As September unfolds, we at the Council for Drug-Free Youth (CDFY) are committed to shining a light on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the critical work we do in suicide prevention and substance use prevention, and it emphasizes the importance of community support in these efforts.

Suicide is a heartbreaking reality that affects too many lives, particularly among young people. It’s essential to recognize the signs that someone might be struggling. These signs can include withdrawing from friends and family, drastic changes in behavior or mood, talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden, or expressing a desire to harm themselves.

At CDFY, our programs focus on educating youth, parents, and educators about these warning signs and providing the tools needed to intervene early. We believe that open conversations and proactive measures can save lives.

Throughout September, we will be sharing stories, tips, and resources aimed at fostering a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. We believe that together, we can make a difference in preventing suicide and promoting mental wellness for all.

Join us as we work to break the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that no one feels alone in their journey. Your support, compassion, and involvement are vital in creating a safer, healthier environment for our youth.

Remember, your awareness and action can make all the difference. Let’s stand united this September in our mission to prevent suicide and promote the well-being of every young person in our community.

We had an amazing time sharing our message and resources with parents and youth at the Thomas Jefferson Back-to-School Night and the Linn Elementary Wellness Fair in August! 

Join us in making a difference this season by volunteering with CDFY at local tailgates! It’s a fantastic opportunity to share our message of substance use and suicide prevention with the community. Whether you’re handing out materials, talking to fans, or simply spreading positivity, your involvement helps create a safer environment for our youth. Together, we can make every event a chance to inspire and inform. Sign up today and be a part of the change!

As a parent, your role in your child’s mental health is crucial. This month, we’re focusing on what you can do to help prevent suicide and support your child’s well-being.

Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to express their emotions, and be an active listener without judgment.

Recognize Warning Signs: Be aware of changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from activities, or talk of hopelessness. These could be signs your child is struggling.

Promote a Healthy Environment: Create a supportive home where your child feels safe. Encourage positive coping strategies like physical activity, creative outlets, and connecting with friends.

Seek Help Together: If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Involving your child in finding help shows them that they don’t have to face challenges alone.

Remember, your involvement and understanding can make a significant difference. By staying informed and engaged, you’re helping to create a strong foundation for your child’s mental health.

As we gather to celebrate Independence Day, it’s a time for joy, reflection, and community. While enjoying the festivities, it’s crucial to remember the importance of staying safe and supporting one another, especially when it comes to substance use and mental health.

Independence Day is often marked with parties, barbecues, and fireworks. These celebrations can sometimes involve alcohol or other substances, which pose risks, particularly to our youth. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday:

• Set a Good Example: Adults can model responsible behavior by avoiding excessive drinking and refraining from using illegal substances.
• Educate and Communicate: Talk to your children about the dangers of substance use. Make sure they can come to you with questions and concerns.
• Monitor Gatherings: Keep an eye on parties and gatherings to ensure a safe environment. Make sure alcohol is not accessible to underage individuals.
• Provide Alternatives: Offer fun, alcohol-free activities such as games, sports, or movie nights.

Together, we can make a difference an build a stronger, healthier community.

Happy Independence Day! Stay safe and connected.

We had an amazing time at the JC Parks Kidsfest on Saturday, June 1st.

Special thank you to Scholastic for donating the books and goodies for kids as well as all the kids who came with their parents! 
We can’t wait to see you again next year!

1. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would you meet?
2. What’s your favorite video on TikTok or YouTube?
3. What’s your favorite song right now? How does it make you feel?
4. If you could live somewhere for a year, where would you live?
5. What do you think is your favorite memory?
6. Who has been your favorite teacher? Why?
7. What animal do you think is most like you?
8. Is there anyone you admire? Tell me about them.
9. Did anything happen at school today that you weren’t expecting?
10. What is one thing that you could eat every day for the rest of your life?

Talking to your kids about important topics like substance use and mental health can start with simple, even silly questions. These seemingly small inquiries can open the door to bigger, deeper conversations that matter.

By nurturing open communication now, you pave the way for meaningful discussions in the future.

June marks the beginning of summer, a season filled with sunshine, adventure, and endless possibilities. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time for our youth to embrace the great outdoors and get moving!

Encouraging physical activity during these summer months is essential for maintaining healthy lifestyles and fostering a sense of well-being. Whether it’s playing sports, riding bikes, swimming, or simply enjoying a walk in the park, there are countless ways for kids to stay active and have fun.

This summer, inspire your children to unplug from their screens and dive into new adventures. Physical activity not only boosts their physical health but also enhances their mood, improves concentration, and promotes better sleep.

Check out our Facebook page for different tips, events, and activities to keep your family active and engaged throughout this vibrant season. Let’s make this summer the most active and enjoyable one yet! Go out there and make the most of this beautiful time of year!

THANK YOU, MEGAN!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Megan Walton for her outstanding leadership and boundless enthusiasm during her time as a peer-to-peer co-director for CDFY. Her dedication and inspiring energy have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward and creating a positive impact on the youth of our community.

We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the amazing things she’ll achieve next! 

Thank you, Megan, for everything you’ve done!

 Summer is the perfect time to build strong connections with your children. Finding the perfect activity to stay connected doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Use a calendar template to create a plan for your summer and don’t forget to include your children in the brainstorming.

Here are some activity brainstorming questions to ask:

1. Something new to try. Has there been something you’ve wanted to try, see, or do but haven’t had the time to check it out yet? Set a date to try something new in the neighborhood.

2. Free or low-cost activities. Whether you’re budgeting or not, finding free or low-cost activities can spark creativity. Try to get the most bang for your buck on a few activities.

3. All day fun. Choose an activity that will take your whole day to explore and enjoy. Bonus points for not using your electronics throughout the whole day.

4. Super ultimate adventures. Decide on one activity that will blow all of the others out of the water. This can build anticipation and connection as your family gets excited for this super ultimate adventure.

P.S. Remember that the smallest things can become the big things! Set a time to have a chit-chat with a special treat and discuss what they’ve learned that day!

As we embrace the blossoming of spring, May brings with it an important opportunity to turn our attention to a subject often overlooked yet deeply impactful: mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for support, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

In our fast-paced world, where the pressures of daily life can often feel overwhelming, prioritizing mental well-being is more crucial than ever.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This month, we encourage you to join us in spreading awareness and fostering understanding around mental health. Here are a few ways you can participate:

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available resources for support. Knowledge is a powerful tool in reducing stigma and providing effective support to those in need.

2. Start Conversations: Break the silence surrounding mental health by initiating open and honest conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. By sharing your own experiences and listening without judgment, we can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

3. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Consider supporting organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, providing access to treatment, and advocating for policy changes. Your contribution, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

4. Practice Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your own mental well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and peace of mind. Whether it’s meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential for maintaining balance and resilience.

5. Seek Help if Needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. There is help available, and you are not alone. Whether through therapy, support groups, or helplines, there are resources to assist you on your journey to healing and recovery.

Together, let’s work towards creating a world where mental health is treated with the same importance and compassion as physical health. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s unite in solidarity, empathy, and action to build a more supportive and inclusive community for all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors for hosting the 18th Annual Cinco de Mayo 5K. Your commitment to supporting our cause and promoting a healthier, drug-free lifestyle is truly commendable. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future!

We’re thrilled to welcome Tanya Lankford as our new Director of Facilitated Programs, overseeing COPE, Team, and Baseline initiatives!

Starting May 1st, 2024, Tanya brings a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering teams and individuals to excel. Let’s give her a warm welcome and support as she leads us into new heights of success and collaboration! 

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Welcome to a journey filled with endless possibilities, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. As you embark on this exciting chapter of your lives, remember to embrace every moment, challenge yourself, and always believe in the power of your dreams! 

PARENT CORNER:

Ah, summertime—the season of sun-kissed adventures, carefree days, and endless possibilities! As parents, we cherish this time with our children, relishing in the opportunity to create lasting memories and foster their growth and well-being. Here are some ways to make the most of summertime with your youth:

Unplug and Reconnect with Nature: Encourage your children to put down their devices and explore the great outdoors. Whether it’s a hike through the woods, a day at the beach, or simply playing in the backyard, spending time in nature can rejuvenate the mind and nourish the soul.

Embrace Creativity: Summer provides the perfect opportunity for children to unleash their creativity. Encourage them to try new hobbies, such as painting, gardening, or crafting. Foster their imagination through storytelling, building forts, or putting on backyard performances.

Cultivate Lifelong Learning: Keep your children’s minds engaged during the summer months by incorporating fun and educational activities into their routine. Visit museums, libraries, or historical sites to spark their curiosity and ignite a love for learning.

Encourage Physical Activity: With longer days and warmer weather, summer is the ideal time to get moving! Encourage your children to stay active by participating in sports, going for bike rides, or organizing outdoor games with friends and family.

Foster Independence: Use the summer break as an opportunity to teach your children valuable life skills and foster independence. Involve them in meal planning and cooking, encourage them to take on household chores, or embark on a DIY project together.

Connect with Community: Get involved in your community by volunteering for local events or participating in charitable activities. Encourage your children to give back to others and make a positive impact in their community.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation: While it’s important to keep busy during the summer, don’t forget to prioritize rest and relaxation. Allow your children to unwind and recharge by scheduling downtime for relaxation, reading, or simply daydreaming under the shade of a tree.

HELLO 2024!

Do you know an area high school SENIOR who leads a substance-free lifestyle? If so, please share our scholarship information with them.

DEADLINE for entry is Friday, January 26, 2024!

For more information:

The calendar has flipped. there’s a fresh start, a clean slate, a reset before you. Take time to recognize the importance of tending to your mental health just as you do your physical health.

Facilitator Spotlight

CDFY & Mid America Bank are teaming up to recognize a Jefferson City Police Officer who goes above and beyond in supporting and uplifting the youth of our community.

Take this opportunity to nominate a JCPD officer who contributes to the well-being and development of our community’s future leaders.

Together, let’s honor the men and women of the JCPD!

December 4th is National Cookie Day

Andrea & Lela are sharing their favorite cookie recipes with you. They are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering!