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City of Alexandria Hosts 12th Annual Youth Leadership Conference
This past August, 70 youth attended the 12th annual Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference, a free event that empowers emerging young leaders by providing training opportunities and connecting them to resources in the Alexandria community. This year's conference theme was “Young Voices, Powerful Choices!”
Throughout the conference, students attended interactive workshops covering a range of topics, including job application tips, public speaking, mental health, mindfulness, coping skills, and self-care. We are grateful to Old Town Books for generously donating books for students to include in their self-care kits.
City of Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins kicked off the last day of the conference by sharing her leadership journey and answering students’ questions. Students were also recognized with certificates by SAPCA Chair Allen Lomax and Chief of Youth Development Noraine Buttar. To facilitate youth-adult partnerships, the conference culminated with an afternoon networking session with 30 Alexandria community leaders -- including City Council and School Board representatives, City Board and Commission leaders, non-profit executives, and City staff -- and an “ice cream social” featuring frozen treats from Goodie’s Frozen Custard.
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Youth that participated in the conference will receive updates throughout the year about internships, volunteer and leadership opportunities, and other ways to get involved in the Alexandria community.
If your organization has opportunities for youth that you'd like SAPCA to promote, contact emma.beall@alexandriava.gov
The three-day event was hosted by SAPCA, the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP), the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center, and the Alexandria Library. Conference materials, including slides and handouts shared during this event, can be found here.
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Community Connections: Promoting Prevention Resources
Last month, SAPCA collaborated with our school and community partners by promoting prevention resources with youth and parents at several events.
On August 5, volunteers visited neighborhoods throughout the City during National Night Out. This fun annual event features block parties and barbeques throughout the City, with the goal of preventing crime by building a sense of community.
Volunteers helped spread the word about the Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference, the Alexandria Teen Text Line, and Alexandria Teen Life. Volunteers also distributed free parent handbooks, a resource guide created by Operation Parent that raises awareness about the latest trends, warning signs, and tips for effective parent/child communication.
Please join us in recognizing and thanking volunteers Allen Lomax, Frank Purcell, Kelly McGarey-Hauck, and Melissa Harrington; Peer Advocates Calvin O'Brien, Gabriela Galvan, and Yasin Bhuiyan; and Alexandria Youth Ambassadors Elyas Noorzai, Jewel Harris, Lela Sarala Gormely-Kibona, Madeline Barrientos Recinos, and Mya Makayla Medrano for their help promoting prevention resources with our community!
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On August 15, SAPCA Coordinator Emma Beall joined the PTSA at Alexandria City High School during the Class of 2029 orientation to welcome families and highlight prevention resources, including:
We appreciate these opportunities to connect with our community and look forward to continuing to raise awareness about events and resources for Alexandria’s children, youth, and families.
The Peer Advocates are a group of Alexandria youth who work closely with SAPCA, ACAP, and the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center to support prevention and outreach efforts. Contact Leia Stuart to learn more.
The Alexandria Youth Ambassadors are a group of high school students that support community engagement efforts focused on anti-violence, trauma healing, and social emotional learning. Contact Jasmine Coombs to learn more.
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Five Things You Should Know: Back-To-School Edition
The start of a new school year is a great time to talk to your student about substance use and misuse. Check out these five ideas to start the conversation:
Make your values clear about substance use, particularly underage substance use, with your children and teens.
Discuss expectations and consequences. Clear rules, consistent consequences, and encouragement will help your child succeed. As the school year gets started, discuss a realistic curfew with your family. Should curfew be different on weekends? What are some of the potential consequences of arriving home past curfew? How might these consequences change if communication takes place to explain a delay?
Ask open ended questions to engage your child in a conversation. Be prepared for questions they may ask you. Do not assume youth are engaging in risky behaviors based on what questions they ask. They may simply want to start a dialogue with you.
Discuss healthy coping mechanisms. The start of a new school year can be a stressful time. Some simple coping strategies include exercising, socializing with friends or family, listening to music, and journaling. Model healthy coping mechanisms. Children and teens pay attention to the example adults set. If adults model that substances are needed to relieve stress, or are used as a coping mechanism, it can send the wrong message to youth.
Know the legal consequences related to underage use of substances.
- It is illegal for anyone under 21 to use, purchase, or possess alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco products.
- It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to provide alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco products to anyone under 21.
Find more tips to keep the conversation going here.
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Resource Spotlight: Alexandria's Teen Wellness Center
Have you heard about the Teen Wellness Center? Located at the Alexandria City High School King Street and Minnie Howard Campuses, this clinic provides a range of free health services to anyone between the ages of 12-19 residing in the City of Alexandria.
Some services are non-confidential, which means individuals under age 18 need a parent or guardian's permission. These include:
- Physical examinations required for schools, participation in sports, employment, and the Special Olympics;
- Immunizations for HPV, Influenza (flu), TDAP, COVID-19, and more;
- Tuberculosis testing; and
- Treatment of colds, acne, and other minor illnesses
Other services are confidential and do not require a parent or guardian's consent, including:
- Mental health and substance use screening and referrals;
- Health education on nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction techniques;
- Pregnancy testing and prevention;
- Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections; and
- Reproductive health services
Learn more about the Teen Wellness Center, including hours and answers to common questions, at alexandriava.gov/TeenWellnessCenter.
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September is National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is a long-standing observance of the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance use disorders. Nationwide, millions of people now identify as being in recovery and have had their lives transformed. The goal of Recovery Month is to spread the positive message that behavioral health is vital to overall health, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
This September, the Department of Community and Human Services is hosting a series of events to honor and celebrate our community members thriving in recovery. Several events will highlight the wellness benefits of art, nutrition, exercise and meditation. Additionally, a community celebration featuring food, fun, and festivities will take place on September 17 at Ben Brenman Park to celebrate individuals, as well as their families and loved ones, who enjoy the benefits of recovery.
These events are designed to educate, celebrate, and strengthen our city’s recovery community while spreading the message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, recovery is possible, and no one walks the journey alone. We hope you will join us as we honor the strength of individuals and families, reduce stigma, and highlight the many pathways that make recovery possible.
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Supporting Our Community During National Suicide Prevention Month
Each September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month.
Nationally, one in five Americans live with a mental health condition. Nearly one in five youth will experience a mental health challenge such as depression or anxiety at some point during their life and suicide is a leading cause of death. We can all help prevent suicide this month and year-round.
What can you do?
Explore more resources to support youth mental health here.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Recognition of Outgoing SAPCA Board Member
SAPCA extends our gratitude and appreciation to outgoing Board member Safa Yosufzai. During her time on the Board, Safa used her knowledge, experience, and passion to support SAPCA in decreasing substance use in our community We wish Safa the best and are grateful for her contributions during her involvement with SAPCA!
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All Things Teen Wellness
Kick off the school year with a night dedicated to teen wellness! Join us for All Things Teen Wellness on Friday, September 12, from 7-9 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.).
This free event, presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities and YHELP!, is designed for teens and their parents or guardians to explore activities and resources that support mental health.
Teens can try something active, get creative with hands-on activities, and discover resources to help them thrive this school year. See you there!
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Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: Junior Volunteer Program
Each fall and spring, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) welcomes a new group of teens to its Junior Volunteer Program. Through this eight-part program, volunteers ages 14-17 learn all about the AWLA, shelter operations, fundraising and social media, animal body language, training, and more. The registration fee is $125, and a limited number of scholarships are available. After completing of the program, Junior Volunteers are able to volunteer at AWLA during regularly scheduled shifts with a program partner.
Click here to learn more about the Junior Volunteer Program, including registration details, the program schedule, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Emma Beall, MPH
SAPCA Coordinator
O: 703.746.3670
C: 571.302.1022
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Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria
4850 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22311
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