Thank you, Jean Davidson Meister, outgoing The Balanced Mind Foundation Board President
Jean D. Meister,
Outgoing The Balanced Mind Foundation
Board President
by Susan Resko, The Balanced Mind Foundation Executive Director
It is my great honor to present The Balanced Mind Foundation President Jean Meister’s most recent blog, Providing for Your Child's Future. This powerful piece outlines what The Balanced Mind Foundation parents should know in order to assess whether SSI is an option for their children. I encourage every parent to print this and keep it in a file for the day when it might be needed.
I have had the honor and privilege of working with Jean over the past two years in her role as The Balanced Mind Foundation Board President. I also call her a wonderful mentor and friend. The former Chicago Bureau Chief for the Chicago Tribune, Jean is currently the Communications Specialist for the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership. She recently authored “Know Your Rights,” a zine for youth to help them understand and avoid the juvenile justice system. In addition to her wise blogs at The Balanced Mind Foundation, she has led the organization for the past two years with grace and integrity. Most importantly, she is mom to three children and a loving wife to her husband John.
Please join me in giving Jean our sincere thanks for her leadership and for helping The Balanced Mind Foundation families bring hope home, by leaving a comment below.
Check out The Balanced Mind Foundation’s recent Facebook poll, "Have you ever considered applying for SSI for your child?"
Have a happy holiday weekend,
The Balanced Mind Foundation Executive Director
Jean, thank you so much for your leadership and guidance. CABF has flourished because of the care and passion of everyone involved, board members, staff, volunteers and our CABF families and partners. But it has been your experience and your vision, your understanding of the big picture that has kept CABF fresh and relevant. Thanks to your leadership we have weathered the lean times, and the transitions and are heading in exciting new directions.
In addition to being a leader, you're a CABF mom and you have kept our finger on the pulse of what we parents need. Thank you for all that you have done for CABF and our members.
Warmly,
Nanci
--
Nanci Schiman, MSW
CABF Program Manager
nschiman@bpkids.org
WI Mom to:
S - 18; BP2, Lamictal, Synthroid, Seroquel
A- 16 Zoloft
L - 14; BP NOS, Trileptal, Amantadine, Lithobid, Synthroid, Niacinimide, Klonopin, numerous nutritional supplements
DH - D, 51
If it wasn't for Jean reaching out personally to help me during a very difficult time, I know my family wouldn't be as happy and healthy as we are today. Jean, you are not only a thoughtful and passionate leader, but your personal compassion for all of the parents of CABF is a treasure. Thank you.
--
Chrisa, 43, Chicago Suburbs, eCommerce professional, Anxiety (Ativan)
Co-Mod of Adoption Group with Kathy
Co-Mod of Teen 2 Group with Christine, Tish, Conni and Hazel
Mom to Tim, adopted at birth, 16, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type with Catatonia
Meds: Clozaril 600mg, Buspar 10mg
In Long-Term RTC since June 2009
Also Mom to Alex, bio, 20, college sophomore, full time job, girlfriend, never home!
Also Mom to Dianna, 16, adopted at age 4 from FC, HS freshman, RAD, drug exposed, severely premature
Married 20+ years to Tom, 43, HS Pole Vault Coach and stay-at-home-dad