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Love & Gratitude – As many lives, including children and youth, are impacted by war and violence in many parts of this world, we pause and lean into love and compassion for others. 

As September comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the significance of Suicide Awareness Month and the impact it has had on our collective understanding of mental health. Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities in profound ways. It’s a complex issue that thrives in silence but dwindles in the presence of understanding, empathy, and open dialogue. Suicide Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the urgency to break the stigma, offer support, and save lives.

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place from September 15th to October 15th every year to recognize and celebrate diverse cultures and extensive histories of the Hispanic community and honor the significant contributions they have made to our society and STEAM!

For most of our communities, schools and programs are starting the 2023-24 school year! We hope all educators, children, youth, and families have a fun and positive year of learning, kindness, engagement, supporting, celebrating, and growing!

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month. BIPOC Mental Health Month became formally recognized in 2008 to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the US. As we embrace this observance, we recognize the critical role Expanded Learning programs play in supporting the mental well-being of our diverse youth. 

July is Disability Pride Month! We celebrate those with disabilities and their contributions to STEAM and our communities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Every July we celebrate Disability Pride Month to commemorate the passage of this landmark civil rights law. It’s important to remember that there are numerous types of disabilities such as physical, learning, and neurological disabilities, and they aren’t always visible.

It’s the beginning of summer! The month held summer solstice, Juneteenth, Pride, and brain awareness month. There is much to celebrate as the school year ends and out-of-school activities move outdoors!

This month we celebrate Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, also known as Juneteenth. This marks the anniversary of Union troops landing at Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War ended and enslaved people were now free.

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! According to Youth.gov., “It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature.” However, when symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance.