July 2020
Surviving-and Thriving-in Tough Times
Spring and summer have brought an unprecedented amount of stress, uncertainty, illness, and unrest into all of our lives. It has been very hard for everyone to "just keep swimming" as we all adjust to a seemingly ever-changing reality. Some days are good, and others are very, very bad.
ASAP, our community partner/counterpart in Allegan County, asked Kinetic Affect, a spoken word duo, to create a video to share some strategies to stay positive, focused and resilient during this time. They shared some very practical and attainable steps that they have used every day to cope with this crisis. Take a few minutes to watch it, and then pick out one tip to make your days a bit better.

Ottawa Family FUN raiser
Summer is here and with it comes important family time. These precious summer months look and feel a lot different due to COVID-19, as many families may be experiencing increased stress and isolation. With your help, Arbor Circle will provide resources to Ottawa families which encourage caregivers and children to bond through shared experiences - like reading with Shubert and Sophie , or intentional play with our Family Fun Packs.
By supporting either option, your gift will help create memories and build stronger family relationships across our community. To boost the impact of your gift, the Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE) has contributed matching dollars up to $2,000 to provide Family Fun Packs to caregivers with young children and Arbor Circle foster families.
Click here to make a donation.
Virtual Lunch Series
The Building Resilient Youth (BRY) suicide prevention coalition is continuing its virtual lunch series through July and August. Upcoming topics include bias in mental health services in communities of color, art therapy, being a mental health ally, helping young children cope and process during the pandemic and QPR training.
All community members and anyone that works with or has children, teens and young adults are welcome to come and be part of this. Register here and be sure to like the BRY Facebook page to stay connected.
Contact Lauren for more information on the lunch series and how you can get involved with the BRY suicide prevention coalition.
Strong Connections
Summer 2020 is not turning out as any us expected, including our teens. The ongoing pandemic, racial unrest, and underlying uncertainty has contributed to make this a very stressful time for all of us.
The Strong Connections Teen Group can offer teens an opportunity to connect with other youth, learn some healthy coping skills and become more familiar with mental health issues. With the anticipated start of school only weeks away, this is a great way to help our teens get "ready" to face these challenges.
TO REGISTER: Contact Hanna Visser, BSW at [email protected] or Ashlyn Alexander, BA, CPS at [email protected]

Crisis Resources
If you feel like you are in a crisis, or that anyone in your family is in crisis, here are some important numbers:
  • 24 hour Ottawa County Hotlines: in Grand Haven: 616-842 HELP (4357); in Holland: **616-396-HELP(4357) all other areas 1-866-512 HELP(4357)
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Arbor Circle in Holland: 616-396-2301
  • Catholic Charities: 616- 796-9595
  • Wedgewood Christian Services: 616- 930-5004
  • Ottawa CMH: 616-392-1873
  • DHHS Warmline: 1-888-733-7753 10am-2am help for anxiety, depression, and trauma, staffed by peer support specialists.
  • AA meetings online: https://www.aaonlinemeeting.net/
  • NA meetings: https://virtual-na.org/
  • Alanon meetings: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/
  • Resource help: http://211.org/
  • Positive Options is ready to serve you if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. It offers free pregnancy testing, options counseling and early ultrasound (upon eligibility). Visit mypositiveoptions.org or call a center near you. (Holland - 616 396-5840; Grand Haven - 616 842-7510; Allendale - 616 895-1893; Allegan - 269-686-7111)
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at [email protected]


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How.  www.talksooner.org