Master Hardships; Be an Overcomer

By Steve Holzmeyer, Courier & Press, May 5, 2015 –

At the conclusion of this year’s NCAA championship game, most of the focus was on the winning Duke team and their jubilation, but we also saw the sad faces of the Wisconsin players as they suffered from “the agony of defeat.”

Life is like that. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. It is much easier to accept success, but there can also be great opportunity in how we react to the disappointments that we all face from time to time.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the ups and downs of life. Those of us who are older usually have acquired a greater perspective on things like peer pressure, mistreatment, the loss of a loved one, or the failure to achieve a desired goal. However, for a teenage boy, the loss of a girlfriend can seem like a devastating event from which recovery is uncertain. This is particularly true for those with low self-esteem.

Growing up my feeling of self-worth was very low and was paired with a painfully shy personality. My coping mechanism was to withdraw into a shell with limited personal contact outside of my own family. The failures, disappointments and hurts I encountered led me to isolate myself even further. This was my survival tactic, and it delayed the full development of my personality for many years.

How should I have dealt with this, and how should other young people overcome disappointment?

The first step is to accept that we all fail at times. There will be disappointments. We are going to be treated poorly by others occasionally. There are also going to be tragedies in our lives. This is the reality of life.

But there is much to be learned from failure and loss. Learn to look within yourself and analyze what has happened. What went wrong? What could have been done differently to change or improve the results?

The next step is to create a plan that responds to your difficulty or need in a positive way. Late in my teenage years I developed the habit of getting angry when I failed or felt I had been treated unfairly. However, it was a productive and controlled anger that forced me out of my shell for the purpose of proving people wrong or changing others’ opinions about me. We must sometimes speak up and assert ourselves.

Another way to respond to disappointment is by finding places where you will be accepted and valued. For me, it was becoming involved in the community outreach work of my church. For others it might be volunteering at a nonprofit like Youth First, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lifted up as a valuable part of the mission. Involvement in a meaningful cause will build self-esteem.

Your reaction to failure or hardship is much more important than your reaction to success. You can give up — or you can let disappointment motivate you and spur you on to higher achievement. It was that incredible overcomer Helen Keller who said, “A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.” Be an overcomer!

Steve Holzmeyer is controller and office manager for Youth First, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

 

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We Can Work Together to Prevent Child Abuse

By Davi Stein-Kiley, Courier & Press, April 28, 2015 –

Ronny was 14 years old when he and his mother appeared at my door. His mother described an incident that had occurred while Ronny was in the dressing room of a gym. An older man had exposed himself to Ronny.

Ronny was “freaked out” and didn’t know what to do. Only after the same man had exposed himself on four or five more occasions did Ronny finally talk to his mom.

Brittany came to counseling as a 24-year old woman. She was trying to understand why certain sounds and smells created dire panic attacks for her. Brittany had been neglected as a small child (left in her crib, unfed and later left outside the home). Scared and isolated, she had to contend with distress and the distrust of others for many years.

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Abuse and neglect take on many forms. It seems intuitive that child abuse is a “bad thing,” but just how bad are we talking?

According to Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN), during 2012 there were 177,382 reports of child abuse and neglect statewide with 20,008 substantiations. (Substantiation means that an investigation took place and the allegation was determined to be true.) Of the substantiated cases, 74 percent were related to neglect, 16 percent from sexual abuse and the remaining 10 percent from physical abuse.

In 2012 the Department of Child Services’ Annual Child Fatality Report reviewed 34 child fatalities that were substantiated for abuse or neglect. Of the deaths reported, 44 percent were due to abuse and 56 percent were due to neglect. Sixty percent of these children were age one or younger. Unfortunately, this trend indicates that young children are at the highest risk of abuse and neglect.

Bessel Van der Kolk’s influential research is steering the conversation that surrounds traumatic life events and how they impact victims. His book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” discusses research efforts toward understanding how the brain is rewired to respond when there is repeated developmental trauma.

Brain changes create long-term consequences rendering fight, flight or freeze responses to sensory cues that are often hidden or unpredictable. The brain over-responds, sensing danger in too many places, triggering overreactions and emotional dysregulation. These responses are often hard to understand and may be viewed as dramatic and/or attention seeking.

According to the Children’s Bureau, each year nearly three million U.S. children experience some form of abuse or maltreatment. This maltreatment is largely perpetrated by a family member or adult caregiver in the child’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics has noted that psychological maltreatment is the “most challenging and prevalent form” of child abuse and neglect.

Psychological maltreatment involves both emotional abuse and emotional neglect and is the chronic pattern of ignoring a child’s basic emotional needs. When needs go unmet, neglect conveys to the child that he/she is worthless, unloved or unwanted.

We can do better on behalf of our youth and our future. Prevent Child Abuse has a slogan: “No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. And together, we can do anything. Together, we can prevent child abuse!”

Are you concerned about a child you know? For more information, go to pcain.org. Contact the Child Protective Services (CPS) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-800-5556 to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

Davi Stein-Kiley is director of social work for Youth First, Inc., a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Learn more by visiting youthfirstinc.org or calling 812-421-8336.

 

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Studying Abroad Expands Horizons

By Margery Gianopoulos, Courier & Press, April 21, 2015 – Is your college student thinking about studying abroad? My daughter left in January to study in Greece for the spring semester. From the very beginning her dad and I were very supportive. We knew what a great experience it would be and loved the idea that she would be in Greece where we still have family and her grandparents were born.

However, as the time got closer for her to leave, our fears kicked in. Would she be able to figure out how to get places? How would she do with the language? Would she make good choices? And most importantly — would she be safe?

As our daughter’s departure came closer, I found I was constantly talking to her about safety. With recent acts of terrorism taking place around the world, having our daughter that far away was frightening. Just as the movie “Jaws” made us leery of swimming in the ocean, the movie “Taken,” starring Liam Neeson, has heightened our concerns for students studying abroad.

Letting your children go and do things on their own is one of the healthiest things a parent can do. Whether it’s going down the slide at the playground when they are 3 or flying across the ocean to study as a young adult, trusting that it will be OK is incredibly important for both the parent and child.

Our daughter has grown so much in just the two short months she’s been gone. She has had experiences that will stay with her forever, and studying abroad has amazing benefits.

The Institute for the International Education of Students surveyed alumni from all of their study abroad programs from 1950-1999. No matter where the students went to study or the length of the program, the data shows that studying abroad is usually a defining moment in a young person’s life and continues to impact their life for years after the experience.

I feel I have grown as a parent, too. I still have concerns about her safety, but she has proved she makes good choices. Trusting that she can take care of herself is very rewarding. I am letting go of control, and that’s not easy, but I’m proud of myself for doing it. It helps that we text almost daily through Viber and connect on Facebook. Seeing her pictures makes me wish I was there to experience these things with her.

If you have a child who is interested in studying abroad, encourage them to do so. Here are some tips that might make letting go easier:

Keep in mind that violent crime is rare and the majority of study-abroad programs are incident free.

Have a communication plan. How often will you hear from them? Can you Skype or video-chat? Set a time each week when you will connect.

Ask your child to let you know their itinerary when they travel to other countries. Know who are they traveling with, and get the name and contact information of roommates and others in their program.

The advantages of our daughter studying abroad have definitely outweighed our fears. We are certainly anxious to see her again, hear her stories, and see the changes this experience has made in her.

 

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2015 Don Mattingly Award Winners Announced

Don Mattingly Award nomineesDon Mattingly Award winners and finalists were announced at our Passport to Adventure Auction at St. Mary’s Manor on April 9, 2015.  Congratulations to these outstanding young people, who have exhibited the character traits Don Mattingly possesses.

  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Commitment to Self-Improvement
  • Ability to Overcome Adversity
  • Positive, Winning Attitude
  • Commitment to Help Others Succeed in Life

Award Winners:

Nancy Chavarria (High School winner)
Tory Thompson (Middle School winner)

Finalists:

Lindsey Alvey
Cooper Fleck
Rosalyn Fulkerson
Drew Fonner
Angel Hite
Haley Holman
Shelby Howard
Kaleb Krohn
Blake Palmer
Shelby Phelps
Morgan Richter
Adriana Vasquez
Toni Waddell

 

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News Release- SW Indiana Youth Report Less Substance Abuse

April 1, 2015 – Youth First, Inc. Releases Results of 2014 Southwest Indiana Youth Survey – The Southwest Indiana region appears to be making progress in preventing and reducing teen substance abuse, according to a report released today by Youth First, Inc. The latest Southwest Indiana Youth Survey shows teenagers are reporting lower substance abuse rates than the state and national averages in many categories.

View Survey Report:   Southwest Indiana Youth Survey Report 2014

“When Youth First started tracking similar data back in 1999, our region’s substance abuse rates were typically higher than the state and national averages, but parallel with the growth of Youth First’s prevention model over the last decade, we have seen declines,” said Parri O. Black, President & CEO of Youth First. “Fewer teens reported regularly using alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana in 2014 than teens in the last regional survey in 2009.”

The 2014 survey includes anonymous responses from over 6,000 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in the five counties where Youth First provides programs and services: Gibson, Pike, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick.

In the spring of 2014, the Indiana Prevention Resource Center (IPRC) at Indiana University collected data from over 130,000 youth statewide. In the report shared by Youth First, the state and regional results were compared with national data from Monitoring the Future, which tracks youth substance abuse across the country.

Southwest Indiana’s 8th graders reported significantly lower monthly alcohol (9.7%), binge drinking (7.8%), and monthly marijuana use (5.6%) than the state. However, the region’s 12th graders reported significantly higher monthly alcohol use (37.9%) and binge drinking rates (35.8%).

“Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are serious threats to the health, safety, and futures of our youth, families, and communities,” Black said. “Drugs and alcohol are the leading causes of crime among youth and major risk factors for teenage suicide and teenage pregnancy. Study after study shows students who are regular users are less likely to do well in school and less likely to graduate.”

For the first time, the Southwest Indiana Youth Survey also includes data about mental health concerns. Over 20% of the 6,000 students surveyed reported feeling sad or hopeless, which can be a risk factor for suicide. Over 15% of the 8th and 10th graders reported considering suicide.

“This is similar to or even lower than the state and national averages, but they are alarming statistics nonetheless,” Black said. “Clearly, we need to redouble our efforts to build hope and resiliency in our youth.”

Founded in Evansville, Indiana in 1998, Youth First, Inc. works to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families using a comprehensive model of prevention in partnership with communities, schools and other agencies. Most significantly, Youth First provides specially trained Master’s level social workers for 50 schools and hundreds of prevention programs for youth and families. Independent evaluations indicate that Youth First’s model is reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors linked to substance abuse and other high risk behaviors.

“Most of our youth are not regularly using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, but we still have plenty of work to do to help all young people reach their full potential,” Black said. “Our communities must be attentive, persistent, and collaborative over the long-haul, insisting on doing what really works to protect future generations from the ravages of substance abuse and other risky behaviors.”

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Teaching Disability Awareness and Acceptance

by Amber Russell, Courier & Press, March 31, 2015 – Ridicule — the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way; harsh comments made by people who are laughing at someone or something.

We have all seen someone poke fun at others, and perhaps we’ve even done it ourselves. How often have you said something like, “Listen to the way he talks” or “She is weird”?

As a Youth First School social worker, too often I work with children who have been called names such as “stupid” or “retarded,” or I hear about someone being made fun of because of how they walk, talk or look. Many times the targets are people with disabilities. Young children are often curious and don’t understand people or things that are different from them.

March is Disability Awareness month, which makes it the perfect time to teach kids that people with disabilities are more like us than they are different from us. They have hopes, goals, hobbies, family and friends, fears and anxieties just like everyone else. Use this month to increase your knowledge on disabilities and share the information with your kids.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to get the conversation going:

1. Talk about the Universal Access Symbol and explain that while the symbol is a person in a wheelchair, it really is a symbol for accessibility for people with disabilities. Explain that having a disability does not mean those individuals can’t do things; they may just need accommodations such as a ramp, wheelchair, hearing aide, extra help in school, or a voice activated computer or phone. See how many different places in the community you can identify the symbol.

2. When kids ask questions, try to be positive. For example, stress that hearing aids help others hear and wheelchairs help others move around, instead of using negatives (he can’t hear, she can’t walk, etc.). Your child may see a child who acts out and ask, “Why does that kid always act like that?” This may be a good time to explain how difficult and frustrating it is for kids with autism or other disabilities to communicate. You might tell them that some kids act out or have outbursts because they can’t express what they are thinking and feeling.

3. Visit the book store or library and read books about disabilities with your child. I really like the Special Kids in School series by JayJo Books. They have titles such as “Taking Tourette Syndrome to School” and “Taking Down syndrome to School.” Just ask your local librarian or book store employee for more suggestions.

4. If your child is not into reading, try using the Internet. Use the web to find movies or TV shows that feature characters with a disability or portray what it’s like living with a disability. Research celebrities who are disabled. There are a lot of great websites out there with a vast amount of information. Two of my favorites are: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cedir/kidsweb/default.html and http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/awareness.

Finally, remember that your child will model your behaviors. It is important that you model acceptance and inclusion through your own words and actions. Teaching them acceptance is essential for raising a sensitive and kind human being.

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Teaching Disability Acceptance and Awareness

by Amber Russell, Courier & Press, March 24, 2015 –

Ridicule — the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way; harsh comments made by people who are laughing at someone or something.

We have all seen someone poke fun at others, and perhaps we’ve even done it ourselves. How often have you said something like, “Listen to the way he talks” or “She is weird”?

As a Youth First School social worker, too often I work with children who have been called names such as “stupid” or “retarded,” or I hear about someone being made fun of because of how they walk, talk or look. Many times the targets are people with disabilities. Young children are often curious and don’t understand people or things that are different from them.

March is Disability Awareness month, which makes it the perfect time to teach kids that people with disabilities are more like us than they are different from us. They have hopes, goals, hobbies, family and friends, fears and anxieties just like everyone else. Use this month to increase your knowledge on disabilities and share the information with your kids.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to get the conversation going:

1. Talk about the Universal Access Symbol and explain that while the symbol is a person in a wheelchair, it really is a symbol for accessibility for people with disabilities. Explain that having a disability does not mean those individuals can’t do things; they may just need accommodations such as a ramp, wheelchair, hearing aide, extra help in school, or a voice activated computer or phone. See how many different places in the community you can identify the symbol.

2. When kids ask questions, try to be positive. For example, stress that hearing aids help others hear and wheelchairs help others move around, instead of using negatives (he can’t hear, she can’t walk, etc.). Your child may see a child who acts out and ask, “Why does that kid always act like that?” This may be a good time to explain how difficult and frustrating it is for kids with autism or other disabilities to communicate. You might tell them that some kids act out or have outbursts because they can’t express what they are thinking and feeling.

3. Visit the book store or library and read books about disabilities with your child. I really like the Special Kids in School series by JayJo Books. They have titles such as “Taking Tourette Syndrome to School” and “Taking Down syndrome to School.” Just ask your local librarian or book store employee for more suggestions.

4. If your child is not into reading, try using the Internet. Use the web to find movies or TV shows that feature characters with a disability or portray what it’s like living with a disability. Research celebrities who are disabled. There are a lot of great websites out there with a vast amount of information. Two of my favorites are: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cedir/kidsweb/default.html and http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/awareness.

Finally, remember that your child will model your behaviors. It is important that you model acceptance and inclusion through your own words and actions. Teaching them acceptance is essential for raising a sensitive and kind human being.

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Spending Spring Break at Home

by Jana Pritchett, Courier & Press, March 17, 2015 –

Let’s face it. These days paying for college can be a financial strain on a student and his family. After footing the bill for tuition, housing, books, a meal plan, transportation, entertainment, study abroad and more, it really starts to add up. Sometimes there isn’t anything left for a spring break trip.

What’s a poor college student to do? Spending spring break week at home may not sound too appealing, but a spring break “staycation” doesn’t have to be meaningless and boring. It can be an opportunity to recharge, relax, and reconnect. It might even be fun!

Here are some ideas for making the most of your spring break time at home:

1. Recharge your batteries and give your overworked brain a rest. Sleep late, sip your morning coffee leisurely, eat comfort food and enjoy a more relaxed schedule.

2. Reconnect with family and friends. Plan a night out with friends at a favorite restaurant. Enjoy some quality time with your parents, siblings, and grandparents. Schedule a family night to see a movie or play board games. A grandparent might enjoy a fishing trip or going through old photos and videos together.

3. Take a camping trip. Get some friends together and check out a local campground or park. Pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors, and savor meals cooked over an open fire. Many state parks such as New Harmony have cabins, hiking trails, bike paths, planned activities, etc. Taking in the sights and sounds of nature can be a powerful stress reliever!

4. Take a short road trip to a bigger city. Evansville is within three hours of Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville and St. Louis. Pick a city and plan to hit local landmarks and attractions. The possibilities are endless, from museums and parks to restaurants and shopping areas.

5. Volunteer for a nonprofit organization. It might require a little more advance planning, but volunteering is meaningful, rewarding and also a great resume-builder. Many nonprofits would be happy to have a college student willing to help out with office work, tutoring, event planning, or errands.

6. Job shadow. If you’re not sure what you want to do after graduation, spend some time job shadowing in an area of interest. Spring break can be an opportunity to step away from college and get a sneak peek into the real world. This may help you narrow down or weed out career possibilities.

7. Visit the local library or bookstore. Pick out a book to read for pure enjoyment. If possible, read outdoors in the sunshine and soak up some vitamin D. Or check out a classic video you’ve always wanted to see.

For most students, spring break is about getting away from school and hanging out with friends and family. Make the most of whatever you choose to do. Spend some time unplugged from the computer, recharging your batteries and reconnecting with loved ones. Pursuing past times put aside due to the demands of school will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to finish out the semester.

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Parenting Through a Divorce

by Kate Thrall, Courier & Press, March 10, 2015 –

My mother is a wonderful role model, and I always wanted to be just like her. My hope was to marry the man of my dreams and have a house full of children. I think deep down most of us want to have a happy home with both parents present. However, sometimes it’s not meant to be and families are fractured.

I am now a divorced mom navigating the waters of single parenting. Honestly, divorce is one of the most devastating and damaging things I have ever experienced. Since divorce is a family issue — not just a marriage issue — and children can be deeply affected, I wanted to make sure I was still focused on parenting.

Through my own experience I have discovered a few ways to help children work through this difficult and trying time:

1. Have a positive attitude: Your children are looking to see how you respond. You need to be a strong, positive role model during this time.

2. Discussions with your spouse should not take place in front of the children: Children do not need to hear negative comments about the other parent or the situation.

3. Let your children know how much you love them: They may already be aware, but they need extra reassurance. They also need to know that they do not have to choose a side.

4. Find activities to do together: This will show your children that they are important to you, and they need to know you will always be their parent.

5. Create a good support system for you and your children: This could include friends, family, co-workers, people from church, or neighbors. You and your children need to be surrounded by positive, healthy people. Knowing there are people to help in your time of need will help reduce stress.

6. Try to keep things as normal as possible: If you can, keep children in the same school and attend the same church and activities. Surround them with friends and family.

7. Children often personalize the situation and feel responsible: Let them know the divorce is NOT their fault.

8. Structure is essential for all children, but it is especially important in this situation: Try to implement a schedule and stick to it. It is easier to start with small things. A bedtime routine was important to us. It was a time when my son could talk to me and freely express his emotions.

9. Practice healthy eating and sleeping habits during this time: This may be difficult, but it will make a big difference in how you feel.

For me personally, it took a few months before I truly understood that I was a single parent; I was used to doing everything as a family. After the divorce, I was overwhelmed with adjusting my schedule, providing the only source of income, and being the sole caretaker of our child.

For me each day as a divorced parent gets a little easier. It is still important to laugh and enjoy your children, because they don’t stay young forever. Remember, there is life after divorce.

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