Support ACS!
Adolescent Counseling Services is a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. ACS' Tax Identification Number is 51-0192551
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Esther's Pledge
Substance Abuse Prevention Workshops
Parents and Teens Join Us!Young Adults
(ages 15-21)
1st Thursday
of every month
Parents of Youth
(ages 10-14)
3rd Thursday
of every month
Starting January 17, 2013
Workshops will be held at Palo Alto Family YMCA:
3412 Ross Rd, Palo Alto, CA
Workshops are free thanks to the generosity of Elizabeth & Mark Schar, but space is limited.
To reserve your spot, please contact:
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Substance Abuse Information Line
S A I L
650-384-3094SAIL is a confidential information, resource, and referral line for any teens, parents, or community members with questions regarding substance abuse Staffed Mondays - Fridays from 5pm to 7pm by local professional treatment counselors who are trained in crisis management
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Greetings!,
Happy Spring! This is one of my favorite times of the year as the days get longer and the weather allows for more time spent outside with our family and friends.
In this issue of our e-newsletter, you will read about how the On-Campus Counseling Program staff at La Entrada Middle School responded to the need for more communication with students about anxiety. With the encouragement of La Entrada's administration, ACS staff was able to address a subject that is often hard for middle school-aged youth to understand.
I want to remember a dear friend and long-time supporter of ACS, Suzan Stewart. Suzie served most recently on ACS' Board of Advisors and was an ardent supporter of the organization since its founding in 1975. Thanks to Suzie, and her late husband, Jim, ACS would not be where it is today without the Stewarts. My thoughts go to her loved ones this month as we mourn the loss of an incredible individual.
Lastly, Spring Sounds is just around the corner on Saturday, May 18th. Tickets and tables are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.springsoundsevent.org. Exquisite cars, fine wines, live and silent auctions - you do not want to miss this event! We look forward to seeing you there! 
Sincerely, Dr. Philippe Rey Executive Director |
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Join Adolescent Counseling Services for Springs Sounds 2013, in the most glamorous indoor parking lot you have ever seen. Surrounded by an exquisite collection of cars and barrels of wine, you will be among luxury as you dine, dance, and bid in the silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit Adolescent Counseling Services, providing critical programs to teens and families in our community. 
Individual Tickets: $180
Table of Ten: $1800 |
Addressing Anxiety in Middle School
Are kids really experiencing anxiety in fifth grade? According to Rom Brafman, Ph.D., ACS Site Director at La Entrada Middle School, fifth grade is no longer the carefree time it once was. "Many fifth graders already have the mindset of a high school student," he said. When asked what makes them anxious, students shared that academic performance is the main cause. "Students have told us they believe colleges have access to their fifth grade transcripts. If they didn't score a perfect grade, Harvard would not accept them," said Brafman.
With the cooperation and encouragement from administration and teachers at La Entrada, ACS Intern, Hillary Sinnott, MFTI, made presentations in early March to fifth and seventh grade rs at the school on the topic of anxiety. Often too young to know how to handle anxiety, fifth graders typically keep their feelings to themselves. For students this young, the thought of asking for help or reassurance from a trusted adult when they feel anxious does not occur to them.
Providing examples of trusted adults in their lives and stressing the importance of sharing their feelings with others was one key component to Sinnott's presentations. She also relied on relatable real life examples and interactive discussions to define anxiety. "We brainstormed together stress reduction techniques and ways to manage busy schedules and large homework loads," Sinnott added. ACS hopes that by engaging in interactive discussions with students about mental health issues, they will remember that what they are feeling is normal and know when and where to seek help.
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ACS Wants You!
Do you care about local teens and families? Are you interested in making sure accessible mental health services are available to the community? ACS is currently looking for individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. For more information about board membership, please contact Janet Chaikind, ACS Vice President, at governance@acs-teens.org. We also have positions open to serve on our committees. Anyone interested in supporting mental health services in our community is invited to apply. Committees with positions available are: the Fund Development and Marketing Committee and Governance Committee. For more information about committee openings, please contact Aarika Riddle at aarika@acs-teens.org or (650) 424-0852 ext. 103. |
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