DECEMBER 2023
Upcoming Events
1/11 Klem North Family Game Night with WHEN 6:15 p.m. REGISTER HERE. This event is exclusively for Klem North students and their families. Be on the lookout for WHEN Family Game Nights at more Webster schools in the coming months!
Operation Parent webinars on demand: Access a host of helpful information for parents and families on a wide variety of topics on the Operation Parent website.
On demand Naloxone training is available here, along with the location of several Naloxone boxes in Webster.
Webster Headlines
It's happening! Our protective factor signs are going up on WCSD buildings and grounds! We'd like to thank the Webster school district for their partnership in this effort. See a few examples below. We've been working on this project for quite some time. If you aren't familiar with the inception of this project, check out our spotlight below for the video history!
Another exciting project we've had in the works is moving forward as well. We have 2,000 stickers ready for take-out packages and are meeting with potential restaurant partners! We are also in need of a WHEN volunteer or two to manage emailing our monthly winner of a pizza gift certificate and mailing it to them. Please contact Janine if you are able to manage that (one winner per month).
PSA: URMC is offering Nicotine Dependence Treatment for all ages. In-person appointments, telehealth, and free Commit to Quit group sessions are all available. This is an amazing resource for our community and has the potential to help so many struggling with nicotine addiction. It's particularly beneficial to our youth population who have seen an increase in nicotine dependence, but have had few resources to help them quit.
Meaning Helps to Build Protective Factors for our Kids
“Protective factors are conditions or attributes in individuals, families, and communities that promote the health and well-being of children and families.” - ChildWelfare.gov
Having meaning in your life produces these protective factors: opportunities for prosocial involvement in the community, family, and school, attachment and bonding to the family, and building of social skills.
By WHEN member, Judi Swanson, LCSW~R
Temple Grandin said, “When I was younger I was looking for this magic meaning of life. It’s very simple now. Making the lives of others better, doing something of lasting value. That’s the meaning of life.” As the holiday season is upon us even with the hustle and bustle, there is time for reflection about what the holidays mean to you. What traditions within your family or in your community provide special memories and feelings of joy? Perhaps you are looking to create meaning for yourself or in your family centered around kindness, giving, and connecting.
“Good morning. Set the thermostat for your heart today. The temp where you like it. You know yourself, you know what you need. Take your time.” -Lin-Manuel Miranda
An article in Slumberkins.com says, “Each family, community, and culture have ideas about what their holidays mean to them. Oftentimes, these ideals are built around shared values like generosity, connection, faith, and gratitude.” This article continues to say, “It’s normal for children to get excited about new toys and gifts. In fact, it can be a useful opportunity to support their emotional learning.” Slowing down, setting boundaries, saying no, building holiday traditions that center on people and experiences for the present of presence strengthens individuals, families, and relationships. Providing our children with structure, sleep, and moments that encourage giving helps build meaningful memories.
“I don’t say no because I am so busy. I say no because I don’t want to be so busy.” - Courtney Carver
The Slumberkins article also says, “Let’s say your child tells you that they’re hoping to get a new playset this year. Try validating their excitement by saying, ‘Wow! You really love building things. Tell me what makes them so much fun for you.’ This way, you help your child understand their own feelings and interests while you acknowledge their strengths.” Keep in mind not everyone celebrates the same holidays, and for some people the holidays are reminders of difficult times. A focus on being kind, compassionate, and giving helps create lasting memories for individuals and families while strengthening community bonds. WHEN wishes everyone a safe and meaningful holiday season.
Spotlight
If you ever wondered where we got the idea to create signs with encouraging messages that help develop protective factors, it was all Olivia's idea, so she is in the spotlight this month! Check out the slide show below for her story!
Upcoming Meetings
Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 13 at noon. Register here to receive details for both in-person and online options.
We meet in person AND online via Google Meet the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Many of us join during our lunch break. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. In fact, our goal is to have representation from all walks of life, to better meet the needs of the whole community. If you missed the last meeting, view it via the link below. We plan to make the most recent meeting available on our website going forward.
Read last month's Coalition Meeting Minutes.
Reminder
Amplify the positive! Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @whendfcc. When you like, retweet, comment and share our posts, or forward our newsletters to your friends, you help to strengthen our community’s health and well-being. Happy holidays!