April 2020 Newsletter Dear Partners for Healthy Kids Community,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones doing well and staying healthy during this unprecedented time. For those who I haven't met, my name is Annie McDaniels, the new Partners for Healthy Kids Specialist. I am grateful for this opportunity to partner together, and look forward to working with you supporting the health and well-being of local youth, their families, and our community.
In the last month, we have experienced changes and challenges that have never been experienced before. Now, more than ever, it is time to band together and do what we can to support and take care of one another. The work and the outreach which has already taken place to promote and support overall health and well-being is incredible. The speed at which organizations and individuals have responded and been able to adjust their programming and delivery methods has been truly amazing.
Given the current circumstances, there is a lot of information being sent electronically. It can be overwhelming at times, but also wonderful to see the number of opportunities and resources available right at the tip of your fingers. Listed below are resources which contain valuable information regarding health and well-being -- both specifically for this time during COVID-19, as well as services that are on-going. There are quite a few links that contain comprehensive lists of resources, as well as links that are need-specific. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out and let me know.
Thank you for your support and commitment to our students, family and community. Please take care and be well.
With gratitude, Annie McDaniels Partners for Healthy Kids Specialist annemarie.mcdaniels@wayzataschools.org
Please visit Partners for Healthy Kids for more information.
Meeting Updates All are welcome. Please join us, and please share with colleagues and community members. Next Meeting: TBD Thanks to everyone who participated in our March meeting. Since recommendations on social distancing are continually changing, our May meeting is TBD. Once we have a clearer picture of what the recommendations will be for mid-May, we will send out an update.
March Meeting Highlights
2020-2021 Meetings - Second Wednesday of the Month The schedule for 2020-21 Partners for Healthy Kids meetings will remain the same. Please mark your calendars and join us! All are welcome. Dates for next year: September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14 and May 12. Time: 3:00- 4:15 p.m. Location: Hennepin County Library, Plymouth, Plymouth Room.
COVID-19 Resources The following information includes items shared by our partners as well as resources from state and county officials. Hennepin County Libraries Libraries are currently closed, but many services are still available at home. Please visit this link for the most current information.
Online tutors are also available - please visit Homework Help for more information.
Interfaith Outreach List of current services available - food shelf, employment services and more - can be found at COVID-19 Response webpage.
Mindful Schools 10 free online mindfulness classes for kids are available on the Mindful Schools website.
On April 29, Mindful Schools is holding an online live event about resilience and practical strategies for sheltering in place with kids. Please visit live event webpage for more information.
MyHealth Clinic for Teens and Young Adults - Ages 12-26 MyHealth is open and providing care for all in need and new clients. For more information, please visit the MyHealth Website.
MyHealth Mental Health Counseling Services Flyer MyHealth Vaping Flyer
Relate Counseling Teletherapy services are available for new and current clients. For more information, please visit Relate's Teletherapy page.
Wayzata Public Schools A comprehensive list of resources and information are available at the district's COVID-19 webpage.
The Virtual Calming Room contains links to calming sounds/music, visual relaxation, guided meditations, journaling, puzzles, games, coloring, yoga, and other resources.
Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute Free on-demand workshops, webinars and handouts on mental health and resilience available at the CTRI website.
United Way of the Greater Twin Cities Applications for grants are being taken through April 22 for nonprofits and partnerships expanding current services, and/or finding new and creative ways to carry out services and support their clients' emergency needs. Please see Greater Twin Cities COVID 19 Response and Recovery Fund (2020) for information.
State and County Resources Select the "Resources" tab for a comprehensive list of resources at the State of MN website.
Disaster Mental/Behavioral Health and COVID-19
DHS is requesting proposals from vendors for diverse media messaging. Funding is available for multiple media contracts. Visit Services for COVID-19 Diverse Media Messaging for more information.
Hennepin County recently compiled a list of mental well-being and mental health services for children, parents, families and providers on this Children's Mental Well-being and Mental Health Resources document.
Hennepin County Community Action Partnership (HC-CAP) Resource Guide
For additional information from the county, please visit their Hennepin County COVID-19 site which lists services currently available. Services include information lines for essential needs and COVID-19 as well as information on financial assistance, health care assistance and many other services.
Community Updates and Resources The following information is shared from the many partners in our community. If you have something you'd like to share, please contact me at AnneMarie.McDaniels@wayzataschools.org. Deadline for submission is the second Wednesday of every month, end of day. Thanks! From our Plymouth Police Department: We know that it can be difficult or even inconceivable for some families to reach out to the Police Department to ask for help with questions about fraud and scams, juvenile issues, laws and city ordinances, domestic violence, orders for protection, request copies of reports, etc.
The Police Department has a Desk Officer on-duty, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. who anyone can call anonymously to gather information or ask for help when they have questions. The Desk Officer can be reached at 763-509-5192.
The Two Sided Desk Officer Resource Card has additional information presented in English, Somali, Spanish and Russian.
Unstable Housing/Homeless Resources: Resources for teens and families experiencing unstable housing.
Helping youth find shelter and services. Mobile app available from Apple and Google Play.
LGBTQ Resources Resources for Gender Inclusive Schools
Elementary and Middle School Age Resource - Little Tigers
Outfront Resource List for Youth Organizations
Minnesota Trans Gender Health Coalition - Support Groups
Domestic Violence - Sexual Violence Support and Resources: Western Suburbs: Sojourner Crisis Shelter
Minneapolis Area: Harriet Tubman Centers
24-Hour Support Line: Sexual Violence Center: 612-871-5111 or 952-448-5425
Substance Abuse Prevention Community Coalition partnering to prevent youth substance abuse and promote mental health awareness.
Suicide Prevention Mayo Clinic Video for families and those worried about their child/friend. It's Time to Talk About It - A Family Guide for Youth Suicide Prevention
ACEs: Trauma Informed & Behavior Management As we move toward becoming a more trauma sensitive community we share current research and community conversations so we all stay informed and involved.
Nadine Burke Harris's TED Talk on childhood trauma.
The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, Atlanta Speech School's Every Opportunity video illustrates how to give every child the opportunity to find their voice.
Additional Resources
Parent Catalyst Leadership Group (PCLG) is a group of parents and caregivers of children with diagnosed mental health conditions in Hennepin County.
Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ready to help military families. Everyone gets stressed. Change to Chill is here to help you figure out what stress is, what causes it and how you can manage it. This is a great website for educators, professionals, and families to help our youth learn resilience. Resources Free resources for parents, educators and adults to positively impact the mental health of someone they care about. Learn More
Serving kids and families in Wayzata Public Schools. We bring together leaders from the education, healthcare, business, non-profit, religious, and civic sectors to support the health and well-being of Wayzata Public Schools' kids and their families. Visit Partners for Healthy Kids for more information.
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