YCC Team

How Friends Can Save Your Life

by

The popular show Friends featured a group of friends who experienced the everyday struggles of life, love and growing up. The theme throughout the series was finding support in each other despite obstacles or disagreements. Those virtues of a good friendship are celebrated on the first Sunday of August during National Friendship Day, set to honor friends, family and groups who provide support and encouragement. Rachel Mulholland, LMHC and YCC Touchstone Village therapist, sees the negative impact that occurs when young adults don’t have a strong support system. “Many of our young adults come to us without having a foundation of support, which leads to mistrust, increased anxiety and depression.” Mulholland says that a positive support system, whether from friends, family or a counselor, can encourage confidence, independence and an overall healthier lifestyle.

3 Benefits of a Support System

Find Friends Who Invest In Your Happiness
Relationships are an instrumental part of success. A friend who can be counted on not only to listen and provide positive feedback, but to also be honest in their critique and advice, can provide a roadmap for success. These guiding friends will also be complimentary and encouraging of your accomplishments. A toxic friend can increase stress and negativity, create insecurity and self-doubt, and ultimately deter you from your goals. If a supportive friend can’t be found, or challenges are too big for a simple sit down to talk it out, then sometimes a mental health counselor or support group can fill the role of a mentor or structured support system.

Having Support Makes You Healthier
During stressful times, our bodies can react in negative ways through physical ailments like high blood pressure, sleeplessness or headaches. Support from family and friends can do more than just ease your mind, they can make you healthier and even save your life. Research conducted at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina showed people who did not have strong social support were 50% more likely to die from illness than those who had support.

Mentors Provide Positive Reinforcement
Young people with mentors have shown to be more confident and less likely to get into trouble. A five year study sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada proved that a mentor can help navigate students through daily pressures and provide a foundation of self-reliance when it comes to making smart decisions. Students with access to an advisor, or a teacher who provides support, feel more self-assured about their productivity and less stressed over peer pressure. Having a mentor to provide leadership and guidance helps young people build confidence as they develop their independence for the future.

In addition to teaching independent life skills training, Touchstone Village at YCC also provides mentoring and support. Residents receive life skills training, career development, and academic monitoring and support. Mental health services are available as needed. The goal is to assist residents in developing skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

If you know of a young adult between the ages of 18 – 21 who is struggling to become self-reliant and independent, YCC can provide transitional living services through our Touchstone Village program. Click to learn more about Touchstone Village and the 5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Download our free ebook!

5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Learn More

Minority Mental Health Month

by

Young people face many potentially overwhelming challenges, including peer pressure, cyber bullying and grade anxiety. For some, these problems are further exacerbated by a mental illness, posing a simultaneous challenge to their maturation, development of life management skills and emotional stability.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 21% of young adults have a mental illness. Categorized as 18- to 25-year-olds, this young adult group has the highest rate of mental illness among adults. Mental health issues in young adults can result in delayed development, strained relationships and a struggle for self-sufficiency.

“We make an effort to reach out to, and welcome, young people from various backgrounds, cultures, races, genders and sexual orientations. Whether they need transitional living services, mental health counseling or both, we create personal plans to match their needs,” said Cecelia Stalnaker-Cauwenberghs, LMHC and Director of Program Services at Youth Crisis Center (YCC).

YCC’s Touchstone Village provides transitional living services to young adults ages 18-21 who are homeless or in situations which limit their self-sufficiency. While help is readily available at YCC and Touchstone Village, sometimes the challenge is getting young people to ask for it, particularly those in a minority community. Touchstone Village is not exclusively for those struggling with a mental illness, young adults requiring additional services can receive them while still feeling a sense of inclusion and community. Currently, 75% of Touchstone residents identify as a minority, based on race or gender identity. 

Minority Mental Health Month

Minority Mental Health Month started in 2008 to bring awareness to the unique struggles that under-represented groups face in regard to mental illness. Mental health is viewed differently among various individuals and families, depending on their values, beliefs, sexual orientations, race, ethnicity, language or religious background. Any stigmas are often passed on to the younger members of the population. Culturally, taking care of mental health issues can be seen as a weakness, more so in the Asian, Latino and African American communities. 

Lack of Diverse Therapists

For members of a diverse population, it can pose a challenge to comfortably discuss emotional or mental health issues with a therapist or doctor that does not share their own appearance or cultural experience. There is a sense that the profession remains dominated by white counselors and minority clients struggle to find professionals who they can identify with culturally.

YCC tries to ease the stigma and break down barriers for Touchstone Village residents. They provide a diverse representation of program staff and therapists. Additionally, therapists are required to take cultural sensitivity training annually. “Acknowledging they are not alone and seeking out assistance is the first step for Touchstone Village residents to gain independence and confidence in a culturally sensitive manner,” said Kim Sirdevan. “Then, they can follow a care plan and tackle challenges other young people face without losing their independence.”

If you know of a young adult between the ages of 18 – 21 who is struggling to become self-reliant and independent, YCC can provide transitional living services through our Touchstone Village program. Click to learn more about Touchstone Village and the 5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Download our free ebook!

5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Learn More

YCC and the use of Civil Citations

by

Do Civil Citations work? Is the program seeing success? First Coast Connect guest host, Charlene Shirk and Juvenile Director of the 4th Judicial District State Attorney’s Office, Laura Lambert discuss these issues with YCC’s President and CEO, Kim Sirdevan. Click below to listen to the latest discussion regarding the use of Civil Citations instead of arresting youth in Jacksonville.

 

What is Touchstone Village?

by

18 Years Old, Alone and Afraid

When Andrew was 18 years old, he found himself adrift. A high school dropout, at odds with his dad, he left home with no real knowledge about how to take care of himself. “I was on the streets,” explains Andrew. “I was just lost and alone.” Andrew saw some of his friends using drugs and he knew he needed to turn his life around. A friend from high school suggested he contact the Youth Crisis Center (YCC) – they had a place called Touchstone Village on their Jacksonville campus.

What is Touchstone Village?

Touchstone Village provides transitional living services to young adults, ages 18-21, who may be homeless or in other situations that limit self-sufficiency. Each resident has a fully-furnished, efficiency-sized apartment for an income-based monthly fee. Residents also receive life skills training, career development, and academic monitoring and support. Mental health services are available as needed. The goal is to assist residents in developing skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

From the Wilderness to Wonderful

Andrew contacted YCC and successfully passed the application, interview process and orientation. Within months, he began working on the program requirements: getting his high school diploma, maintaining employment and working toward financial stability. The life skills classes taught him how to cook, clean, save money and file his taxes. “They woke me up to reality,” said Andrew. “They made me realize the world was more than being homeless.” Like most Touchstone Village residents, Andrew needed to learn how to establish personal goals and what it takes to build healthy, trusting relationships. Andrew is also rebuilding his relationship with his family, who says they are proud of him.

Building A Foundation for the Future

Some residents come to Touchstone Village because of homelessness; others need a transition from their parents’ home before living independently. “Some young adults take longer to develop life skills, are not emotionally ready, or need mental health counseling in addition to learning how to live independently,” adds Kim Sirdevan, YCC’s president and CEO. A Transition Living Specialist provides training to help residents apply for college/vocational education, connect with jobs, learn financial responsibility, and master other skills they’ll need once they leave Touchstone Village.

“Independence” Day

Andrew will head to boot camp just days before July 4, 2018 – Independence Day. Now 20 years old, he says his time at Touchstone Village gave him the chance to rethink what he wanted to accomplish. He is determined to do something positive, possibly in law enforcement, so he can help make the world a safer place – like the safety he says he found at Touchstone Village. 

If you know of a young adult between the ages of 18 – 21 who is struggling to become self-reliant and independent, YCC can provide transitional living services through our Touchstone Village program. Click to learn more about Touchstone Village and the 5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Download our free ebook!

5 Key Skills Young Adults Need to Successfully Live Independently

Learn More

Why Girls are More Likely Than Boys to Suffer in Silence

by

Numerous studies, spanning decades, have found that girls talk more often – and earlier – than boys. So, when girls are suddenly quiet or withdrawn, it truly can be a cause for concern.

“Boys act out externally – they are more aggressive or destructive, and their behavior is directed outwards toward others,” explains Sterling Hurst, SNAP® Program Coordinator at the Youth Crisis Center. “But when something is bothering or troubling a girl, her behavior is directed inwards. They internalize more and socially withdraw themselves.”

Warning Signs
Some behaviors girls will exhibit when struggling with an emotional issue will include:

  • Sad, nervous or irritable behavior
  • Changes in their eating habits and sleeping patterns
  • Trouble keeping focus
  • Feelings of loneliness or guilt

What To Do
Hurst cautions parents not to jump into what he calls “detective mode” if they see these signs or suspect something is bothering their daughters. The first step he suggests is to start paying attention and observing whether these behaviors are becoming significant or habitual. The next step is to ask questions, but ask them in an open ended format and be patient. He cautions that parents probably won’t get an answer on the first try.

“Stay calm and let them open up in their own time,” insists Hurst. “Position it in a way that they know they can come back to you when they are ready. Use language like, ‘I understand you don’t want to talk about what’s going on, but if you want to talk about it later, I am here.’”

Hurst says these gender differences is why YCC’s SNAP program is gender specific. Facilitators and parents can address the challenges facing girls and boys with different approaches.

What is SNAP®
SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based program that focuses on how a child thinks, as well as why they are acting out. Developed at the Child Development Institute (CDI), SNAP® is a free program that helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small”.

The SNAP® program is focused on children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into negative contact with authority figures at school or in the community. Experienced and highly trained staff works with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan. The goal is to prevent future anti-social behavior and reduce the chances of conflict with family, peers and authority figures.

Hurst adds that the problems facing young girls often come from either a bullying situation at their school, or feeling ignored or neglected at home.

“Parents are so busy these days. Often, when the young girl in the home wants attention or to talk, it’s not a good time for mom or dad,” remarks Hurst. “Girls will often take that to heart and begin to withdraw.”

SNAP® has trained facilitators that are prepared to provide the tools to help girls, boys and their families work through behavioral issues, whether they stem from school or home.

If you think your child is exhibiting problematic behavior and can benefit from the free SNAP® program, click HERE to read more about the “Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns”.

To learn more about SNAP® click HERE.

Download our free ebook!

 Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns

Learn More

SNAP Expands to Elementary Schools

by

Conflict is a normal part of a child’s life. In fact, it can be a healthy way for them to learn how to manage their emotions, problem solve and compromise with their peers. However, when conflict is not managed correctly, either at home or at school, it can impact a child’s relationships, self-esteem and ability to focus on learning and healthy play. In today’s classrooms teachers need to be able to resolve conflict and managing students who seem to struggle with social skills and problem solving.

“I wish all students could be given the opportunity to participate in the SNAP® program,” said Rana Azer, a social worker with Duval County Public Schools. Azer has worked for four years in the school system with students experiencing emotional and behavioral disabilities, and believes every student would benefit from the SNAP® program.

What is SNAP®

SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based program that focuses on how a child thinks, as well as why they are acting out. Developed at the Child Development Institute (CDI), SNAP® helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and ‘keep problems small’.

The SNAP® program is focused on children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into negative contact with authority figures at school or in the community. Experienced and highly-trained staff works with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan. The goal is to prevent future anti-social behavior and reduce the chance of conflict with family, peers and authority figures.

Expanding SNAP® To Area Schools

Azer is such a believer in the program that she worked with the Youth Crisis Center to expand the SNAP® In Schools curriculum to S.P. Livingston Elementary School, which is one of 10+ schools that has implemented the 13-week course. “Overall, the SNAP® program is a wonderful tool that can be utilized in multiple settings,” insists Azer. “It helps to provide not only the students with strategies to work through a crisis, but the teachers as well.” Azer believes that SNAP® helps to create a common language in the classroom that is easy to teach, remember and reinforce.   

Schools are selected based on interest and availability. The program generally requires 45 minutes to one hour, and can accommodate anywhere from a minimum of five students up to 30 per session. Below is a list of participating schools that have completed the program or currently offer SNAP® In Schools. If you are interested in learning more about SNAP® or how to bring the program to your child’s school, contact YCC or your child’s school counselor. In the 2018 – 2019 school year SNAP® will also be available in St. Johns County.

  • Gregory Dr. Elementary
  • Bayview Elementary
  • Beauclerc Elementary
  • Southside Estates Elementary
  • Arlington Elementary
  • Jacksonville Heights Elementary
  • Hyde Park Elementary
  • Holiday Hill Elementary
  • P. Livingston Elementary
  • Normandy Village 

If you think your child is exhibiting problematic behavior and can benefit from the free SNAP® program, click to read more about the “Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns”.

To learn more about SNAP® click HERE.

Download our free ebook!

 Six Signs That Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns

Learn More

Warning signs that your child may be a target for perpetrators

by

In the midst of a 12-year old girl from Jacksonville that had gone missing, Youth Crisis Center’s Director of Programs talked to Channel 4 News about warning signs that your child may be a target for perpetrators. Young children are “perfect victims for perpetrators that are looking for a child that may have a low self-esteem,” said Licensed Mental Health Clinician, Cecelia Stalnaker-Cauwenberghs. It’s an opportunity for them to “swoop in and save the day, build that child’s confidence level.”

Click HERE to watch the interview and read more about warning signs parents can look for.

Bad Attitudes Don’t Mean Bad Kids

by

Bad Attitudes Don’t Mean Bad Kids
We’ve all heard these terms: “kids will be kids”, “it’s just a phase, they’ll grow out of it” or “it’s a teenager thing.” Sure, we hear it, but it is no fun to live with this behavior or be the parent of a child or teen acting in this way. Some children and teens will “grow out of it”; but, others will unfortunately continue to struggle, often carrying troubling behavior into their adult lives. At the Youth Crisis Center, therapists and professionals don’t want you to take a chance that your child’s behavior is a phase. Even if it is, there are tools to help minimize your child’s struggle and your stress and worry.

What is SNAP®
YCC offers a program called SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN. This is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP® can help children, ages 6-11, and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and ‘keep problems small.’ We know that because small problems can quickly turn bigger or worsening problems if a child or their parent doesn’t have effective emotion regulation, self-control or problem-solving skills. An angry outburst at school can quickly land a student in detention, suspension – or even worse – expulsion.

Common Reasons for SNAP®
Too often a parent thinks that only “bad” children need to go to counseling or a behavioral education program. That’s not always true. More often, it’s the common, everyday things happening in a family’s life that can be addressed through the SNAP® program.

How SNAP® Can Help Kids
SNAP® can help address challenges and break down barriers between parents and children through 13 weeks of gender-specific weekly group sessions. Children learn SNAP® techniques for different situations through engaging activities, including discussions, role-playing and interactive games. The sessions address a variety of topics, including dealing with angry thoughts and feelings, self-control, problem solving, and bullying.

How SNAP® Can Help Parents
The parent group meets concurrently with the SNAP® children’s group. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP® strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges. Parents learn how to establish or re-establish a health relationship with their child. 

SNAP® Results
Research continues to show the SNAP® program relays practical tools that lead to improved life outcomes and even changes in the development of a child’s brain. Some of the impacts of this program can be seen through:

  • Fewer arguments at home
  • Improvement of parent-child relationships and emotional states
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased overall happiness
  • Improved self-confidence

What is the Cost of SNAP®
The SNAP® program is funded through the Department of Juvenile Justice, which allows for the program to be completely free for youth and their families. SNAP® families are provided a meal at each session. Sibling care and transportation are also provided, if needed and at no charge.

After completing the 13 weeks, youth and families enjoy a special graduation celebration that allows them to reflect on how much they have progressed.

If you think your child is exhibiting problematic behavior and can benefit from the free SNAP® program, click to read more about the “Six Signs That Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns”.

To learn more about SNAP® click HERE.

Download our free ebook!

 Six Signs That Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns

Learn More

Top Reasons Why Parents Don’t Get Help for Troubled Kids

by

Parenting is a tough job – even beyond the obvious sleepless nights, endless laundry and constant worry. It’s a job made even more difficult by the seemingly never-ending presence of people who want to tell you how you “should be” parenting your child. From your favorite eatery to your own home, they love to share how their children always had good manners, and lecture you for letting your 6-year-old negotiate a later bedtime.

Parents don’t want to be told how to parent. That’s just one of several reasons keeping some parents from seeking help or counseling for their child.

No Resources
How do you know which therapist is best for your child? Would a group program be a better option? The best place to start is your child’s guidance counselor. School counselors are a great resource of information. They are aware of available programs in your area, as well as those offered at the school, and may have previous experience with local therapists to help you find the best match.

Cost
A therapist or group therapy program can run into the thousands of dollars if your child or family attends for several weeks or months. Insurance can help, but for some families with limited policies or high deductibles, the cost can quickly add up, creating even more stress for a family under duress. 

Time and Transportation
Making the time to drive to regular appointments, often across town and during rush hour, can turn getting help into a big headache. Arranging for childcare can also be costly, and some families operate with only one car, or none at all, making it even more difficult to find consistent transportation.

The Solution May Be SNAP®
SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is a cost-free, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral program designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into negative contact with authority figures at school or in the community.

Experienced and highly trained staff work with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan. Session times are held based on the needs of the families and transportation can be arranged if needed. Gender-based group sessions at the Youth Crisis Center’s Jacksonville campus are held once a week for 13 weeks. Additionally, SNAP® has expanded to over 10 schools in the First Coast community, where multiple lessons are integrated into classroom settings for 45-minute sessions.

Cost and Convenience
SNAP® services are free through the Department of Juvenile Justice. SNAP® families are fed meals and sibling care is provided at no charge. Transportation can also be arranged as needed at no cost. The parent group that shares effective child management and SNAP® strategies meets at the same time as the children’s group. The group also provides an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges.

If you think your child is exhibiting problematic behavior and can benefit from the free SNAP® program, click to read more about the “Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns”.

To learn more about SNAP® click HERE.

Download our free ebook!

 Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns

Learn More

A Graduation Like No Other

by

A Graduation Like No Other

There are few things more exciting than a graduation ceremony. It represents accomplishment, achievement and an investment in a better future. For families in the Youth Crisis Center’s (YCC) SNAP® program, SNAP® graduation is a time they can reflect on how far they’ve come over the past 13 weeks, and to know they are not alone in their family goals. Sterling Hurst, the SNAP® Coordinator at YCC, finds it rewarding to see the progress the kids and their parents have made, along with the bonds they form with other families.

“When they come into the SNAP® program, they are open to see what will work to build a better relationship with their child,” said Hurst.

In early April, seven families participated in this unique graduation ceremony. Like other graduations, there were caps, gowns and diplomas, but this ceremony also had a SNAP® version of Family Feud. The children challenged the parents, answering questions based on topics learned in their SNAP® class. 

Caps, Gowns and Stories of Success

During this ceremony, diplomas were presented to both the children and their parents, along with a trophy and gift bags. The graduates then heard words of encouragement from their SNAP® facilitators about the progress they had made during the 13-week program.

“We take the time to highlight where they are and the progress they made. Some don’t realize how far they have come until we highlight the challenges they faced when they first came in the program and where they are at now,” added Hurst.

For parents who participate in the program, it’s an opportunity to take advantage of a support system. This system includes other parents who also receive SNAP® skills from professionals on communicating with their child in positive and constructive ways.

SNAP® and Schools Work Together

In many cases, school representatives work with SNAP® facilitators by referring children and their parents to the SNAP® program located at YCC. Additionally, teachers, counselors and administrators work with facilitators on getting SNAP® into their schools and classrooms. Schools are selected based on interest and availability. The program generally requires 45-60 minutes and can accommodate a minimum of five, or up to 30, students per session.

Sometimes SNAP® is Just the Start

“The SNAP® program is a process, and, in a lot of cases, 13 weeks may not be enough for a full transformation, but it does give measurable success to help them continue on the right track,” said Hurst.

For some parents, the SNAP® program is just the start of the journey to help and heal their families. Several will continue on to additional therapy sessions provided through YCC’s Outpatient Behavioral Health program.

If you think your child is exhibiting problematic or concerning behavior and can benefit from the free SNAP® program, download our FREE ebook “Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Concerns.”

Download our free ebook!

 Six Signs Your Child May Have Behavioral Issues or Concerns

Learn More
DONATE