(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from SRSLY Chelsea Director and Kiwanis member Kate Yocum and SRSLY Chelsea Coordinator Melissa Goldstein.
Goldstein was introduced to our club, and will serve as another connection Kiwanis has to SRSLY’S programs and activities. She will be doing research, writing press releases, and working on programming.
In addition to drug abuse prevention, SRSLY is now also focusing on preventing mental health issues. On the www.SRSLY.org website, resources are easily accessed to get help. Conversation starters are listed for anyone concerned about someone. Unfortunately, 20% of youth ages 13 to 18 live with a mental health condition.
Kids now have meetings in school, where they implement programming while developing leadership skills. Adult groups meet separately, addressing parent education, family bonding, and specific help for kids.
Since SRSLY began in 2008, 2,000 volunteers have contributed 24,000 hours of service. Forty new students have joined the coalition of community groups, clubs, and businesses to advocate for youth mental health and raise awareness about the prevalence of youth substance abuse and the resources available.
Kiwanis is pleased to offer our support.
We have a few cases left of our delicious mixed nuts. It’s a healthy snack, Five different tree nuts for $25 to support Chelsea Kiwanis activities. Nuts can be found at the Late Night Chelsea Vendor Market, Friday, May 2, in front of Palmer’s Auto Service. On Saturday, May 3, we’ll be at the Farmer’s Market at Palmer Commons.
