Parents and Staff

These are trying times for everyone. The "new" normal is something we all are trying to navigate. If you're a parent and you're lucky enough to be working from home, the challenges are plentiful! If you're a parent and a school staff member, challenges are abound! If you're a parent and struggling to make ends meet because you've been laid off from your job or furloughed, the issues at home are compounded! We in Lawrence want you to know we understand and feel your pain! In the pages that follow, we hope to provide you with some tools and resources to help you navigate these difficult times. In the following pages, you will be spoken to in "real time!" I'm talking "REAL" talk! There will be humorous posts because we all know humor is the best medicine! We will provide you with some self care suggestions, ways to handle your children who are constantly asking you questions and looking to you to ease their boredom! We hope to help our multi-taskers who are juggling many balls in the air at once! Please take the time to read some of what we are offering. Our hope is that you find some information that can be helpful to YOU and your mental health and to your current situation. We ARE in this together and we WILL get through this.

#LAWRENCESTRONG

Parents want their children to be happy, healthy, and safe. They will go to great extremes to ensure this. The love of a child far exceeds any other relationship. Children yearn for that love just as much as a parent wanting to give it. Parents will go to great lengths to ensure their child's basic needs are met. If your child comes out to you as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer), that may or may not be something you imagined or feel prepared for. All too often, these children will not have the conversation with their parents in fear of being judged, not accepted and ostracized from the family. In worse cases, children are condemned and forbidden to speak to friends of the same sex and have important things like pictures of friends ripped down in their rooms, sports, theater and other activities taken away. In more severe cases, children are kicked out of their homes or threatened with conversion therapy. Unfortunately, conversion therapy still exists and is still legal in many states.

Your acceptance really matters to their health and safety.

The article below will help you navigate ways to understand your LGBTQ child and show support for their choices.

https://optionb.org/articles/why-accepting-your-lgbtq-child-matters-and-how-to-start

For YOU Parents!

TIP OF THE DAY!

Self-Care Tips for Parents During Times of Heightened Stress

Tips for Parents of Teens Struggling with Anxiety during COVID-19:

Jackie Bramble, LSW, Community Liaison with High Focus Centers in Cherry Hill, NJ, shares some helpful tips for parents whose teens are struggling with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine and self-distancing may make adolescent anxiety symptoms worse. Here are several ways that parents can help their teens cope during these difficult and unprecedented times.

https://highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/tips-for-parents-of-teens-struggling-with-anxiety-during-covid-19-tip-of-the-day/

Let's start with some humor to get us through the day!

I don't know about you, but a real good deep gut belly laugh is by far the best feeling in the world! You know...the kind that either makes your stomach muscles feel like you just did 4830 crunches!..or you begin choking and you're about to pass out because you can't catch your breath, to the dreaded...."I peed my pants!"

There is a lot of scientific research that proves the power of laughter is truly "The Best Medicine"

Here's some research to back this!

To all hard working teachers are out there trying to juggle teaching, coordinating your own child's learning, being a parent. This one's for you!

YOU WILL SURVIVE!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCe5PaeAeew

Jim Lyttle, Ph.D., MBA, who is a serious humor researcher, professor at Long Island University and an active member of the International Society for Humor Studies, tackles the question of whether a laugh a day, indeed, keeps the doctor away. Here is what he says:

Laughter is very powerful medicine. Some of the health benefits of humor and laughter include:

Fosters instant relaxation and lowers blood pressure
Boosts immune system.
Improves brain functioning and protects the heart.
When we laugh, natural killer cells, which destroy tumors and viruses, increase along with Gamma-interferon (a disease-fighting protein), T-cells (important for our immune system) and B-cells (which make disease-fighting antibodies).
Laughter increases oxygen in the blood, which also encourages healing.
“When you laugh, your mind, body, and spirit change” Mark Twain

Laughter is very powerful medicine. Some of the health benefits of humor and laughter include:

Fosters instant relaxation and lowers blood pressure

Boosts immune system.

Improves brain functioning and protects the heart.

When we laugh, natural killer cells, which destroy tumors and viruses, increase along with Gamma-interferon (a disease-fighting protein), T-cells (important for our immune system) and B-cells (which make disease-fighting antibodies).

Laughter increases oxygen in the blood, which also encourages healing.

“When you laugh, your mind, body, and spirit change” Mark Twain

Mental health benefits of humor and laughter include:

Reduces stress, depression, anxiety and fear.

Elevates mood.

Increases energy and can help us perform activities that we might otherwise avoid.

Can be a safe way to introduce ourselves to others.

Laughter, like a smile, is the shortest distance between two people. It makes people feel closer to each other.

When we experience humor, we talk more, make more eye contact with others, touch others, etc.

Marriages and relationships can tremendously benefit from humor and laughter.

When people laugh together, they feel bonded and can better go through hardship together.

A healthy sense of humor is related to being able to laugh at oneself and a way of accepting oneself.

Benefits of humor in therapy:

Enhances therapeutic alliance and increases trust between therapists and clients.

Helps clients feel good about themselves.

Helps clients gain perspective.

Humor can help clients’ thought processes by helping them to get unstuck.

Helps clients cope with difficult situations, such as death and illness.

Helps clients accept themselves. (“The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends.” – Bob Hope)

Activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease.

Humor can be used diagnostically. Goethe said: “People show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable.” The kind of humor people use often shows the kind of people they are.

Laughter is cathartic.

Ok...Seriously now.....

There are many issues surfacing for most people. Trying to navigate these emotional roller coasters for both you and your children can be challenging. We will try to break this down into what's happening with you being a parent to what it means to be a working parent and/or school staff member working from home. Some issues overlap so we hope you find the information beneficial in whatever area you may be experiencing in your life right now.

YOU ARE RESILIENT

As this branch grows with only the water to help sustain it, we too have the ability to overcome the obstacles.

What is Resiliency

According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. As much as resilience involves "bouncing back" from these difficult experiences, it can also involve profound personal growth.

Below are two video's to help guide assist you with understanding your power of resilience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpS1Thnvz0Y&feature=youtu.be

Some ways to improve and build upon the resiliency you already possess:

Build your connections

Prioritize relationships. Connecting with empathetic and understanding people can remind you that you’re not alone in the midst of difficulties. Focus on finding trustworthy and compassionate individuals who validate your feelings, which will support the skill of resilience.

The pain of traumatic events can lead some people to isolate themselves, but it’s important to accept help and support from those who care about you.

Join a virtual group. Along with one-on-one relationships, some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based communities, or other local organizations provides social support and can help you reclaim hope. Stay connected to the organizations and/or groups you are active in.

Foster wellness

Take care of your body. Self-care may be a popular buzzword, but it’s also a legitimate practice for mental health and building resilience. That’s because stress is just as much physical as it is emotional. Promoting positive lifestyle factors like proper nutrition, ample sleep, hydration and regular exercise can strengthen your body to adapt to stress and reduce the toll of emotions like anxiety or depression.
Practice mindfulness. Mindful journaling, yoga, and other spiritual practices like prayer or meditation can also help people build connections and restore hope, which can prime them to deal with situations that require resilience. When you journal, meditate, or pray, ruminate on positive aspects of your life and recall the things you’re grateful for, even during personal trials.

Find purpose

Help others. Look for something you and your family can do to help during this crisis! Your local homeless shelter's are in need of food so perhaps start a food drive. Or, you can simply support a friend in their own time of need, you can garner a sense of purpose, foster self-worth, connect with other people and tangibly help others, all of which can empower you to grow in resilience.
Be proactive. It’s helpful to acknowledge and accept your emotions during hard times, but it’s also important to help you foster self-discovery by asking yourself, “What can I do about a problem in my life?” If the problems seem too big to tackle, break them down into manageable pieces.

For example, if you got laid off at work, you can choose to sit stagnant or you can spend an hour each day developing your top strengths or working on your resume. Taking initiative will remind you that you can muster motivation and purpose even during stressful periods of your life, increasing the likelihood that you’ll rise up during painful times again.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals and do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward the things you want to accomplish. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?" For example, if you've been trying get to exercising now's the time to start! Take a walk!!!
Look for opportunities for self-discovery. With not evening realizing it, we are all forced to do some self reflection during this isolation period. What better time than now than to begin to start some self-evaluation. This is all part of our life journey. What is that one issue that is pressing on your mind that you never had the time to address. Today can be that do for self reflection. This can increase your sense of self-worth and heighten your appreciation for life.

Embrace healthy thoughts

Keep things in perspective. How you think can play a significant part in how you feel — and how resilient you are when faced with obstacles. Try to identify areas of irrational thinking, such as a tendency to catastrophize difficulties or assume the world is out to get you, and adopt a more balanced and realistic thinking pattern. For instance, if you feel overwhelmed by a challenge, remind yourself that what happened to you isn’t an indicator of how your future will go, and that you’re not helpless. You may not be able to change a highly stressful event, but you can change how you interpret and respond to it.
Accept change. Accept that change is a part of life. Certain goals or ideals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations in your life. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.
Maintain a hopeful outlook. It’s hard to be positive when life isn’t going your way. An optimistic outlook empowers you to expect that good things will happen to you. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear. Along the way, note any subtle ways in which you start to feel better as you deal with difficult situations.
Learn from your past. By looking back at who or what was helpful in previous times of distress, you may discover how you can respond effectively to new difficult situations. Remind yourself of where you’ve been able to find strength and ask yourself what you’ve learned from those experiences.

Seeking help

Getting help when you need it is crucial in building your resilience. We will supply you a wealth of resources in the pages to come.

The important thing is to remember you’re not alone on the journey. While you may not be able to control all of your circumstances, you can grow by focusing on the aspects of life’s challenges you can manage with the support of loved ones and trusted professionals.

Acknowledgments

APA gratefully acknowledges the following contributors to this publication:David Palmiter, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Marywood University, Scranton, Penn.Mary Alvord, PhD, Director, Alvord, Baker & Associates, Rockville, Md.Rosalind Dorlen, PsyD, Member: Allied Professional Staff, Department of Psychiatry Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ; Senior Faculty, Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey and Field Supervisor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University.Lillian Comas-Diaz, PhD, Director, Transcultural Mental Health Institute, Washington, D.C.Suniya S. Luthar, PhD, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, N.Y.Salvatore R. Maddi, PhD, The Hardiness Institute, Inc., University of California at Irvine, Newport Beach, Calif.H. Katherine (Kit) O'Neill, PhD, North Dakota State University and Knowlton, O'Neill and Associates, Fargo, N.D.Karen W. Saakvitne, PhD, Traumatic Stress Institute/Center for Adult & Adolescent Psychotherapy, South Windsor, Conn.Richard Glenn Tedeschi, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at CharlotteThe full text of articles from APA Help Center may be reproduced and distributed for noncommercial purposes with credit given to the American Psychological Association. Any electronic reproductions must link to the original article on the APA Help Center. Any exceptions to this, including excerpting, paraphrasing or reproduction in a commercial work, must be presented in writing to the APA. Images from the APA Help Center may not be reproduced.American Psychological AssociationAPA, located in Washington, D.C., is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA works to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health and human welfare.

GRATITUDE

“Gratitude is good for you; it creates a biochemical shift in the body. The brain responds to positive input and sends life-enhancing messages to every cell.” –Deepak Chopra

Let's be honest folks! We've all had some time to do things that we probably wouldn't necessarily do during this time of isolation. You may not notice even in yourself but do you see yourself doing more family things? There are families out in the yard playing ball, taking a walk, digging in the dirt with their children, drawing on the sidewalks, playing board games with the family.

Even more important is the time you take for yourself! In our everyday lives we rarely see the benefit to taking "me time." Now, you have the option to do so. What have you done with it? Have you perseverated on the negative? How do you perceive your current situation? Is there room for growth and healing?

WAYS TO FIND GRATITUDE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

Gratitude can be a powerful tool for resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic! We turn on the TV, messages stream across our computers, radio stations flood us with updates! Most are negative..only recently have we seen the outcry of support and hope coming through with people like us trying to make a difference and supporting one another! The positive stories and volunteerism we see keeps our hope alive that "WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS AND THIS TOO WILL PASS"

Here are some simple, yet profound strategies to help remind us all to keep the light at the end of this tunnel burn bright with optimism and hope.

Think of 3 things you are grateful for upon waking and going to sleep every day. Here's some ways to kick start your list:

Be grateful that you woke up this morning and that you are OK. You are basically in good physical health and not dealing with a virus; you can breath on your ow;, you can walk outside to take a breath of fresh air; you can get your kids up for their virtual schooling; you can kiss your animal!
You have your basic needs met. Some food, shelter, running water, electricity and maybe if you're lucky some cable or a computer.
Our environment is getting better! Pollution is lifting in big cities, streams and waterways are flourishing with fish and other wildlife that has not been there in years. This is hope for our children's future!
Appreciate the trees, the birds, the blooms of spring!
Remember, this pandemic unusual. Most of us will never see this again in our lifetime. Through this, the infrastructure that is being built to address this in the future allows us to potentially prevent or irradicate these issues in the future. We must remember that we lucky that there are researchers who have devoted their lives to preventing and addressing pandemics like this one, and furthermore that the scientific community and people across the globe collaborate and drop their current work to come together and solve issues like this when they arise.

Gratitude for the heros of healthcare, grocery store clerks, mail carriers, delivery people who put their own safety at risk to care for total strangers simply because it is what they do.
Gratitude for family, loved ones and a time of forced perspective, to consider what really matters to us.
Be grateful if you are still fortunate enough to be working! So when you're about to throw your kids, husband/wife, significant other, dog/cat out the window....REMEMBER...but you have a paycheck coming in!

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS!

Who do we often go to when we experience feelings that are uncomfortable? Do you speak to your significant other? Is it your mother/father, aunt/uncle? Is it the co-worker that just always seem to be there at the right time? Or...is it your BFF (Best friend forever for those who are not familiar with this scientific term)? You know...the one that can tell you that your hair needs a highlight or "are you really going out like that?" The one that will NOT sugar coat things for you but instead give you the real on something! The one that you can bear your soul to and you know that your secrets will go with them to their grave! The one that has your back even when they think you're wrong! Then afterwards they tell you so! The one that will as the saying goes...."take a bullet for you!"....That friend!!!

These are the people that get us through....DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT! You know they will be there for you! Often times we are embarrassed or fear judgement. When it becomes difficult for you navigate everyday routine...take a break and call that person! It interrupts your negative thought process and allows to reset.

ASK FOR HELP! Let them know you're struggling! Sometimes they have the best advice or can guide you to addressing your needs.

WHEN STUFF GETS REAL!!

When feelings become overwhelming and/or your current life situation changes. Sometimes professional help is the one means to get you through. The following information is for YOU! PLEASE take the time to read what is available to you! If you are struggling and cannot navigate your way, there are many people in Lawrence that can help you! Outreach to your child's school counselor, Child Study Team case worker, the district SAC, Ann DeGennaro, a school psychologist, administrator, a teacher. They can help you navigate resources. We hope you gain some helpful information from this site! It will be updated periodically. Until we meet again....

Be safe...be healthy....WE ARE #LAWRENCESTRONG

Are You Dealing with Someone Who is Hurting you?

Violence against women remains a major threat throughout the world. The increase in violence against women during this pandemic becomes highly prevelent. According to WHO 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by any perpetrator in their lifetime. Most of this is intimate partner violence. Statistics show violence against women tends to increase during every type of emergency, including epidemics. Older women and women with disabilities are likely to have additional risks and needs. Women who are displaced are particularly vulnerable. The health impacts of violence, particularly intimate partner/domestic violence, on women and their children, are significant. Violence against women can result in injuries and serious physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancies.

How COVID-19 can exacerbate risks of violence for women

Stress, the disruption of social and protective networks, and decreased access to services can all exacerbate the risk of violence for women.
As distancing measures are put in place and people are encouraged to stay at home, the risk of intimate partner violence is likely to increase.
- For example: The likelihood that women in an abusive relationship and their children will be exposed to violence is dramatically increased, as family members spend more time in close contact and families cope with additional stress and potential economic or job losses.
Women may have less contact with family and friends who may provide support and protection from violence.
Women bear the brunt of increased care work during this pandemic. School closures further exacerbate this burden and place more stress on them.
The disruption of livelihoods and ability to earn a living, including for women (many of whom are informal wage workers), will decrease access to basic needs and services, increasing stress on families, with the potential to exacerbate conflicts and violence. As resources become scarcer, women may be at greater risk for experiencing economic abuse.
Perpetrators of abuse may use restrictions due to COVID-19 to exercise power and control over their partners to further reduce access to services, help, and psychosocial support from both formal and informal networks.
Perpetrators may also restrict access to necessary items such as soap and hand sanitizer.
Perpetrators may exert control by spreading misinformation about the disease and stigmatize partners.
Access to vital sexual and reproductive health services, including for women subjected to violence, will likely become more limited.
Other services, such as hotlines, crisis centers, shelters, legal aid, and protection services may also be scaled back, further reducing access to the few sources of help that women in abusive relationships might have.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE ABOVE SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!

Call your local police department: 911
If you are unable to get to a phone, put something in a window of your house that would alert someone that you are in danger. If you have children, have them draw a rainbow and put the picture in the window. If you don't have children, draw one yourself and tell your abuser you are supporting the community. If there is danger, add a black cloud to the bottom of the rainbow. This will be a sign that help is needed.
Design a safety plan with a family member or friend you can trust. Some simple yet very effective ways to do so are as follows:
1. Be sure to tell your friend if they haven't heard from you in a time frame that they would normally hear from you and that would cause them concern, call the police immediately to do a well visit. If your family member/friend explains to the police the reason for the call, they are trained to identify issues and will proceed accordingly.
2. Create a code with this same person so they know you are in danger. Example during this time is "I can't find my mask!" or "My toilet paper is running out." This will keep the abuser from identifying your call for help.
3. Create a plan for when you are able to leave. Plan this with a trusted family member or friend. Make sure you know where you will be going when you leave.
  1. Things to include:
    1. Identification (e.g., driver's license, school ID, military ID, immigration documents)
    2. Cell Phone
    3. Cell phone charger
    4. Medication (e.g., asthma inhaler, insulin, Epi-Pen)
    5. Cash
    6. ATM card
    7. House key
    8. Car key
    9. A change of clothes
    10. Comfort items (e.g., favorite stuffed animal or photograph)
    11. Baby supplies (formula, diaper, wipes, change of clothes)
    12. Copy of Protection/Restraining Order
    13. Child's birth certificate
    14. Health insurance card
    15. Other

If you have a phone, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! The police will assist you with resources to obtain temporary housing.
If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522
Call the Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Call your local Women's Space: 609-394-9000

Dealing with Mental Health Issues

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes the struggle can be underestimated because of their age. During this pandemic, a young person who was experiencing signs of mental instability or who has already been diagnosed with a mental health issue, can be feeling overwhelmed and lost. They may have limited access to their therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Their feelings are still there but they may be having difficulty expressing these emotions to you as their care giver. Here are some helpful tips in assisting your child through this difficult time for them. If these symptoms become exacerbated seek help immediately. Go to your local crisis center: https://www.mercerresourcenet.org/health-services/crisis-safety/

How To Help: (healthychildren.org)

Parents often struggle with the difficult task of figuring out how to help their child who may be experiencing crisis. Here are some simple techniques and a video to help you understand how to help your child in need.

1. Don't let your teen's depression or anxiety snowball.

Maybe your child is merely having a bad day, but maybe it's something more if this mood has been going on for a couple of weeks.

Fact: 9 in 10 teens who take their own lives met criteria for a diagnosis of psychiatric or mental health condition or disorder—more than half of them with a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety.

Depressed people often retreat into themselves, when secretly they're crying out to be rescued. Many times they're too embarrassed to reveal their unhappiness to others, including Mom and Dad. Boys in particular may try to hide their emotions, in the misguided belief that displaying the feeling is a fifty-foot-high neon sign of weakness.

DO NOT WAIT FOR YOUR CHILD to come to you with their problems or concerns. Knock on the door, park yourself on the bed, and say, "You seem sad. Would you like to talk about it? Maybe I can help."

2. Listen—even when your teen is not talking.

Studies have found that one trait common to families affected by a son's or daughter's suicide is poor communication between parents and child. However, there are usually three or more issues or factors going on all at once in a child's life at the time when he or she is thinking about taking his or her life.

These include but are not limited to:

Major loss (i.e., break up or death)
Substance use
Peer or social pressure
Access to weapons
Public humiliation
Severe chronic pain
Chronic medical condition
Impulsiveness/aggressiveness
Family history of suicide

3. Never shrug off threats of suicide as typical teenage melodrama.

Any written or verbal statement of "I want to die" or "I don't care anymore" should be treated seriously. Often, children who attempt suicide had been telling their parents repeatedly that they intended to kill themselves.

Some red flags to look for:

"Nothing matters."
"I wonder how many people would come to my funeral?"
"Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up."
"Everyone would be better off without me."
"You won't have to worry about me much longer."

4. Seek professional help right away.

If in doubt, call a crisis center or take them to your nearest crisis unit in the local hospital. I prefer Princeton Hospital on Rt. 1 in Plainsboro but you can take them to Helen Fuld in Trenton as well.

5. Share your feelings.

Let them know they are not alone and that you are concerned for their health and well-being and your love for them will be your driving force to get them through this.

6. Encourage your teen not isolate himself or herself from family and friends.

During this pandemic, self isolation if easy to do! Encourage and even at times force your child to participate in something you know they would enjoy. DO NOT force them to do something you know they have no interest in. Ask them what they might want to do. Also encourage them to outreach to their friends virtually or through social media. If they have a therapist, have them chat with them via phone or other means. Today zoom and skype have been effective in outreaching to our high risk populations

7. Recommend exercise and meditation.

There are a wealth of websites and Youtube video's to help them navigate ways to increase their endorphin and cortisol levels. (See resources)

8. Urge your teen not to demand too much of himself or herself.

Suggest that he or she divide large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones whenever possible and participate in favorite, low-stress activities. The goal is to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

9. Remind your teen who is undergoing treatment not to expect immediate results.

Talk therapy and/or medication usually take time to improve mood. Your child shouldn't become discouraged if he or she doesn't feel better right away

10. If you keep guns at home, store them safely or move all firearms elsewhere until the crisis has passed. Keep all medication locked or in a safe place where there is limited access.

How can we prevent childhood suicide? | Jenny Buscher | TEDxHelena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h18JyK3IjSY

Some Additional Resources for YOU and your family

For the family:

Deartment of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources

Prevent Child Abuse America: https://preventchildabuse.org/coronavirus-resources/

Office of Family Voice:https://www.nj.gov/dcf/news/publications/Family.Voice-Youth.Guidance.During.COVID.pdf

Mercer County Covid-19 Resources: https://cjfhc.org/

Women's Space: https://womanspace.org/

The following resources come from our friends at the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse:

Parenting tips: https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---healthy-parenting

Activities Abound!:

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/activities-guide-enhancing-and-practicing-executive-function-skills-with-children-from-infancy-to-adolescence/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2020/03/16/coronavirus-quarantine-100-things-do-while-trapped-inside/5054632002/

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/

For Those Dealing with Substance Use, Misuse and Abuse

What a better time than now to have some fruitful conversations with your children about the detrimental effects of vaping, marijuana and alcohol use. Here are some resources for both you as the adult and your child.

Virtual All Recovery Meetings

In an effort to preserve the recovery communities we've built together and continue to provide a place of hope and safety during these challenging times, we have created a full calendar of virtual All Recovery meetings that you can join online or by phone.

We are in this together and we will get through this as a community. Be healthy, stay safe and stay in touch.