Above: SYFS’ news this month includes open registration for workshops to learn to Listen with L.O.V.E., the new support group for parents, and a request for nominees who have promoted community wellness or human services excellence. (images cropped from March bulletin)
Southborough Youth and Family Services asked me to share their March bulletin. Below are some highlights.
The bulletin includes news on the Referral Service, a weekly Support Group for parents, the delayed Listen with L.O.V.E. workshops, and QPR suicide prevention training opportunities. This month, they are also seeking nominations for their annual award honoring community heroes. As usual, there’s also a video overview of the updates.
National Day of Unplugging – Friday night
The annual call to take a break from screens is sundown tonight through tomorrow (Friday, March 4th to sundown Saturday, March 5th). For a reminder of those details, see yesterday’s dedicated post.
Mental Health Services Support – Interface Referrals is back
In February, the agency’s contracted referral service hit pause on new intake referrals for a few weeks. It was to allow them to catch up at a time when they were overwhelmed with requests. As of February 22nd, the service is back. Residents can use Interface Referral Service for help finding mental health providers. SYFS also offers some shorter term mental health services. For details on both, see the March bulletin.
Weekly Parent Support Group starts Tuesday
I previously wrote that a new Parent Support Group would be launched in March. Meetings start this Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. Gatherings are weekly at the South Union Building, 21 Highland Street:
We know the task of parenting is challenging and also know if can be helpful to hear, you’re not alone. Join us for a space to vent, get good ideas, and decompress before going back to the very important job of parenting.
No registration is required, just drop in. (Unfortunately, SYFS won’t be able to provide daycare for those with children who aren’t in school.)
If you have questions, contact 508-481-5676 or syfs@southboroughma.com.
Nominate a Community Hero
SYFS is seeking nominations for their annual Laurie Sugarman-Whittier Wellness Award. They are looking for people of any age who fit the following description(s):
- Someone that has promoted the mission of making Southborough a better place for all
- A person who is a mental health or human services advocate
- An individual that embodies wellness and resilience after overcoming challenges and adversity
- Or someone that has worked in some other capacity to promote human welfare in Southborough.
They don’t have to be residents but, “they must serve the Southborough community in some capacity.”
The deadline for nominations is Friday. April 15th. The award will be made in May as part of Mental Health Awareness month activities.
Learning to Listen with Love
As I’ve previously written, SYFS is offering Listen With L.O.V.E. workshops “The Art of Communication in Relationships” this month.
Positive communication is a critical element in relationship success and yet, it is something that challenges all of us. How do you support your loved one who is in distress? How do you persevere when your navigating challenging conversations with someone regularly? SYFS is offering the workshop, Listen With L.O.V.E: The art of communication in relationships to address some of these challenges and review critical elements of successful communication. If you are a parent, spouse, friend, son or daughter, or simply a human in relationships with other humans, please consider joining us.
A previous bulletin’s image clarified that L.O.V.E. stands for Listening, Offering, Validating, and Empathizing.
Click here to register for one of the following dates for an in-person workshop at the South Union Building, 21 Highland Street:
- Wednesday, March 9th, 6-8pm
- Saturday, March 19th, 9-11am
- Wednesday, April 27th, 6-8pm
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Last month, I wrote to stay tuned for future openings in SYFS’ Suicide Prevention training program. The new schedule is out.
Click here to register for one of the following dates for an in-person workshop at the South Union Building, 21 Highland Street:
- Wednesday, March 23rd, 6-8pm
- Wednesday, April 13th, 6-8pm
- Saturday, April 30th, 9-11am
For more details on all of the above, including a video overview from Director Sarah Cassell, click here.
