Letter from Lindsay: Season of Fresh Starts

Dear Friends,

September always feels like a season of fresh starts, new adventures, new friends, new schedules, and yes, big emotions. If you’re anything like me, adjusting to these new routines can be a challenge. Just last week I showed up to my daughter’s dance class, only to be told dance didn’t start until the following week. There were some big feelings on the ride home, both from me and my 4 year old!

I suspect many of you are in similar boats, juggling new schedules, new teachers, new schools, extracurriculars, sports, family commitments and with all that also a little bit of chaos! So, as we step into this fresh start together, I encourage you to take a breath, give yourself grace, and embrace this season of fresh starts right alongside our children and families.

"So, as we step into this fresh start together, I encourage you to take a breath, give yourself grace, and embrace this season of fresh starts right alongside our children and families."

At Tri-Town Council, we believe deeply that raising and supporting youth takes a village and we want to be part of yours! Our mission is to empower and support youth and families for positive development and healthy decision-making. This fall, we are excited to step into a new season filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

Our Horizons programming is already underway, with new programs such as “The Sky is (not) the Limit”, a STEM program created by one of our very own Masco youth!

The Youth Action Advisory Board (YAAB) is beginning to prepare for a new school year and is seeking new members to join! YAAB is our youth group made of of 9-12th graders who educate community members about issues that affect youth, and advocate for systemic changes that support youth wellness.

Our Girls 4 Girls mentoring program launches in October, and we are actively seeking male mentors so that we can also offer Boys 4 Boys. These mentoring programs are powerful ways to build positive relationships for both mentees and mentors. 

And we are offering a new workshop series as part of our PhotoVoice program. Well Creativity Workshops are 4-week sessions that welcome middle- and high-school youth to explore the connection between creativity and wellness. That is sure to be a rich exploration for all who participate.

We also have an inspiring line-up of speakers this fall for the parents and caring adults in our community: We welcome Jon Mattleman on October 9th for a discussion on everything we need to know about the adolescent brain, how it works, what our tween/teens are going through, and how to support them. Then we are hosting Katie Greer on November 4th to talk all things social media/internet safety. I hope you’ll join us at these speaker events so that together, we can continue bringing high-quality, well-regarded speakers to our community!

And while it may seem far off, we are already planning for the All-Night Grad Party on May 29th, our largest substance use prevention event of the year. This beloved tradition is only possible with the help of our village: volunteers to plan, support the night of the event, and businesses to provide essentials like food, decorations, entertainment, string bags, bracelets, and more. Your involvement makes this celebration possible.

As we step into this season of fresh starts, I invite you to also take a fresh step in staying connected. Follow Tri-Town Council on Facebook and Instagram for updates, inspiration, and opportunities to engage.

Here’s to new beginnings, and giving ourselves the grace to grow into them.

With gratitude,

Lindsay

Lindsay Boddy (she/her)

Executive Director

Tri-Town Council