Happy Passover & Happy Easter Blessings from IAA 🌷

 

Happy Easter & Happy Passover

to all who celebrate from the

Board & Staff at InnerAct Alliance

 💜  🌷   💙

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #19: Support for Prevention Makes a Difference at Every Level

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #19: Support for Prevention Makes a Difference at Every Level

Through the years, InnerAct Alliance has been proud to have tremendous support from our city, county, and state leaders who are committed to improving communities by supporting prevention education and improving substance abuse policies. 

Did You Know?

Pam Bondi, currently our nation's 87th U.S. Attorney General, made a special visit to Lakeland in October 2011 to show support for substance abuse prevention. At the time, she was serving as Florida's first female Attorney General (2011-2019) and played an integral role in supporting the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (E-FORCSE) to encourage safer prescribing and reduce drug abuse.

A Memorable Moment

Bondi, along with Lakeland Police Chief Lisa Womack and Assistant Chief Debra Henson, accompanied InnerAct Alliance members to receive a Proclamation of Red Ribbon Month from Mayor Gow Fields at Lakeland City Hall.

Pictured above: Angie Ellison (Executive Director IAA); Mayor Gow Fields, Pam Bondi (Florida Attorney General)

The Proclamation by the City of Lakeland is always a highlight of Red Ribbon Month activities planned each fall by InnerAct Alliance to raise awareness of substance use.

Donate by

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories @InnerActAlliance #PamBondi #RedRibbonProclamaton #CityofLakeland
#PreventionSupport #PolkCounty

Congratulations to UthMpact Leadership Class XV!

 

UthMpact Leadership is a unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, the StandUP Polk & UthMpact coalitions, business, and community partners, to help teens develop valuable leadership skills.

UthMpact Class XV teen leaders have enjoyed taking part in hands-on learning activities over the past year, beginning with a summer planning retreat before embarking on travels each month throughout the community to meet with local leaders and enjoy behind-the scenes tours on Leadership Days. Student have opportunities to deliver proactive Social Norms messaging to peers, assist at the Project Prom Store on Student Shopping Days for Prom & Homecoming, help out at the Annual Red Ribbon Run, record podcasts, and attend awareness and volunteer events. 

They make the most of these learning opportunities, as you'll see in the following photos from February's UthMpact Leadership XV Government Leadership Day visiting various City of Lakeland departments and March's UthMpact Leadership Planning Day, which included a Career Readiness Workshop with ConnectEd Polk meeting community and business leaders.

🎓Congratulations to this talented group of youth leaders who will celebrate their accomplishments at the UthMpact Leadership Class XV Graduation tonight - there's no doubt their future is bright! 😎

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #18: Making Strides in Prevention, Education, and Anti-Drug Fields

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #18: Making Strides in Prevention, Education, and Anti-Drug Fields

InnerAct Alliance continues to make huge strides in the prevention, education, and anti-drug coalition fields. The momentum of the past 4 decades has heightened exposure for the agency's mission to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances, along with involvement in other risky behaviors through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development

IAA has achieved many recognitions through the years, including becoming known for presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns each fall in the state of Florida to inspire individuals, children, and families to achieve healthy, drug-free lifestyle goals and show support for prevention of bullying and substance abuse prevention in our community.

Here are a few other moments that we are extremely proud of...

NFL Community Quarterback Award (2002)

We've shared previously about our amazing agency founder, Kaye McConnell, but did you know that Miss Kaye achieved the well-deserved honor of receiving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' NFL Community Quarterback Award for her work as founder and volunteer board member of our nonprofit agency?

The NFL Community Quarterback Award recognizes outstanding volunteers in the 32 NFL markets and honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving communities in which they live through volunteerism. At an awards banquet held at Raymond James Stadium in November 2002, Kaye received a beautiful plaque, along with a grant of $10,000 from Buccaneers Quarterback, Shaun King!

Historic Dixieland Century Home Project (2020)

In 2020, InnerAct Alliance was proud to learn that our office building, located at 621 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, would be featured in the Historic Dixieland Neighborhood Association's Home Project, which commemorates homes in the Dixieland Historic District that were built 100 or more years ago.

The origins of our two-story building, located on the NW corner of South Florida Avenue and W. Palmetto St., date back to 1919-1920. It has served as "home base" for InnerAct Alliance since 2021. A cast bronze marker plaque was presented to InnerAct Alliance, which we display proudly on the exterior of our property to mark the Century Homes designation.

Please Support InnerAct Alliance!

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #NFLCommunityQuarterback #KayeMcConnell #CenturyHome #HistoricDixieland #Lakeland #PreventionLeaders #CommunityRecognition #PolkCounty #ProudHistory

DEA Medication Take Back Day in Polk County – Saturday, April 25

Our county's DEA National Rx Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 2pm, at participating Polk County Police Dept. locations (locations pending final approval). 

Truth is...most teens don't get prescription pills from strangers. They get them from the home medicine cabinet. 1-in-4 teens say they've abused prescription drugs. That's why it matters to take steps to keep meds locked up and cleaned out - safely out of the reach of children, teens, and those who may have addiction issues.

Our prevention partners at Informed Families share 3 quick steps that make a real difference

💊 lock them up

💊 track what you have

💊 safely dispose of meds that you no longer need

Be Aware & Don't Share - Lock Your Meds!

Stress Overload at Root of Teen Substance Misuse

 

When we look deeper at reasons why youth may resort to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use, often stress and social pressures are at the root. School demands, negative feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload, which can lead to alcohol and substance use.

As parents and caregivers, we can play a key role in helping teens learn to manage stress in healthier ways:

*Monitor how stress may affect your child's health, behavior, thoughts, or feelings

*Listen carefully to them and watch for signs of overload

*Learn and model positive stress management skills

*Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities

*Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep routines

*Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxing exercises

*Break large tasks down into smaller, attainable goals

*Take frequent breaks to listen to relaxing music, draw, read, or journal

Teens can practice relaxation responses like deep breathing and meditation to lower heart rate. Let them know that they can confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings - these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.

Learn more

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/the-link-between-teen-anxiety-and-substance-abuse

 

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #17: Living the Dream Healthy & Substance-Free

 

40 Years-40 Stories| Story #17: Living the Dream Healthy & Substance Free!

In our last Story #16, we celebrated how much fun InnerAct Alliance's Outreach Team has taking prevention out into our community. We mentioned that event participants can always enjoy some fun hands-on activity or craft when they visit the IAA Display, plus receive helpful resources for parents and families.

Question: What Do Dream Catchers Have to Do with Substance Abuse Prevention? 

EVERYTHING...it's just the start of Living the Dream! One of our favorite activities provides the opportunity for kids to make their own Dream Catcher. It's a creative craft that's free and fun to make with significance of a much deeper meaning to help students realize their dreams can come true if they do the right thing and choose to live a healthy, alcohol- and substance-free life.

Themes for Our Proactive Prevention Projects

Live a Healthy Lifestyle - drug use impedes your dreams

Plan for the Future - planning is key to meeting your goals

Work Hard - implementing your success plan takes time and effort

Once You're Living Your Dream - help others catch theirs too

Goals Give Life Direction!

When teens are focused on their dreams and working towards them, they're less likely to get sidetracked by drugs. Achieving goals boosts motivation and perseverance so youth can achieve their dreams and make powerful choices for their future.

All donations - big or small - help to encourage youth, amplify their voices, and celebrate their strength. Please donate to InnerAct Alliance's prevention efforts to encourage youth to choose to be drug-free!

Donate 

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

*40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #LivingTheDream #DreamCatchers #YouthEmpowerment #GoalSetting #DrugFree #HealthyLifestyle #PreventionWorks #PolkCounty #DreamBig #ChooseLife

Help Youth Celebrate Safe & Substance Free

 

This is a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our amazing youth - from prom to graduation, birthdays to end of school parties and start of summer break. Kids deserve to have fun and create memories, but it's also important to be safe and smart.

Of all alcohol-related fatalities involving teens each year, approximately one-third take place during April, May, and June prom and graduation season. Research shows that youth who start drinking before age 15 are at much higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life than those who begin drinking at age 21.

As parents and caring adults, it is our responsibility to help our children celebrate safely and responsibly especially since they and many of their friends are underage. Before shopping for party decorations or helping them put on their graduation gowns, have a talk with your son or daughter about substance use.

Take steps to ensure that no alcohol or drugs are available at teen parties held at your home and are discouraged at friends' homes or events they may be attending. 

For tips on how to guide teens in ways to celebrate responsibly, visit:

https://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/safe-homes-smart-parties

  

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #16: IAA Prevention Outreach in Our Community

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #16 IAA Prevention Outreach in Our Community

At InnerAct Alliance, we believe in the power of education, communication, connection, and access to resources that help to build stronger, safer substance-free communities.

Where You'll Find Us

IAA's Prevention Team enjoys participating in local community events to share how our agency's FREE prevention education programs positively impact the Lakeland and Polk County areas. Each year, InnerAct Alliance connects with families to offer tools and resources at events such as: Heartland for Children's Reunification Celebration; Spring Fling & Easter Egg Hunt at Crystal Lake Elementary; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Caring; Annual Watermelon Festival at Bonnet Spring's Great Lawn & Florida's Children's Museum; community expos, resource fairs, health & wellness fairs.

Come say hello to the friendly faces of InnerAct Alliance who always provide hands-on activities or fun children's crafts, useful resources for families, and fun giveaways for participants!

Social Norms in Schools

You'll also find our prevention team at Polk middle and high schools sharing proactive Social Norms messaging with students during lunch periods to highlight the "upside" of current statistics.

Good News: Most Polk County students in grades 6-12 are making healthy choices NOT to drink, smoke, vape or use other drugs!

Other messages include:

Equality - 100% of the Human Race is Deserving of Respect & Kindness

Anti-Bullying - Bullying is 100% Preventable

Student participants receive special rewards and treats! Schools benefit from using these strategies on campus as a way to increase student safety, prevent problem behaviors, and improve student outcomes.

Invite Us to YOUR Event!

*Call (863) 802-0777 to invite the IAA Outreach Team to your upcoming community event to share prevention tools and spread awareness for safer, healthier communities.

Please Support Prevention By Donating

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #CommunityOutrach #PreventionWorks #SocialNorms #PolkCounty #CommunityEvents #Equality #AntiBullying #HealthyCommunities #ResourceFair #PreventionEducation

Make Happiness a Habit

 

Remember to Enjoy the Little Things in Life! The secret to happiness is finding joy in the little things every day. But often, we tend to overlook those micro-moments in the pursuit of creating and savoring the big ones. This quest can leave you feeling depleted or disappointed. So, how do we make happiness a habit?

In honor of International Day of Happiness - which was celebrated last week on March 20 - we are sharing some terrific reminders from Peace River Center's suggested list of ways to help us focus on the tiny pleasures we have in our lives every single day:

Get some sunshine 🌞- getting fresh air, soaking up the sun's rays, and taking a few moments to be mindful can help improve our mood organically.

Put on a fun song & dance 💃 - even if you're a terrible dancer, get your groove on! Moving our bodies is not only a great way to get out of our heads, but exercise can boost serotonin.

Shift your perspective🙏- when things get challenging, look for things to be thankful for. Focusing on those can help shift our perspective. 

Make your face smile😊- sometimes, our bodies and brain follow when we make ourselves smile genuinely. Just practice smiling! 

Reach out to others who bring out the best in you 👦👧👨👩 - sometimes we just need some time with friends who love us for who we are. Surround yourself with more people like this!

If you find that you are struggling to choose happiness and could use some support, help is just a phone call away at Peace River Center.📱 Reach out to their appointment line at (863) 248-3311.

Welcome Spring! 🌷

 

Happy Spring from InnerAct Alliance 🌷

 with special thanks to our friends

at Positively Present for the inspiring graphic!

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #15: Learn to Recognize Signs of Youth Substance Use – OTUS Trailer

 

Prevention Begins at Home!

Walk into an average teen's room and you'll likely find clothing piles on the floor, scattered school supplies on a desk, and a range of personal care products on the vanity. Nothing unusual for parents raising teens but looks can be deceiving.

Critical insights about teen behavior can be found within that clutter and correcting risky behaviors early is key to successful prevention. 

Statistics show most Polk County kids are doing the right thing - however as responsible parents, we should know the warning signs to look for in case our children or teen may be headed in the wrong direction. 

Introducing the OTUS Trailer

In 2019, InnerAct Alliance partnered with the Polk Sheriff's Charities to present an exciting new resource to educate adults and parents of teens in our community. The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" Trailer is an interactive mobile exhibit that houses a replica of a teen's bedroom that adults can walk through to interact with dozens of items on display and learn to recognize clues signaling potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors - visible in plain sight or concealed in everyday items.

Participants will be enlightened by what they learn and gain valuable information about current trends and resources to help children navigate safely through their teen years.

Book the OTUS Trailer for YOUR Organization 

This exhibit is a FREE educational resource made possible by Polk County Sheriff's Charities and InnerAct Alliance. Schools, churches, businesses, or community groups may invite an IAA representative to visit with the OTUS Trailer and share an informative presentation. 

Please note: a minimum parking space of 9' wide x 20' long is required at your location to accommodate the trailer

Adult Audiences only: due to the nature of material covered

Schedule: contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or https://www.inneractalliance.org/prevention-in-the-community.html?

It's important to know the facts and act responsibly to help prevent our children, students, neighbors, families and friends
 from becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #OwnTheUpside #OTUSTrailer #ParentEducation #PreventionBeginsAt Home #PolkSheriffsCharities #TeenSafety #SubstanceAbusePrevention #KnowTheWarningSigns #PolkCounty

Prevention Education Helps to Defy the Odds

 

Goals of prevention efforts are to delay the age of onset of substance use, prevent progression of use (to a potential substance use disorder), and reduce harms. One way to do that is to begin educating children at an early age - the earlier the better. 👪

Prevention experts recommend talking about alcohol and substances with your child when they are about 9 years old - before they are exposed to alcohol and other drugs. If you speak with your kids directly, honestly, and often - they are more likely to respect your rules and advice. This builds a solid foundation for communication and the opportunity to help shape a child's thoughts and actions about alcohol as they move forwards towards adolescence.

As a licensed prevention partner in the state of Florida, InnerAct Alliance works to empower youth to make smart choices and encourage adults to be stronger role models. 💪

Please support local prevention initiatives to help us stay ahead of substance use by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free program with your school students, PTA, church group, community organization, or business lunch/learn. Please call (863) 802-0777 or visit our website at: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids - Then & Now! 

For the past four decades, InnerAct Alliance's prevention programs have educated and encouraged healthy life choices for students based on evidence-based factual information. We are always amazed by the creative ways that students express their feelings about the importance of living alcohol- and drug-free and celebrating the truth that most young people do NOT use drugs or alcohol.

The Power of Social Norms

Students enjoy using their creative skills to positively encourage prevention! Statistics show that Social Norms Campaigns can effectively help teen rethink their position and change perception about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If kids believe they are among the majority who do NOT drink, smoke, or use substances, that becomes their truth and it influences the choices they make.

Messages from Kids Speak Volumes!

Student Creativity Today!

Please support InnerAct Alliance to help youth
succeed in all aspects of their lives!

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #StudentVoices #CreativeKids #PreventionArt #SocialNorms #DrugFree #StudentCreativity

Wishing You Luck of the Irish on St. Patty’s Day!

Everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!🍀This holiday began as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and spreading Christianity to Ireland. Today, it is celebrated as a day of revelry with food, drink, music, and all things Irish!💚

Remember to wear green and on this day, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more and you come into luck like never before! ☘

If you're looking to dish up something special for St. Patrick's Day dinner tonight, here are some delicious recipe ideas from corned beef & cabbage to hearty Irish stew to tasty Irish soda bread:

https://www.almanac.com/best-st-patricks-day-recipes

Final Project Prom Shopping Day: This Saturday March 21

 

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact have been busy this spring hosting our 14th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students. Our goal is to educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The final Student Shopping Day is this Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillard's).

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their formal wear FREE! Congrats to the Polk students who have already pledged and took home special dresses and suits on our February and earlier March shopping days. Over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Community members can support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and shirts (all sizes). 

Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on March 21 during shopping hours and at the IAA office at 621 South Florida Ave., in Lakeland (weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm). 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

Spring Break Safety: How to Keep Teens Safe & Responsible

 

Spring Break😎is an exciting time for teens as it offers a break from school, a chance to relax, and time to spend with friends. But, time off also comes with risks like peer pressure, substance use, and online dangers. 

 

Spring Break should be fun and exciting, but safety comes first. As a parent, you can help your teen stay safe with proactive communication and setting clear rules to avoid risks like substance abuse, accidents, and exploitation. By setting rules, talking openly, and giving teens the tools they need to make good choices, you can help them enjoy their time responsibly. 💪 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Informed Families to promote the Safe Homes, Smart Parties campaign, which offers, simple steps for parents to protect teens and keep spring break safe. 

Here are some suggestions to help your teen make smart choices during their spring break:

Make Your Home a Safe Space - The best way to keep your teen safe is by making sure your home is a secure, supportive place. Don't allow underage drinking or drug use at home. Communicate with other parents to ensure your teen is going to supervised gatherings. Plan fun, alcohol-free activities to keep your teen engaged and out of harm's way.

Set Clear Rules & Expectations - Before spring break starts, sit down with your teen and set ground rules. Talk about curfews, plans, and who they'll be with. Ask them to check in with you regularly through text or calls. If they are traveling, go over safety measures, emergency contacts, and how to handle unexpected situations.

Talk About Peer Pressure & Substance Use - Peer pressure is common during spring break. Help your teen feel confident in saying no to risky situations. Practice responses they can use if someone offers them alcohol or drugs. Encourage them to stay with friends who make smart choices. Remind them that underage drinking and drug use can lead to dangerous situations and bad decisions.

Teach Online & Social Media Safety - Teens are always online, so it's important they understand how to use social media safely. Explain that once something is posted online, it can't be erased, even if deleted. Warn them not to share their location, which could make them a target for strangers.

Talk About Safe Transportation - No matter where your teen is, they need a safe way to get around. Make sure they have access to safe rides. Remind them to never get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Encourage them to use rideshare apps, public transportation, or a designated driver if needed.

Keep Communication Open - Teens need to feel comfortable talking to you. Make sure they know they can reach out for help without fear of punishment - and that they can call you at any time if they feel unsafe. Listen and let them share their thoughts and concerns. Show support and understanding when discussing tough topics.

Take a stand against underage drinking and risky behavior by supporting the Informed Families' Safe Homes, Smart Parties Campaign. Visit: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/spring-break-safety-tips-for-parents      

We wish everyone a fun, relaxing, and safe Spring Break! 🌞        

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #13: Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #13 Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True!

Springtime means the countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to collaborate on Project Prom, now in its 14th year, to provide FREE formal wear to high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The Impact

Since 2013, over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to Polk teens! UthMpact also offers Project HOCO in the fall to provide formalwear for Homecoming!

Final Spring Student Shopping Day

Saturday, March 21
Time: 11AM to 4PM
Location: Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (3800 U.S. Hwy 98N, Lakeland) - enter to the right of Dillard's

Students with a Polk County High School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost!

Donations Needed

Community members may donate gently used dresses, men's suits, shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories. Especially needed are: Women's dresses sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) - Men's Suits in smaller sizes - Dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes)

Support Project Prom!

$40 = cost to print special tags for clothing
$400 = provides brochures for each teen/family
$4,000 = funds nearly 6 month's rent for the Project Prom Store

Donate

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate 

text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #ProjectProm #UthMpact #PromDresses #FreeFormals #PolkCountyTeens #MakingDreamsComeTrue #ProjectHOCO #CommunitySupport #DrugFreeProm

Today March 11 is National Promposal Day

Today, March 11, is National Promposal Day prompting teens across the nation to ask this exciting question:

"Will you go to Prom with me?" 🌷

Traditionally, Prom is one of the most memorable times in high school. Men's Wearhouse is credited with founding the first National Promposal Day in 2016 to inspire students to create the ultimate ask for their prom date. Get creative and have fun with it!❓😊

Prom takes a lot of planning! That's where InnerAct Alliance, UthMpact, and our Project Prom effort can help! Choose the perfect dress 👗, the coolest tux, shoes, and accessories for FREE in exchange for signing a pledge to celebrate this special event alcohol- and drug-free!

Our final Spring Project Prom Student Shopping Day is coming up next week on Saturday, March 21, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall. Visit the IAA Blog tomorrow for more info!