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Keeping Wellness at the Center of Graduation Season

Amidst the excitement of activities during graduation season, it's important to pause, enjoy the moment, and soak in the memories. Balancing celebration with wellness ensures that you cherish this milestone while also taking care of your mental and emotional health. Consider these strategies for maintaining your well-being during this period of transition:

• Practice Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Take time each day to practice mindfulness, try meditation, deep breathing, or mindful activities. These techniques can help ground you in the present moment, alleviate anxiety about the future, and foster a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind of graduation festivities. 
• Set Realistic Expectations: As you transition from student life to the next phase of your journey, it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Avoid comparing your progress or achievements to others, as everyone's path is unique. Instead, focus on setting attainable goals and celebrating small victories along the way.
• Seek Support Networks: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who can offer encouragement and understanding during this transitional phase. Whether it's reaching out to friends, family members, or seeing a therapist, having a support network to lean on can provide comfort and perspective as you navigate post-graduation life.

Autism Advocacy Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol

CREOKS Clinical Director of Crisis Services, Brian Ormsby, spoke at the Capitol about the need for legislation and healthcare systems that include mental health to recognize the need for continued integration across systems that support the needs of people and their families that are living with autism.

Booth: Janice Olson and Cori Loffer, not pictured, Angela Welliver.

Group picture: Molly Ziriax, Mindy Miles, Brian Ormsby, Dan Ziriax, Chrystal Hernandez, and Sara Beverage

CREOKS Katelynn Churches, Samantha Hill and Skyler Rose participated in the "Hope on Wheels" bus tour, hosted by "Parents Helping Parents". Several agencies partnered together and went to multiple rural and underserved communities to share mental health and substance use resources. The communities visited were Sapulpa, Bartlesville, Nowata, Wagoner, Muskogee and Shawnee.

CREOKS Creek County Family Treatment Court team attended a Child Abuse Awareness event hosted by state representative Mark Lawson and Judge Laura Farris. Our team helped stake a hundreds of blue pinwheels on the courthouse lawn to raise awareness.

CREOKS Chief Operating Officer, Wade Hunter, joined the City of Tulsa Gov and other mental health partners to explore the mental health initiatives that are being advanced in Tulsa.

The City of Tulsa and community partners are joining the nationwide effort to promote mental wellness and the policies and programs it has in place during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

CREOKS and Jenks Police Department partnered to provide a Narcan and Fentanyl awareness training for the staff of the Tulsa Girls Home. All staff were given a Narcan Kit.

CREOKS Tom Seidel and Katelynn Churches were at the Southern Plains Tribal Health Conference where participants learned how to better serve the Native American population and what agencies are doing in their communities to achieve this goal.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Tips and Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month

CREOKS Oklahoma City gave a mental health services presentation for the 24-25 school year at US. Grant High School.

Pictured: Elijah Aragon, War Mothershed, and Kara McCray.

CREOKS Lukiesha Edwards participated in the Spring Extravaganza at the Tulsa Public Schools Resource Center.

CREOKS Future Full of Promise Scholarship Recipient



Congratulations to Kevin Gooch, senior at Drumwright HS for being awarded a $1000 scholarship from CREOKS.

Kevin's Bio:

I plan to attend East Central University in the fall of 2024 as a Tiger football player. I have committed to playing football for ECU and plan to major in secondary education. I would love to teach high school English and coach football and baseball in the future. My family includes my mom, Penny Gooch, and two brothers Tyler Nicholson and Graham Gooch. I also have a sister-in-law, Sophia, nephew Wylder, and girlfriend of five years Karley. Family is very important to me and I want to thank them for all of their support.

CREOKS now has an office onsite at the BeHeard Movement. CREOKS provides case management services there every Thurs., Friday, and Saturday, connecting people with available community resources.

CREOKS Katelynn Churches and Samantha Hill recently attended the Wagoner County Emergency Preparedness Expo hosted by the Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

CREOKS participated in the CAPSAT Coalition Empowering Women event discussing the intersection of domestic violence and substance abuse.

Pictured: Tava Pittman, Sharonde Hunter, Holly Trunk, and Amy Danker.

CREOKS Asst. Site Director Christa Johnson and Director of Family Centered Services Katherine Conner presented "Collaborating Care Through Substance Use, Pregnancy, and Beyond" at the UnitCare conference at the Tulsa Technology Center.

CREOKS Stacy Gorley and Evolution Foundation Doug Ishmael share a booth at the ann ual Pittsburg County Working with Children and Families Conference in McAlester.

CREOKS Samantha Hill, Tayrin Saldivar and Katelynn Churches participated in the Dia De La Ninez" (Day of the Child) event where they shared information about the many services at CREOKS.

CREOKS Molly Ziriax and Lukiesha Edwards participated in the ConnectFirst Resource Fair. ConnectFirst is comprised of multiple programs supporting expectant mothers and parents/caregivers with young children (largely 0-3) by connecting them to desired resources and services and supporting the pregnancy and parenting journey.

CREOKS Director of Addition & Recovery Services, Amanda Hammack was invited back to be a presenter at the 2024 Spring Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Councilors Association conference.

Children’s Physical, Emotional, and Social Wellness During Summer Break

Being proactive with children's routines and activities during summer break is important for maintaining structure, promoting healthy habits, and ensuring a fulfilling and balanced summer. As the school year draws to a close and children transition into summer break, it's a great time to explore activities that support their physical, emotional, and social wellness.

• Physical Wellness: Encouraging children to engage in outdoor activities like swimming, biking, or playing sports during summer break promotes their physical wellness and ensures they stay active. Additionally, incorporating fun games and challenges that involve movement, such as scavenger hunts or obstacle courses, can make exercise enjoyable and engaging for children.
• Emotional Wellness: Encouraging children to keep a journal where they can express their thoughts and feelings can support their emotional wellness during summer break. Additionally, engaging in activities like mindfulness exercises, yoga, or meditation can help children manage stress and cultivate inner calm.
• Social Wellness: Encouraging children to do group activities with friends or participate in community events fosters social connections and strengthens their sense of belonging during summer break. Additionally, volunteering at local charities or joining youth organizations provides opportunities for teamwork, empathy-building, and positive social interactions.

Spring Creek Recovery Center is a free community resource for individuals in need of urgent care related to mental health or substance use.

Offering support, assessment, and stabilization, the multidisciplinary team provides hope when you need it most.

Sapulpa

27 E. Ross Ave.

Tahlequah

711 S. Muskogee Ave, Ste.2