news

COVID-19
All AOK staff and youth attending AOK After School and Nathan’s Place will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. For questions please contact Jerod, Zach, or Kelsi at one of the buildings.

Announcement
We plan to reschedule the dance that was supposed to take place. We will let everyone know when the new date has been set.

In the event repairs at the Wolf Building take longer than expected, kids that usually go to the Wolf Building will be able to attend Nathan’s Place while repairs take place.

COVID meal deliveries will return to normal delivery February 22.

Happy Birthday!
February 22: Jaxon Dixon and Kyson Dixon

Drug-Free Message of the Week
Many people often refer to substance misuse as “self-medication.” What they mean is that some teens drink and use drugs to help themselves feel better when they are suffering from a mental health disorder. Self-medicating is not an official medical term, but it helps explain why some teens experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Research shows that some teens have substance use and other mental health disorders at the same time. For example, a teen who is dealing with depression or anxiety might use drugs to cope. Or, a teen who can’t stop using drugs might get depressed about it. In fact, science tells us that regular misuse of drugs and alcohol can change how the brain works, which may contribute to a mental health disorder.

There might not be an easy explanation as to how substance misuse and mental health are connected. It's possible a person's genetic traits or their life experience can make them vulnerable to brain changes involved in either depression or substance use. Whatever the reason, this is called “co-occurring disorders” or “comorbidity.”

Although substance use disorders commonly occur with other mental illnesses, this does not mean that one caused the other, even if one appeared first. It is essential to know that interactions between the conditions can worsen both situations.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know needs information or treatment in a confidential, safe, judgment-free atmosphere, please contact AOK directly by calling or texting 417.682.6002 or visit aokyouth.org/rcc-project.

Follow this newsletter to learn more about this crisis and how it can affect those around you.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Venison

Each building will participate in an activity that involves the sampling of Venison, along with an educational piece.

 

 

NATHAN’S PLACE

Valentine’s Dance
We plan to reschedule the dance that was supposed to take place last Thursday. We will let everyone know when we have set a new date.

Awareness
During the month of February, the VolunTeen’s will be focusing on Opioid and Drug Prevention. This week’s prevention activity will be testing their knowledge through a fun and interactive game of Jeopardy tailored to information about the prevention of tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse.

Taking risks is a natural part of teens’ identity development and helps them figure out who they are, while they are exploring boundaries. In the process of taking healthy risks, they’ll gain confidence, courage, and the ability to make plans and resist impulses — all important skills they’ll need in life. Most teens are full of enthusiasm, but may have a hard time expressing that energy in a safe way. It is important to help them find the right, meaningful and challenging activity and a way to direct their interests toward an exciting but healthy outlet.

This week’s new reading resource for families to discuss with their children is Mind Matters: Prescription Stimulants.

Food of the Month
Cherries

Cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are also well known for their antioxidant properties. This week, the VolunTeen’s will be learning how to prepare Cherry Sorbet. This snack is not only delicious, but healthy and extremely easy to make.

Try the recipe for yourself here.