Author: smumma2

  • #BeThe1To – Follow Up

    As we come to the end of discussing the 5 Steps in the #BeThe1To campaign, we can only hope that our articles have made an impact in our community. Last week, we talked about the importance of helping people connect. Connecting with resources in their community ensures they get the help they need. For this last week, we will consider the ways one can follow up. Following up with a person can provide a further feeling of being connected.

    steps in the #BeThe1To campaign
    Visit the #BeThe1To Website

    The follow up step is similar to the principle of being there because all the steps are interconnected. It’s challenging to be there for someone especially during a physically distanced time like we are currently in. After forming a good relationship with them, establishing a regular schedule to check in on them would keep you connected while also keeping them safe.

    The first piece of advice is to purposefully set aside a time and date that you will follow up. This can provide them something to look forward to and send a message that you care. You could also send a Thank You postcard in part of the #BeThe1To Say Thank You campaign. Go to bethe1to.com and click on the Stories tab. You will find the ‘#BeThe1To Say Thanks’ highlighted in blue to follow up with someone. Thank them for their vulnerability in speaking with you about their current challenges.

    Distractions can cause disinterest.

    The next piece of advice would be to make sure you clear your calendar of all distraction for that time – maybe even put your phone away. If the follow up happens to be over the phone or video, just make sure that you are present so you can focus on your conversation with the person instead of other things that will cause them to think you don’t have their best intentions.

    ways to follow up with someone after crisis

    Never under estimate the value of showing up and checking in.

    We also like to remind you of the great resource that we would highly recommend to Wayne County. It is our online resource directory located on our website. Go to www.waynehelp.com. Click on Resource Directory to find a group, organization, or a number to call today of your interest. Get involved to have the opportunity to follow up with someone in the future and make a difference in their life!

    Become a part of Wayne County Family Connection

    Additionally, the Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative would like to invite anyone in our community to be a part of our group.  For more information, contact Lana Wright at 912-256-2150.  Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month. The upcoming meeting will be next week at 9:30am. Our website is www.waynehelp.com and our email is familyconnection@waynehelp.com if you have questions.

    If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, call the number below to speak with a professional in Wayne County.

    Mental Health Task Force # for Wayne County: 

    Business Hours 9am-5pm: 912-530-8889

    After Hours: 912-256-2150

    As always, if you see warning signs of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.

    Check back with us next week for a recap of what the Wayne County schools have done in effort of September being #SuicidePrevention Month!

  • #BeThe1To Help Them Connect

    #BeThe1To campaign
    bethe1to.com

    We are coming to the end of discussing the 5 Steps in the #BeThe1To campaign with the 4th step this week. Last week we talked about the importance of keeping them safe. This week, we will give you a few ways of how to help someone connect with resources in the community to get the assistance they need.

    Ways to Help Someone Connect

    Helping someone connect with ongoing supports like groups, organizations, or our Mental Health Task Force number (912-530-8889) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net will give them resources in their communities they can know and trust. If you feel comfortable enough, explore some of these possible supports with them. Some questions you could ask are:

    –     Are you currently seeing a mental health professional? 

    –     Have you seen one in the past? Is this an option for you currently? 

    –     Would you like to participate in any groups that focus on what you are struggling with?

    –     How would you feel about psychotherapy or being a part of a clinical trial?

    Then, it’s important to help them find mental health resources in the community that can effectively fulfill the help they are requesting.

    One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a safety plan. Having a safety plan in place includes a list of individuals to contact. With the world being so digital today, there are plenty of online resources as well as apps on your mobile devices that can help. The My3 app is a safety planning and crisis intervention app that can help develop these supports and is stored conveniently on your smartphone for quick access.

    ways to help someone connect
    RESOURCE DIRECTORY

    Another great resource that we would highly recommend is our online resource directory on our website. Go to www.waynehelp.com > Click on Resource Directory to find many different resources right here in Wayne County! Find a group, organization, or a number to call today so that they can get the help they deserve.

    Join the #BeThe1To Movement

    You can also go to www.bethe1to.com/join and download a #BeThe1To poster. Help people connect and bring awareness to Suicide Prevention Month by printing them out and hanging them in your communities. We can all take action in one way or another and sometimes something small like hanging up a poster can be big in helping someone through their day.

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative would like to invite anyone in our community to be a part of our group.  For more information, contact Lana Wright at 912-256-2150.  Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month. Our website is www.waynehelp.com and our email is familyconnection@waynehelp.com.

    If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, call the number below to speak with a professional in Wayne County.

    Mental Health Task Force # for Wayne County: 

    Business Hours 9am-5pm: 912-530-8889

    After Hours: 912-256-2150

    As always, if you see warning signs of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on collaborative meetings and other events. We have another meeting coming up on Monday, September 28th!

    Facebook

    Instagram

    In addition, please like and share. We’d love for these articles to reach everyone in the Wayne County Community!

  • #BeThe1To – Keep Them Safe

    bethe1to.com

    Last week, we discussed the importance of being there for someone in need. This week, we are discussing ways to keep them safe while they are going through this hard time in their life. So, you’ve asked them questions and you let them know you are there for them. Now it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety if needed. Questions such as, “Have they already done something that could be harmful?” or “Do they know of something that might happen?” would be great to know so that you can take precautionary measures.

    Their answers to your questions will help you.

    Next, the answers to questions you may have asked can tell you the severity of the situation. For example, you found out that the person has immediate access to a firearm. This is very serious and should be treated like so. Extra steps (like calling the authorities) would be necessary. Another example would be if someone has been depressed and talking about how they want to get out and volunteer to feel less lonely. You could offer to drive them to a place in town where they can use their skills to help others.

    Always be sure to check in on them and make sure you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

    One effective solution that Wayne County high schools students have been using is the StopIt app. It is a simple, fast, and most importantly anonymous way to report problems. You can use the mobile app, web or hotline number. This communication would be between a person and an administrator in real-time. If needed, they could turn it over to emergency services.

    There are also ways to personally keep yourself safe as well as others. An app that has been highly recommended is the Circle of 6 app. You pick six friends or family members to be in your circle. They can be notified if you’d like them to text or call you at a certain time. It even has a danger button that be activated to reach hotline numbers in situations such as domestic abuse.

    Follow these guidelines to help keep your community safe:

    • Don’t leave a person alone in a lethal situation
    • Check for signs of drug or alcohol overdose
    • If it’s an emergency, call 911 and notify a family member or friend
    • Get help from a trained professional
    • Make sure they have numbers to call/hotlines if they have talked or behaved in a manner that makes you believe they may put themselves in danger

    Your intervention may help the person see that other options are available to stay safe and get help. Follow us on social media to keep up with events, volunteer opportunities, meetings, and other news at wcfamilyconnect on Instagram and Family Connection – Wayne County, GA on Facebook!

    Become a part of Family Connection

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative would also like to invite anyone in our community to be a part of our group.  For more information, contact Lana Wright at 912-256-2150. Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month. Browse the rest of our website to learn more & connect with us if you have any questions.

    If you or someone you know is struggling today, call the Mental Health Task Force # for Wayne County to speak with a professional: 

    Business Hours 9am-5pm: 912-530-8889

    After Hours: 912-256-2150

    If you see warning signs of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on collaborative meetings and other events.

    Facebook

    Instagram

    In addition, please like and share. We’d love for these articles to reach everyone in the Wayne County Community!

  • Training That Can Impact Your Community

    connections matter training

    Hosted by: Share Health Southeast Georgia and the Wayne County Substance Abuse Coalition

    TRAINING DETAILS

    WHEN: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 — 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

    WHERE: TBD – if virtual you will receive a zoom link by email 2 weeks in advance


    CONTACT: Addison Mickens – amickens@sharehealthsega.org


    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND
    Click here to register!

    What is Connections Matter?

    Connections Matter is designed to engage community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency. The Connections Matter Georgia initiative is a collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.

    Why Attend the Training?

    • Interactive, discussion-based curriculum and better understanding of trauma, brain development, resilience, and health
    • Concrete knowledge about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
    • Action planning and next steps for how you can make a difference
    • Resources on trauma-informed care and implementation
    • Strategies for increasing and improving your own connections and tools for strengthening both personal and community resilience
    • Meeting other community members and building your network

    Who Should Attend?

    • Parents
    • Community Members
    • Childcare/Family SupportProfessionals
    • Non-Profit Professionals
    • Medical/Human ServicesProviders
    • Faith Organizations

    georgia child advocacy
    georgia child abuse

    Click here to register now!

  • #BeThe1To Be There

    Be The 1 To

    The next step in our campaign consists of a simple way to show those around you that you care. We are going to be there for them during this hard time. By simply being there for them, either physically, through a phone call, text, or a special little written note, etc., you are showing your support to their need. An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with what you said you were going to do. If you support the person, make sure that they know what it is you are doing. It can be easy for them to feel alone, pushed away, vulnerable, or that nobody cares.

    Don’t commit if you aren’t 100% sure you can fulfill the duty.

    It’s important that you don’t commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish. There also may come a time when you aren’t able to be there for somebody that is asking for help. One way you can still be involved is talking with them to develop some ideas for others who might be able to help. This shows them that you can help them in a different way than being physically there.

    Make sure you’re still listening.

    Although we are talking about how to be there for someone, listening is still just as important as it was when we discussed #BeThe1To Ask previously. Find out what and who they believe will be the most effective sources of help. Then, you can come up with a plan of how to make those sources available to the person without putting a burden on them.

    Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide or any kind of need can be life-saving. They desire for a need to feel connected to someone. They may even try to be involved more to make their problems seem less daunting while they get the help they need. By limiting their time spent alone, you have the opportunity to protect them from causing harm to themselves or others.

    Be There

    Check out this story from Savannah Lloyd. She wrote it in hopes that it can help others. In an article titled “To The People I Met on my Mental Health Journey” she writes, “Thank you for passing the tissues when it was all too much and my eyes finally poured the tears I tried so hard to hold back.” We would be naive to think there aren’t people in Wayne County that need some tissues as well. By Being There, we have a chance to alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with making life altering decisions in significant situations.

    Be a part of Family Connection

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative would like to invite anyone in our community to be a part of our group.  For more information, contact Lana Wright at 912-256-2150.  Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month. Browse the rest of our website to learn more & connect with us if you have any questions.

    Mental Health Task Force # for Wayne County: 

    Business Hours 9am-5pm: 912-530-8889

    After Hours: 912-256-2150

    If you see warning signs of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911. 

    Article Source: bethe1to.com/stories

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on collaborative meetings and other events.

    Facebook
    Instagram

    In addition, please like and share. We’d love for these article to reach everyone in the Wayne County Community!

  • #BeThe1To Ask

    One of the hardest things to do is admit you have a problem. However, in a crucial situation like suicide, it could be the difference between life or death. How will a person ever be able to admit they have a problem if they are never asked about it in the first place? This isn’t something we can sweep under the rug. 

    That’s why our first step may be the most important – Ask. Why ask? It shows the person that you are open to talking about their problems, you are ready to acknowledge their pain alongside them, care, be supportive and also listen with a non-judgmental approach. Questions like “Have you felt yourself feeling more depressed lately?” or “Have you thought about hurting yourself?” can open the door for the kind of relationship they have been longing for. It’s important to take their answers seriously, be attentive, provide your feedback and help them determine what next steps need to be taken to move forward from this heavy burden. 

    Another important tactic when having a conversation with someone who needs help is listening. Make note of any potential reasons they may have mentioned for wanting to stay alive. If so, it’s really useful to bring those back up and focus on those important aspects to stabilize their state of mind. 

    Ask them about their behaviors as well. This could give you a good idea of how severe the situation is (even though even passive thoughts of suicide are in need of equal addressing). This could be anything from making jokes about suicide (I’d be better off dead, I’m going to jump off a cliff), no interaction with friends, giving away important possessions, saying final goodbyes or going as far as seeking out means to take action about how they are feeling (buying a gun, visiting dangerous locations, substances).

    Underestimating the need for suicide prevention is disastrous.

    We may think it will never happen to us or a friend or a relative, until you are wrong and not prepared. We need to take the time now to bring awareness to mental health. We are living in a troubled world, now more than ever. Sandhya Raman from Roll Call says that economic and social pressures due to COVID-19 have greatly affected the number of recent suicide rates. By creating a ‘come together’ mentality against these troubling times in our communities, we can help prevent a great deal of suffering and save more lives.

    Don’t know how to help? There are plenty of ways to show your support to a friend who may be struggling.

    • Call a friend to check up on them (yes, it means a lot!)
    • Invite them over for a barbeque and game night
    • Create a music playlist for someone when they need a pick-me-up
    • Remind them of some funny or happy memories you share together

    Anything that shows them you are happy and thankful they are in your life. It could mean all the difference to them!

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative would like to invite anyone in our community to be a part of our group.  For more information, contact Lana Wright at 912-256-2150.  Our meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month. Our website is www.waynehelp.com and our email is familyconnection@waynehelp.com.

    Mental Health Task Force # for Wayne County: 

    Business Hours 9am-5pm: 912-530-8889

    After Hours: 912-256-2150

    If you see warning signs of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911. 

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on collaborative meetings and other events.

    Facebook
    Instagram

  • Interested in Head Start or Pre-K?

    By Lynn Robinson

    (Editor’s note: Lynn Robinson is the family services worker for Wayne County Head Start & Pre-K, a service provided by the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority.)

    Will your child be 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1? Immunizations current? Proof of income for the last 12 months (W-2 or three consecutive recent pay stubs, SSI, SSA, child support, or other)? No income?

    We have paperwork for you to use to complete the enrollment process. Come to Wayne County Head Start and Pre-K.

    This federally funded national program provides comprehensive child developmental services to children. Head Start works with other community agencies and contract professionals to provide a program with health, nutritional, educational, and social services. Just as in traditional educational facilities, your child’s attendance really matters. Children can’t learn if they do not attend.

    You, as a parent, are a big part of the process. Parents can become fully involved in the development of their child through our policy council, center committees, classroom volunteers and many other avenues. There are monthly parent meetings covering various subjects, including cooking, budgeting, child development, health resources and much more. There are monthly activities for fathers and other family members such as kite building, flower planting, bubble blowing and more to encourage the relationship between the parent and the child.

    What are some of the rewards? Children will gain skills that will assist them when entering public school. As a parent, you will gain skills and develop resources to help you to encourage further development in your child. Because family and family members participate in the process, children will understand that education is valuable and that their families want them to be successful.

    So what’s next? To apply for Head Start (and Pre-K), you will need the child’s birth certificate, proof of income (last 12 months or calendar year), and a Georgia immunization certificate (Form No. 3231). Please be ready to supply the Social Security number, the child’s most recent physical exam and dental exam, and a medical insurance document. Pre-K placement requires additional documents, including residency information, a 3300 form and a Pre-K enrollment form.

    Once you have submitted all of the information, if your child is determined to be eligible for the program, your child will be placed on a priority list based on information from your application. The points are arranged from highest to lowest. Selection is not done on a first-come, first-served basis. The list is constantly changing as each new application is taken. The process is easy and the rewards are great!

    More information?  Please contact 427-4527, or visit Wayne County Head Start and Pre-K at 724 N. Fourth St. in Jesup. See you soon!

  • #Bethe1To

    Wayne County Family Connection has been doing a lot in our community during this time that has been affected by Covid-19. Our focus has been on mental health awareness throughout Wayne County. and what can be done to bring more awareness in hopes of removing the stigma associated with mental health. May is Mental Health awareness month, established in the United States in 1949. One way to bring awareness has been implemented in Wayne County High School as they put into action the “Be The 1 To” campaign. Wayne County Family Connection would like to join with WCHS and challenge our citizens to “Be The 1 To”.

    Bethe1toask

    #BeThe1To

    Ask: Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you are open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.

    Keep Them Safe: First, it is good for everyone to be on the same page. After the “Ask” step, and you have determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it is important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.

    Be There: This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk.

    Help Them Connect: Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing support that can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis.

    Follow Up: After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you have connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they are doing.

    For more information on the “Be The 1 To” campaign and what we are doing to bring awareness follow Wayne County Family Connection on social media.

  • Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative Celebrates Rayonier Advanced Materials $12,500 Gift for “Mental Health Task Force” Initiative Amid COVID-19

    JESUP, GA. – May 7, 2020 – Amid a growing need for resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative announced today that Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE: RYAM) contributed $12,500 to its Mental Health Task Force Committee—an initiative that is focusing on areas of mental health, substance abuse, student success and homelessness in Wayne County. The grant was made through Rayonier Advanced Materials’ charitable arm, the RYAM Foundation.

    “We’re immensely grateful for Rayonier Advanced Materials’ generous contribution and we look forward to putting their dollars into action,” said Lana D. Wright, Executive Director at the Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative. “This grant will go a long way in decreasing social poverty, mental health crises and substance abuse disorders within Wayne County—and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Many Wayne County families are hurting right now.”

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative’s Mental Health Task Force Committee is dedicated to improving Behavioral Health services in Wayne County by developing cross-organizational partnerships to identify and manage the needs of citizens at risk for social deprivation. Rayonier Advanced Materials’ grant will help address the community’s needs by optimizing key areas in Behavioral Health services. 

    “Weathering this crisis means pulling together,” said Paul Boynton, President and Chief Executive Officer at Rayonier Advanced Materials. “It’s our responsibility to help our neighbors in need. The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative is doing excellent work on the ground and we’re proud to support them.”

    Rayonier Advanced Materials said the $12,500 contribution is part of a larger initiative to assist local nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis in the communities where the company operates. The company gave a total of $42,500 to four local nonprofits in the Wayne County area. 

    “We know these gifts will make a difference,” said Jay Posze, President of the RYAM Foundation. “Not only by providing these deserving nonprofits with some much-needed assistance, but also by spotlighting the truly indispensable work they do. We hope others are encouraged to give as well.”

    About The Wayne County Family Connection

    The Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative has been a part of Wayne County for many years.  We look at areas of school success and opportunities for improvement as a concern within our community. Our Collaborative is focused on sustaining close relationships with our partners through supporting our schools, civic organizations, and our community.

    Through our collaboration and collective efforts, we have learned that we can make collective impacts. Listening, learning, acting, and gaining wisdom, along with our statewide network, allows us to share stories of success, and resources. Ultimately our primary accomplishment is to enjoy the prosperity that comes from having vibrant, healthy families and communities throughout Georgia. The Executive Director for the Wayne County Family Connection Collaborative, Lana D. Wright extends an invitation to the public to join our Collaborative which meets the 4th Monday in each month at 9:30 a.m. Our meeting location is 367 Bamboo Street, Jesup, Georgia.                                                               

    familyconnection@waynehelp.com – 912-256-2150.  

Accessibility by WAH