VYWC Monthly Newsletter

11/2025 | Issue 7

Next Meeting 11/17!

Valley Youth Wellness Coalition's next meeting will be 11/17 from 9:00-10:00 to go over the results of the short-term action committee survey, forming our teams, and further work on the strategic plan and logic model development. 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

Action Team Survey! Please fill out!

As a reminder, we are forming steering committees/action teams due to us showing that we are ready to be boots on the ground and get into true community action! This will help us do behind the scenes work in between meetings.

Please fill out this survey below and choose a team between the four options that you feel leverages your strengths the most and also fill out the brief questions that are provided too. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Action Team Survey

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. Weather 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!

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

In 2007, Congress passed its first resolution recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM) to build awareness of the issue of youth homelessness, including its causes and potential solutions, and highlight the need to work to prevent homelessness among children and teens.

Since then, November has been a time to elevate the issue of youth homelessness; applaud the efforts of businesses, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to meeting the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness; and grow the commitment to intensify efforts to prevent and end homelessness among young people in the United States.

Youth homelessness affects overall health and wellness, often leading to increased trauma, anxiety and depression. Addressing both homelessness and behavioral health needs is essential for helping young people. SAMHSA has resources to help by offering programs and resources helping young peoples’ emotional and behavioral health. Learn more this Homeless Youth Awareness Month by clicking the button below.

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