As an avid reader, books definitely have a very important place in my life. That place is typically in my hands at 2:00AM, but that’s a story for another time. As part of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we had some of our counselors recommend their favorites for children and teens to enjoy. Look closely, these aren’t your typical …
Youth Development Spotlight: LuAnn Leffler
LuAnn Leffler’s passion for helping others can be seen in how many hats she wears here at Family Service. She works in youth development and intake. “I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody …
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Local Celebs Stand Up for Mental Health
Last night was an amazing night for mental health in the Roanoke Valley! At Celebrity Tip Off, the community raised $56,000, which goes directly to helping our neighbors heal invisible wounds. Thanks to you, people in our community can get the help they need when and where they need it. Speaking of invisible wounds, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth …
Youth Development Spotlight: Sommer Casto
Sommer Casto is as bright and warm as her name sake. As a Youth Development Specialist, Sommer gets to spread those traits while continuing to fuel her passion for working with kids and teens. “I know through the Teen Outreach Program and Positive Action I am making a difference in the community. I want kids …
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13 Reasons Why and Misrepresentation of Sexual Assault
For the trendy topics trivia that you may already know: 13 Reasons Why recently dropped on Netflix April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM) How are those two related?! Stay tuned (ie read below)…but first… For those of you who haven’t had time to binge watch yet or who haven’t gotten all the way through …
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Youth Development Spotlight: Sofia Martinez
Sofia Martinez, Youth Development Specialist, fills a room with positive energy. Helping others has always been part of her life. As a social work student at Radford, she is working with local children and teens through Family Service’s Teen Outreach Program® and Positive Action. Her favorite part of spending time in schools and after school …
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A Tribute to Social Workers: Grateful to Work with You!
If there is one thing I count myself lucky for it is that I am surrounded by plenty of social workers. Left to right: Tyler Hower, Jennifer Nolley, LCSW, and Jamie Starkey, MSW Social workers are the backbone of advocacy. They stare injustice in the face so others can grow. They help people know that …
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Youth help others where they Live, Learn and Play
Local teens recently collected coats and food for other youth in their community. The project through Family Service’s Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®)allowed them to give back, joyfully delivering donations to the Presbyterian Community Center. They saw how positively they can impact the community. Your support of Family Service of Roanoke Valley allows us to partner with …
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Youth Development Spotlight: Emily DeCarlo
Emily DeCarlo, LCSW has always loved seeing people, especially children, learn and grow. “Seeing their resiliency is all the motivation I need,” she said. Emily joined Family Service of Roanoke Valley as Manager of Community Counseling Programs in November 2016. She oversees community counseling programs in Youth Development like therapeutic day treatment, intensive in-home counseling, …
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What is the connection between counseling and eating disorders?
“What you get the patient to tell you is worth much more than what you tell the patient.” Counseling—especially through asking the right questions and practicing therapeutic listening skills—can save the life of someone struggling with an eating disorder. Daryl Smith-Oswald, RD, LD, LLC, tells us in Today’s Dietitian article “Insights From Eating Disorder Counseling,” …
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