IMPOWER

12/20/2025

🎄 Hey Judy...Holiday Q&A with Judy Charuhas, IMPOWER’s Clinical Director 🎄

The holidays can bring up deep emotions, especially when time with loved ones feels limited. This week, Judy shares guidance for connecting meaningfully with a parent you may not have many holidays left with.

💬 Judy suggests:

♥Ask what he wants to do and follow his lead.

♥Be fully present with him, worry often comes from trying to control what we can’t.

♥Consider writing something to share: happy memories, what you love about him, what he means to you, etc.

♥Ask the questions you may not be able to ask later: “How did you and Mom meet?” “Do you remember the day I was born?” “What’s your best memory?”

Remember, it’s about him, so let him guide the day but share how much you’re enjoying your time together. ✨ Being truly present is the greatest gift you can give. This holiday season, focus on connection, love, and shared memories. 🎁

Have a holiday question or challenge? Message us or send it to info@impowerfl.org and Judy may answer it next!

12/20/2025

🎄It was truly a holly jolly night at The Village- An IMPOWER Program! From great food and cozy hot chocolate to presents, stockings, and endless joy ☺️ The evening was filled with holiday magic ✨

A huge thank you to our Holiday Heroes for making this unforgettable night for our youth❤️

12/19/2025

Stacks of joy with a sprinkle of cheer 🥞✨

This afternoon IMPOWER leadership served up a festive pancake lunch for staff with a surprise visit from the one-and-only gingerbread man 🤩🎄

12/18/2025

This is what team work looks like ❤️ Thank you to all of our Holiday Heroes 🎁

12/18/2025

🎉 Employee of the Month Spotlight: Alexandria Butler 🎉

Alex joined IMPOWER two years ago through Public Allies and has since grown into her role as a Case Manager at The Village- An IMPOWER Program, where she continues to make a meaningful impact every day.

Alex recently earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and plans to continue her education by pursuing an MSW with a long-term goal of earning a PhD in Sociology. She shares that her work at The Village strongly complements her areas of study, bringing real-world experience into her academic journey.

Alex's professional growth and passion to help others does not go unnoticed. She's a true rock star! 🤘⭐

12/17/2025

Year after year, Peyton and Hayden bring the holiday cheer 🎄🧦 ❤️ Thank you for keeping this cozy tradition in supporting our youth!

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

🎄Our Final Day of Holiday Hero Gift Wrapping! 🎁

A jolly big thank you to Orlando FSU College of Medicine for coming out, along with our amazing volunteers Maggie, Rubi, and Jeannine, to wrap presents and stuff stockings with so much care and holiday cheer ☺️🎁🎄

Our youth will cherish not only the gifts but the thoughtfulness behind every bow 🎀✨

You can be a holiday hero too! ❤️
Visit impowerfl.org to make a gift ⭐️

12/16/2025

Thank you Chase !

12/15/2025

Wrapping Paper? ✅
Ribbon & Bows? ✅
Holiday cheer? ✅ ✅

A big thank you to our Holiday Heroes from JPMorganChase, along with Santa’s helpers Maggie & Jason, for volunteering their time and talents today to make these gifts look so special for our youth🎁🌟

It’s not too late to spread joy and be a Holiday Hero too 🎄Make a gift of any size at impowerfl.org✨

12/14/2025

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, take a moment this weekend to soak up the calm. Spend time with a loved one or enjoy a little “me time.” Sip a hot chocolate, watch your favorite movie, or simply breathe and relax ☕📺🛀

This weekend, give yourself the gift of peace because your calm matters 🫶

12/12/2025

🎄Hey Judy... Holiday Q & A with Judy Charuhas, IMPOWER’s Clinical Director 🎄

The holidays are full of family, fun… and sometimes unpleasant moments. Today, Judy shares practical tips for handling this situation with confidence.

💬 Judy says: It’s okay to set boundaries and congrats on your sobriety!

Some ways to respond:

➡“No thanks, I’m good.”

➡“I’d prefer not to drink,” then redirect: “Hey, that dessert table/charcuterie looks amazing, think I’ll try that instead.”

➡“I’m not drinking today.” or “Nope, I’m driving.”

➡“I tried this cranberry ginger ale drink and I really like it—I’ll stick with this.”

⚠️Setting clear boundaries helps you protect yourself while enjoying the holidays on your terms.

Have a tricky holiday scenario? Message us or send your questions to info@impowerfl.org and Judy might answer them next!