| Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online |
September 2011 |
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 Helping Kids Transition
New school year or grade, teach your kids change is part of life
It's that time of year again when change is in the air. Whether it's beginning kindergarten, changing grades, entering middle school, starting high school or going off to college, our kids go through a lot of transitions and change in their lives. These transitions can create stress and behavioral problems no matter the age. As parents, we can help by maintaining a healthy attitude toward change and supporting our kids. For tips on helping your kid transition, click here.
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 In The News
Important information you want to know
Teens, friends and bad decisions - A recent study out of Temple University used functional MRI to study the effects of friends on brain activity. The findings suggest that teenage peer pressure has a distinct effect on brain signals involving risk and reward, helping to explain why young people are more likely to take risks when friends are watching. Click here for the full article.
Comprehensive guide to street drugs - The Partnership at Drugfree.org has released its most recent online guide for illegal drugs. The guide includes drug descriptions, slang terms, short term- and long term- effects, images, federal classifications and more. Click here for the online guide, and bookmark it for future use.
Talk to your kids about the choking game - According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 6% of youth have tried the choking game, and 13% of kids say they know of people who had tried it. Often kids who wouldn't use drugs will experiment with the choking game. Click here for an information-filled video.
Bullying causes drop in grades - Bullying may contribute to a drop in high school students' grades, especially for black and Hispanic teens who are high achievers, a new study has found. For the full article, click here.
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 YES Welcomes New Board Member
Linda Reichenbach is active member of the Eastside community
YES is pleased to welcome Bellevue resident Linda Reichenbach to the Board of Trustees. Linda is an active community volunteer and a long-time supporter of YES.
"I know first-hand how issues like depression, addiction and emotional distress can impact a family," said Reichenbach.
"I look forward to utilizing my many community connections and my great enthusiasm for YES to have a positive impact on the organization and their fundraising efforts," she adds.
Reichenbach first became involved with YES over 10 years ago when she was invited to attend the Invest in Youth fundraising breakfast. The next year she hosted a table at the breakfast, and then she became involved in the committee that organizes the event. Last year she hosted four tables and raised more than $12,500 for YES.
"Linda has worked tirelessly to advocate for YES and spread the word about our services, and she has been instrumental in helping us grow our breakfast fundraiser," noted YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. "We are grateful for her dedication and very pleased she has joined our board."
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 SUCCESS Backpack Event
Bellevue firefighters donate backpacks for kids
The SUCCESS mentoring program, which matches volunteer mentors with YES clients, hosted a back to school event with firefighters, kids and their mentors. Thanks to the generous support of the Bellevue Fire Department, 60 kids were given backpacks filled with school supplies to start the new year.
Our young mentees were also given disposable cameras donated by Bank of America, the workplace of a SUCCESS mentor. The firefighters came to the event after being on an emergency call, and the youth had fun taking pictures of the firefighters and were able to ask questions about their profession. The event was a huge success!
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It's back to school time, and that can mean stress for kids and families. Remember, YES is here to help with conflict, anxiety, substance abuse and any other issues that might arise. Transitions can be difficult for young people to manage, so if you or anyone you know needs help coping with these issues, please visit: www.youtheastsideservices.org, or call us anytime at 425.747.4937. Donations to the Lifeline Fund make it possible for YES to serve Eastside kids and families regardless of ability to pay.
Patti Skelton-McGougan
Executive Director |
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