SAFE Newsletter

SAFE Newsletter: November 19th, 2021

Welcome to our Excelsior Springs SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environments) Community Newsletter, a resource for local prevention information. If you would like to receive this newsletter monthly, just email Julia Mees, our Program Director.

Meaningful Meals

The more times a week you sit down, unplug from technology, and enjoy a meal with your family, the more bonding for your family. The meals don't have to be complicated! Simply sitting down and having meals together leads to better connections between parents and kids and creates trust! Studies show regular unplugged meals together as a family are linked to lower rates of substance use and depression, better peer relationships, more self-esteem, and even better grades! Visit our Meaningful Meals Kit and find conversation starter cards at ParentUpKC.com/Meaningful-Meals!

SAFE will be hosting the Lane of Lights on December 21st. Mark your calendar and drive through the Lane of Lights (East Valley Park/Lover's Lane) that evening!

Each month, ES Hospital and ES Community Center partner on a calendar of public events focused on health and wellness. Please plan to attend and help spread the word about these events!

Youth Mental Health First Aid is coming up December 16th. This is a full day class that is free and open to the public. It is taught by Tri-County Mental Health. Also, if your workplace is interested in doing a separate Youth Mental Health First Aid training for employees on a different day, let us know and we can get this set up!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Update

There are four waiting littles in ES. Please consider who you know locally who would make a good "big" and send a simple email or phone call their way to suggest it. We have so many great community members who would be wonderful "bigs"! Reach out and let's see if we can get these four kids matched up ASAP! Download the flier here. If you are interested in being a Big, go to bbbskc.org to get started with the process!

Accidental Exposure:

Drugs and Young Children

From Get Smart About Drugs: "When we talk about substance misuse and education, the conversation often turns towards prevention and treatment for teens and adults. But the effect of unintentional drug use on young children under the age of five can't be overlooked." Learn more here.

Calling all Parents!

A couple of times a year, SAFE publishes a local parent magazine called Youth Connections and we feature some photos of local kids. If you would like to have your child's photo included, email it to safedfc@gmail.com. We would love pictures of kids (all ages) doing anything from reading to sports to community service, scouts, taking a walk, spending time with family...really anything positive! We do need permission from parents for all kids in the photo, so it's best to send pics with only your own children in them. Thank you!

If you are interested in being a part of SAFE, or joining us at our next meeting on Thursday, December 2nd at 11:30, email us for more information!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!