Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, Inc.
Counsel + Empower + Strengthen + Advocate + Enlighten = Wellness
January 2019


Happy New Year! Welcome to our newsletter and thank you for supporting Worcester Youth and Family! 

In This Issue
What's happening at WYFCS?
On Saturday, December 1st, WYFCS participated in the Christmas Spirit shopping campaign. Thank you to the Young Professionals of Ocean City for including us in the shopping experience. We would also like to thank our CASA volunteers and AGH volunteers for helping make the activity room a success. Over 90 children went shopping and enjoyed crafts afterwards.
Last month, WYFCS' Bus Stop Snack Shack delivered toiletry bags to Stockton Head Start and Snow Hill Head Start for 100 families. Thank you American Legion Post 166 Ocean City, MD for sponsoring this months Bus Stop Snack Shack and to our supporters who donated items. Ocean City Hotels by Harrison Group, Berlin Lioness Club, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, Stevenson United Methodist Church, Church Mouse Thrift Shop, Salisbury University Athletics, Joyce Piatti - Avon Representative and several anonymous donors. Without your support, this would not be possible!
WYFCS hosted their annual Youth Holiday Dinner on Wednesday, December 12th at Stevenson United Methodist Church. Thank you to Kevin Gibbs and The Dough Roller Restaurants for providing the delicious dinner, The Globe for the stuffing, baked dessert cafe for the pretzel salad, and Kyle Hughes for the photo booth! Also thank you to WYFCS staff and board members for helping out. This year approximately 100 people attended the event including current and past program participants.
WYFCS is beyond grateful for the wonderful efforts put forth by Robin and her ICU team at Atlantic General Hospital. They have provided gifts for a family of 8 as well as over 400 pounds of food for 8 local families. The community has been very generous to the youth and families that we support. 
On Thursday, December 13th, Salisbury University Athletic Sports teams visited SAGES and SABERS group to teach them about college readiness and social media awareness. Thank you Salisbury University Equestrian Team, Salisbury University Gymnastics Club, Salisbury Women's Lacrosse, Salisbury Women's Soccer, and Salisbury Volleyball. All participants were fortunate and appreciative to receive holiday gifts from each team. Thank you! We look forward to working with Salisbury University Athletic Teams in the future.
WYFCS is collecting toiletries and cleaning supplies to distribute to families in Worcester County. Any kind of toiletry and any size. Please deliver supplies to WYFCS. If you or your organization would like to contribute, please call Debbie at WYFCS 410-641-4598.
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services is expanding its practice and has openings described below. Please email cover letter and/or resume to shine@gowoyo.org.

Licensed Counselor/Therapist
Our outpatient clinic is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic clinician to provide mental health counseling to youth, adults and families. Candidates must be a licensed psychologist, LCSW-C or LCPC.
From One of Our Therapists
Beating the Winter Blues
By: Dr. Jen Leggour

The winter blues can be a part of a long and cold winter. This involves low levels of feeling sad or down, a lack of motivation, low energy, and the desire to "hibernate" for the season. There is a difference between the winter blues and the more clinical Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The winter blues are fleeting and never reach more than mild levels of melancholy. SAD is a clinical disorder that can lead to serious depression that interferes with many areas of functioning. The winter blues is less serious and considerably more common.

The good news is that there are a number of things that you can do to feel better during the winter months. Going outside in the sunlight for 20 minutes per day (without sunglasses) can help give you melatonin and vitamins C and D, which are all helpful for sleep and counteracting feelings of fatigue. Exercising regularly helps to improve energy, mood, and general health. Socializing regularly helps to connect with others, elevate mood, and access support systems. A healthy diet can give you the vitamins and nutrients that you need for energy and feeling good as well. Finally, embrace what the winter has to offer, such as going on a ski trip or taking your family sledding. In this area, while there is limited snow, you can enjoy the fact that the winter offers activities without crowds.

If you believe that you are suffering from more than just the winter blues and have SAD, contact your primary care doctor or feel free to call Worcester Youth and Family Counseling. An assessment can be made as to the severity and pattern of your symptoms to determine if you are simply down versus experiencing a more clinical problem.
Events
January 7-11 - Berlin Restaurant Week
Visit the restaurants in town for specials on breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sponsored by Cam Bunting and Berlin Main Street.

January 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
WYFCS Office Closed

January 25 - WYFCS Bus Stop Snack Shack
WYFCS' Bus Stop Snack Shack will set up in Snow Hill at Greenbriar Court Apartments. Join us as we hand out snacks and reading materials to children as they get off the bus.

To make a donation to Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, click here

You can
..Protect a child from child abuse
..De-stigmatize mental health
..Empower the neglected
..Strengthen a family
..Improve a community
..Feel good about your day!

We often need volunteers to help with our programs. Some of the volunteer opportunities are short term such as helping with fundraisers and community events while others require more of a time commitment.
To learn about WYFCS volunteer opportunities, you can visit Get Connected by United Way or call the office at 410-641-4598

Thank you for your support! 
Worcester Youth & Family | 410-641-4598 | shine@gowoyo.org | www.gowoyo.org
124 N. Main Street Berlin, MD 21811