September marks National Suicide Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted. It is also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.

Our childhood is often referred to as the time in which our physical bodies and mental abilities are developing. When I think of the word “childhood,” many things come to mind. Memories of my own bring about feelings of happiness, and I’m reminded of a time that was carefree and innocent.

Trauma behaviors are unpredictable at times, and each kid is entirely different from another. They can be easily triggered. They can have an inability to focus. They can have physical body aches or illnesses. They can have anxiety. They can have depression. They can have angry outbursts. You name it, and trauma can produce it in an individual.

During the month of April, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread awareness of childhood abuse and neglect. We all can play a role in our community to help our families and children be safe.

How do you feel about working on a team? Do you work well with others, or do you prefer to work independently? At the Child Advocacy Center, teamwork is vital to our success in serving children and their families well. A quote from Helen Keller lends insight to the value of teamwork within the child advocacy center model, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” 

This year we are asking the community to join us and be the cause for change in the life of a child. Child abuse has no boundaries. It doesn’t single out a certain gender, race or demographic. It is not a story a child or family should carry alone. Child abuse is a community’s shared story. 

What comes to mind when you think about the month of November?

Grief is a normal feeling and something most people can relate too. Though grief is normal, it can also overcome us and overshadow the positive experiences we encounter. This is why it is important for us to take control of it before it controls us. 

If you or someone you know struggles with thoughts of suicide, it’s time to pick up the phone!Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline TODAY! Confidential help is available 24/7.

Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, YouTube, FortNite, Minecraft, BeReal…feeling a little dizzy yet? With an ever-increasing amount of social media platforms and ways to connect online, parents are bound to feel a little dizzy trying to keep up with it all.

P.A.C.K. UP! 

Back to school is quickly approaching and with everyone scrambling to get school supplies, new clothes, and the latest shoes; before we know it it’ll be back to drop offs, hasty trips to bus lanes, and the infamous first week of school PAPERWORK! 

Take advantage of the simple ways to find total wellness during August to celebrate National Wellness Month.

Summer is upon us! The kids are out of school, and the temperatures are warming up. This heat can overwhelm us, but we find relief in sweet summer treats and water-play with our family and friends. The extra time with kids out of school presents great opportunities to have conversations around body safety and good body boundaries. Click to read more!

View all the details in the 2020-2021 Impact Report

Play therapy is a wonderful evidence based therapeutic modality that is effective when working with children, particularly children dealing with trauma.

Part 1 of our education videos for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Ashton and Katie talk about Online Enticement and tips for parents.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and local businesses in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore are giving back!

CHILTON
April 1st at 11am - KICK-OFF Event
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Clanton
April 15th - HopesChest Booutique-Gifts
April 22nd - LaLa's Cakes and Events LLC
April 28th - The Bearded Peach, LLC
Deidra Gadberry - State Farm Agent - All month: $10 given back for every insurance quote

AUTAUGA
April 4th - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH KICK-OFF
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Millbrook
April 8th - Candy Corner Prattville
April 14th - Prattville Axe April 14th
Adrienne's Downtown Bar - Blue Drinks All Month Long!
Fountain City Nutrition - Blue Pinwheel Drink All Month Long!

ELMORE
April 1st - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH KICK-OFF
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Millbrook
April 6th - Coaches Corner Bar and Grill
April 27th - Coosa River Craft House
Belle & Beau Salon Suites and Studios All Month

If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, start by reprogramming your brain to think more positively. Try out these six tips to focus your thoughts and train your brain to be more positive.

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need.

Spring is a time of renewal, and cleaning doesn’t have to simply mean scrubbing the floors! Try these cleaning activities to promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Spring break is a time for rest and relaxation, but it has the potential to be so much more. Ask your kids about causes they’re passionate about and try to line those passions up with a local organization.

How will you spread love during the month of February? Use one of these ideas or come up with your own! You never know how much a small act of kindness will mean to a person. Get out there and spread the love!

February is the month of love, and we’re not just talking about Valentine’s Day. Now is a great time to give back in any capacity for any cause you’re passionate about!

Have no fear, because spring is around the corner, and warmer months are ahead. In the meantime, take as many steps as you can to boost your mood and help others along the way. 

Use this as a reminder to commit acts of service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Even after the holiday passes, his spirit can carry on. Explore new ways you can give back to your community, involve your family and friends and set attainable goals for yourself.

This January, celebrate National Blood Donor Month by taking steps to go out, roll up your sleeve and give. Set the tone for the month and the rest of the year to live more altruistically.

If you’re ready for fun and flurries this winter season, check out some of these great winter wonderland adventures to try with your family.

This new year, start off right by living more altruistically… for yourself. Establish new, healthy habits and goals to accomplish in 2022.

This time of the year is the perfect reminder to consider your altruistic and giving goals for 2022. Take a look below at some ways you can plan out your 2022 giving strategy, from fundraising to volunteering and random acts of kindness!

While the holidays are about spending time with others and spreading as much cheer as possible, it’s hard to spread cheer if you aren’t feeling great yourself.

How will you help spread the word or give back during Universal Human Rights Month? From volunteering to helping advocate and spread awareness, there are so many ways to get involved.

It's time to take part in the biggest giving day of the year! Celebrate GivingTuesday whether that be through giving your time, your gifts, talents or monetary contributions. Every gift, both big and small, helps make a difference. 

Remember to take care of yourself this holiday season and give back when you can. The spirit of the holiday is all about spending time with the ones you love and giving back where you can! Help spread holiday cheer this year for yourself and others by following these ten steps!

November is often associated with a time of giving thanks, and this year is no different. In order to get the most out of the month, we’re deeming this as the year to start early. Make the entire month about showing gratitude to those you love, and even strangers.