"Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey."
Lord Byron
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
Credit card payments for kids' after-school tuition will be run on Tuesday, February 9th.
Friendly reminder, both locations will be open in the event school is out for weather unless a Remind message is sent out. AOK will open at 7:30am and Nathan’s Place at 10:00am.
Drug-Free Message of the Week
Teen Substance Abuse
The earlier teens start using substances, the greater their chances of continuing to use substances and developing substance use problems later in life. There are many reasons why teens might use drugs. Some common reasons include:
- To fit in. Social status is very important to teens. Your teen may do drugs in an attempt to fit in with friends or impress a new group of kids.
- To be social. Some teens use drugs because it lowers their inhibitions and makes them more comfortable socially.
- To deal with life changes. Change is not easy for anyone. Some teens turn to drugs to deal with situations such as moving, starting at a new school, puberty, or going through their parents' divorce.
- To ease pain and anxiety. Teens may use drugs to deal with problems with family, friends, school, mental health, or self-esteem.
During the month of February, the VolunTeens 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.
This week’s new reading resource for families to discuss with their children is: Mind Matters: Opioids
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
February 8
Monday
RCC Meeting
AOK HQ • 5:30pm
Join us at 208A West 10th or via Zoom to help reduce substance abuse and mental health in our great communities we live in.
February 15
Monday
AOK Facilities Open
The Wolf Building will be open from 7:30am–5:30pm
Nathan's Place will be open 10am–5:30pm
NP youth should be dropped off no earlier than 10am
THE WOLF BUILDING
Unity
The state of being united or joined as a whole.
Ugnspannkaka
Each building will participate in an activity that involves the sampling of Ugnspannkaka (a Swedish pancake), along with an educational piece.
Camper of the Month
Jessie Banwart
Jessie is 9 years old and attends Lamar West Elementary. Jessie enjoys watching TV and playing with her cat and dog. She likes hanging out with Audi, Thaily, Chrislyn, Jaxon, Kyson, and all the kids at AOK. Some of her favorites are pizza, the color blue, and watching cartoons. Her future plans involve becoming a Veterinarian. All of us at AOK would like to thank Jessie for always including others.
NATHAN’S PLACE
Valentine’s Dance
Join us for AOK’s annual Valentine’s Day Dance! The dance will be held Thursday, February 11 at Nathan’s Place from 6-8pm. Masks and temperature checks will be required for all who attend. The price for admission is $3 per person and $5 per couple. All youth that are enrolled at Nathan’s Place will get free admission into the dance. There will be snacks, beverages, door prizes, a photo area, and plenty of dancing!
Food of the Month
Cherry and Grapefruit
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.
Zach Morey
Programs Director
ABOUT OUR KIDS, INC.