Let's Face It, School's Around the Corner.
Nobody wants the summer to end, certainly not the kids.
We need to make the most of August, but also be realistic and start preparing for the new school year. It's coming quickly.
This particular time of year can be a bit hard on all of us, so we've included some great mental health resources below, along with some other content we hope you'll find both interesting and valuable. Please take special care of one thing - make sure you're monitoring the eye health of your kids. It's more important than you may realize.
With Care and Support,
Ms. Shirley
Project Director, Grandparents and Kinship Care Project
| | | | | Back to School with Mental Health in Mind | |
As the school year approaches, students and families face a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty. Whether you’re a young person navigating new challenges or a caregiver looking to support your child’s emotional well-being, Mental Health America has practical guidance, free tools, and resources for every step of the journey.
- Kids and teens can get help managing emotions, challenges, and asking for support.
- Young adults can find guidance on college life, work-school balance, and mental health in college.
- Parents, grandparents and other caregivers can learn to spot warning signs, start conversations, and find help.
- School staff can learn to support students, respond to trauma, and care for their own well-being.
Access their Back-to-School Hub here.
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August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, an initiative championed by organizations like Prevent Blindness to promote healthy vision. Because roughly 80% of a child’s learning happens visually, undiagnosed eye issues can drastically impact classroom performance, sports, and overall behavior. In fact, children have been placed in special education classes, because of undiagnosed vision issues.
This awareness month serves as a crucial back-to-school reminder for parents to schedule exams and enforce defensive eye habits.
To learn more, click here.
| | | S.O.F.I.A. 16th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence | |
Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Canterbury Park
Montclair, NJ
Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (SOFIA) is holding their 16th annual Walk Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, September 19 in Canterbury Park, Montclair, NJ.
By becoming a participant you will contribute to supporting the organization's ongoing Domestic Violence education, awareness, assistance and prevention efforts. You will be demonstrating support to victims and their families within your community.
To learn more, click here.
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FEATURED CONVENING:
Youth Power Summit 2026
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The New Jersey Youth Power Summit is an annual convening, organized by the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (“the Institute”) and partners, that equips passionate young people across New Jersey with the tools and knowledge they need to advocate for issues that are close to their hearts. The Summit will feature inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, intentional networking, and exciting giveaways, all designed to empower young people to become civic leaders in their communities.
Who Should Attend: Young people ages 14–25 who are passionate about civic engagement, leadership, and creating positive change in their communities.
Saturday, September 19, 2025
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rutgers University - Newark (Paul Robeson Campus Center)
For more information and to register, click here.
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SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, 570 Broad Street, Suite 702, Newark, NJ 07102
SPANadvocacy.org
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