Choose Kindness
MIFFLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES THAT CARE
National Teacher Appreciation Week
The first full week in May is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time for "honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."
Even though school buildings are closed, the teachers are working harder than ever to provide instruction and a connection with their students. Teachers affect the lives of our youth on a daily basis. They play a critical role and are dedicated to educating and shaping our children.
Take a moment to say “thank you” to the exceptional teachers that you know. Your words could be the difference in someone's day! Never underestimate the power of your words, your gratitude, and your acts of kindness.
Go to https://padlet.com/mrp54/wsrq2yis0plp0qqc
Click the + at the bottom right to add a message to the virtual bulletin board in honor of MCSD teachers!
You can find teacher emails on the MCSD website https://www.mcsdk12.org.
Let your teachers know that they are appreciated for all they do and how they have impacted your life.
Compassion-Expertise-Trust
The theme for National Nurses Week in 2020 is Compassion-Expertise-Trust
"Florence Nightingale was a celebrated English, social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing. She became well-known while taking care of the wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Nightingale was dubbed “The Lady with the Lamp” because of her habit of making rounds at night." (Am J Public Health, 2010)
The famous nurse is set to be celebrated locally in fiberglass form as part of the Community Partnerships: Flock Together public art project. In honor of Nightingale and the Geisinger Hospital School of Nursing in Lewistown, FLORENCE NIGHTINGOOSE will be an ongoing reminder to celebrate the nurses who provide Compassion-Expertise-Trust and critical services to our community.
NATIONAL NURSES DAY
May 6
Take the time to shower our local nurses with messages of thankfulness, encouragement, and gratitude. YOU can lift the spirits of those on the front-line by posting positive messages on social media. It is a simple way we can thank nurses for their ongoing caring, contribution and commitment to the community.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The National Day of Prayer is Thursday May 7, 2020. The day is set aside for all people of different faiths to pray for the country as a whole. " While the number of people you pray beside in person or in the same room may be different this year, the prayers we pray will be multiplied and amplified. Across our homes, neighborhoods, cities, states, nation and the world through many creative and innovative ways, all are planning to " Pray God's Glory Across the Earth". It will be broadcast, streamed and posted in many ways including on nationaldayofprayer.org. In addition it can be seen on Facebook Live that will be cross-posted by many partners, Instagram, and more." (National Day of Prayer Task Force)
For more information, specific times and events, please go to the website http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
Religiosity is a protective factor for youth. By establishing healthy beliefs and clear standards, religiosity has been shown to reduce the way youth respond to risks.
be kind.
PAWSitive Vibes MCSD is a MC Communities That Care student led group which focuses on activities that
- Create a positive atmosphere.
- Promote kindness initiatives.
- Demonstrate that “you are enough".
- Let others know “you are not alone”.
The focus is on intentional acts of kindness, compassion, acceptance, respect, empowerment, and sincerity in our schools, workplace, and community.
Mental Health Awareness
Communities That Care and PAWSitive Vibes MCSD are committed to the overall wellness of individuals, families, and the community. Our goal, through collaboration with existing mental health agencies, programs and activities, is to reduce stigma and raise awareness regarding mental health concerns of our youth.
Together we can do great things
Check out the businesses below that are supporting our youth and community by spreading love and kindness.
Be sure to pick up your free button today, take a photo and submit to akammerer@tiu11.org, we would love to post your smiling faces!
Downtown OIP & Grille
JP Edwards Grill & Bar
East End Coffee CO.
The Square Cafe and Bakery
Michele's OIP Restaurant and Pizzeria
Downtown, Inc
Department of Human Services Reminds Pennsylvanians that Mental Health Help is Available
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today marked Mental Health Awareness Month with a reminder that it is okay to not feel okay and that help is available. Mental Health Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness and understanding and to fight stigma of mental illness and substance use disorders.
“We know that the COVID-19 emergency is a difficult time for everyone, and many are struggling with feelings of fear and anxiety. It is okay to feel this way,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “This crisis may not always allow people to tune in to their personal needs, but in order to have the ability and emotional capacity to take care of others, you must take care of yourself.”
The Wolf Administration has been committed to ensuring access to mental health care. Governor Tom Wolf launched “Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters” earlier this year as an initiative to remove barriers to mental health care and reduce stigma. The governor has reminded Pennsylvanians that there are myriad resources for people to turn for mental health needs.
DHS announced a statewide Support & Referral Helpline staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available 24/7 to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. The toll-free, round-the-clock support line is available at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
Many other resources also remain available to Pennsylvanians in need of support, including:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
- Safe2Say: 1-844-723-2729 or www.safe2saypa.org
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
- Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-888-772-7227 or https://pcar.org/help-in-pa
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233 or www.PCADV.org
- United Way of Pennsylvania: Text your zip code to 898-211 or visit http://www.uwp.org/211gethelp
Available online resources:
- Pennsylvania’s comprehensive mental health resources, Mental Health in PA.
- Mental Health America for general information and COVID-19-specific resources.
- Get Help Now for substance use disorder and alcohol treatment.
“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to take time during this Mental Health Awareness Month to pay attention to your own mental health,” said Sec. Miller. “Be sure to make note of changes in sleeping patterns, the amount of time spent on focusing on the crisis, or your use of alcohol. Find ways to connect to people who are supportive and know that physical isolation does not mean social isolation. And most importantly, if you find that you may need help, reach out. You are not alone.”
Visit pa.gov for a “Responding to COVID-19” guide or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.
Guidance to DHS providers related to COVID-19 is available here.
Mifflin County Communities That Care
MISSION: To promote the healthy development of the children of Mifflin County and to prevent juvenile delinquency, violence by and among children, teen pregnancy, truancy, school dropouts, substance abuse and undesirable actions and attitudes that may be harmful to youth.
VISION: Because of community-wide collaboration, Mifflin County will have safe, caring and drug-free neighborhoods for all children.
Email: akammerer@tiu11.org
Website: www.mccares.com
Phone: 717-248-8123
Facebook: facebook.com/MifflinCountyCommunitiesThatCare