
Mental Health Matters
Summer Edition
Newsletter Highlights
In this newsletter, find
Summer Resources from Our Community Parnters:
- Free Summer Reading Programs
- Why Reading is Good for Mental Health
- Juneteenth Celebration Family Events
- Summer Activity and Event Guides
- Crisis Mental Health Supports
News From Eaton RESA's Partners and Coalitions:
- Eaton RESA's FREE Tri-County Community Health Guide
- Project Connect: Save the Dates
Free Summer Reading Programs
Your Public Library
Make this your first stop for summer reading. Most public libraries will be kicking their summer reading program in May. They will often have the chance to get free books or prizes–even with the strange times in which we live. Hopefully, your local library will be open for storytime and other activities.
Scholastic Summer Reading
From April 26 through September 3, visit the Scholastic summer zone for stories, games, and community. Keep track of your books. Read e-books. Meet favorite characters and authors. Print reading achievement reports.
Barnes and Noble
Download and print a Reading Journal. Then, read eight books and record the titles in the printed journal. Once you’ve read the 8 books, take your journal to your local Barnes and Noble to get a free book. It couldn’t be easier. You can also find a printable parent’s guide with tips and fun literacy activities.
Bookworm Wednesdays at Showcase Cinemas
Participating Multiplex, Cinema de Lux, and Showcase theaters will give kids free admission to a movie when they present a book report.
Sync Summer Audiobook Program for Teens
Kids ages 13+ can win audiobooks by participating in this program that uses the OverDrive app. Don’t rule out audiobooks, they count as real reading!
4 Science-Backed Reasons Why Reading is Good for Mental Health
- It can reduce stress: Reading can help lower heartrate, reduce muscle tension, and lower stress levels in the body.
- It provides us with a healthy escape: It gets us off screens and engaged in a healthy distraction.
- It can make us more understanding: It gives us an opportunity to identify with others in similar circumstances.
- It gives us an opportunity to identify with others in similar circumstances: It can help us feel less alone.
To read the Full Article "Why Reading is Good for Mental Health" from the National Alliance on Mental Illness California, click here.
2023 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
What is Juneteenth and Why Do We Celebrate?
Juneteenth is a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. To learn more about Juneteenth and why we celebrate it, visit here. As part of Lansing's Celebration, many events are available to choose from:
- community ballgame
- kick-off ceremony
- speech from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden
- freedom festival
- parade
- job fair
- 5K walk/run/roll, and an all day music concert
- health fair
You can find out about all the events here. All people are welcome.
Parade Details:
The parade will take place on Saturday, June 17 and will kick off at 11:00 am. The starting point is J.W. Sexton High School, 102 S. McPherson Avenue, Lansing, Michigan.
Visit the PARADE page to learn more about our grand marshals and to sign up to participate in the parade.
Summer Activities and Events for Youth and Families
Youth Programs:
State and Local Events and Festivals:
- Michigan Fairs and Festivals
- Lansing Juneteenth Celebration
- Art Path River Trail Exhibition
- East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
- Michigan Pride Events
Lansing Family Fun Guides:
- Complete Summer Guide
- 30 Outdoor Water Parks, Pools, Splash Pads, & Local Swimming Around Lansing and Beyond
- Lake Michigan Beaches
- 15+ Lansing Trails: Paths to Walk, Bike, Hike, Roller Blade, Skate Board, and Enjoy
- The Best Places to Kayak, Canoe and SUP with Kids, Plus Rental Info – Lansing, MI
- Nature Centers
- Concerts in the Park + Movies in the Park this Summer
- Farmer's Markets
- U Pick Fruit Guide
- Disc Golf Guide
- Pickellball
Favorite Local Hot Spots:
- MSU Children’s Garden Center/Horticulture Center
- LCC Japanese Garden
- The Ledges: Grand Ledge Adventures
- Uncle John's Cider Mill St. Johns
- MSU Farm Tours
- Potter Park Zoo
- Eaton Rapids and the Outdoor Recreation Center
Nearby Adventures:
- 19 Epic Things You Can Do in Detroit
- Grand Rapids Summer Guide
- Kalamzoo Events
- Ann Arbor Summer Festival
- Campgrounds from Rustic to Glamping
- Howell Nature Center (Features zip lines, ropes courses and so much more)
Crisis Mental Health Resources from Our Trusted Partners
988 Suicide Prevention Hotline:
MiCAL: Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) is Michigan’s 24/7 statewide crisis, support, information, and referral line. It is for ALL Michiganders and is meant for people in crisis or distress who do not know where to turn. It is also a Warmline for people who need someone to listen to them. Everyone deserves support and hope when struggling with behavioral health issues.
Telephone: (517) 346-8460
Toll free: (800) 372-8460
Hearing Impaired: (800) 649-3777
Resources for Community Needs
Project Connect: Save the Dates
Project Connect is an opportunity for families to receive community supports and resources such as food, clothing, school supplies, haircuts, other important community resources.
Shiawassee County will be hosting the Project Connect event on Tues, July 18th.
Clinton County will be hosting an in-person Project Connect event on Aug 17th, with a variety of other drive up options available throughout the county.
Eaton County is in the process of planning their Project Connect for Nov 2nd.
For future updates on these events or questions, contact Rashmi Travis at rtravis@eatonresa.org.
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