Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) rings in the new year and approaches Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with renewed commitment to serve the Mercer Island community during this challenging time. This Monday as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, it is with acknowledgement that many of the challenges of 2020 remain in 2021, just as many issues of systemic and individual racism addressed by the Civil Rights Movement remain an area for action today. MIYFS invites you to join us in unity around our shared values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and embrace our vision of every Islander reaching their full human potential.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us that commitment to freedom, social justice and anti-racism is rooted in service, compassion, and courageous action. 2021 may contain many challenges - and MIYFS will be here to adapt and collaborate with Islanders to create opportunities for community, connection, and resiliency for all of our neighbors. We look forward to continuing that work with you this year.
The MIYFS Newsletter will return as the MIYFS Monthly for 2021.
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Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative Launches New Website
The Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative (HYI) within the City of Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services Department is excited to start this new year with a new logo and website created in partnership with Mercer Island firm L+B Design. As we embark on another year of virtual connection, it is important to the HYI Coalition to ensure key information on substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion is accessible to the Mercer Island community. The website serves as a collaborative tool to communicate community messages, upcoming programming, virtual events, and resources. Please visit, explore, and get in touch at mihealthyyouth.com.
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Virtual Series for Parents with Children 2-6 Years Old
Every Wednesday, February 3 - March 24, 7pm - 8:30pm
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Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative is bringing The Incredible Years Attentive Parenting to Island families with children 2-6 years old. The Incredible Years is an evidence-based curriculum from the University of Washington that offers new skills to promote children’s reading and school readiness, problem solving, social competence and emotional self-regulation.
This eight-week series will be held online once a week and led by experts in the field, Kimberlee Shoecraft, LICSW and Mercer Island based psychologist Ziv Bell, PhD.
To register email, rachel.montgomery@mercerisland.gov. There is no cost to participate, registration is limited, and first come, first served. Wait-listed registrations will be given priority for future series.
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Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) school-based mental health counselors recognize the impact that COVID-19 is having on the social and emotional health of students. Parents are facing their own set of challenges coping with remote learning, isolation, family stress, financial insecurity, grief/loss and more.
To support Island parents during the pandemic, MIYFS is announcing a new Parent Support Series. In the upcoming weeks, MIYFS school counselors will begin virtual parent support meetings (drop-in, no charge) at each of the four elementary schools as well as one for parents of middle or high school students. In these virtual sessions, parents can share challenges, learn about resources, and explore coping strategies.
Look for an announcement from your school counselor(s) with dates and instructions for accessing these meetings on Zoom. Questions can be directed to your YFS School Counselor or Derek Franklin, MIYFS Clinical Programs Manager (derek.franklin@mercerisland.gov).
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Mental Health First Aid
Virtual Trainings on 2/26, 3/20, 4/23 and 5/8
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To expand mental health support and services to the Mercer Island community, the Mercer Island Health Youth Initiative is partnering with Jewish Family Service to offer Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA), a national program that teaches the skills necessary to respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use. These trainings are fully funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and there is no cost to participate.
We are offering two different classes, with two date options. Adult Mental Health First Aid will take place virtually on: Fridays, February 26 and April 23. Youth Mental Health First Aid will take place virtually on Saturdays, March 20 and May 8.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Recommended Resources |
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MIYFS is committed to diversity and inclusion in all of our services and in our interactions with the community. We respect, value, and celebrate the attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique.
Greater Good: Anti-Racism Resources: A compilation of resources from Greater Good on the psychological roots of racism, how to overcome bias, and many additional anti-racism resources.
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MIYFS "Rise Up!" Virtual Fundraising Breakfast
February 10, 2021 7:30am
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Register now for the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation 19th Annual Virtual Fundraising Breakfast! Held online on February 10, the virtual format offers a unique opportunity for all Islanders to log in and learn more about the incredible work of MIYFS. Rise Up! Roll out of bed, stay cozy in your pajamas – and join MIYFS Foundation for an online program that promises to be full of fun surprises. There is no better way to start your morning than celebrating and supporting your friends and neighbors!
The event’s Master of Ceremonies is actor/comedian (and MIHS alum!) Joel McHale, special interviews with KUOW Radio host (and MI resident!) Bill Radke, and keynote address by 21+ year MI School District employee Kelly John-Lewis.
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