Newsletter - May 2024

Mental Health Awareness Month

Dear MI Community,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and YFS encourages everyone to take an active role in caring for your mental health.

Older adults are encouraged to remember it is never too late to get help dealing with life changes and families are encouraged to spend time connecting with their seniors.

People from racial and ethnic minority groups can have unique mental health strengths, challenges, and narratives and deserve culturally appropriate care. BIPOC folks are encouraged to celebrate cultural differences and work with your mental health provider to be sure your unique experiences are honored.

LGBTQIA+ folks face higher risk of depression, substance use, and suicide. Inclusive families, schools, workplaces, and communities are important. Remember that peer support can provide a critical lifeline. Celebrating your identities with others can build confidence and resilience.

Young people are reminded of the importance of keeping meaningful connections as they navigate the pressures of school and growing-up in the digital generation. Find trusted adults, get help early if needed, delay substance use as long as possible, and consider being open to talking with your parents about life's challenges.

YFS is proud to serve as the Island's community mental health organization--call us for support or referral at our confidential voicemail line (206) 275-7657.

Derek Franklin, YFS Administrator

derek.franklin@mercerisland.gov

YFS Senior Support Group Continues

YFS recently collaborated with Island resident and Geriatric Specialist, Carin Mack, to offer a no-cost support group for seniors caring for their spouse or partner with dementia. The group is free and meets monthly. Typically, meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month, however in May the group will meet on Thursday, May 23, from 10:30am - 12:00pm in Room 104 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. Call the YFS confidential voicemail line to sign up or ask questions (206) 275-7657.

>>Download Flyer

YFS Food Security Programming

Hopelink's Mobile Market is now a key part of YFS food security efforts on the Island. The Mobile Market offers residents facing food insecurity a selection of fresh and shelf stable food items two times per month at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center parking lot. In addition, Islanders can go to Hopelink's Bellevue Food Bank where large families can access increased supplies. Hopelink Home Delivery is available for homebound residents--call the YFS confidential voicemail line with questions and for all YFS support options at (206) 275-7657.

>>Learn More

Parenting Mercer Island Popularity Grows

The Healthy Youth Initiative's recently launched parentingmercerisland.org site continues to gain popularity among Island parents and schools. Anyone can learn a tangible, 5-step process for connecting with your child or teen and helping them build important skills. Did you know Healthy Risk Taking is important for 12 year olds?

>>Learn More

Helping Youth Avoid Riding with Drinking Drivers

As summer approaches and the school year comes to a close, the YFS Healthy Youth Initiative is talking about the importance of never riding in a vehicle (or boat) with an impaired driver. Messages on sandwich boards around the Island support the campaign. Parents and teens questioning the impact of alcohol or other substances in a young person's life can take the confidential on-line assessment and referral tool developed by YFS, "Take Five."

>>More Information

Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention

Illicit Fentanyl use has become a public health crisis both regionally and around the country. Due to its potency, a small dose can be fatal. However, learning about the actual risks and putting a few prevention measures in place can make all the difference. YFS's Healthy Youth Initiative website has a page dedicated to Fentanyl awareness and prevention and all parents and teen/young adults are encouraged to visit. (Helpful message: Only take medications prescribed to you by your doctor, including Fentanyl and other appropriately dosed and regulated pharmaceuticals.)

>>More Information

MIYFS Foundation Part of May 7-8 "Give Big" Fundraising Event

The MIYFS Foundation is a non-profit, fundraising organization that supports the local human services provided by the City's Youth and Family Services Department. On May 7 and 8, there is a 48 hour "Give BIG" fundraising push across Washington to support non-profits. This is a great opportunity to give to the Foundation to support YFS programs such as food security, holiday gift/ meals, and counselors in the schools.

>>Learn More

Thrift Shop May Deals Also On-line

The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is run by the City of Mercer Island and all proceeds support Youth and Family Services programs. Please check out their May Daily Discounts. Great sales and special inventory are available for sale on-line where treasures await. In fact, this week you might find a Coach Kailey Carryall Signature Canvas Bag, a set of Miniature Chinese Porcelain Vases, or some retro Nike Air Jordan Men's basketball shoes.

>>Learn More

Staff Spotlight:

Anna Fenster, Northwood Elementary School Counselor

Anna Fenster, MA, LMHCA is YFS's newest school counselor and is doing an amazing job supporting students, parents, and teachers at Northwood Elementary. Anna is a graduate of Antioch University, Seattle and adds a background in Art Therapy to her skills supporting youth mental health. Anna is known for her strong clinical insight, infectious positivity, and for being a "natural fit" for the elementary school population.

Senior Fall Prevention

The NIH suggests six tips for seniors to help prevent falls:

Talk with your doctor about medication side effects.
Use night lights and grab rails at home.
Stand slowly to avoid dizziness.
Do strength and balance exercises.
Get vision and hearing checked regularly.
Use a cane or walker if you need more stability.

For similar tips in Spanish, Somali, or Korean, visit the SAIL website.