February 24, 2021 Originally a drive-thru event, our partners gathered together to deliver each student their bag when weather conditions cancelled our event. Whether it be in their classroom or at their homes, our volunteers worked hard to ensure that hope was provided to each student this Valentine’s Day. Thanks to our wonderful community, our students day shined even brighter. Thank you to our wonderful partners!This event wouldn’t have been possible without youSouth Bend School District & Jason Nelson Bailey Johnson and the South Bend Kitchen & Transportation Crew Pacific County Health and Human Services Teen Advocacy Coalition (TAC) Bethany and Mark Barnard Alliance for a Better Community Adrianne and Kevin Lynch Crisis Support Network First Interstate Bank – Raymond Dispute Resolution Center of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties Gun & Hoses Washington Health Care Authority (HCA), and MORE & we can't forget our board members!We cannot forget our AMAZING board and staff who worked tirelessly to make this event happen!
Get involved with R2R!The Road 2 Resiliency Coalition meets the 1st Monday of each month from 3:30 – 4:45pm via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92936432062, Or call into the meeting: (253) 215 - 8782 / Meeting ID: 929 3643 2062
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We are very excited to announce the first Resiliency Rockstar of 2021...Bethany BarnardWife, mother, friend, coworker, volunteer... she does it all!"Bethany is so deserving of this Rockstar award because she has always given back and done so much for our community, but with the COVID-19 pandemic Bethany really upped her game and brought the community together to help the people in our community that were in need of a hot meal. With help from members of the Elks and the community, Bethany was able to form the [Emergency Meal Program], and starting at the end of March, helped serve over 100 hot meals to locals and families. With the pandemic continuing on, Bethany kept the EMP going into the summer months with more and more families being served each week. They took a short break and then brought it back for the Holidays with the need being greater and over 715 hot meals being served at the last holiday delivery. Bethany was also instrumental in bringing the Peacekeepers to Pacific County which served over 1000 local families, with food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, etc.… |
Whether the meals are delivered to classrooms or to student's homes, these individuals work hard to ensure all of our students are fed. Without them our kids would go without, and our school would have a little less light right now. The board, coalition and staff members at R2R would like to congratulate them on being this month's Resiliency Rockstars! |
Do you know someone doing ROCKSTAR work in our community?
Nominate them below!
On November 2nd Road 2 Resiliency awarded Melody Halpin with the Resiliency Rockstar award.
Melody led a fundraising campaign to keep the Dr. O.R Nevitt Memorial Swimming Pool in Raymond open for the 2020 summer. Thanks to her efforts, and generous donations from previous graduating classes, over $9,000 was raised!
Our coalition preaches resilience for our youth and community. Heck, we are called Road 2 Resiliency! The efforts led by Ms. Halpin undoubtedly brought resilience to our youth and community. In the face of a pandemic, she helped provide the continuance of a safe, prosocial opportunity for our youth. Let's not forget the positive impact this had on a local small business.
Melody led a fundraising campaign to keep the Dr. O.R Nevitt Memorial Swimming Pool in Raymond open for the 2020 summer. Thanks to her efforts, and generous donations from previous graduating classes, over $9,000 was raised!
Our coalition preaches resilience for our youth and community. Heck, we are called Road 2 Resiliency! The efforts led by Ms. Halpin undoubtedly brought resilience to our youth and community. In the face of a pandemic, she helped provide the continuance of a safe, prosocial opportunity for our youth. Let's not forget the positive impact this had on a local small business.
Did you know...
Prosocial activities are linked to decreased youth substance misuse?
Here's what board member Tessa Clements had to say:
"Although we are recognizing Melody for the quick thinking contest she pulled together to support the Raymond Pool through the month of September, it should be noted that Melody does more for this community than any one person should have the energy for. Melody is the brainchild behind many great community fundraisers and supports that have become common place parts of our community that we tend to take for granted. She is always there to help come up with a solution to any problem and does it with the kind of joy and passion that a community like ours needs."
Thank you Melody! You are a true ROCKSTAR!
"Although we are recognizing Melody for the quick thinking contest she pulled together to support the Raymond Pool through the month of September, it should be noted that Melody does more for this community than any one person should have the energy for. Melody is the brainchild behind many great community fundraisers and supports that have become common place parts of our community that we tend to take for granted. She is always there to help come up with a solution to any problem and does it with the kind of joy and passion that a community like ours needs."
Thank you Melody! You are a true ROCKSTAR!
Do you know someone doing ROCKSTAR work in our community? Nominate them below!
We are proud to announce the October Resiliency Rockstar
Teen Advocacy Coalition.
Darian Johnson, Pacific County Youth Program Specialist, was honored to present TAC with their award at the October 5th R2R General Coalition Meeting. Here is what Darian had to say:
"TAC has served North Pacific County teens since the coalition’s start in 2010. TAC works hard to support and strengthen teen mental health and reduce substance use by creating community connections. Although the pandemic has halted many things, TAC has shown their resiliency by finding alternative ways to support our community. " |
"Some events they have been key players in during this time include; their annual Color Run event that was held virtually, provided free open swim at the Raymond pool, helped promote R2R’s Starts With One opioid prevention campaign, and helped plan the South Bend RX Take-back event. We feel so lucky to have a hard working group like TAC in our community and thank them for their continued service." |
Thank you to our Teen Advocacy Coalition family for all they do!
We are proud to partner with you on so many community events and projects
Know someone in the community doing ROCKSTAR work? Nominate them today!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 graduating class missed out on a lot of traditional events and activities. Lori Bjornsgard Dearmore and Adrianne Lartz gathered our community together to show our graduating class just how much our community cares. With this the Adopt a 2020 SBHS Senior project was born.
Individuals, businesses, families and community organizations were invited to adopt one of the Seniors from South Bend High School's 2020 graduating class.
Individuals, businesses, families and community organizations were invited to adopt one of the Seniors from South Bend High School's 2020 graduating class.
R2R was proud to a part of this opportunity.
On April 27th, R2R adopted SBHS 2020 Senior Esmeralda Meliton. Board members, many of whom have known Esmeralda for several years, met to plan out 6-weeks worth of anonymous gifts. Her love for origami, chickens, running, movie nights with her family and spicy chips made for some fun, creative gifts!
Our weekly gifts consisted of an art basket, funny running socks and a pedometer, gifts cards to some of her favorite stores, a chicken coffee cup with the recipe for whipped coffee, a basket full of her favorite chips and energy drinks, and a movie night basket.
For our week 6 movie night basket, we included R2R swag and a card revealing R2R as her secret adopter! A couple weeks later we received an email from Esmeralda:
"Thank you so much for adopting me. I am grateful to all of you guys. I appreciate all of the gifts that you all have given me. My favorite gifts are for sure the cups and the letters that were sent."
Thank you Esmeralda for allowing us to make your senior year a little more special. We wish you luck in your future endeavors.
-R2R
A special thanks to our staff and board members for making this possible: Allison O'Rourke, Luke Stigall, Tessa Clements, Kathryn Staats, Alyssa Olsen, Jon Schray and Zoe Sowa.
Our weekly gifts consisted of an art basket, funny running socks and a pedometer, gifts cards to some of her favorite stores, a chicken coffee cup with the recipe for whipped coffee, a basket full of her favorite chips and energy drinks, and a movie night basket.
For our week 6 movie night basket, we included R2R swag and a card revealing R2R as her secret adopter! A couple weeks later we received an email from Esmeralda:
"Thank you so much for adopting me. I am grateful to all of you guys. I appreciate all of the gifts that you all have given me. My favorite gifts are for sure the cups and the letters that were sent."
Thank you Esmeralda for allowing us to make your senior year a little more special. We wish you luck in your future endeavors.
-R2R
A special thanks to our staff and board members for making this possible: Allison O'Rourke, Luke Stigall, Tessa Clements, Kathryn Staats, Alyssa Olsen, Jon Schray and Zoe Sowa.
Information courtesy of mindwise.org, and peacehealth.org
For some, 4th of July can be a time to celebrate, over indulge in food and drinks, gather with friends and family and compete to see who can provide the biggest firework show. For others, these celebrations can be a trigger for underlying mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. We have compiled a variety of resources to help you care for your mental health during the holidays. |
SELF CARE & THE 4TH OF JULY
Open up to family, friends and even your neighbors
If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your family and friends ahead of the festivities. Opening up about an eating disorder or substance use disorder can provide you with some comfort. This can also alleviate some pressure to go backwards in your recovery by partaking in certain activities. Your friends and family are your best advocates outside of yourself. If you struggle with anxiety or PTSD, anticipating noise can help you avoid being caught off guard. Let your neighbors know about your struggles to the extent in which you feel comfortable doing so. Encourage them to celebrate per usual, but ask for a heads up as to when you can expect the loud noises to occur. If you're uncomfortable talking with your neighbors about it, ask a trusted friend or loved one to check with them instead. |
If you're staying home, prepare a self-care tool kit
Creating a self-care tool kit can work as a healthy distraction and provide you with some comfort. Everyone's kit will look different, but here are some ideas to get you started -
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If you're going out, set a plan
Structure is important for those recovering from substance use disorder or other underlying mental health conditions (such as anxiety, PTSD, and others). Be prepared: ask your family and friends what to expect from the gathering:
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Be selfish
Sometimes, being selfish is critical. And if it involves your health and your continued recovery, make the choices that you need to support them. If it means not going at all, or just dropping by to say hello, know that you are the most important thing. Your friends and family will still enjoy their night, no matter how bad the guilt trip is that they gave you. |
Practice self-regulation and grounding techniques
These techniques help make your body and mind feel safe and more secure.
Position yourself to keep your back against something hard like a wall or a chair, sit so you feel the solid support of the floor beneath your feet if you are starting to feel fearful and unsafe.
Think about what makes you feel grounded and supported in other ways. Wear long sleeves and trousers. A favorite hat may also help you feel more protected.
Practice S-L-O-W deep breathing.
Notice your surroundings, look around and even if you feel unsafe, remind yourself that you are safe and not in harm’s way in your current surroundings. Describe to yourself what you see around you that can keep you grounded in your present reality.
Position yourself to keep your back against something hard like a wall or a chair, sit so you feel the solid support of the floor beneath your feet if you are starting to feel fearful and unsafe.
Think about what makes you feel grounded and supported in other ways. Wear long sleeves and trousers. A favorite hat may also help you feel more protected.
Practice S-L-O-W deep breathing.
- Emphasize breathing from the belly (diaphragm).
- Emphasize the duration of exhalation, breathing out nearly twice as long as breathing in.
- Breathe in to a slow count of three to four and exhale to a slow count of six to eight.
- Notice how the air entering your nose and mouth is cool and how it’s warm going out. Imagine blowing out candles on a cake as you do this.
Notice your surroundings, look around and even if you feel unsafe, remind yourself that you are safe and not in harm’s way in your current surroundings. Describe to yourself what you see around you that can keep you grounded in your present reality.
Practice mindfully eating a piece of fruit, noticing how it looks, the texture of its skin, the fragrance of its aroma, the temperature, flavor, and how it feels as you taste it. See how long you can enjoy each bite until you swallow it. Notice how it feels when you swallow each bite and before you take another.
and the July Resiliency Rockstar award goes to.....
Rhonda Johnson!
Rhonda is a true Resiliency Rockstar! We are very proud to award her this month.
Through her role as the Advocacy Director for Only7Seconds, her brand Serendipity and her social media awareness, Rhonda Johnson continues to spread hope and positivity throughout our community.
Here's what two of our board members had to say about Mama Rhonda!
Through her role as the Advocacy Director for Only7Seconds, her brand Serendipity and her social media awareness, Rhonda Johnson continues to spread hope and positivity throughout our community.
Here's what two of our board members had to say about Mama Rhonda!
"Rhonda Johnson is the true definition of leading by example. Rhonda spreads positivity, hope, and awareness through social media, her brand Serendipity, and her role with Only7Seconds as the Advocacy Director. Only7Seconds is a mindset movement challenging individuals to use their abilities to intentionally fight against isolation. Though the school club at South Bend has been delayed due to COVID, Mama R has made sure to spread the message through social media and has managed to grow community involvement exponentially, in such a short period of time. It is hard to go out on the 7th of the month and not see a “Because You Matter” t-shirt somewhere around town. The message to end isolation has spread throughout the community and YOU CAN TELL. So many people are making sure to “post positive” online, reach out to family’s members and friends, as well as students spreading the message to their peers. I am so excited to see how Only7Seconds grows in this next year and what it will do when the in school club starts. " - Kathryn Staats, R2R Vice Chair |
"Rhonda is one of the most selfless individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. Her love for all things bright, kind, and loving is contagious. Rhonda never thinks twice about stepping up to help someone out. Whether it is someone who needs a hug, some hope, or a prayer, Rhonda is there without question. This small community is better simply because she is a part of it. In turn, the world is a brighter place because of Mama Rhonda." Thank you Rhonda for all the hope and positivity you spread throughout our community. We know you will continue to build resiliency and we are very honored to award you with this month’s Rockstar award." - Alyssa Olsen, R2R Historian and Secretary |
Learn more about the Only7Seconds movement and Mama Rhonda's brand Serendipity below!
Only7Seconds | Serendipity |
For questions please contact Rhonda Johnson at [email protected] Tag the email with #O7S or #Serendipity |
While it may not be common, there may come a time when you find narcotics or other illegal substances on the streets, a walking trail or even a previously rented / owned home. Mishandling substances can pose a serious threat to your health, so it's important to know the steps to take in these situations.
Fentanyl Exposure Kills
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects. Learn more here. “Fentanyl can kill you,” said DEA Acting Deputy Administrator Jack Riley. “Fentanyl is being sold as heroin in virtually every corner of our country. It’s produced clandestinely in Mexico, (also) comes directly from China. It is 40 to 50 times stronger than street-level heroin. A very small amount ingested, or absorbed through your skin, can kill you (DEA.gov).” |
Fentanyl, up to 50 times more potent than heroin, is extremely dangerous to law enforcement and anyone else who may come into contact with it.
The dangers of touching fentanyl
Simply touching or accidentally inhaling fetanyl (remember, it's commonly mixed into other substances and can come in the form of a powder, pills, etc) can result in absorption through the skin. This is one of the biggest dangers with fentanyl, and one of the biggest reasons to NEVER handle found narcotics or other illegal substances.
The following health effects occur within minutes of exposure
The following health effects occur within minutes of exposure
- disorientation
- coughing
- sedation
- respiratory distress
- cardiac arrest
What do I do if I find narcotics, illegal substances or drug paraphernalia?
This means ANY narcotics or illegal substances - not just what you worry may contain fentanyl.
- Do not touch the substance, even with gloves. It's always better to leave these matters to law enforcement personnel. This includes any drug paraphernalia such as a syringe, pipes or other items with blood on them. If you unknowingly pick up a bag of substances before realizing what it is, put it down and contact law enforcement immediately.
- Call the police. Be clear and concise about the location and description of the found substances and/or paraphernalia.
- Don't be afraid to make a false report. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and this is one time where it's better to over-report than under-report (or not report at all). You will not get in any trouble for calling the police in good faith.
"Just like this mountain that has weathered many storms, we will weather this one together." - anonymous
Keep yourself healthy
- Eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol
- Do not use tobacco or illegal drugs
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Get physical exercise
Use practical ways to relax
- Relax your body often by doing the things that work for you. Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, get outdoors, engage in pleasurable hobbies, or even do something as simple as washing your face, hands or taking a hot shower/bath.
- Place yourself between stressful activities and do a fun thing after a hard task.
- Use time off to relax - eat a good meal, read, listen to music, take a bath, or talk to family.
- Talk about your feelings to friends and family.
Pay attention to your body, feelings and spirit
- Recognize and heed early warning signs of stress.
- Recognize how your own past experiences affect your way of handling this event, and think of how you handled past events. Focus on the ways you handled them well.
- Know that feeling stressed, depressed, guilty, or angry is common after a traumatic event.
- Connect with other survivors of traumatic events or violent crimes, many of whom may experience similar difficulties.
- Take time to renew your spirit through meditation, prayer or helping others in need.
This article is courtesy of Washington Listens. For a printable version of this article, please click here.
For additional tips regarding coping with stress, supporting friends and loved ones, mental health during social distancing, local resources and more, please visit our Mental Health Promotion page.
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