LifeWays

Youth Mental Health First Aid | December, Jackson Training — LifeWays

This December 8th, join LifeWays for a Youth Mental Health training in Jackson. This training is free to residents of Jackson and Hillsdale county. If you work with young people, are a health and human services worker, or if you are parents and would like to know how to help adolescents (ages 12-18) who are experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or are in crisis, this course is for you.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. Upon graduation from the course you will be provided with a certificate and become a Youth Mental Health First Aider.

To sign up, visit: https://bit.ly/3AWYEhE

Youth Mental Health First Aiders are… parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one. They’re First Ladies and Mayors. Youth Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their world healthier, happier and safer for youth in their communities.

We hope to see you there! Sign up today for this free course.

Youth Mental Health First Aid | December, Jackson Training — LifeWays Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 8:30 AM-5 PM. Lunch will be provided. This Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training will be taught in-person at the Pine Room at the Jackson LifeWays office.

We can accomplish amazing things as a society when we set bold goals. Share this image to join the call for an end to hunger and homelessness.

Here are local food pantries in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties:
https://www.freefood.org/c/mi-jackson
https://www.freefood.org/c/mi-hillsdale

Food insecurity leaves millions of families wondering where their next meal will come from. Share these resources to spread the call to end hunger!

Join the movement to end hunger and homelessness! Find a way this week to help those in need.

International Day of Tolerance on November 16, 2022 is a great opportunity for you to think back and recall the last time you had a different perspective than one of your friends? When’s the last time you’ve had to learn something about someone else’s culture? We’re betting it wasn’t that long ago.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE

It was started by the UN General Assembly, with the goal of getting educational institutions and the general public to see tolerance as a staple of society. And it came after the United Nations declared a Year for Tolerance in 1995.

In 1995, UNESCO created the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance as a way to define and provide awareness of tolerance for any and all governing and participating bodies. That day in 1995 was November 16. Now, as an anniversary of that Declaration, we celebrate the International Day for Tolerance every November 16 to help spread tolerance and raise awareness of any intolerance that may still be prevalent in the world today. Although we should be tolerant every day, it’s always good to have one occasion to remind us just how important tolerance is.

Additionally, UNESCO created an award to recognize those with great achievements in promoting the spirit of tolerance or non-violence in fields such as science, culture, and the arts. The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize and the UNESCO International Day for Tolerance both recognize that tolerance is a universal human right.

Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week is recognized on November 12-20, 2022. No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people.

Many Americans are living on the edge, forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor.

37.2 million
Americans live below the poverty level

580,000
Americans are homeless on a typical night

44 million
Americans are at risk of suffering from hunger

1 in 6
children in the U.S. live in poverty

HOW TO OBSERVE
Volunteer.
Donate.
Organize.

All or any of these actions can help make a difference in a life. Spread the word about hunger and homelessness and how to help. Find out who and what your local organizations are. Use to share on social media.

This week, find a way to help one person in need.

Turkey Drive-Thru event happening Wednesday, Nov. 16

Jackson police officers are helping local families get a turkey on the table this Thanksgiving! The Jackson Police Department’s first ever Turkey Drive-Thru event is happening Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Commonwealth Commerce Center.
No prior sign up is necessary and the turkeys are free. Jackson officers will be there to distribute the turkeys to local families.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3UKYMsE

Turkey Drive-Thru event happening Wednesday, Nov. 16 The Jackson Police Department’s first ever Turkey Drive-Thru event is happening Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Commonwealth Commerce Center in Downtown Jackson.

Today is !

WHY WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE WORLD KINDNESS DAY
1. The act of practicing kindness, teaches us to be kind.
2. We get caught up in our lives and forget to take a moment to think about others in need. Doing something good for others can be good for us too.
3. Celebrating World Kindness Day reminds us that we aren’t alone and that others are kind and care for us. It's also a time to highlight the goodness that takes place every day.
4. World Kindness Day is the time to get creative with your ideas. Find unique ways to show kindness and express empathy.

Michigan has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, ranked 11th in 2020 with over 567,000 veterans. Unfortunately, those who have served are at risk for their mental health, trauma, and suicidal thoughts.

All are welcome to come join us at the Albert Schiffer VFW Post 2335 for a Su***de Awareness Conversation on November 19, 2022, at 11 AM.
Address: 1050 W. Main St. Mecosta, MI 49332

VetLife is donating Christmas gifts to veteran & military families with children who can’t afford gifts. Contact: Joshua Parish [email protected]

VCAT-9 is donating Thanksgiving Turkeys to Families in need in Jackson County. Contact: Eric Fretz [email protected] if a family would like one.

Americans across the country will be celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2022. This annual federal holiday is set aside as a time for honoring ALL veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you to all veterans for your service!

Places providing free meals to veterans:
Finish Line Family Restaurant in Hillsdale
Bone Island Grill in Vandercook Lake
Applebee's
Sharon's House of Pancakes in Hillsdale - Free Breakfast

Know of any more places serving veterans? Comment below!

10 Fun Ways to Celebrate International World Kindness Week!
https://bit.ly/3DWChdc

Kindness can be the norm.

KINDNESS CAN BE THE NORM.
Check out the following RandomActsofKindness.org video inviting you to help kindness become the norm in your home, school or workplace. Pass it on!

Kindness can be the norm. Watch our new video inviting you to help kindness become the norm in your home, school or workplace.

Happy World Quality Day! The Quality Management team at LifeWays provides efficient processes, systems, and outcomes for those we serve and our organization!

WE ARE HIRING!!
For a list of open positions or to apply, go to:
lifewaysmi.org/join-our-team

HAPPY CORPORATE COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS WEEK!

A very special thank you to our Compliance team at LifeWays!

The work you do truly does make an impact on not only our organization itself, but those we serve as well.

Help fill the empty bowls of homeless children in Hillsdale County!

For a $5 suggested donation, you will receive a bowl decorated by a local student and a soup meal.

To place an order email: [email protected] or call: (517) 462-6249 or (517) 462-8023

DID YOU KNOW IT IS CASE MANAGEMENT WEEK?

Over the past two years, LifeWays' Case Management team has had to step up in new and innovative ways to bridge gaps in service due to the changing atmosphere of service delivery since COVID-19.

THANK YOU!!

TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us today for a FREE vaccine and health screening clinic!

LifeWays wants to hear YOUR voice!

Join our NEW Parent Advisory Committee!

We want to hear YOUR voice! LifeWays’ Parent Advisory Committee is open to parents or guardians to individuals receiving services at LifeWays and whom reside in Jackson or Hillsdale counties.

If you are interested in joining the Parent Advisory Committee, please complete and submit an application by following this link or by getting an advisory committee application form at the front desk in either LifeWays location. bit.ly/3KnvwDQ

Everyone’s recovery journey is different—but people can and do recover every day! There is hope. . What does recovery mean to you?

HILLSDALE COUNTY RESIDENTS: Eligible households with children up to age 16 can apply for "Warm the Children" on Sept. 28 & 29. Applications are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call Lori to schedule: 437-3346, ext. 3221.

HILLSDALE COUNTY RESIDENTS: Eligible households with children up to age 16 can apply for "Warm the Children" on Sept. 28 & 29. If you received assistance in 2021 you are not eligible this year. Applications are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call Lori to schedule: 437-3346, ext. 3221.

Join the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MDDI) in a FREE informational session about community living, presented by MDDI Community Transition Trainers!

LIVING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Monday, September 26, 2022
12 - 1 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3S61tDO

The Community Transition Trainers inform and educate individuals with disabilities and their families about living in the community.

They offer ongoing support services for individuals planning to move to a place of their own.

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute's (MI-DDI) Community Transition Trainers are hosting a training about about community
•The Community Transition Trainers inform and educate individuals with disabilities and their families about living in the community
•They offer ongoing support services for individuals planning to move to a place of their own
•Register for this presentation to learn more about community living and the services offered by the Trainers

Register using this Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqceiuqzwiHdEL56qrvabx730U3_gXotQl

LifeWays represented the Jackson and Hillsdale county communities at the steps of the state capitol for the Walk A Mile In My Shoes Rally Thursday, September 15, 2022. Thank you to all who came out to advocate for public behavioral healthcare and fight stigma.

Why We Rally…
• To enhance public awareness, because legislators need to know that Mental Health Matters.

• To put an end to the stigma related to mental illness & developmental disabilities, because Michigan does not have parity (equality) between mental health & physical health care coverage.

• To promote mental health and wellness, because we can make a difference!

September is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Month.

FASD can be misdiagnoseed or have co-occuring diagnosis or present with co-diagnosis with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Learn more about prevention measures, interventions, and general tips and strategies to help empower and encourage those living with FASD at the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder training from LifeWays.

Visit this link to register: https://www.lifewaysmi.org/event-sign-up/fasd-training-sept-23

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention has shared their “Out of the Darkness” radio! This station can be listened to anywhere for free! It plays uplifting music to keep you energized and moving toward the goal of su***de prevention! https://www.audacy.com/afspoutofthedarknessradio/listen#discover

It’s Su***de Prevention Awareness Week! Here’s how you can help.

- Share hotlines and help information like 988 or LifeWays 24/7 Crisis Phone Line 1 (800) 284-8288.

- Take a su***de prevention training such as Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), or safeTALK. For information on local offerings of these trainings and more you can contact the Jackson County Su***de Prevention Coalition by emailing [email protected]

- Advocate for su***de prevention openly so that your loved ones feel comfortable approaching you if they are struggling with their mental health.

- Learn your regions resources for mental health concerns: findtreatment.samhsa.gov

HAVE YOU HEARD?! LifeWays is sponsoring Stomp Out Su***de! We are so grateful that Jackson Su***de Prevention Coalition hosts this event for our community each year! See you there!

Thank you to our amazing Stomp Out Su***de PRESENTING Sponsor, LifeWays without whom, events like this would not be possible.

LifeWays is a public mental health agency serving people in Jackson and Hillsdale counties. We treat adults and children with emotional/behavioral challenges, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use issues.

We appreciate their support and the wealth of volunteers from LifeWays that will be there on Saturday.

For more information about Stomp Out Su***de go to: www.preventsu***dejackson.org

***de

NEW at Stomp Out Su***de this year are great door prizes! Join us TOMORROW for your chance to support su***de prevention in Jackson County and to enter to win great prizes!💜💙

NEW this year, Stomp Out Su***de will be featuring a "Passport Booth" event at the beginning of our day. Vendors for our Passport Booths are specially chosen by the Jackson Su***de Prevention Coalition to be able to provide valuable resources, classes, community support in areas where our community has higher risks for su***de.

Attendees at Stomp Out Su***de who go to each booth and get their "passport" stamped, will be entered into a drawing for fabulous door prizes! Some of the prizes (but not limited to) include:

• Vicky Mennare Large Art Prize
• Book- Depression Confessions
• Calm Subscription
• Hug in a Box
• Two-Night Stay at EarthWell Retreat Center
• Candles from Jackson Candle Company
• Weighted Heated Blanket
• I Am Fitness Consultation and Drop in Sessions
• And More...

Must be present to win! Door prizes will be drawn after our great guest speakers before attendees are released to do the luminary remembrance walk around downtown Jackson.

It's not too late to register for Stomp Out Su***de! Visit https://www.preventsu***dejackson.org/stomp.html to learn more and to register.

We hope to see you there.

🚧 There will be contractors onsite at LifeWays' Jackson facility starting at 7 am Wednesday, August 31 and they will be there for approximately two weeks installing a new air purification system. We apologize for any disruptions that may occur in service areas due to this work.

Join our NEW Parent Advisory Committee!

We want to hear YOUR voice! LifeWays’ Parent Advisory Committee is open to parents or guardians to individuals receiving services at LifeWays and whom reside in Jackson or Hillsdale counties.

If you are interested in joining the Parent Advisory Committee, please complete and submit an application by following this link or by getting an advisory committee application form at the front desk in either LifeWays location. bit.ly/3KnvwDQ

LifeWays Crisis Services Now Available on Weekends!
Learn More: lifewaysmi.org/lifeways-blog

MDHHS ANNOUNCES FREE COVID-19 TESTS AVAILABLE FOR ALL HOUSEHOLDS.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is to provide 180,000 COVID-19 tests to 36,000 households located anywhere in the state free of charge through an expanded partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation through Project Act: https://bit.ly/3QaOU9j. Previously, tests were only available in select ZIP codes.

Residents can request the tests through the end of August. Households will receive one kit containing five tests.

All households in the state of Michigan can order their free COVID-19 tests through www.AccessCovidTests.org. Each household will receive one kit with five tests, typically within a week of ordering. Individuals without internet access can contact 211 for assistance ordering tests.

This program is in addition to free at-home tests available through the federal government partnership with the United States Postal Service: https://bit.ly/3QsfTNo.
MDHHS continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Go here: https://bit.ly/3QkmtWo for a list of participating libraries. Also, private health insurers are required to cover up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month for each person covered by a health plan.

June 27 is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Screening Day.

If you’ve been through trauma and you think it’s affecting your daily life, you can take our brief PTSD screening to see if you may have signs of PTSD. It is only 5 questions.

Go to: www.lifewaysmi.org/screening to check your symptoms

If after your screening you would like to seek services, LifeWays is here for you 24/7 with our access/crisis hotline at 1 (800) 284-8288 and can help get you started on your first steps to recovery.