Marinus Pharma’s Post

HOPE - Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences recently shared a post showcasing HOPE Champion Roger Sherman sharing the HOPE Framework with a group of parents while he comforted a baby. You can see the post here: https://shorturl.at/jwBM0 This post got me thinking about the kinds of reactions I typically see in public when a child is distressed and needs comfort. I can think of many examples of folks grumbling, sometimes loudly, about the baby crying on the airplane or the child bawling on the floor at the mall. Instead of seeing a distressed child in need of comfort, or an overwhelmed parent in need of support, they see an opportunity to criticize a stranger's "poor parenting skills". What if we replaced reactions of shame/blame with reactions of curiosity and compassion? What if we looked for ways to model the Four Building Blocks of HOPE* in the way we chose to respond to distressed children and overwhelmed parents? What we might see? - We might ASK the parents if they could use a hand. A simple offer of support to parents can help them feel supported instead of judged, which by itself could enable the parent to rally and re-approach their distressed child with renewed energy. This also provides an example to parents that encourages them to view asking for and receiving help with parenting as safe and productive. The Rugged Individualism that American culture is organized around discourages us from asking for outside help, especially in the personal area of raising children. By providing assistance to a parent in need of support, we directly communicate to them that help is available from their community, as well as counteract the shame that we often feel when asking for help. Considering the Four Building Blocks of HOPE, this best supports the building block of Relationships by teaching parents that they can engage in relationship with their community members to receive support in parenting. - We might INTERACT with the distressed child. We could ask about what is upsetting them or distract them with something entertaining. This could help the child refocus on something other than the triggering event, which can help the child begin to calm down. This type of engagement is part of how children learn to self-regulate, which makes this a perfect example of supporting Emotional Growth, one of the Four Building Blocks of HOPE. - We might ENCOURAGE our own children, if they are present, to interact with the distressed child. Children develop self-awareness and self-regulation from interactions with other children. Like the examples above, this strategy could support the Emotional Growth and the Relationship Building Blocks of HOPE. These examples show that there are many opportunities to promote the Four Building Blocks of HOPE. As community members, we ALL have a role to play in supporting Positive Childhood Experiences. *Unfamiliar with the Four Building Blocks of HOPE? Read more about them here: https://shorturl.at/nCKT8

Hope is a powerful force for change, and you can be the beacon of hope in a child's life. By volunteering with CASA, you provide stability, support, and encouragement to a child who may have experienced trauma and uncertainty. Your dedication can inspire resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging in their journey towards a brighter future. Interested in being a catalyst for positive change? Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer at https://buff.ly/3iPRTIR

Help break the pipeline.

Memorial Day in Orange County is more than just barbecues and parades. It's a time to honor our heroes and come together as a community. 🇺🇸 I remember last year, helping a retired couple downsize to a home that perfectly fit their new lifestyle. During our conversation, they shared their excitement about the local Memorial Day celebrations. It reminded me how deeply we are all connected by our history and our shared values. For many of us, especially baby boomers and retirees, moving can feel like a daunting task. But it's also an opportunity to create new traditions and embrace the vibrant culture of Orange County. Here are a few ways you can make the most of Memorial Day while transitioning to a new home: ✅ Attend local parades and events: Join the community in honoring our veterans. It's a great way to meet neighbors and feel a sense of belonging. ✅ Organize a barbecue: Invite your new neighbors over. Nothing breaks the ice like sharing stories over good food. ✅ Visit local landmarks: Explore Orange County's historical sites. It’s a perfect way to appreciate our rich heritage. ✅ Give Back: Participate in community service events. It’s a fulfilling way to honor the spirit of Memorial Day. As you celebrate, remember that every home we help find is a step towards building strong, connected communities. How are you celebrating Memorial Day in your community this year? Share your plans below and let’s honor this special day together. #MemorialDay #Community #RealEstate #BabyBoomers #OrangeCounty

Come check out our upcoming Nuts & Bolts series about the important impact that Fathers have on Family Engagement!

Friends and Colleagues, As many of you know, I am a passionate Board Member for Dallas Pets Alive! One of the biggest fundraising events for us is TODAY, North Texas Giving Day. Our goal today is to raise $115,000 so we can continue our amazing life-saving work! If you’re looking to give back, please consider donating to Dallas Pets Alive. Every bit helps and makes a big impact! ❤️ Thank you for your support! 🙏 https://lnkd.in/gsZdDbjw More about Dallas Pets Alive: Your support during North Texas Giving Day is not just a donation; it's a lifeline. Every gift you make goes directly to programs that are transforming the lives of animals and their humans. Our Foster and Adoption program is a beacon of hope for the most at-risk animals in our partner shelters, while our preventative programs—like PASS, Dogs Matter, and Bark Dorm—work tirelessly to keep pets out of shelters and in loving homes. These initiatives are not just about rescue; they're about building healthier, stronger communities where animals and people thrive together. The need is urgent. Many of the pets that come into our care have medical conditions so severe that shelters simply can't provide the care they need. Over a third of the animals we help are Major Medical Cases, requiring $1,000 or more in medical expenses. In 2023 alone, we spent more than $400,000 on treatments ranging from basic vaccinations to heartworm treatment and life-saving surgeries. This year, as we've taken on the incredible work of Dogs Matter and face the overwhelming overcrowding in North Texas shelters, the number of animals in our care has more than doubled. For the first time, we have more than 500 animals relying on our programs. While we've made strides in fundraising, the financial demands have outpaced our resources.

Come learn more about BBBSCI!

If you missed the recent webinar on the child welfare system that I moderated, here's the video:

Two ways to engage with this transformational conference: Attend (early bird prices end Friday) or Sponsor (DM me and we can discuss)!

From empowering communities and supporting families to advocating for policy changes, Illinois Action for Children has made significant strides in 2023. We couldn’t have done it without your support! 🙌 Want to see the full picture of our efforts and successes? Check out our 2023 Annual Report and discover the difference we've made together. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFF-f5_5