, memory, identity, equity, and community care are deeply connected.
In This Issue:
- 2026 School Success Conference: June 10–11
- Upcoming certification trainings, including Family Peer Supporter and Adult Mental Health First Aid
- Where to find MACC next
- MACC community highlights and May training recap
- June observances and wellness resources
- Board Spotlight
- Podcast and media updates
- Crawley’s Corner
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2026 School Success Conference: Stronger Together
Cultivating Responsive School Communities
MACC is proud to partner in the 2026 School Success Conference: Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities, taking place June 10–11, 2026, at Eversole Middle School in Plain City, Ohio.
This collaborative conference brings together educators, behavioral health professionals, school staff, prevention specialists, community organizations, and youth-serving professionals for two days of learning, connection, and practical strategies focused on strengthening school communities and student well-being.
We are especially excited to welcome two inspiring keynote speakers to this year’s conference: Leon Smith, the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, and bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger. Together, they bring powerful perspectives on education, connection, storytelling, student support, and the meaningful impact educators and helping professionals can have in the lives of young people.
Participants will explore topics including student mental health and wellness, trauma-informed and responsive practices, school-based prevention and early intervention, youth substance-use trends and support strategies, staff wellness and workforce resilience, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement.
To support the conference’s focus on wellness and connection, attendees will also have opportunities to participate in wellness activities throughout the day. Offerings will include a Stronger Together-themed GooseChase picture scavenger hunt, a calming corner with quiet space, aromatherapy, soft music, mood lighting, and journaling prompts, as well as art therapy sessions, chair massages, and therapy dogs.
We are especially excited that this year’s conference will be offered free of charge to attendees while also providing Continuing Education opportunities across multiple professional categories.
Whether you work directly in schools, behavioral health, prevention, youth services, social services, or community support, this conference offers valuable tools, meaningful dialogue, wellness-centered experiences, and opportunities to build lasting partnerships that help young people and school communities thrive.
MACC looks forward to joining professionals from across Ohio for two days centered on learning, collaboration, wellness, and responsive support for students and families. There are still spots open to register!
Watch our Reel below!
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MACC was pleased to attend the 2026 OACBHA Mental Health & Addiction Conference this week, where we had the opportunity to connect with behavioral health professionals, community partners, and organizations working to strengthen care and support across Ohio. We look forward to sharing more highlights in next month’s newsletter.
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Where You Can Find MACC Next:
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 connecting with older adults, service providers, partners, and community members through upcoming conferences and collaborative programming.
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MACC at the 2026 Senior Tech Conference
MACC is excited to be 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. Doors open at 8:00 AM. Registration is expected to be available soon, and more information can be found here: https://seniorstechconference.com/
Senior Wellness Workshop Series with Levels Unlocked Enterprises Ohio
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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Upcoming Trainings You Won’t Want to Miss!
Click on the linked titles to register, or you can register on our website.
Family Peer Support Specialist Training – In Person and Virtual
June 15-17, 2026 • 9:00 am–5:00 pm In-Person
Location: Capital One Shine Bright Center, Whitehall/Columbus (In-Person)
June 24-25, 2026 • 9:00 am–5:00 pm Virtual
This free hybrid 40-hour training is for individuals who have supported a loved one through mental health, substance use, developmental, or related challenges and want to use their lived experience to support others. Participants will learn to share their story, build peer relationships, and offer hope, guidance, and connection while beginning the path toward becoming a certified Family Peer Support provider. 8 CEUs awarded.
Adult Mental Health First Aid – Part 1 – CLASS IS FULL
June 16, 2026 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm
A nationally recognized, evidence-based training that builds early-intervention skills for supporting adults facing mental health or substance use challenges.
**Both Part 1 and Part 2 are required.
Adult Mental Health First Aid – Part 2 – CLASS IS FULL
June 23, 2026 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Continues MHFA training focusing on supportive responses, use of the ALGEE Action Plan, and connection to resources.
**Both Part 1 and Part 2 are required.
Positive Youth Development in Practice: Strengthening Youth Voice, Equity, and Cross-System Support
June 22, 2026 • 10:00 am–12:15 pm
This engaging PYD training helps youth practitioners strengthen their work with young people through youth-led, adult-guided strategies that build confidence, connection, leadership, family engagement, equity, and overall well-being.
2 OH CEUs awarded.
Reimaging Substance Use: From Policy to Practice
June 24, 2026 • 11:00 am–12:30 pm
Explore substance use care through current science, stigma reduction, and person-centered practice. This webinar connects policy, neuroscience, and early intervention strategies for behavioral health professionals.
1.5 OH CEUs awarded.
Beyond Sobriety: Empowering Lives through Trauma-Informed Recovery
June 30, 2026 • 10:00 am–12:10 pm
This training will address the critical intersection of trauma and substance use disorders through a comprehensive and transformative approach. This session will inspire participants to implement trauma-informed care principles, enhance treatment outcomes, and promote holistic recovery.
2 OH CEUs awarded.
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.
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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May Events & Trainings Recap
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Recent Trainings
While May did not include in-person MACC trainings or events, it was still a meaningful month of virtual learning and professional development. MACC hosted three timely trainings focused on prevention, professional practice, responsive care, and recovery support.
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May 12, MACC hosted Before the Crisis: Prevention that Actually Works in recognition of National Prevention Week. Led by Shamea Knight, QMHS, OCPS, this training explored practical prevention strategies and the importance of early intervention, education, and community-based support.
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May 19, Dr. Jessie Tudor-Tangeman, MBA, MSW, MSPH, EdD, PhD, presented Navigating Cultural Awareness and Professional Practice in the Current Political Climate. This session offered space for professionals to reflect on how current social and political dynamics may impact service delivery, communication, and culturally responsive practice.
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MACC closed out the month on May 28 with Engaging in Recovery Support for Underserved Populations, presented by Julie Wagar, LSW, LPCC-S. This training focused on strengthening recovery-oriented approaches for individuals and communities facing barriers related to housing instability, substance use, mental health needs, and access to care.
We are grateful to each presenter and participant who joined us in May and continued these important conversations with care, curiosity, and commitment.
While it just happened this week in June, we also wanted to acknowledge our attendance of the O
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Recent Training Feedback
Participants shared thoughtful reflections following MACC’s May trainings, highlighting the value of real-world examples, practical tools, open discussion, and prevention-focused learning. Here are a few anonymous comments from attendees:
“The real-life story and examples made it more relatable to helping and having a better understanding of what someone is going through.”
“I loved the openness of Julie Wagar and how honestly she spoke about the systems we have in place that can both help and harm our clients.”
“So much helpful information! I took plenty of notes and plan to share with co-workers.”
“Reminder that we still need to do the work without focusing too much on the politics.”
“Learning new skills/tools which can be applied in therapeutic sessions. Enjoyed the group’s interaction and individual clinical experiences.”
“Very informative and focused on prevention strategies.”
“Understanding what prevention looks like as opposed to intervention.”
“Learning new things and listening and getting feedback from others working with adolescents.”
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Cynthia T. Scott, CPA Inactive
Board Member
This month, MACC is honored to spotlight Cynthia T. Scott, CPA Inactive, who has served as a valued member of the MACC Board of Directors and as Board Treasurer. As this marks Cynthia’s final month on the Board, we want to recognize her years of service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening MACC’s financial stewardship and mission-driven work.
Cynthia brings extensive experience in accounting, financial reporting, budget analysis, tax compliance, auditing, and nonprofit financial leadership. Her professional background includes serving as Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), where she supervised and trained accounting staff, prepared and analyzed financial statements, supported internal and external audits, and helped implement accounting policies and procedures. She also previously served as a Budget Management Analyst for the City of Columbus Finance Department and held financial leadership responsibilities with Huntington National Bank.
In addition to her professional career, Cynthia has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. Her volunteer work includes more than 30 years of service with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, helping individuals, families, and older adults access tax support and financial guidance. She has also volunteered with the UNCF annual walk-a-thon and has served in several leadership and finance-related roles within Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
At MACC, Cynthia has served as Board Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, offering steady guidance, financial insight, and thoughtful leadership. Her expertise has helped support MACC’s continued growth and accountability as the organization expands its statewide trainings, community initiatives, and culturally responsive behavioral health work.
We are deeply grateful for Cynthia’s service, wisdom, and dedication to MACC. Her contributions have strengthened our organization, and we wish her continued success and fulfillment in all that comes next.
**Find out more about our Board and Staff on our website!
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Mental Health Conversations Podcast Series
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, MACC introduced Mental Health Conversations, a special podcast series hosted by Executive Director Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA. This series creates space for thoughtful conversations with community leaders, behavioral health professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience on topics that impact mental health, wellness, families, and communities.
The first three full episodes feature:
Ronald Betz, LSW, longtime behavioral health professional and MACC Board member, discussing stigma, access to care, affordability, culturally responsive services, representation, lived experience, and the importance of community-based support.
Allesha Crawley, LISW-S, therapist and founder of Namaste Zen Counseling, sharing insight on therapy, stigma, access to care, trauma, family and workplace stress, survival mode, medication, empathy, and the importance of normalizing mental health support.
Anita Godfrey, LSW, Director of Foster Care at Cadence Care Network, exploring 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.
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.
Watch the full episodes below or visit MACC’s website to view all available episodes:
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
Be sure to follow MACC on social media for additional clips, updates, and future conversations.
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June Reflections: Memory, Men’s Health, Heritage, and Healing
June brings several meaningful observances that remind us how deeply wellness is connected to identity, culture, family, memory, trauma, and community care. This month, we recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Men’s Health Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, and PTSD Awareness Month.
These observances remind us that wellness is not one-size-fits-all. For some, wellness may mean caring for a loved one experiencing memory loss. For others, it may mean finding the courage to seek support, honoring family or cultural stories, navigating trauma, or creating safer spaces for healing and connection.
For helping professionals, caregivers, educators, advocates, and community leaders, June can also serve as a reminder to care for ourselves while continuing to show up for others.
Try This Simple Reset This Month:
1. Make Space for Memory and Story
Take time to honor the stories, experiences, and histories that shape the people we serve and the people we love. Memory, culture, and lived experience all play an important role in how individuals seek support, build trust, and understand wellness.
2. Check In Without Assumptions
A simple check-in can make a meaningful difference, especially for those who may be carrying stress, grief, trauma, or caregiving responsibilities.
Try asking:
How have things really been feeling for you lately?
What kind of support would feel helpful right now?
Is there anything you have been carrying alone?
3. Normalize Support for Men’s Mental Health
Men’s Health Month is a reminder that emotional wellness is part of overall health. Encourage conversations that make it easier for men and boys to talk about stress, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the need for support.
Seeking help is not weakness. It is care, strength, and prevention.
4. Create a Grounding Pause
When supporting others through difficult conversations, take one minute to pause before moving into the next task.
Breathe.
Notice what you are carrying.
Remind yourself: I can care deeply without carrying everything alone.
5. Start the Right Conversation
Whether we are talking about trauma, caregiving, aging, substance use, recovery, or mental wellness, the first step is often a compassionate conversation.
You do not need perfect words. Listening fully, asking gently, and showing up consistently can help someone feel less alone.
Looking for additional support or wellness resources?
Explore these organizations for information, tools, crisis support, and community connection. Click the links to learn more:
Alzheimer’s Association – Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Resources
National Institute on Aging – Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources
Mental Health America – Men’s Mental Health Resources
National Child Traumatic Stress Network – PTSD and Trauma Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Ohio Department of Behavioral Health
CDC – Immigrant and Refugee Health Resources
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DATES TO KNOW – June
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
- Men’s Health Month
- National Immigrant Heritage Month
- PTSD Awareness Month
- June 5: World Environment Day
- June 9: Race Unity Day
- June 21: The Longest Day – Alzheimer’s Awareness
- June 25: Juneteenth
- June 27: National PTSD Awareness Day
DATES TO KNOW – July
- Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
- July 4: Independence Day (USA)
- July 24: International Self-Care Day
- July 26: National Disability Independence Day (commemorates the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act)
- July 30: International Day of Friendship
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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 is a meaningful and active month for MACC as we continue building spaces for learning, connection, and culturally responsive care. As we recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Men’s Health Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, and PTSD Awareness Month, we are reminded that wellness is shaped by many factors — memory, identity, culture, trauma, family, aging, caregiving, and access to support.
This month, MACC is especially excited to partner in the 2026 School Success Conference, taking place June 10–11. This two-day event will bring together educators, behavioral health professionals, prevention specialists, school staff, community partners, and youth-serving professionals to explore strategies that strengthen school communities and support student well-being.
June also includes two important certification opportunities: Adult Mental Health First Aid and Family Peer Support Training. These courses reflect MACC’s continued commitment to helping professionals, caregivers, and community members build the skills needed to recognize needs, offer meaningful support, and connect individuals and families to care.
As we move into summer, MACC is looking ahead to a season full of substance use prevention and education trainings that build directly on the work of Start the Right Conversation. Together, these efforts encourage families, providers, and community members to approach conversations about substance use, addiction, treatment, recovery, and mental wellness with compassion, dignity, and hope.
Through upcoming trainings focused on prevention, recovery support, trauma-informed care, older adults, and substance use across the lifespan, MACC remains committed to offering tools, resources, and learning opportunities that help people talk openly, listen fully, and support one another without judgment.
We are grateful for the trainers, partners, participants, and community members who continue to engage in this work with us. Together, we are strengthening understanding, reducing stigma, and creating more supportive pathways for individuals, families, and communities across Ohio.
With appreciation,
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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