We are beyond excited to share all of the upcoming events, recent activities and news from Waunakee Community Cares Coalition. Our work is focused on keeping Waunakee healthy and resilient. We do this by engaging, empowering, and educating our community in the spaces of alcohol, drug, & nicotine prevention, as well as mental health. In our monthly update, we will offer content, ideas and action steps to engage in this impactful work. Each month will bring strategies and ideas on how to keep Waunakee healthy and resilient. We hope to grow a community of like-minded members to create a better place for us all to live healthy, love abundantly and leave healthy legacies. Much gratitude, WCCC Team |
|
|
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Resilient Wisconsin Month. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the WCCC joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we join others in our community and beyond to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Building resilience - the ability to adapt and recover from adversity - within ourselves, our relationships, and in our communities matters. Resilience is at the foundation of the WCCC and part of our important vision for our community. When we find healthy ways to cope with trauma and toxic stress, especially during tough times, we take a step closer to becoming more resilient. During April, the WCCC held 2 community events in collaboration with the Waunakee Public Library around the topic of mental health - Survive and Advance - My Story AND Strong Body, Strong Mind, Strong You. Our presenters shared their journey of mental health and best practices and insight for supporting positive mental health. Click HERE to watch a recording of each event. We are also excited to collaborate with Create Waunakee and Mental Fitness for Teens to share a plethora of events focused on promoting mental health awareness and wellness. We are also looking forward to partnering with them in the future to bring more events like this to our community. Wishing you health, resiliency, and the magic found in connection. Thanks for ENGAGING in our work! |
|
|
Each month the WCCC plans to showcase one of our amazing partners that are doing impactful work and serving our community in our theme for the month. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are excited to showcase coalition member Melissa Brown. | | |
|
|
Melissa Brown started in Aug. 2023 as the Director of School-based Services for the Psychotherapy Center of Waunakee (PCOW). Previous to coming to PCOW, Melissa spent over 20 years in public education as both a teacher and administrator. PCOW’s partnerships with schools have grown from 3 schools in 2021-2022 to 11 schools and counting in the 2022-2023 school year. We currently partner with Baraboo, DeForest, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Lodi, Monona Grove, Randolph, Stoughton, Waunakee High School, and Wisconsin Heights. PCOW’s partnerships with schools are based on three values: universal access, simplicity and integration. Schools have shared that our partnerships have impacted their schools in such a positive way for students, families, and staff. Melissa is so honored to be a part of a company that strongly believes in supporting students and their needs. Melissa is also Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer. |
|
|
Check out our website to find out a plethora of resources focused on prevention and mental health. | | |
|
|
What we are reading, watching, or listening to? Featuring Coalition Member: Kim Flood |
|
|
"I really appreciate this opportunity to highlight Lewis Howes and his podcast "The School of Greatness". I listen to the podcast while driving between sessions and driving up north to visit family. I love the podcast because each one is full of valuable information on mental health and focuses on how to become your "greatest self". Lewis usually interviews several people on each of his podcasts which brings more variety and flavor to the conversation. He does not worry about advertising for his guests, and usually, I don't even know who they are! But they are all powerful professionals. The focus is on the topic at hand, and I always come away with something new to practice and validation that I am already taking care of myself in healthy ways. Lewis shares his story of pain and how he has overcome mental barriers to reach a point of success. His genuine desire to be great shines through and he truly wants to make the world a better place. I highly encourage folks to listen to the podcast and/or read one of his books." -Kim Flood
|
|
|
What's next for the WCCC? May 3 Michelle Kullmann & Community Narcan Training - WHS May 10 Youth Presentation - Waunakee High School Staff Mtg. May 17 WCCC Membership Meeting May 20 Mental Fitness for Teens |
|
|
|
|
