Thrive director recognized

Thrive System of Care Director Arabella Perez, left, recently received the first-ever Catalyst for Change Award for her work defining a collaborative approach to service. Sue Henri-MacKenzie, Southern Maine Parent Awareness executive coordinator, right, is shown presenting the award to Perez as Brenda Bennett, executive director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Maine looks on.

LEWISTON — Thrive System of Care, 124 Canal St., Lewiston, announces that Arabella Perez, director, received the first-ever Catalyst for Change Award from Southern Maine Parent Awareness at its Fall Family Conference, held Oct. 17 in Wells.

"Perez has been instrumental to eight Maine family organizations working to define a collaborative approach to service," said Sue Henri-MacKenzie, SMPA executive coordinator.

SMPA, Learning Disabilities Association of Maine, Maine Parent Federation, G.E.A.R. Parent Network, Autism Society of Maine, Foster and Adoptive Parenting, National Alliance of Mental Illness-Maine and Helping Hands have now formed a coalition to increase "family voice" in Maine's child welfare, mental health, health care, juvenile justice and education systems of care.

The newly formed coalition also plans to identify shared training opportunities and maximize the uses of its collective data.

Thrive System of Care Initiative helps providers and community organizations in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties transform the way services are delivered to children, families of children and to youth who are affected by serious emotional and behavioral challenges. Thrive is a partnership of Maine's Children's Behavioral Health Services, Tri-County Mental Health Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in collaboration with local provider agencies.