Collins Center & Child Advocacy Center

12/01/2023

We have a new group starting!

The Collins Center and Friendly City Safe Space is starting its new support group for LGBTQIAP+ survivors of s*xual harm.

This group will be held monthly, and will be open for drop-ins!

Our first meeting is Sunday, December 17th at the Collins Center from 4pm - 6pm.
For more information, email [email protected] or call us at 540.432.6430

12/01/2023

Get your cozy socks and hot cocoa ready! ☕ ❄️

It's officially December!

11/28/2023

S*xual consent is where a person has the ability and freedom to agree to s*xual activity.

If you haven't already, talk to your teens about what consent is, and isn't.

For more information, videos, and ideas on how to start the conversation about consent, visit consentiseverything.com

*xuality

S*x without consent is r**e - it's as simple as tea!

11/27/2023

Starting December 6th, the Collins Center will have its Monthly "Drop-in" Support Group for women impacted by s*xual violence.

We will meet on the first Wednesday of each month.

For more information about our group, please reach out to [email protected] or call our office at 540-432-6430

11/27/2023

Happy Monday, everyone!

Mondays can feel like an uphill battle. Here are three prompts from Mindful to help you set and reflect on your intentions for the day! 💜

Starting the day off more in touch with your goals can create a better work experience. Explore these three mindful prompts to achieve greater focus.

11/17/2023

Your weekly reminder to rest, relax, and recharge! ✌️💙

Happy Weekend, everyone!

11/17/2023

11/16/2023

"Deciding whether to disclose a history of childhood s*xual abuse is an important decision in an adult survivor's life." 💙

Disclosure looks different for everyone. Check out this informational page from Wings Foundation to learn more about disclosure, reasons why or why not survivors may disclose, and how to support a friend or family member during a disclosure.

Deciding about Disclosure: Always your choice This page may contain triggering content. Click to continue. Deciding whether to disclose a history of childhood s*xual abuse is an important decision in an adult survivor’s life. If you are an adult survivor: You get to choose if and when you tell, wh...

11/15/2023

"Most people assume that perfectionism is a good personality trait, but in reality, it can be very harmful. For children, perfectionism can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress, which can interfere with their ability to learn and function normally."

Check out this article from SuperPower Kids to learn more strategies to help your child overcome perfectionism.

Do you believe that your child struggles with perfectionism? Here are seven strategies to help your child overcome perfectionism.

11/13/2023

“Body awareness talks are the earliest conversations parents can have with young children to support their health and safety."

Conversations about body parts and bodily autonomy lay the foundation for understanding consent and s*xual misconduct.

Using cutesy language can do more harm than good.

11/10/2023

Normally, Naia would say "Happy Friday..." but she feels like "Stay Warm" is more appropriate on this rainy day!

Stay warm, and have yourself a nice, relaxing weekend! 🧡🌧

11/09/2023

We are here for you. 💙
Reach us at our 24-hour local crisis hotline: 540.434.2272.

11/08/2023

Grooming consists of manipulative behaviors that the abuser uses to gain access to a potential victim, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught. While these tactics are used most often against younger kids, teens and vulnerable adults are also at risk.

You can help keep kids and teens safer by learning the warning signs of abuse at rainn.org.

One tool common to those who s*xually abuse kids and teens is grooming: manipulative behaviors that the abuser uses to gain access to a potential victim, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught. Though grooming can take many different forms, it often follows a similar....

11/07/2023

Support your children in being safer online by discussing topics like cyberbullying, online predators, and sharing personal information.

Check out this infographic from NetSmartz for ideas in how to get the conversation started.

11/07/2023

Collins Center is offering a free Trauma-Informed Yoga group starting Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at The Center Yoga , taught by Lisa Elliot. 💙

Our yoga group will run from November 15th to December 13th.

Please contact [email protected] to register.

11/06/2023

"As your body and mind adjust to a new time, be patient with yourself!"

It's daylight saving time!

As your body and mind adjust to a new time, be patient with yourself.

Artwork by (on Instagram)

11/06/2023

With the cooler air and time change, it's feeling a lot like fall!

Remember to make use of this cozy season and allow yourself to rest. Those batteries deserve recharging! 🧡

11/03/2023

Social media is rapidly evolving and continues to be a growing area of research.

Check out the latest health advisory on social media use in adolescence from the American Psychological Association.

This health advisory provides 10 recommendations to ensure that teens develop healthy social media practices.

11/02/2023

It's almost time to change those clocks again!

"The extra hour of afternoon darkness can be especially hard for people who are vulnerable to feeling down in the autumn and winter — which is an awful lot of people.

Earlier mornings and shorter evening light can be a tough adjustment. But there are ways to prepare for the end of daylight saving."

Learn more about how you can prepare for the transition to fall. 🍂🍁

Earlier mornings and shorter evening light can be a tough adjustment. But there are ways to prepare for the end of daylight saving.

11/01/2023

Talking to children about grief and loss can be difficult...

"Experiencing grief firsthand is a different and often confusing process for kids. As a parent, you can’t protect a child from the pain of loss, but you can help them feel safe. And by allowing and encouraging them to express their feelings, you can help your child build healthy coping skills that will serve them well in the future."

Check out this article from the Child Mind Institute for tips and ideas on talking to your child about grief and/or loss.

Tips for families dealing with grief, from what parents should say to how they can help kids express their emotions in a healthy way.

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Have a safe and fun-filled evening. 💜🎃

10/31/2023

Our staff at the Collins Center LOVES candy!

Naia can't decide if she's more of a Reese's or Hershey's gal...

Which one do YOU prefer? 🍫

10/30/2023

It's almost time for trick-or-treating! 🎃

Be sure to talk to your little ghouls and goblins about walking on sidewalks, staying visible after dark, and other safety tips while trick-or-treating.

For more ideas and tips, check out this list of Halloween Safety Tips for parents and children.

From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.

10/30/2023

With the the upcoming time change and seasonal shift, you might be feeling extra groggy in the morning...

Try starting your Monday morning with a little movement!

Wake up for meditation with this movement practice to help you synchronize your body and mind with movement, breath, and stillness.

10/27/2023

Happy Friday! Naia wishes you a spook-tacular weekend! 💜

10/27/2023

Check out this article from American Psychological Association on the importance of child-led play!

Play that isn’t organized by adults helps kids build resilience, flex their creative muscles, and engage organically with their peers.

10/26/2023

Teach your child about Empathy & Kindness by modeling, encouraging active listening, identifying and expressing emotions, encouraging compassion, recognizing and celebrating differences in others, and LOTS of practice! 💙

10/26/2023

After a crisis, we often see changes in children's behavior. Changes like these are a sign that they may need help.

Check out this resource from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network to learn more about how young children heal from traumatic events, and how you can help them through it.

10/25/2023

"Boundaries are expectations and needs in different areas of human experience that help a person feel safe and comfortable in their relationships."

Check out this infographic on boundaries from PESI.

10/24/2023

"Words matter. Especially when you have kids and need to tell them any number of the million things they need to learn to survive on this crazy rock...

One thing I'm glad I told my children when they were little is that we are all unique, and that's what makes us special. I'm proud of this because as they've grown into their individual personalities, they've embraced their unique traits and are not afraid to express themselves. This lesson has also helped them to value and respect the individuality of others. They’ve really embraced the idea that it’s okay to be different, and accept those differences as they come.” 💙

10/23/2023

"A growth mindset focuses on the reality that with resilience, hardwork and curiosity, you can approach issues and change with a more resilient, open mind."

Check out this blog from Smiling Mind to learn more about growth mindsets, and how it can help a person develop new habits, broaden and sharpen their skill sets and develop better mental resilience.

10/13/2023

Happy Friday, everyone! We hope your day is as fabulous as Naia's! 🐾

10/13/2023

We are here for you. 💙

Reach us at our 24-hour local crisis hotline: 540.434.2272.

10/11/2023

It's never too early to begin conversations about bodies!

Check out this resource from Educate2Empower on how to best discuss consent and body safety with your child.

10/10/2023

"Research suggests that parents should address the topic of s*x with their children, and by extension, digital media and its use in the home- not through a one-time conversation, but through an ongoing dialogue that should begin early and occur often..."

Check out this tip sheet from NetSmartz on "Talking to Teens About S*xting."

10/09/2023

Today, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, honoring the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Native American peoples.

10/09/2023

"When the intention to awaken self love and compassion is sincere, the smallest gesture—even if, initially, it feels awkward— will serve you well."

Feeling overwhelmed on this Monday morning? Try the RAIN Meditation from Mindful.

You can take your time and explore the RAIN meditation as a stand-alone practice or move through the steps in a more abbreviated way whenever challenging emotions arise.

10/06/2023

Your weekly reminder to relax and enjoy your weekend! ✌

10/06/2023

"Violence in teen relationships can take several forms. It can involve stalking or harassment, such as spying on a partner or monitoring private online activity without permission, or psychological aggression, such as threats, insults, or attempts to control. In cases of physical and s*xual violence, one partner may physically harm another, force them to engage in s*x acts against their will, or share intimate photos without consent."

Dating violence can cause significant harm to , who are still developing the skills to navigate conflict, jealousy, and rejection.

“It’s developmentally appropriate for young people to explore their s*xuality, but as a society we haven’t figured out how to support that while protecting them from a risk of violence.”—Sherry Hamby, PhD, Founder & Director of the Life Paths Research Center

Here's how psychologists are working to safeguard teens during a critical period of development and reduce risk for later in life: https://at.apa.org/5ee1ad