Note from the Director

Susan Resko, M.M.
CABF Executive Director

Over the past few months we’ve been sharing with you our plans to launch a new website which provides access to all regardless of their membership status. We have exciting news: the launch date is set for the week of February 15, 2010.

I can't wait for you to experience the newly designed site which coincides with our 10th anniversary. Some of the new features include:

• Vastly improved website navigation which will make it easier to find information;
• A redesigned “Find A Professional Resource Directory” which allows you to search for doctors, clinicians, advocates, school, camps, locally or nationally;
• Permission-based access to other CABF members in your geographic area so that you can connect locally;
• A teen and transition years section of our site, called Flipswitch, which integrates www.depressedteens.com with www.bpkids.org;
• A Translational Science to Families series from many of the most respected researchers in the country which outlines each researcher’s area of expertise and explains how their work impacts our knowledge of mood disorders in children;
• A Girls Only section located on the Flipswitch tab which details the unique issues which affect girls with mood disorders.

Perhaps most importantly, the new “Access for All” Website will allow all families access to information and support, regardless of their ability to pay a membership fee.

Why

By allowing open access to our support programs, our online community will become larger and more vibrant as more parents share and connect with one another. A larger community will spread the costs of our programs over a wider base of support. CABF receives 82% of its donations from individuals, and your financial support will be just as vital to maintaining the organization in the future as it is today. However, a larger constituency will allow us to better sustain the organization over the long run.  

Rest assured, our online support groups will still remain private for those who want to connect with others in a confidential format. You can still post with user IDs, which maintain your privacy. CABF is committed to maintaining a safe haven for support and scientifically credible information.

What you need to do

Watch your inbox in the coming weeks.  We will be sending you:

1. An email announcing the launch.  You will be instructed to reset your password to access the support functions of the website (forums, chats, blogs and list servs);
2. A series of emails which describe in further detail the new features and navigation;
3. Invitations to forward resources to your friends and family who might not know about CABF or to “veterans” who might not be active participants anymore.

I hope you share our enthusiasm and anticipation of the new website launch.  It is truly a milestone for CABF and I look forward to improved access information and support for families.

Yours in good health,

Susan Resko
Executive Director