Sterling McLaughlin didn’t think he would love what he does when he first signed up for it 32 years ago. Sterling’s predecessor asked him to co-facilitate a group for perpetrators of intimate partner violence. At that time, Sterling had the mindset many people have: how can you work with an offender, especially when the person …
Continue reading “Mental Health Warrior: Sterling McLaughlin”
Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October is an important time to bring awareness to the fact that “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” It’s also a time to discuss the importance of treatment options for people who use violence in their relationships–such as Batterer’s Intervention program at Family Service–the impact on children of witnessing domestic violence, teen dating …
Continue reading “Domestic Violence Awareness Month: What you need to know”
Brenda Nester and Family Service are meant to be. After losing her husband and retiring from a 28-year-long career at James Madison University’s Foundation, Brenda moved to Roanoke and knew she wanted to volunteer doing something meaningful. She might not have known that meant doing something she had been doing much of her career. But, …
Join us this month to say Cheers to Happier, Healthier Lives! We are grateful to partner with Starr Hill Roanoke Pilot Brewery and Side Stage to promote awareness of how we serve the community, and come out to meet you. Below are a list of events you can plan to participate in as a way …
After reading “Dopesick” or hearing author Beth Macy speak about her latest best-selling book, many people are asking: What can we do now? Learn more about the community groundswell in support of a collective response to address the region’s opioid and addiction crisis. The Roanoke Valley Collective Response is gaining momentum and will make a …
As a designated Welcoming City through the Welcoming America network, Roanoke will be celebrating “Welcoming Week” from September 14th through September 23rd. According to Welcoming America, “welcoming cities are guided by the principles of inclusion and creating communities that prosper because everyone feels welcome, including immigrants and refugees.” During this annual week of celebration, our …
For the cause of Suicide Prevention and Awareness, several national and local organizations provide ways for you to help save lives. To learn more, download this calendar, developed by the Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley, which is administered by our partners at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare. Our Youth Development Director Karen Pillis serves on the …
Finding the strength to ask for and accept help after years of addiction is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It truly helped me get by life back on track. Being sober strengthens my personal relationships, makes me see the world in a new light, and gives me confidence. Stronger Relationships Any person …
On the heels of Sharon Thacker’s piece “When the Warrior is Tired” about taking care of yourself while you’re trying to help others, our friends at Psychological Health Roanoke (who provide Employee Assistance Benefits for our employees) have this to share about Caring for Ourselves. Have you ever been on a diet, but found yourself …
On the first day of school last week, it was the first time in over two decades for Karen Pillis not to have a child in Roanoke City Public Schools. Or, as one friend of Karen’s put it, for there not to be a child born to Karen and Lewis Pillis in those hallways. Because …
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