Community Newsletter | November 2020
Sedro-Woolley RISE coalition meeting and learning opportunity with Kevin Ashworth, Clinical Director of the NW Anxiety Institute
Nov. 10th from 3-5 pm
Adults and teens are welcome to join the monthly RISE (Rallying to Inspire Safe Environments) meeting featuring a presentation and Q&A with licensed therapist Kevin Ashworth. In addition to working with children, teens, adults, and families, Kevin regularly presents on topics of anxiety, parenting, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. His parent workshop was featured in the New York Times article, “Why Are More American Teenagers Than Ever Suffering From Severe Anxiety."
Please register here. Note: The first 30 minutes will be coalition business, and Kevin will join at 3:30 pm.  
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): Veteran’s Edition
Nov. 11th from 3 – 4:30 pm
An online training designed to provide Veterans, and the people who work with and care for them, the skills needed to prevent the tragedy of suicide. Taught by certified QPR facilitator and U.S. Army and OIF Veteran Stephanie Morgareidge, this FREE, 90-minute training prepares people to notice the warning signs for suicide and offer hope through positive action to save a life. Register here.
Back to School: Helping Kids Overcome School Anxiety and Build Resiliency
Nov. 11th from 1 - 2:30 pm
Free online training
The Concrete Resource Coalition has enlisted Dr. Sharon Saline, Psy.D., to discuss how anxiety works and what parents and professionals can do to help kids reduce their worries in these unpredictable times. Participants will learn techniques for separating the person from the anxiety, talking to the worry itself, and creating effective responses to ‘what ifs’. Dr. Saline offers tools for teaching all types of learners how to realistically evaluate situations, tolerate uncertainty, and calm down. Register here. 
Community QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings
Various class dates and times available through December
Suicide is everybody’s business. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) teaches any adult (16+) how to support someone in crisis and get them to the help they need. Held over Zoom, this 60-minute free training talks about suicide myths and facts, warning signs for suicide, and how you can apply hope to save a life. Click here to see the schedule and register for a training. 
Time Together Gives Kids a Strong Start in Life 
United General WIC families had a chance to take part in a timeless fall activity during the Vroom Pumpkin Patch Give Away! Thanks to a partnership with B & Z Farm, 31 families were able to pick the perfect pumpkin for every child in their household. The memories were priceless, and the pumpkins were free, courtesy of Vroom. Learn how any activity can become a brain-building activity with science-based Vroom tips!
New to Vroom?
Check out their video for 5 tips on Brain Building Basics
and visit the Vroom.org website for more info!
A New Way to Find What You Need!
Help Me Grow Skagit aims to offer families seamless access to community services and support so they can easily connect to what they need, when they need it. With so many resources available, it can be difficult to know where to start! We invite you to call or text a local specialist at the new Family Resource Center to help guide you. Call/text 360-630-8352 or
Eating Well with Kids 
When time or money is tight, families need reliable ways to put healthy food on the table, fast. Cooking Matters® has provided food education and skills to parents and caregivers since 1993. They offer tips, videos, and recipes to make mealtime a delicious and healthy part of the day. Visit cookingmatters.org or download the free Cooking Matters® app for Android in the Google Play store.
Looking for a taste of Cooking Matters®?
(Click the images to try these recipes from their website!)
Need Help Paying for Fresh Fruit & Veggies?
The Skagit Fruit and Veggie Prescription Program (FVRx) is a FREE, year-long program that helps eligible participants, and their families, buy and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Every participant receives nutrition education and $30/month per person in their household (up to $150/mo) to use at nine participating stores and markets. Fill out this brief survey or contact:
[email protected] for more information.  
Staying Active with Local Parks and Trails
Parks and trails have helped many people stay active and cope with life during COVID-19. Skagit Trail Builders (STB) wants to ensure we have continued, and expanded access to these shared outdoor spaces. With help from the Serve Washington Volunteer Generation Fund, we worked with STB to develop a plan to continue their volunteer-driven work and keep everyone safe. Stay in the loop about STB's latest projects at Northern State Recreation Area by visiting their blog, following them on Facebook, or walking their trails this fall!
Calling All Prevention Advocates
Mark your calendars: Prevention Policy Day is scheduled for February 15th, 2021. Organized and hosted by the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention (WASAVP), this year’s event will be held online from 12pm - 1pm to prepare communities to be virtually unstoppable! Register here
Virtual Strengthening Families Programs – coming in 2021! 
“Strong families help others when they can and get help themselves when they need it” is a motto of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) and is relevant now more than ever before. Parents and Caregivers of 10 to 14-year-olds can sign up on our SFP interest form and receive an email when registration for the free seven-week program begins online!
Need Masks?
¿Deseas las mascaras?
Receive up to 10 reusable cloth masks in the mail just by filling out a simple online form in English or Spanish. Free double layer cotton masks are available thanks to the North Sound Accountable Community of Health and Washington State Health Care Authority. Read the CDC's most current recommendations for wearing a mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and protect yourself, your family, and our community!