You Are Loved
Here we will be sharing various uplifting stories, posts, and links to articles.
Weekly Calendar of Events
| Sunday 10/16 | Monday 10/17 | Tuesday 10/18 | Wednesday 10/19 | Thursday 10/20 | Friday 10/21 | Saturday 10/22 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting 9:30 AM Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome Phone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | -South County Senior Center Book Club – The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 1:00-2:00 Edgewater Library | -Free Online Tuesday Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions 7 pm Register here | -ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here_________-Teen Substance Abuse Support group 3:45-5:15 register Lotus Psychotherapy_____-Creating Your Retirement Income7:00pm – 8:00pmSeverna Park Library | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmSocial Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Tech Help10:00am – 1:00pmSevern LibraryLibrary Branch: Severn Adult Learning, Older Americans, TechnologyDrop in during open tech help hours for instruction and advice on using your personal technology | -Community Pantry at Discoveries Library Annapolis Mall10:00am – 12:00pmAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is welcome. |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more.________________ | -Spooky Movie Monday 3:30 6:00pm Odenton Library | -Intro to Online Learning 3:00 – 4:30 Online EventLearn about resources offered and how to access them. Topics include Rosetta Stone, Creativebug, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and live tutoring. | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300____-Senior Grief Support11 am. contact facilitator Beth Mucciacciaro RN, Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-0263. Pasadena Senior Activity Cente | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Bridge Pasadena Senior Activity Center 12-2 every Friday | -Naloxone-Narcan Opioid Overdose Response Training3:00pm – 4:30pmEastport-Annapolis Neck Library |
| -NAMI peer to peer support group 2:30-4:30 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Arnold Email F2F@namiacc.org to register | -Yoga for You6:00pm – 7:00pmMountain Road Library | -Broadneck Needlecrafters7:00pm – 8:00pmBroadneck Library | -Senior Tea & Social: Declutter11:00am – 12:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the Mall________-Middle School Grief Group 6-8 pm Hospice of the Cheseapeake | -Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Glen Burnie Library (Parking Lot)4:00pm – 6:00pmGlen Burnie Library | -Moms Wellness Support Group 6pm -7:30 Lotus Psychotherapy register at melaniem@lotuspsychotherapyllc.com | |
| -Pregnancy Loss Support group Christ Our Anchor Church Annapolis 2-3:30 pm | -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30 pm in person St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | -Financial Topics Q&A6:30pm – 8:00pmBusch Annapolis Library | -Hospice of The Chesapeake Fall Mandala Workshop10am -12 pm |
Weekly Calendar Of Events 10/9-10/15
| Sunday 10/9 | Monday 10/10 | Tuesday 10/11 | Wednesday 10/12 | Thursday 10/13 | Friday 10/14 | Saturday 10/15 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting 9:30 AM Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome Phone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | –Pasadena Senior Center Beginner Crochet 8:30 am until 12 pm | -Free Online Tuesday Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions 7 pm Register here | -ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here_________-Teen Substance Abuse Support group 3:45-5:15 register Lotus Psychotherapy | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmSocial Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Book Lovers Book Chat 10:00am – 11:00amDeale Library | -Community Pantry at Discoveries Library Annapolis Mall10:00am – 12:00pmAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is welcome. |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -Monthly Mixed Media: Collage Night!6:30pm – 8:30pmOdenton Library | -Get Hired: Interview Techniques3:00pm – 4:00pmSevern Library | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300____-Senior Grief Support11 am. contact facilitator Beth Mucciacciaro RN, Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-0263. Pasadena Senior Activity Cente | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Bridge Pasadena Senior Activity Center 12-2 every Friday | -Kindness Day Storytime10:30am – 11:00amCrofton Library |
| -NAMI peer to peer support group 2:30-4:30 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Arnold Email F2F@namiacc.org to register | -Teen Support Group 7:30 pm The Y Pasadena 2nd Floor Community Room ages 13-17 facilitated by licensed therapist youthprograms@lifeofjoyfoundation.org | -Covid Trauma and the Impact on Students6:00pm – 7:00pmSeverna Park LibraryLCSW presenter | -Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Morning Group (Virtual)10:30 am – 12:00 pm Register here | -Moms Wellness Support Group 6pm -7:30 Lotus Psychotherapy register at melaniem@lotuspsychotherapyllc.com | ||
| -Family Yoga6:30pm – 7:15pmOdenton Library | -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30 pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church |
Weekly Calendar of Events 10/2-10/8
| Sunday 10/2 | Monday 10/3 | Tuesday 10/4 | Wednesday 10/5 | Thursday 10/6 | Friday 10/7 | Saturday 10/8 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting 9:30 AM Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome Phone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | -Senior Sing 11 am to 11:30 am group led singalong from the comfort of your chair. Pasadena Senior Activity Center | -Free Online Tuesday Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions 7 pm Register here | -ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here_________-Teen Substance Abuse Support group 3:45-5:15 register Lotus Psychotherapy-Whole Foods Cooking While Grieving 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration is required griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmSocial Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | – | -Community Pantry at Discoveries Library Annapolis Mall10:00am – 12:00pmAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is welcome. |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -Arnold Senior Center Book Club2:00pm – 3:30pmBroadneck Library | - | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300 _____-Child Chats: Parenting an Adopted Child 10:00amRiviera Beach LibraryLearning ways to establish and nurture a secure relationship. | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Bridge Pasadena Senior Activity Center 12-2 every Friday | -Practicing Mindfulness in Nature at the Broadneck Library10:30am – 11:30amBroadneck Library |
| -Online Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse 7 pm Register Here | – | -Senior Grief Support11 am. For more information contact facilitator Beth Mucciacciaro RN, Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-0263. Pasadena Senior Activity Cente | -Fall Floral Arrangement Workshop 10:00 am until 12 pm.Must pre-register Pasadena Senior Activity Center | -Halloween Costume Swap2:00pm – 4:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the Mall | ||
| –5-8 pm SoulCollage Grief Support Group Registration required for all groups and can begriefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. | -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30 pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church | -Teen Movie and Pizza Night – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings6:00pm – 8:30pmDeale Library | – |
Weekly calendar of events
events for seniors, neurodivergent, teens, youth, recovery, grief, social, families, and more!
| Sunday 9/25 | Monday 9/26 | Tuesday 9/27 | Wednesday 9/28 | Thursday 9/29 | Friday 9/30 | Saturday 10/1 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting 9:30 AM Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome Phone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | -Coffee with a Cop6:00pm Glen Burnie Library Branch, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Community residents are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee with Corporal Jose Cruz-Miranda, Hispanic Liaison Officer, of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. | -Virtual Mindfulness, Meditation, and Laughter 6:30pm Instructor Valentina McKenzie, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader This class combines the practices of meditation, mindfulness and laughter yoga. Register Here. | -ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here_________-Teen Art Journaling6:00pm – 7:30pmSeverna Park Library_____________-Teen Substance Abuse Support group 3:45-5:15 register Lotus Psychotherapy | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmSocial Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Preschool Process Art 10:00am – 11:00am Deale Library | -Community Pantry at Discoveries Library Annapolis Mall10:00am – 12:00pmAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is welcome. |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -Parenting Classes: Be the Best parent Ever! 6:30pm Brooklyn Park LibraryBoost your parenting Skills with AACC’s Behavioral Emotional Support Training (BEST) program. | -Baltimore PFLAG Open house LGBT+Peer Support 7 pm virtual register here | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300_____-Raising Emotionally Healthy Girls Discussion with pediatrician and author Virtual7pm register here | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Bridge Pasadena Senior Activity Center 12-2 every Friday | -Outdoor Sculpture Workshop10:00am – 1:00pmBusch Annapolis Library |
| -Online Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse 7 pm Register Here | -Autism Society General Sessioninclusive space to learn andgrow 7 pm virtualRegister here | -Pasadena Senior Center Book Club: The Last Green Valley by Mark T Sullivan12:00pm – 1:00pmRiviera Beach Library | -Family Night Grief Workshop6:00 pm – 8:00 pmHospice of the Chesapeake Register Here | -Practicing Mindfulness in Nature at the Broadneck Library 10:30am – 11:30am | ||
| -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church | –Burgers & Bands suicide prevention Annapolis Town Center 6-8 | -Children’s Grief Support Group (6-12)10:00 am – 12:00 pmHospice of the Chesapeake Register Here |
Weekly calendar of local and virtual events
Please see the below calendar for events, meetings, social groups, support groups, and more! Local to Maryland and virtual
| Sunday 9/18 | Monday 9/19 | Tuesday 9/20 | Wednesday 9/21 | Thursday 9/22 | Friday 9/23 | Saturday 9/24 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting 9:30 AM Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome Phone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | -Phoenix Rising Teen Grief Support Group (ages 13-18)6:30 pm – 8:00 pmHospice of the ChesapeakeRegister here | -Partners of ADD support Group – Google Meet 7:00-8:30 PM online. RSVP at entsachiko@gmail.com _______-Adulting 101 Practical tips on healthy eating habits, exercise and movement, finding meaning and purpose in your life, and self-care. Register here | -ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here____-Department of Aging and Disabilities: Discover the Programs6:00pm – 7:30pmSeverna Park Library | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmSocial Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Preschool Process Art 10:00am – 11:00am Deale Library | -Free Online Guided Meditation- Beginners and Intermediate 9:45 am Register Here |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -Pre-Teen Grief Support Group (ages 11-13)Hospice of the Chesapeake6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Register here | -Virtual GAYme night for LGBTQ+ Folks and Allies! (18+) Link Here 7 pm______-Mad Hatters Knitting Club 6:30pmEastport-Annapolis Neck Library | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300___ -Virtual LGBTQ+ Women, Femmes, and Thems Social Link Here 7:30 pm | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Community Resource Fair10:00am – 12:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the Mall | |
| -Online Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse 7 pm Register Here | -Teen Authors and Artists Meet-up4:00pm – 5:00pmBusch Annapolis Library | -Adult ADHD Virtual Meet 7:00 – 9:00 pmSkype meeting. contact robert.gelner@outlook.com for link. | -DC area depression and bipolar peer support group 7:45 pm Info here | -Family Yoga10:15am – 11:00amOdenton Library | ||
| -Broadneck Needlecrafters7:00pm – 8:00pmBroadneck Library | -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church | -NAMIPGC Youth Forum16-21 living with personal mental health condition Register here | -Rainbow Reading: LGBTQ+ Teen and Family Book Club2:00pm – 3:00pmSevern Library |
Weekly Calendar of Mental Health Events and Support Groups
| Sunday 9/11 | Monday 9/12 | Tuesday 9/13 | Wednesday 9/14 | Thursday 9/15 | Friday 9/16 | Saturday 9/17 |
| -Sharing our Recovery virtual meeting9:30 AMEastern Daylight TimeFamilies, Friends, and Observers WelcomePhone #: (712) 432-8773 – Access Code: 52639# | -SoulCollage Grief Support Group has participants create a series of collages to commemorate lost loved ones and to visually journal the grief process. The group will meet from 5 to 8 p.m. Register Here | -NAMI Spouse/Partner Support Virtual Meeting6:30 pm – 7:30 pmThis group is for you if you are married or in a relationship with someone who lives with symptoms of a mental health condition. | -Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Evening Group Hospice of the Chesapeake Virtual or in person Register Here. 6:30 pm _______-ADHD Online Support Group for Women 7 pm Register Here | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmA Department of Social Services Social Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Virtual Depression And Bipolar Support Group 7 pm Register Here | -Walking Book Club: Bewilderment by Richard Powers10:00amSeverna Park LibraryJoin us for a gentle stroll on the B&A Trail |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -The Divorcing Man’s Support Group Online Monthly Meetup 8 pm Register Here | -Hospice of the Chesapeake Traumatic Loss 6 Week Group Register Here 5:30pm _____-Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 7 pm 731 Benfield Rd Severna Park | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300 ________-AACPL LGBTQ Virtual Book Club7:00pmOnline Events | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Virtual Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome [PASS] Therapy Support Group Register Here 4 pm | -Saturday Community Pantry 10:00am – 12:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the MallAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is encouraged to come. |
| -Virtual nonbinary support group 7:30 pm Register Here | -Teen Mindfulness, Meditation, and Laughter 6:30pm Deale Library | -Senior Tea & Social: Frida Kahlo11:00amDiscoveries: the Library at the Mall | -Family Bingo!3:00pm Brooklyn Park Library | -Online Peer Support Meeting for Young Adults with Mental Health Challenges 3 pm Register Here | ||
| -Online Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse 7 pm Register Here | -Estate Planning Essentials7:00pm Severna Park Library | -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church301 South Liberty Street Centreville | -Fearless Females: Taking Courageous Action 6:30pm Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library cis, trans, and nonbinary. |
Weekly Calendar of Events
Events in the Anne Arundel County and Eastern Shore of Maryland. Featuring Sensory-friendly events, support groups, grief and loss support, ADHD parenting groups, skills groups, social groups, and more!
| Sunday 9/4 | Monday 9/5 | Tuesday 9/6 | Wednesday 9/7 | Thursday 9/8 | Friday 9/9 | Saturday 9/10 |
| -Al-Anon Adult Children 6:30pmDavidsonville United Methodist Church in person and zoom Contact rcaroland@aol.com | -CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group for recovery via zoomclick HERE to register 6:30 pm | -Land That Interview: Resume and Cover Letter Strategies3:00pm Severn Library | -Child Chats: Family Fun 10:00amRiviera Beach LibraryAdult Learning EventNurture your relationship with your child by building positive memories each day and fastening them together with strong cords of love and trust. | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmA Department of Social Services Social Worker will be on site, Thursdays from 10-5pm offering services to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency | -Young Child Free Play 10:30am Broadneck Library(Ages 0 – 5)Young children may enjoy books, music and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys during this hour of unstructured social time. | -Hospice of the Chesapeake Stepping Stones Children’s Grief Support Group (ages 6-12) preregistration required 10 am |
| –NAMI Connection Support Group – Arnold at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church6:00 pm | -Online Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse 7 pm Register Here | -Columbia ADHD Meetup Group “Now that my child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, what comes next?” Online Meeting 7 pm Register Here | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300 | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Saturday Community Pantry 10:00am – 12:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the MallAnyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies is encouraged to come. | |
| –Chuck E Cheese Sensory Friendly Sundays Sailsbury, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and more. | -Teen Art Night: Puzzle Art6:30pmDeale Library | -Hospice of the Chesapeake Quarterly Child Loss Support Workshop5:30 pm | -Grandparents Storytime11:00am – 12:00pmGlen Burnie Library | |||
| -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church301 South Liberty Street Centreville |
Tips For Families Navigating Divorce
Navigating a divorce can be difficult for the entire family. Children may find the process of a parental divorce to be particularly challenging. Milavetz Law has put together an extensive guide about helping children through a divorce. The guide includes information on how a child’s mental health can be affected during a divorce and ways the people around them can help.
Divorce is common in the United States, with nearly 50% of all marriages ending in divorce. In many instances, children of divorce tend to suffer the most, given their inability to process and cope with continued stress.
The Effects of Divorce on Children
Children can experience short- and long-term negative consequences when their parents divorce. They are still growing and maturing, so every aspect of their lives, from school life to sleeping, tends to be affected.
Financial Security
Divorce brings an increased likelihood of a child living in poverty. Divorce strains a family’s resources and can result in both parents and their children living near or below the poverty line. Instead of one house to run, the family now maintains two, with two sets of bills to match.
Mental Health
Children of divorce are at high risk of mental health problems. Incidences of depression and anxiety increase when a child’s parents go through a separation or a divorce. They may lack the emotional security they felt prior to the divorce and feel shame around kids whose parents aren’t divorced.
Studies show that when the woman is the custodial parent, she’s likely to lose anywhere from 25% to 50% of her pre-divorce income. Custodial fathers also suffer financial losses but may recover more quickly than women….
The full guide can be seen HERE.
Events Calendar For 8/28-9/3
Please see this list of events that local members may find beneficial. A wide range of events including autism support, teen and youth social events, senior citizen services, food service, recovery meetings, and more.
| Sunday 8/28 | Monday 8/29 | Tuesday 8/30 | Wednesday 8/31 | Thursday 9/1 | Friday 9/2 | Saturday 9/3 |
| -Al-Anon Adult Children 6:30pmDavidsonville United Methodist Church in person and zoom Contact rcaroland@aol.com | -Arnold Senior Center Book Club2:00pm-3:30pmBroadneck Library | – Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake General Session7:00pm via zoomClick HERE to register | -McNew Center Annapolis Teen Talk support group 3pm-4pmCall 667-204-7300 | -Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake Weekly Group For Autistic Adults (18+) A casual, neurodiverse space to connect & share!9:00 pm via ZoomClick HERE to register. | -Community Pantry10:00am – 12:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the MallThe Community Pantry is open at to anyone who needs help getting basic baby and/or hygiene supplies. | |
| -CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Steps Peer Support Group for recovery via zoomclick HERE to register | -Maryland Food Bank One-Stop-Shop12:00pm – 2:00pmLinthicum Library Fresh produce boxes and non-perishable foods will be offered | -DSS-Social Worker in the Branch at Deale Library12:00pm – 5:00pmA Department of Social Services Social Worker will be onsite to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining economic self-support and self-sufficiency. | -Paws to Read10:00am – 12:00pmOdenton LibraryChildren practice their emerging literacy skills by reading to Honor the dog and his handler Paige. Call the Odenton Library at 410-222-6277 to register | |||
| -Al-Anon Family Group 7:30pm in personSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church301 South Liberty Street Centreville | -Teen Game Night6:00pm – 8:00pmBusch Annapolis Library | -Lego Create Challenge11:30am – 12:30pmRiviera Beach LibraryAge Group: Kids (Ages 6 – 10), Teens (Ages 11+) | ||||
| -Reverse Tie-Dye2:00pm – 3:00pmDiscoveries: the Library at the MallAge Group: Teens (Ages 11+) |
Period Poverty and Menstrual Education
Thank you to Great Day Washington for highlighting this important issue.
March is Women’s History Month and there is much to celebrate. Throughout history, women have been some of the most influential change-makers. While women have made an immense impact on society, there is still work to be done, and there are countless trailblazing women continuing to strive towards equality, change, and ingenuity. One cause for concern that still plagues women worldwide and in our local communities is Period Poverty. According to a recent study published in January 2021, “The World Bank estimates that 500 million women and girls globally lack access to adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. They also lack access to menstrual products.”
Period Poverty is an issue that is often overlooked. Period poverty can be described as lacking access to menstrual products, puberty, and menstrual education, access to hygienic facilities, and proper waste management and disposal.
Jillian Amodio, mental health advocate, and founder of Moms for Mental Health says that small actions can have a big impact on access to menstrual education and access to menstrual products. She says that no menstruating individual should lack access to the products they need to ensure a safe, sanitary, and comfortable period. During menstruation, many youths miss school because of a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Jillian and her group Moms for Mental Health are celebrating Women’s History Month by bringing awareness to period poverty through a Menstrual Hygiene Drive and they are encouraging others to do the same. Jillian says that education is just as important as access to products!
She has the following tips for tackling period poverty one step at a time.
- Education is empowerment. Teach youth anatomically correct terms for their body and prepare them ahead of time for changes that will occur during various stages of life.
- For young girls and those born biologically female, on their way to puberty, help them pack a period go bag that includes the items they might need to handle menstruation including pads, tampons, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, a mirror, and a change of clothes. If you are able to, pack enough to share with a friend in need.
- Host a menstrual hygiene drive for your local schools, churches, community centers, libraries, doctors’ offices, or homeless shelters.
- In addition to canned goods and non-perishable items encourage your local food pantries to keep a section for menstrual hygiene products to be donated as well.
Moms for Mental Health 