Letter From the Director, Spring 2009
Spring has arrived! We have two interesting programs planned for May. The first: ChariTea Bear's Tea Party is a new signature event for The Family Center. The event was a great success. View photos from ChariTea Bear's 2009 Tea Party here. We will also be hosting a Meet & Greet for School & Mental Health Professionals. Read more in our Spring newsletter's calendar section. Download the newsletter here.
We also have prepared a PowerPoint presentation from our recent Meet & Greet event that summarizes the work of The Family Center:
This is the time of the year when we review our past programs and plant the seeds for upcoming programs. Two of our program planning committees - Early Childhood and Youth - are busy planning our fall and winter presentation lineup. Our Circle of Friends committee is busy working on our spring, fall and holiday events.
Community Events
Get Your Community Event Listed: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Young Women’s Lives
An 8 week empowerment program for young women, ages 14-17, and their parents. This series will empower young women to heal from the effects of violence, understand past destructive decisions including the role of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and learn new ways to address many issues.
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Kroger's Community Rewards Program makes fundraising for The Family Center automatic every time you use your Kroger Plus Card.
If you do not have a Kroger Plus Card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
Let's Get Started…It's Easy...just shop, swipe your Kroger Plus Card & earn money for The Family Center!
You will first need to enroll online. If you do not have online access, then you may enroll at any Kroger store.
The Ill Effects of Smoking
Q: "I see other kids in my high school class smoking, and I have been to their homes, and I have seen their parents smoking, and they all look very healthy to me. How bad can cigarette smoking be?"
A: Although there are no obvious outward effects when you see your friends and their parents smoking cigarettes, you should pay closer attention to the subtle signs, which often include cough, either for short or long periods of time. The longer you smoke, the more short of breath you become. Some of the other early signs of smoking include: chronic sinus conditions, watery nose, runny eyes, and other allergic-like symptoms.
Have a Safe Summer: How to Avoid Recreational Water Illness
By Glen Clark, MD, chief, Emergency Services, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
Q: I overhead someone talking about recreational water illnesses. I've never heard this term used before. What is it and what should I know about it?
A: The term recreational water illness (RWIs) refers to the transmission of germs spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water. RWIs can be present in pools, spas, lakes, rivers and oceans. RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections.
Read more: Have a Safe Summer: How to Avoid Recreational Water Illness
Social Isolation in Our Adult Lives
By Marla Ruhana, LMSW
Q. I am a 44 year old single mom, new to this area. I am finding it difficult to meet new friends and establish connections within the community. In the rush, rush of hectic busy days, I find it difficult to even connect with my kids' friends and their parents to develop new relationships. I have always been an extrovert and never imagined this would happen I would feel so isolated. Is this normal?
A. Social isolation is more common than you think. Living in a world consumed with technology, we all face the challenge of being more isolated. Many work from home with less chance of establishing and maintaining friends in the workplace. Most of us are rushing from one place to another and do not make much time for ourselves to simply visit with our neighbor. Most do not speak of this issue, but loneliness is apparent on many levels.
Seeking Professional Help for Anxiety or Depression
By David M. Benson, LMSW, ACSW of EastShore Counseling Services
Q: I'm a mom of two teenagers, married for 20 years, who is challenged by daily adolescent issues, marital issues, work pressures, aging parents... My friends, family, colleagues tell me I should seek professional help, that maybe I need medication for my anxiety and depressive symptoms? I'm a private person, uncomfortable sharing deep personal feelings. I don't want to be "analyzed." How can I benefit from seeing a "shrink?" What's the difference between a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist?
A: First, let me start by explaining the differences in professionals. I will answer your question, "How can I benefit from seeing a "shrink" next.
Read more: Seeking Professional Help for Anxiety or Depression
Dealing with Job Loss in the Family
Q: Two weeks ago my husband lost his job after working for the same company for 10 years. Are there any local programs that could help him? He seems lost and does not know were to begin. Applying on-line doesn't seem too promising. I wish I could help him, but I don't know what to do.
A: Losing a job is one of the biggest changes we can experience. People often say the only constant in life is change and in today's business environment, we are definitely experiencing change on every level.
Depression Awareness
Eric Hipple is a former NFL quarterback whose ten-year career was spent entirely with the Detroit Lions, from 1980 to 1990. His accomplishments include two playoff bids and a divisional championship. However, Hipple's life took a tragic turn in the year 2000, when his 15-year old son Jeff died by suicide. After struggling with depression himself in the aftermath of his son's death, Hipple decided to devote his energies to helping others to detect and treat depression, and to break down the stigma surrounding depressive illnesses.
