Community Resource Fair is One-Stop Shop for Parents and Caregivers of Teens

Pregnancy classes and baby shows provide expectant parents with loads of information on their new baby. Expos and activity fairs give parents of preschoolers and elementary school children plenty of details about soccer, art and gymnastics lessons. But the information stream flows to a trickle for parents and caregivers of teenagers.

That’s why Beth Matenaer, a licensed professional counselor who works with teens and families, is organizing an adolescent resource fair this fall specifically focused on connecting families with local organizations they can turn to for help with academics, physical fitness and mental health. Matenaer is working with Caroline Ilderton, founder of Practice Place, and fellow therapists on the event.

The resource fair is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 at Practice Place, 207 Simmons St. in Mount Pleasant. The event is free and open to public; lunchtime refreshments will be provided. Learn more at www.practiceplace.com. 

More than a dozen organizations have signed on to participate, including sponsors College Planners of South Carolina, wilderness therapy program SUWS of the Carolinas, Palmetto Behavioral Health and Medical University of South Carolina Outpatient Services. Other vendors are The 7 Nightingales Center, Charleston Counseling Center, art therapist Dianne Tennyson, Windwood Farm, BodyWorks, equine therapy program LEAP, Bonnie Compton of Parenting Partners, eating disorder specialist Mary Sheahan Krainin, LISW-CP, registered dietician Courtney Armstrong of Simply Nutrition, Alateen and Al-Anon.

Many of the providers involved take a holistic and collaborative approach to treatment understanding that wellness can go beyond sitting in a therapist’s office for an hour a week. However, finding qualified therapists, treatment programs and even educational resources is difficult for busy parents – especially if they are dealing with a teen who has behavioral or emotional challenges.

Their hope is families and caregivers will find the answers they need at the October resource fair.

“We are bringing together the best programs and providers in Charleston,” Matenaer said. “We want this to be a one-stop shop for parents and caregivers looking for ways to help their teens through those challenging adolescent years.”

Matenaer and fellow therapists at Practice Place host regular educational programs and classes for the community and fellow practitioners.

About Practice Place

The purpose of Practice Place is to provide a friendly, professional and open atmosphere where seeking help is perceived as courageous. Practice Place promotes a curiosity to learn and “practice” communication and living skills. Positive action and willingness to change is not only wise but a practical approach for healthy, joyful living. Learn more at www.practiceplace.com.

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Editor’s Note – This is an unedited press release

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