Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance to Celebrate GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020

 

Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance to 

Celebrate GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020

This year has been challenging for everyone, so why not kick off the season of generosity by participating in GivingTuesday on December 1^st and close out 2020 on a positive note! 

GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people and organizations to give back by doing good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. People demonstrate generosity in many ways whether it’s helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving to causes we care about. Each act of generosity has the power to transform our communities and our world. 

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are in need of donations to help bridge the shortfall in funding caused by COVID-19. Substance abuse prevention initiatives in the Lakeland and Polk County community include science-based education classes taught to nearly 15,000 students in 69 schools, as well as outreach to over 100,000 citizens via informative presentations and social norms marketing, a premier youth leadership program, and family-oriented awareness events such as the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign and motivational rallies for fifth-grade students countywide. 

“Community engagement and support are vital to continue our agency’s programs to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with bullying prevention. Any and all donations will be appreciated!” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

There are 3 quick and easy options to send your donation: 

1) Simply scan the QR code (above) with a phone camera
2) PayPal:  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UG8BET6TF2V28
3) Mail a check, payable to InnerAct Alliance, to 621 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 

Written acknowledgement will be sent to donors upon receipt of their tax-deductible gift to InnerAct Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For questions about making a donation to InnerAct Alliance, please contact Angie Ellison at (863) 802-0777. 

To read more about GivingTuesday, please visit www.givingtuesday.org. Your kind consideration is appreciated, and we wish you a safe, healthy, and Happy Holiday season!

 

InnerAct Alliance & UthMpact Are Proud Recipients of Grant Funding from Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation

 

InnerAct Alliance & UthMpact Are Proud Recipients of 
Grant Funding from Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation

InnerAct Alliance, and its youth coalition partner, UthMpact, are proud to be chosen as recipients of grant funding from the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation, Inc. (FNGF), in Lake Wales, Florida, (www.floridasnatural.com) to address problems related to health, education and youth in the Citrus Belt of Florida. 

InnerAct Alliance proposes to use the funds generously provided by the FNGF grant to support efforts of the UthMpact Leadership Program, which brings together distinguished young leaders representing every high school in the Polk County area and nearly every walk of life, to work proactively in schools and in the community. The youth leaders participate in extensive leadership training to prepare them to develop programs, activities, and services focused on creating positive change in their peer culture through social norms marketing, education, and philanthropy. The partnership between InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact has been successful in contributing to the steady decline in the abuse of alcohol among Polk County youth from 28% to 16% over the past 9 years. 

UthMpact has formed two new committees in which members will endeavor to: 1) reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote self-care among teens; and 2) promote equity by “smashing common stereotypes” and championing tolerance. Members will create dynamic virtual messaging that features profiles of local teens who represent different ethnic and racial backgrounds and highlight their cultural differences while underscoring their similarities. Another objective will showcase mental health moments in which teens will share successful strategies to reduce stress with student peers and offer possible solutions and resources in the community.   

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation to help broaden the reach of UthMpact Leadership Program’s messaging and social norms efforts,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

For additional information, please contact InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact at (863) 802-0777.

We Appreciate Red Ribbon Challenge Title Sponsor - Publix Super Markets!

 

Special Thanks to 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Sponsors & Supporters!

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Celebrated in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Until October 31st

 

Exercising for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week has many advantages. For example: it can make you feel better, reduce risk of chronic disease, strengthen muscles and bones, increase your energy levels, and so MANY other great benefits!

You have until October 31st to complete at least 15 fun challenges activities that are part of the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge - visit www.RedRibbonRun.com to join the fun and be eligible to win a special prize!

Refraining from Risky Behaviors leads to a Healthy Happy Life

 

It pays to embrace good habits! Research shows that when you eat right, sleep right, and exercise, your mind and body are more likely to function at their best. Avoiding ALL risky behaviors including but not limited to poor diet, use of drugs and alcohol, bad relationships, etc. can help increase school participation and improve health, relationships, mindset, and so many other benefits!

Learn more about healthy lifestyle choices by participating in the 2020 Red Ribbon Challenge - but hurry, this is the last week to complete at least 15 of the challenge activities and for students in grades K-8 to win a special prize! Visit www.RedRibbonRun.com today for more details

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Nets 1,640.6 lbs. of Medications

 

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back
Nets 1,640.6 lbs. of Medications

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event this past Saturday, October 24^th for Polk County residents to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication. 

Polk County agencies collected an estimated 1,640.6 lbs. of pharmaceuticals that were safely disposed of via incineration. The drop-off sites that participated in the Medication Take Back included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department. 

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 22,296.6 lbs. of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s six permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation in Lakeland, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (100 Smith Avenue, weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes – no liquids or syringes. Do not dispose of medication in the toilet to avoid harming lakes and ground water. 

StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.