SAFE Community Newsletter November 2020
SAFE Lane of Lights Fundraiser
Every year, the ES Christmas Committee decorates the Lane of Lights for community members to have a special place to go to look at Christmas lights. Different nonprofits sponsor each evening and then split the donations with the Christmas Committee. Read more details here. SAFE will be helping with Lane of Lights on Wednesday, December 16th! Please mark your calendar and plan to drive through the Lane of Lights that evening! All of SAFE's proceeds will go toward non-grant funded expenses such as coalition lunches.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Thank you to all who have attended a Youth Mental Health First Aid class in the past. This is an excellent class to arm our community with the skills needed to help youth experiencing a mental health challenge, until they can get help from a professional. There will be a virtual YMHFA class from 9:00-3:00 on January 7th. All are welcome to attend. Sign up for this free class here.
Big Brothers Big Sisters KC
At our last meeting, we heard about local mentoring opportunities through Big Brothers Big Sisters KC and watched this impactful video. As you know, the impact of a caring adult on the lives of kids is immeasurable. We want each organization that is a part of SAFE to consider encouraging your employees/members to participate in mentorship activities like BBBSKC. If you would like to sign up as a "big" or refer a "little", go here. There are also upcoming info sessions here if you are interested in being a "big".
Community Champion Award
Congratulations to Kalyn Goode, owner of Scissors and Shears Salon and member of the ESSD School Board, for winning last month's Community Champion Award. The Asset of the Month was "Integrity". This month's Asset of the Month is "Positive View of the Future". The Community Champion Award is based on the 40 Developmental Assets that help youth to be successful. See more about the Community Champion Award and/or nominate someone here!
Take-Back Day Update!
Our local drop-box at the ES Police Department collected 329 lbs of prescription medications on the most recent count on the October Take-Back Day. This represents the amount collected in the past year, as there was no Take-Back Day in April. Thank you to all those who have prevented prescription drug misuse by disposing of medications safely in the dropbox. Remember that the dropbox is open 24 hrs/day, every day for safe disposal of medications.
Pandemic-Related Mental Health Help
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Mental Health was awarded a Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Show Me Hope CCP funding will provide behavioral health services to Missourians who are emotionally troubled by the pandemic. Tri-County Mental Health Services will be delivering stress management resources and resource referrals to citizens feeling the stress and emotional strain caused by COVID-19. The Show Me Hope team will assist Missourians in building hope and resiliency for the future.