IAA Joined Heartland for Children for Reunification Celebration

 

This weekend, InnerAct Alliance was happy to join Heartland for Children for their annual Reunification Celebration for families who have reunified over the past year. 🙌

Representatives from Heartland for Children, including CEO Kim Daugherty, Shawna Butler, Monique Beau-Myers, Tyiesha Genet Stewart, and others welcomed everyone to Peterson Park to honor the hard work, commitment, and dedication of the families, foster caregivers, and child welfare professionals. InnerAct Alliance's prevention specialists, Beverly and Charlie, provided an overview of the prevention programs and services provided by IAA and encouraged families to participate in the 2024 Red Ribbon Run community event next month on Saturday, October 26. It was heartwarming to see the smiling faces of the parents, children, and everyone who gathered to uplift and support families!👪

Heartland for Children is a community-based care lead agency providing comprehensive child welfare services that include protective services, foster care adoptions, independent living, prevention, family preservation, family support, and other related services.

In the words of former foster teen, Josh Shipp,
"Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story"

https://www.heartlandforchildren.org/

Register Today for the Red Ribbon Run October 26

 

Register Today for the 2024 Red Ribbon Run!

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run.html

Shop with Project HOCO Tomorrow – Saturday, September 14

 

Get your shopping on tomorrow at Project HOCO's 1st Student Shopping Day - Saturday, September 14 - at the Project Prom/HOCO Store in Lakeland Square Mall, across from Rack Room Shoes. Our UthMpact teen leaders will be on hand from 11am to 4pm to assist you in finding cool clothing to dress your best this Homecoming season!

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming festivities and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

If you miss your opportunity to shop tomorrow, check us out on the remaining Project HOCO Shopping Days on Saturdays September 28, October 5, or October 12!

Signs to Look for Declining Mental Health

 

In 2022, researchers found that 13 million people suffered with suicidal thoughts. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10 to 34 year-olds.

There are things you can do. Talking about suicide may feel uncomfortable, but it could lead to receiving the help that is needed. 

Stay in tune with yourself. After all, no one knows you better than you know yourself. If you notice signs your mental health may be declining, take time to rest, recharge, and reach out for compassionate care and free support.

Call or text 988 | Chat 988lifeline.org

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Always Remember 9-11-2001

 

September 11 is a day of remembrance of those who lost their lives and all who gave their lives in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. Although time goes by, we will always recall where we were during one of the worst days in American history as tragedy ensued at the Twin Towers in NY City, the Pentagon, and  aboard United Airlines Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. 

Out of this unspeakable tragedy came stories of strength, courage, fortitude, and some of the bravest acts of the heroes of 9/11 - today we remember and honor the innocent lives lost, the heroes who stepped up to defend our country, the families who suffer painful loss of loved ones, the volunteers who gave selflessly, and those who sacrificed everything. 

God Bless America

Today - September 10 - is World Suicide Prevention Day

 

Wear yellow today in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed on September 10 each year to raise awareness, focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it, and remember those affected by suicide.💛 

Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. We can play a key role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide. Check in with a friend or loved one - have a conversation, share personal stories, and advocate for mental health resources and support. 

 💛Know That You Matter!💛

Know the Facts About Alcohol & the Teen Brain

 

Alcohol affects the adolescent brain differently than the adult brain.🧠 Extensive studies show the human brain is not fully developed until about age 25. Teens who begin drinking before age 15 are 5x more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than if they wait until after age 21.

The brain undergoes massive changes during the teen years - mainly in the areas that affect decision making and impulse control. This makes the teen years a period of great promise, but also of potential risk - especially for addiction. Preventing and delaying substance use during this time is important to long-term health.

Highlights from a comprehensive report titled Alcohol & The Adult Brain: Immediate Impairment, Long-Term Consequences presented to the North Carolina Governor's Substance Abuse and Underage Drinking Prevention and Treatment Task Force show that:

* Emotional areas of the human brain mature before the frontal cortex. This is evident in the thrill-seeking, risky decision-making, and impulsiveness that define the adolescent years.

* Due to the immaturity of the frontal cortex, adolescent brains respond more to the promise of rewards & threats than adults brains - weighing immediate rewards as more valuable than future rewards.

* "Brain Imbalance" is why young people pay more attention to their peers and why they are more likely to do something risky without considering the consequences.

* Alcohol slows down brain activity. Negative effects of alcohol last far longer in a teen's brain than an adult's - up to 2 weeks longer.

* Teen alcohol use prior to full brain development can keep the good judgment and impulse-control part of the brain from properly developing.

* Alcohol can also damage the memory and learning parts of the brain.

https://drugfree.org/article/teen-brain-development/

Our Community’s Red Ribbon Campaign

 

Red Ribbons🎀symbolize our commitment to fighting substance abuse and honor the memory of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. When Camarena was tragically killed in 1985, his sacrifice sparked a powerful movement. The red ribbon became a symbol of our collective strength and dedication to his mission. Wear a red ribbon to stand against substance abuse, bullying, and violence, and support safety and hope.

Make plans for your family to attend the 2024 Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Supermarkets, on Saturday morning, October 26, at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. 

Registration is FREE for K-8 students for the Kids Fun Run, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, before October 26 ($5 fee on event day). A Family Fun Run is offered for parents and adults to run with their children ($5 registration). Enjoy healthy snacks, fitness activities, and entertainment celebrating cultures from around the world in the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area. 

Register today at InnerActAlliance.org (click on the Red Ribbon Run tab) to participate in the Kids Fun Run, Family Fun Run, and sign up to complete Weekly Challenges that begin online on September 30.

Business Partnership Opportunities Available!

The Red Ribbon Run presents a great opportunity

for local businesses to support prevention of 

substance abuse by sponsoring a race heat

 and promoting products & services in a booth

in the World Tour vendor area.

Share Your Talents & Create Cultural Displays!

Individuals and groups are invited to showcase
 their unique talents in music , dance, and performance 

as part of the World Tour celebration of 

culture and traditions during the Red Ribbon Run. 

Contact Angie Ellison at (863) 802-0777 for details

Red Ribbon Run Registration
 &
Weekly Challenges on Event Website

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance/

This Sunday, September 8 is 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Day

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is launching the first-ever national 988 Day this weekend as a day of action to be held every year on September 8 to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This year's theme is "No Judgment. Just Help" and everyone is encouraged to celebrate this day by talking to family and friends about the 988 LIFELINE, post on social media using #988Day, or do something to care for your own mental health.

988 Day is part of September's Suicide Prevention Month - a time to continue learning about suicide prevention, remember those lost to suicide, and acknowledge the many individuals, families, and communities impacted by suicide. 

With rising levels of anxiety, depression, emotional distress, or overdose deaths, it is critical that people have somewhere to turn when they are in crisis. In the U.S., someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide affects every race, gender, ethnic group, and orientation - so it's important to know and spread the word that suicide is preventable and that help is available. 

The 988 Lifeline provides a direct connection to free support and resources for anyone in crisis. Calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org will connect a person in crisis to compassionate care and support for any mental health or substance use-related distress. About 98% of those who call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services at that moment.

SAMHSA works with federal, state, local, and community partnerships in a united vision where everyone has: Someone to talk to. Someone to respond. And a Safe Place for Help.

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicide

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

IAA’s Humane Education Program for Children

 

InnerAct Alliance's Humane Education Program visits schools and takes part in community events to present pre-school children and elementary-aged students with special lessons that incorporate quality age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and fun activities to reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare.

Our humane educator, Michelle B., leads instruction that teaches young children about the 3 words of friendship and how to always be kind - gentle - patient with animals and humans. Kids have opportunities to use problem-solving skills to assemble puzzles and trace letters spelling out kind - gentle - patient as a take home activity to practice and remember the friendship words.

A recent Kindness class at Bonnet Springs included a special lesson about Tucker the Turtle🐢where children learned how to act like Tucker when they feel upset by Stopping - Tucking - Taking Deep Breaths - and Coming Out to find a calm solution.

Sharing Smiling Faces of
Children Learning Friendship Skills

UthMpact’s 2024 Project HOCO Shopping Days

 

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 their dresses and suits for FREE! Nearly 6,000 prom and homecoming ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

2024 Student Shopping Days for Project HOCO are scheduled for Saturdays September 14 & 28 and October 5 & 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store location in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes).

Community members may support this effort 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 the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, weekdays). A receipt will be provided for tax purposes.

UthMpact's goal is to promote a safe and fun Homecoming. For info, please visit our social media and website pages:

 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/

www.uthmpact.org

www.projectprompolk.com

September is Suicide Prevention Month

 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness, shift public perception, share vital information, and hope to those affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. 

Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition - 46% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. It is especially dangerous among youth - suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those ages 15-24 in the U.S. 

YOU can play an important role in the prevention effort by familiarizing yourself with the warning signs, taking them seriously, and knowing how to respond to them. Warning signs of suicide include: 

* Talking about suicide

* Seeking access to guns, pills, etc.

* Having a preoccupation with death

* Sudden mood swings or personality changes

* Hopelessness

* Self-loathing or hatred

* Neglecting appearance

* Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

* Saying goodbye

* Withdrawal

* Self-destructive behavior 

Suicide prevention resources are available including the FREE 988 SUICIDE and CRISIS LINE which provides 24-hour confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 9-8-8 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat.

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/common-with-mental-illness/risk-of-suicide/

Enjoy a Safe & Happy Labor Day!

 

Happy Labor Day 2024 - a time to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievement of workers across the nation with picnics, barbecues, family, and fun! 

Grilling out on the Labor Day weekend is second only to the Fourth of July - hot dogs🌭and hamburgers🍔 are the usual favorites.

However you chose to celebrate, enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day! 😎