Good evening,

 A few updates as we begin this week.

New staff orientation began today with Tiffany Baldwin, billing specialist and Michael Ayayo, QA/Compliance Manager. Tiffany will be located in the billing office in the 512 office and Michael is located in an office in the clinical office area of N. Freedom Street. As we begin to prepare for CARF in the Spring of 2023, Michael will begin to review the updated CARF Standards for 2022, our CARF Report from 2020 and annual response plans as well as agency procedures and quality data processes. 

This is a busy week for Kim in Human Resources with new staff orientation and her first payroll processing, please ensure all timesheets are completed and approved and expense and mileage reports in no later than noon tomorrow (Tuesday) to ensure adequate time to prepare. We will need to send out our payroll by 1 p.m. on Wednesday so appreciate all your cooperation.

We have 25 RSVPs for our summer event, Thursday August 4th aboard the Nautica Queen. Just a reminder we must have all RSVPs by Friday, July 29 so that we meet our deadline for confirmations to the Nautica and bus line.

 Finally, in the absence of maintenance at N. Freedom St. I am working to confirm our current cleaning contractor for 1-2 days/week until we fill the position. If you need your office trash emptied more frequently, I’ve placed the large trash container in the office next to the back reception office that you can put your trash in, there are small trash bags in the hall closet across from the ladies room should you need a replacement liner. Thanks for your assistance

Have a great week!
Kathy
 
As of July 16th, you can access compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress in three ways:
📞 Call 988
📲 Text 988
💬 Chat 988lifeline.org

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.

The 988 dialing code is just a first step towards strengthening and transforming crisis care in the U.S. so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
#988Lifeline
Trainings may be recorded however, we cannot give CEU's for viewing the videos. Everything is from 9:00am - 11:00am unless otherwise noted. 

8/18/22 - LGBTQIA+ with Celisa
9/15/22 - SI/SIB/DBT with Shannon
10/20/22 - Art in treatment with Devin
11/17/22 - Music in treatment with Alex
Put HOPE on the map
Portage county helped us put hope on the map this weekend at Ravenna Rocks! Each blue pin is a place where a member of the community finds hope and each white pin is a Children's Advantage location in Ravenna.

From Kent to Streetsboro to Mantua and beyond, hope is not just a feeling, it's a network!

Show us where your #CAHopeGoes!
Group Spotlight
Habit Stacking
We know what you’re thinking — what is habit stacking?

The idea behind habit stacking is simple: add a new behavior to your daily schedule by “stacking it” on top of an existing habit. The concept of habit stacking was pioneered by James Clear, author of the New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits, and it is designed to help individuals incorporate more healthy behaviors into their lives without disrupting their normal routine.

Pairing the concept of habit stacking with DeStress Monday will make you proactive in adding more calming and meditative behaviors to your daily schedule. For example, many of us make coffee in the morning, and, whether you’re using a drip pot or French press, the brewing process takes between 5 – 10 minutes. With habit stacking, the time you wait for your coffee can also be the time you spend practicing a mindful meditation or deep breathing exercises.

By stacking enough of these habits, you’ll effectively (and seamlessly) incorporate a surprising amount of stress-relieving activities into your life. Try habit-stacking this Monday, and add some more moments of calm and contemplation to your daily routine.

Coffee brewing: Take a moment for deep breathing

Coffee takes a few minutes to prepare and brew. While you wait, sit in the kitchen and do some deep breathing exercises. By counting your breaths, you’ll feel re-energized and relaxed even before taking that first sip.

Heating up the shower: Practice a mindful meditation

Showering is a common part of the morning routine, but everyone knows it takes a few minutes to get the water nice and hot. Take that time to engage in a mindful meditation by closing your eyes and focusing on the sound of the shower.

Waking up or going to sleep: Do bed yoga

We all want a few extra minutes in bed, so why not put that time to good use with some bed yoga? Doing yoga on a mattress is soft, accommodating, and works especially well for those who have an injury or a physical limitation. Start off with these simple poses and add more advanced movements as you get more comfortable.

Watching your favorite show: Try a sun salutation

  • You don’t have to feel like a couch potato when you’re watching television. Let your body and mind unwind by pairing your TV watching with a calming sun-salutation sequence.
Newsworthy
Thank you to the Record-Courier for attending last week's ribbon cutting!

AmazonSMILE gives back!
Calling all Prime Day lovers! Want to get amazing deals WHILE supporting children's mental health at no extra cost to you?

Select us as your preferred charity on Amazon Smile, today!
2022 Spotlights and shout-outs
In 2022, we really want to shine a light on our teams and celebrate our successes!

Staff Shout-outs are successes you want to share about staff, did they hold an amazing group or have a great session, let us know!

Spotlights can be of individuals or teams. Spotlights help us get to know one another better.

If you have a nomination, please send it to [email protected]
Children's Advantage www.childrensadvantage.org