Thirteen Reasons Why was written in 2007 by Jay Asher. By 2011, it was #1 on the New York Times best-seller list and, unbeknownst to most parents, it is currently on many high school reading lists. For those who haven’t heard, Thirteen Reasons Why, and its Netflix adaption “13 Reasons Why”, follows the story of …
Continue reading “Tough Talks: Parents, Children, and “13 Reasons Why””
Ana Zuniga, Family Service Youth Development Specialist, graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work this month! We are so proud of her accomplishments and are excited to have had her on the Youth Development team. A lover of ice breaker games, Ana has a passion for working with kids and youth and developing connections with …
“Ann” is 70 years old and recently came to Family Service seeking treatment for depression. She said it all started with the death of her son 10 years ago. She became the primary caregiver for his children after his death, and ignored the signs and symptoms of her own depression. Three months ago, her husband …
Continue reading “The health benefits of counseling for older adults”
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “Youth Development Spotlight: LuAnn Leffler”
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 …
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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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 …
Continue reading “13 Reasons Why and Misrepresentation of Sexual Assault”
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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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 …
Continue reading “A Tribute to Social Workers: Grateful to Work with You!”
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