KWRCC November News & Updates

November news & updates

National Gratitude Month

Courtesy of NationalToday.com

National Gratitude Month is November and it is time to show some gratitude! Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to life? Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need.

HISTORY OF

NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH

Gratitude is the simplest way to change one’s perspective of the world. It allows us to appreciate the positive, rather than focus on the negative aspects of our lives. Learning to be grateful helps us appreciate the little things in life that we tend to take for granted, which brings about a deep feeling of satisfaction that fulfills and nourishes us.

National Gratitude Month was an initiative started by Stacey Grewal, who believes gratitude to be an essential ingredient of a happy and fulfilling life. When one embraces gratitude, they immediately shift their focus from the negative to the positive things in their lives.

From the Board and Staff of KWRCC we would like to thank everyone who attended, participated, and volunteered to help with both our Annual Victims' Prayer Vigil and our Annual Membership Meeting.

We would like to offer special thanks to St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church for allowing us to use their facilities for our Annual Vigil and Membership Meeting.

During our Annual Membership Meeting our 2022 Board Election Results were announced. First we would like to thank all our previous board members for their dedication, donated time, and efforts to serve the Kodiak Community and KWRCC in this capacity. You are treasured members of the community!

We would also like to thank all the 2022 Board Candidates who bravely put themselves out there to run in this competitive election.

We would like to welcome our new board members and also our reelected board members who each have committed to serving a three-year term on the KWRCC Board of Directors.

Amanda Becker (new)
Cassie Keplinger (reelected)
Colby Perez (new)

Jessica Rauwolf (new)
Kim Sibrel (reelected)
Helen Shepard (new)

We would like to express our many thanks to Matson for providing support to KWRCC's Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Fundraiser held in October by agreeing to match community donations up to $10,000.

Although we did not meet our $10,000 community donation goal, Matson has graciously provided the full $10,000 they pledged to match up to. The online fundraiser with Matson's grant award now totals $14,252 with money still coming in. We are incredibly grateful and appreciative for this funding which significantly impacts the lives of our clients and their children fleeing domestic and sexual violence.

Thank you Matson!

KWRCC Donors

Whether large or small we are so appreciative and thankful for all of the donations we receive from Kodiak current and former residents and businesses. The financial donations, donations of household goods, clothing, food, donations of time volunteering, and many donations of services by community members and businesses help us keep our doors open and assisting survivors seeking help.

Special thanks to donors who recently participated in our October Domestic Violence Awareness Month Fundraiser for "Emergency Client Needs."

Thank you KWRCC

Donors & Volunteers!

We would like to thank the team at NWFF Environmental for their generously donated services and assistance.

Thank you NWFF Environmental!

Many thanks to the Kodiak Island Community for all year-round support!

The Board & Staff of KWRCC

wish everyone in the

Kodiak Community a very

Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

building awareness

Rethinking Thanksgiving Celebrations:

Native Perspectives on Thanksgiving

For many students, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and be with family. Teachers often include fun activities related to the holiday in their classrooms. When teaching about Thanksgiving, it is important not to misrepresent Native American cultures. Native traditions have developed over thousands of years and are distinct and complex. They are also specific to each individual tribe. Projects and crafts that attempt to adapt or copy Native traditions tend to perpetuate stereotypes of Native Americans. For example, we discourage adopting "Native" costumes into your classroom. Instead, incorporate Native knowledge into your lesson plans with the provided resources below. We encourage you to celebrate the vibrancy of Native cultures through Native American art, literature, and foods while you celebrate Thanksgiving.

Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health.

Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking

support can help ward off stress and depression.

By Mayo Clinic Staff | Courtesy of MayoClinic.org

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. And if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your and your loved ones' health. You may also feel stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship.