NAMI respite services manager will be at Sept. 27 speaker night

By Beth Ranagan

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Sept. 27th NAMI Piscataquis County speaker event will host Katherine Perkins, the new Region 3 Respite Manager for NAMI Maine. Region 3 covers the local affiliate member area of Piscataquis and Penobscot counties. The public is invited to hear her presentation at 5:30 p.m. in the Borestone Room at Mayo Regional Hospital.

Respite services through NAMI Maine provide a much-needed break for families with children who have behavioral, emotional and developmental challenges. Case managers typically refer families for NAMI Maine’s respite services. However, parents can call NAMI Maine at 1-800-464-5767 to inquire about the specific procedure to become approved for up to 24 hours a month of respite care. Perkins will speak about the variety of ways respite hours can be used depending on a family’s circumstance, and she will clarify details of the respite program. She can also provide information as to how to become a NAMI Maine respite provider.

Perkins has worked in the social services field for 25 years helping children and families. She has worked as coordinator, supervisor, case manager and program manager in the settings of Community Care, Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance and Acadia Hospital. She also worked directly with children at the Spurwink School.

Please come to hear about this wonderful respite program. For information call Beth at 924-7903.