Dear Friends,

This time of year always brings much joy and excitement as seniors graduate and look ahead to the next phase of life. Kindergarten, elementary and middle school students are celebrating these graduation milestones as well across our community. We are celebrating the seniors graduating at our NEST Empowerment Center this week and it will be a joyous occasion for sure.

However, I must admit that my heart is heavy with the news of the school shooting in Uvalde, and I can’t get this Texas community off my mind today. Because I know you all have big hearts for kids, you may be feeling the same way. It is difficult to imagine the grief that families of the 19 precious Robb Elementary School children and 2 brave teachers are experiencing, as well as the entire school district, law enforcement and close knit community. Please pray for Uvalde, and hold the children in your life close, help them feel safe, and listen should they need to talk through the images and news reports they may see and hear of this tragedy. 

Uvalde leaders are referencing a lack of mental health and counseling resources in their community. While there is always work to be done, we are fortunate to have good mental health and counseling resources here in Georgetown, both school-based and community-based. I know there are quite a few not listed, but please see the sidebar for resources to share with youth and families over the summer should the need arise.

Thank you for everything you do to support youth in our community. You are appreciated.

Leslie