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  Issue # 22 | January 2025
Exams, Work and New Year: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health
With high school and college students tackling exams and those in the workforce faced with the new year and additional responsibilities, it's important to check in with yourself and your mental wellbeing. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, lonely, or sad, please acknowledge those feelings and seek support. The first step is always the hardest!
Despite the stigma that mental health is not as important as physical health, research has shown that cognitive well-being leads to longer life spans, better relationships and increased levels of happiness and self-surety. The absence of good mental health can lead to greater issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, depression and thoughts of suicide. There are many ways to take care of your mental health in order to prevent worsening effects and maintain a good quality of life:
- Reach out to friends, family, your BSBP rehabilitation counselor, or a mental health professional for guidance. BSBP staff can offer strategies for wellness and connect you with resources. Additionally, many schools and workplaces offer free disability and mental health services. Reach out to your student or worker services office for more information.
- Set clear boundaries and say “no” when you need to. This can include things such as respectfully cancelling plans, emailing a boss regarding responsibilities, and asking for a deadline extension on an assignment. Trust yourself to know what you can or cannot handle – you are your own best advocate!
- Take breaks and engage in activities that bring you joy. Self-care can include things such as reading, watching TV, sleeping, journaling, going for walks, and spending time with friends.
- Staying active and keeping a routine by managing your time can help you feel less overwhelmed. Keep a calendar, to-do list, or daily schedule to keep yourself organized and on track.
- Lastly, remember to prioritize yourself over work and school! There is nothing more important than your mental wellbeing, no matter how crucial the things on your plate may seem.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or unmanageable mental health crises, don’t suffer alone! Here are resources:
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline, made up of a network of independently operated and funded local call centers across the country where compassionate care and accessible support is available. Lifeline call centers are free and confidential. 9-8-8 is not intended only for suicide-related crises; it responds 24/7 to calls, chats, or texts from anyone who needs support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, and connects those in need with trained crisis counselors.
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Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL): MiCAL primarily services Michiganders in crisis or distress. Call or text 9-8-8 within the state to get in touch.
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Peer Support WarmLine: Part of MiCAL, the Michigan Peer Warmline is a statewide warmline for those living with persistent mental health and/or substance use conditions. Warmlines are an alternative to traditional psychiatric crisis hotlines and are used to avoid extreme emotional distress that can lead to hospitalization or other severe outcomes that are preventable with early intervention of peer support. The warmline will connect individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers.
Don't forget to check out the BSBP Pre-ETS/Transition Services page and see what new and exciting programs are planned. Explore, sign up and connect with your counselor today regarding any questions.
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Our goal is to help students aged 14 to 26 to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. We offer lots of exciting camps and weekend trips to help you learn while having some fun and meeting other students who are Blind and Visually impaired across the state!
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Check out this list of scholarship and grant opportunities from around the country.
Please check the specific application deadline and requirements for each because they vary.
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Register by January 3
Pre-ETS students in 10th - 12th grade who are interest in attending college: it’s time to tour! Students and families now can visit Eastern Michigan University to explore a local college campus, learn about valuable college resources, engage with current students and staff of specific academic programs, and tour a college residence/dining hall. This program is designed to explore what college has to offer academically, socially and vocationally.
The program will also include three virtual sessions focused on job exploration resources and general preparation for the college tour/resource fair. It is highly encouraged that students participate in the workshops leading up to the college tour.
Virtual Sessions:
- February 4, 6-7 p.m.
- February 25, 6-7 p.m.
- March 18, 6-7 p.m.
EMU In-Person Tour:
- April 3, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Interested? Register at https://bit.ly/BSBPEMUTour by January 3, 2025! Reach out to Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov with any questions.
The program is a collaboration with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, who will also have students present during the tour.
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February - June 2025
Join us for The Skills Opportunities and Readiness (SOAR) program run by BSBP and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)!
SOAR is a 5-month employment training initiative designed to build foundational skills for future job opportunities. Participants engage in budgeting, exploring transportation options, and opportunities to develop leadership abilities while forming relationships with peers.
The program includes workplace experiences across west Michigan, cooking sessions, and recreational activities like adapted sports. It is divided into four key components: Basic Independent Living Skills, Assistive Technology, Orientation and Mobility, and Work Readiness Training.
The program will take place on the first and third Saturday of the month (SOAR I and SOAR II) February - June 2025 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids (350 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).
This program is open to all West Region high school students with an open case! Register by January 3 at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9ncwgde.
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Join the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons and Michigan Department of Education – Resources for Blind and Low Vision for a virtual and in-person event that offers virtual financial literacy workshops and a work-based learning experience at the 2025 Michigan Transition Services Association Conference in Lansing!
Expand your understanding of earning income and Social Security incentives, taxes, pay stubs, work documentation and employment related soft skills. Plus interact with peers to improve teamwork and decision-making skills!
Virtual Workshop Dates and Times:
- February 11, 2025: 6-7:30 p.m.
- February 13, 2025: 6-7:30 p.m.
- February 18, 2025: 6-7:30 p.m.
- February 20, 2025: 6-7:30 p.m.
In-Person Event Dates and Times:
- Day One – March 9, 2025: 4-8:30 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
111. N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
- Day Two – March 10, 2025: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
111. N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
Register by January 11 at https://bit.ly/BSBPShowMeThatMoney25. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Vallier via Cell at 1-906-241-7657 or via Email at valliert@michigan.gov.
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March 21-23, 2025
Asppire’s iCan will be an action-packed three-day weekend filled with networking, community engagement opportunities, skill building, self-advocacy and social skill building, and more.
Participants will arrive on Friday afternoon and complete the program by Sunday afternoon. Detailed itinerary location for lodging, and suggested packing list will follow after registration.
West Region BSBP clients who are 16 years or older (high school juniors and seniors, transition program students, and college students) are encouraged to apply. Register by February 19 at https://www.bit.ly/BSBP-iCAN.
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February 15-16, 2025
Register now for an ice fishing weekend camp with certified ice fishing instructor, Maureen Stine! This event will take place February 15-16 at Camp Daggett in Petosky. Although not required, students are encouraged to bring along their family to join in on the fun!
Meals will be provided and fishing licenses are not required for this weekend. In case the ice is not thick enough, OUB will have land-based nature activities and crafts to do, and lots of fun – including a campfire!
Register by Friday, February 7 by completing this form.
You can also view upcoming OUB camps at oubmichigan.org/camp-schedule-2025/.
For questions, please email Aric Wallace at aricwallace@gmail.com or gwen@oubmichigan.org.
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February 20 and March 22
Don’t miss the upcoming opportunity for families and students to engage with the BSBP Training Center (located in Kalamazoo) on Microsoft Teams! This event is designed to help families connect with the dedicated Training Center Professionals, explore the programs offered for students throughout the summer, and learn about other resources for students.
The session will include a video tour, testimonials from past students, open dialogue, and information about fun, health and safety. This will be an open and welcoming space to address concerns, gain clarity and foster trust in the BSBP Training Center programs.
Sessions take place on Thursday, February 20 (6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 22 (11 a.m. -12 p.m.) Interested families only need to attend one session. If you’re interested, please register at https://bit.ly/3P4msXV.
For more information, please contact Jaclyn Scholten at scholtenJ1@michigan.gov or 269-337-3758.
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Join BSBP and MDE-Resources for Blind and Low Vision (formerly MDE-LIO) for an informative and interactive program created to equip students with work readiness and self-advocacy skills! Students will learn how to prepare for their future careers by engaging with a panel of successful professionals with visual impairments, focusing on securing a career, job accommodations, and soft skills.
Virtual Prep Session: Thursday, March 6, 2025 (6 – 7:30pm) on Zoom
Central Region Training Event: Thursday, March 20, 2025 (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) at Northwest Education Services (Conference Center A & B: 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684)
West Region Training Event: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) at KENT ISD Conference Center (1633 E Betline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525)
East Region Training Event: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) at Wayne Community College (Ted Scott Campus: 9555 Haggerty Rd., Belleville, MI 48118)
Save these dates in your calendar and stay tuned for the registration link! Contact leo-bsbptransition@michigan.gov with questions or for more information.
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Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊!
We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.
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Not a student currently working with BSBP and want to get in on the action?
BSBP has offices across the state and can meet you in the comfort of your own home and/or school. Contact our BSBP mainline at 1-800-292-4200 to get started or visit this link for office locations.
Questions for the Pre-ETS Team? Reach out to LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov.
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