Unveiling of New UthMpact Mental Health Mural on October 10

 

InnerAct Alliance’s youth coalition is proud of a new initiative, the UthMpact Mental Health Mural Project, which offers an opportunity for local schools to create a mural to help destigmatize mental health and promote self-care. The mural is displayed on a portable canvas that may be moved around campus without adding anything permanent on the walls. An unveiling of the first mural will take place on Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at 10:00 am, at Denison Middle School in Winter Haven (400 Avenue A SE, Winter Haven, FL). 

Mental Health is an important part of overall health and well-being. InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are committed to helping to raise awareness of individual and community mental health, reduce stigma, share resources, and suggest proactive steps to support well-being. We know the odds are higher for those suffering with a mental illness to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope.

UthMpact is a coalition of teen leaders committed to helping educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to their peers. The Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and key business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills. Participants representing nearly every high school in the county travel monthly to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

The group’s most prominent projects are Project Prom and Project Hoco to provide formal wear to high school students in need and educate about risky behaviors during prom and homecoming, as well as the UthMpact Facts social norms to share the positives about Polk youth culture in our community.   

For information on the UthMpact Mural Unveiling, please contact IAA executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. Visit UthMpact at www.uthmpact.org or www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk. 

Mindfulness Journaling for Teens Classes Offered

 

Statistics show that journaling may provide a wide range of healthful benefits from easing stress to sparking self-discovery. InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with the Polk County Library Cooperative and the Davenport Historical Society to offer Mindfulness Journaling for Teens classes in our community. This free program, presented by InnerAct Alliance's humane educator Michelle Bachmeier, offers youth ages 13-17 an opportunity to learn about journaling and how it can be used as a positive tool to express themselves.

Participating teens will learn mindful practices and helpful coping skills to deal with everyday stress and support good mental health. Polk Library Cooperative's Outreach Services Librarian, Jennifer Kovac, shared, "Attendees are encouraged to reflect and think about who they are, what their interests are, and what they value most in life."

Journals handcrafted by the FSS CrossRoads Stitchers will be provided and teens will create friendship bracelets for themselves and a friend Please contact Jennifer Kovac at the Polk County Library Cooperative at (863) 393-5610 or Michelle Bachmeier at InnerAct Alliance (863) 802-0777 for more information or to schedule a free class. 

Week 1 of InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Challenge Starts Today!

 

Families may show support for prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events presented by InnerAct Alliance and our Red Ribbon title sponsor, Publix Super Markets.

The 2023 Red Ribbon Challenges begin TODAY - Monday, September 25 - on InnerActAlliance.org and continue online throughout the month of October for children and their families and friends to complete fun challenge activities together. A different health-oriented challenge is featured each week.

RR Challenge Week 1’s sponsor Publix Super Markets encourages families to eat dinner together to build stronger relationships and foster better communication to help kids make more informed decisions. The dinner table offers an invaluable opportunity to make memories filled with joy, laughter, and bonding, but also a great time to teach invaluable life skills. 

Cooking together can be fun and easy – try one of the delicious recipes from the Publix Aprons chefs: https://www.publix.com/wellness/tips-training

Dinner need not be homecooked every night – stop at Publix for a delicious rotisserie chicken or subs on the way home and gather everyone to enjoy the meal together. 

Kids may register FREE to participate in the Weekly Challenges and then post their completed challenge activities on the InnerAct Alliance Facebook page with the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges. We encourage you to complete at least 10 challenges!

Register and find out more details online at InnerActAlliance.org - while there, be sure to register for the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 28, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

  Visit
 www.inneractalliance.org

 click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance
Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Today, Monday September 25, is Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children

 

Today, Monday September 25, is Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children and we encourage you to eat together as a family this evening! Family Day began in 2001 as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Visit InformedFamilies.org to learn more about the Family Day initiative, sign the family day pledge, and receive tips on how to talk with your children: https://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/family-day

Though life can be hectic, spending time together as a family should be a priority. Family meals provide the perfect opportunity to check-in with your kids and share the events of the day. Involve children in preparing the meal or setting the table with you. These are good times to talk to your kids about  making healthy choices. Studies show that families who eat dinner together build stronger relationships and foster better communication which helps kids make more informed choices.

Our Red Ribbon title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, kindly shared some healthy and great-tasting recipes created by the Publix Aprons chefs for your family to try:

https://www.publix.com/wellness/tips-training

And another fun family activity to do together is our  Red Ribbon Challenges which begin TODAY online at InnerActAlliance.org - here's a look at Week 1 Challenge activities:

Sign Up Today for Red Ribbon Challenge at
www.inneractalliance.org

click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Celebrate FAMILY DAY: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 25, 2023

 

InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, encourage your family to participate in Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children next Monday, September 25, 2023. Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they will be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances. You can learn more about this initiative, sign the family day pledge, and receive tips to talk with your children, by visiting www.informedfamilies.org.

Families can also show support for prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events locally. The 2023 Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, will take place on Saturday, October 28 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland with the Kids Fun Run for K-8 students, along with a Family Fun Run for parents to run/walk with their children, plus a great new World Tour vendor area featuring healthy snacks and fun activities around the world. 

Registration is FREE on the Red Ribbon Run tab at InnerActAlliance.org for K-8 students who pre-register prior to 10/28/23; Adults pay $5 for the Family Fun Run. Kids must register by 10/14/23 to be guaranteed a free Run t-shirt. On race day, check-in for the Kids Fun Run starts at 7:00 am at the Lake Mirror Auditorium; Family Fun Run takes place at 8:30 am, and grade heats begin at 8:45 am (times approximate).

Weekly Red Ribbon Challenges with themes of nutrition, fitness, and anti-bullying begin September 25 and continue through October on InnerActAlliance.org. Kids may post completed challenges on the IAA Facebook page.

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run encourages healthy family activities to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse, bullying, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Please plan to eat dinner as a family on September 25 and join us on Saturday, October 28 by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at the Red Ribbon Run!"  

Register Today on the Red Ribbon Run tab on
www.inneractalliance.org

 Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

IAA's Humane Education Program for Elementary-aged Children

 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to serve our community with effective evidence-based programs to prevent substance abuse and bullying and promote empathy and critical thinking to help youth succeed in all aspects of their lives. Schools and community organizations in Polk County may contact the agency to request a free Humane Education Program for elementary-aged children offering lessons that incorporate high quality, age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities to reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare.

Humane education helps to reduce violence and bullying through use of live or stuffed animals to promote responsible decision-making skills. The way a child treats an animal is often indicative of how they will treat a peer, so combining humane education with character education is key.

InnerAct Alliance’s humane educator, Michelle Bachmeier, reads stories and leads discussion with students about ways to communicate positively with others. Teachable moments and thoughtful discussion inspire children to share their feelings, talk about how everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and practice making wiser choices and be helpful when they encounter hurtful behavior in their classroom, on the playground, or at home.

One of the books used in the program, "Love Me Gently", has recently been voted Best Humane Education Book for Youth by the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE). Each child participating in our humane education program will receive a free copy of the "Love Me Gently" storybook to take home, thanks to the generosity of author Lisa Wiehebrink.

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. To schedule a free Humane Education Program for your school or community organization, please contact InnerAct Alliance's humane educator, Michelle Bachmeier, at (863) 802-0777 or email her at:  michelle@inneractalliance.org.

This Saturday: 1st of 4 Project Homecoming Shopping Days

 

This Saturday, September 16 is the 1st of 4 scheduled Project HOCO SHOPPING DAYS for students with a Polk County School ID to shop for formal wear, sign a pledge to make healthy and safe choices at Homecoming, and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! 

Other scheduled Project HOCO Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays September 30, October 14 & 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store location in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes). 

UthMpact’s goal is to promote a fun and safe Homecoming. Please visit our social media and website: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/, www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com. Or you may call Samantha McCain at the InnerAct Alliance office at (863) 802-0777, or email samantha.barwig@inneractalliance.org. 

Red Ribbon Run Registration Now Open at IAA.org

 

Registration for the Red Ribbon Run, which will take place on Saturday, October 28 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland is now open at InnerActAlliance.org - click on the all-new Red Ribbon Run tab at the top!

Kids register FREE before October 28 or pay $5 on the day of the event. Adults register for $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run.

Register Today

https://www.inneractalliance.org

2023 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge October 28, 2023

 

The countdown is on for the Annual Red Ribbon Run! InnerAct Alliance and our title sponsor Publix Super Markets invite you to Run The World in the 2023 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 28, to prevent harm and promote health! 

The Red Ribbon Run features lots of family fun starting with a Kids Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Students in grades K-8 can run in timed grade level heats and win trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade. Parents may run/walk with their children in untimed heats in the Family Fun Run. Check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 7:00 a.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium, the Family Fun Run takes place at 8:30 a.m., and grade heats begin at 8:45 a.m. (times approximate). Registration for students in grades K-8 is FREE on the Red Ribbon Run tab at https://www.inneractalliance.org before October 28 and $5 on event day; Adults registration is $5 for the Family Fun Run. Kids must register by October 14 to be guaranteed a free Run t-shirt.    

This popular community event also includes an exciting new Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area featuring healthy snacks and activities from around the world. 

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run encourages healthy life choices and educates about the dangers of substance abuse, bullying, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Join us on Saturday, October 28 by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at the Red Ribbon Run and like our InnerAct Alliance Facebook page for more information and family activities!"

Weekly Red Ribbon Challenges with themes of nutrition, fitness, and anti-bullying begin on September 25 with Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children and continue through October on InnerAct Alliance.org for kids to complete and post their challenges on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance 

9/11/2001- Never Forget

 

22 years later:
 
a day that will never be forgotten

9/11/2001  

On this 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pause to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and continue to pray for the families and loved ones they left behind.

On this day 22 years ago...

246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights.

2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work the next morning.

343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift.

60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol.

8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift to help save lives.

None of them saw past 10:00 am September 11, 2001. 

In one single moment, life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today, tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for tomorrow, hug the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of life for granted.

Recommendations for Positive Weekend Vibes

 

Congrats - we finally made it to Friday! 😎 Sometimes a small change makes a big difference. With the weekend ahead, let's channel some positive vibes with some simple recommendations to change things up and refresh our days!

UthMpact Hosts 2023 Project HOCO Shopping Days

 

Fall football games mean it’s almost time for Homecoming! UthMpact is proud to continue the Project HOCO effort providing formal wear to teens in need. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming festivities and receive dresses and suits for FREE! Over 5,500 prom and homecoming ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013. 

2023 Student Shopping Days for Project HOCO are scheduled for Saturdays September 16 &  30, and October 14 & 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store location in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes). 

Community members may support the Project Prom and Project Homecoming efforts by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and accessories. Especially needed are ladies plus size dresses (size 18+) and smaller size dresses (size 0-4), along with men’s wear in smaller sizes. 

Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping days or at InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekdays). A receipt will be provided for tax purposes. 

UthMpact’s goal is to promote a fun and safe Homecoming. Please visit our social media and website: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/, www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com. Or you may call Samantha McCain at the InnerAct Alliance office at (863) 802-0777, or email samantha.barwig@inneractalliance.org. 

September Self Care Ideas

 

Do you ever find yourself thinking that there’s not enough time in the day? No doubt we all have because each of us is juggling many roles in our lives. If you’re a parent, a student, an employee, or just about anyone, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed with day-to-day responsibilities. The idea of taking time for yourself may seem unimaginable, but there’s small things that can be done to make self-care and taking time for ourselves a little bit easier.

On average, most folks only spend 15 minutes a day on health-related self-care. Even if you don’t have 15 minutes to spare, it’s important to “take 5” to help reduce stress and anxiety levels and show self-compassion.

Thanks to our friends at @Positively Present, this colorful graphic suggests some fun and simple ideas for September Self-Care to remind us to take a moment to trash negative thoughts, celebrate what’s working, or maybe treat ourselves to a cup of warm tea to relax.