SpeakUp News November 2024

November 2024

Message from Missy Minton

Executive Director, CKG Foundation

Our fall has been brimming with SpeakUp Club visits, wellness fairs, and planning for an exciting 2025. One of my absolute favorite things to do is to visit with teens and listen to their stories, their needs, and how they support each other. Our clubs are an integral part of our mission delivery as they are peer-led and put teens in the driver’s seat to navigate difficult conversations. At CKG we say that we are conversation starters, and our club leaders are an excellent example of that. When I was a teenager, we had zero conversations about mental health, and I could not have told you exactly what a positive coping skill was, or a negative one. Our kids today are growing up in a wholly different environment than you or me so naturally, they are going to do things differently. They have much more information coming to them at a rapid speed. As a mom to three girls, I feel that weight. The fact that there are...

Mental Health Education

We are thrilled to launch the SpeakUp Club at Bell Creek Middle School! We’re excited to expand our commitment to fostering open dialogue, mental health awareness, and peer support within our school community.

As we gather with family and friends, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for. This month's tip is all about cultivating gratitude for a healthier mind: Start a Gratitude Journal.

Taking a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re grateful for can boost your mood and shift your focus from stress to positivity. It’s a simple yet powerful practice to help you appreciate the good things in your life.

Here’s how to get started:

Grab a notebook or open a digital document.
Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They can be big or small—anything from a supportive friend to a cozy sweater.
Reflect on why you’re grateful for each item and how it makes you feel.

Making this a daily habit can improve your overall outlook and help you stay grounded during busy times.

Latest News & Upcoming Events

Even though the weather is turning colder, it's still a great time to enjoy some ice cream! Stop by the Mechanicsville Gelati Celesti (9357 Atlee Road) anytime on Thursday, November 14th. CKG will receive 20% of sales, so consider getting a pint on your way out!

Join CKG as we team up with VCU Women's Basketball for their SupportHER game on Friday, November 15th. Game starts at 7pm, preceded by a block party at 5:30. Use this link to get your custom tickets. The link has a general admission seating option ($10 each with $5 from each ticket purchased going towards CKG) and a reserved seating option ($15 each with $10 per ticket going towards CKG). We hope to see you there as we cheer on the Rams and take part in this special event!

from left to right

Alison Bollander, Career Counselor

Holly Toombs, School Counselor

Read the Feature

Feature Article:

A Message from two SpeakUp Club Sponsors

by Alison Bollander and Holly Toombs

This is the SpeakUp club’s first year at Mechanicsville High School and we are so happy to be the sponsors! Being a SpeakUp Club sponsor aligns closely with our school counseling objectives, empowering students to lead mental health and well-being discussions. As sponsors, we want to create a safe community where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges. By fostering trust among peers we hope to cultivate an environment where open dialogue is encouraged and respected.

When you have a positive and supportive atmosphere, students are more likely to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. As they get to know one another and work together in the club, they will develop their leadership skills and build a collective understanding of mental health issues, reinforcing the importance of empathy and support within the group. Our role is to ensure these conversations remain constructive and...

Year End Giving

As you begin to consider where to invest at the end of the year, we encourage you to financially support the mission of the CKG Foundation. We're preparing the launch of a new journal, Self-Esteem and Body Image, and we need to raise $6,000 to print 2,000 journals. Together, let's equip more teens with these powerful resources!

Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

Support our Mission

You Are Not Alone. Resources Are Available.

Mental Health Resources

Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center

Conversations with CKG Video Recordings

Our Mission

To fulfill Cameron's dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teen depression anxiety.

The CKG Foundation is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: Tax ID 46-5172019. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

info@ckgfoundation.org

www.ckgfoundation.org