VYWC Monthly Newsletter

12/2025 | Issue 8

Next Meeting 01/26!

Valley Youth Wellness Coalition's next meeting will be 01/26 from 9:00-10:30 to start building the vaping logic model based off of our top priorities, working on the 7 Strategies for Community Change, and an Action Team breakout time. We will be meeting at the Augusta Health Community Care building 64 Sports Medicine Dr. Fishersville, VA 22939. Park out front, go in through the automatic doors, and make a right to meeting room 3.

Click Here for Directions

Winter Activity Planning

With the winter approaching, activities in the community will be slowing down, thus limiting the things that youth in our community are able to do.

We would love to look at activities that we potentially host in the community for youth of all ages. Whether this is hosting something at the school, the library, etc... let's be thinking about something that we can organize for the upcoming winter months.

If you have an idea or know of an event that may be going on that we can jump on board with, please contact me via the valleyywc@vcsb.org email address. Thank you!

Combatting Seasonal Depression in Kids: Highlighting Seven Ways to Cultivate Happiness

Discover seven effective strategies to combat children's seasonal depression and boost happiness during winter months.

December: Support During the Holidays from SAMHSA

While this holiday season can be filled with joy and celebrations, it is important to recognize that this time of year can also trigger difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors—which can affect your mental health and use of substances (including alcohol). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also a very common type of depression that significantly impacts people during this period of low sunlight.

SAMHSA provides a comprehensive toolkit with phone numbers and websites for 988, Veterans Crisis Line, treatment and support access, and more resources that are easy to share.

Let your friends, family, and communities know that confidential support is available 24/7 for their mental health and well-being.

SAMHSA Digital Toolkit

Gift Responsibly Campaign/Too Young to Bet

Youth problem gambling is a growing public health concern. Even though gambling activities are legally restricted to adults, there is clear evidence that underage youth continue to actively participate in gambling.

Many young people report their first gambling experience occurs around 9-11 years of age, with 17.9% of youth under 18 having reported gambling within the past year. Often, youth are given lottery tickets or scratchers as a Christmas gift. Please take a look at this toolkit and help spread the word that our kids are "too young to bet" this holiday season.

Too Young to Bet

Training Opportunity: Youth Mental Health First Aid

You are invited to register for a free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provided by Valley Community Services Board, and in partnership with the Embrace Center in Waynesboro. This training will take place December 11 from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

In this full-day training, you’ll learn how to help young people ages 12-18. Topics include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, social media, substance use and ADHD. You’ll be able to:

1. Recognize signs and symptoms in young people

2. Use the MHFA Action Plan (A.L.G.E.E.)

3. Interact with a young person in crisis and connect them with professional health

4. Address stigma and explain that recovery is possible

5. Encourage young people to practice self care.

Click the button below to learn more and register!

New Job Opportunity!

The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth in Waynesboro is hiring for a full-time Substance Abuse Prevention Education Coordinator! If you love working with people, care about your community, and being out in the field making a difference in health and wellness, click the link below to apply!

Office on Youth Job Listing

Community Events

Valley Youth Wellness Coalition | valleyywc@vcsb.org | 540-430-9360 | valleyyouthwellnesscoalition.org