Colonial Heights Youth and Human Services

06/02/2026

🌟 Congratulations to our 2026 Youth Advisory Council Scholarship Recipients! 🌟
Please join us in celebrating these outstanding students. We are incredibly proud of each recipient and deeply grateful for their dedication to YAC over the years.
• Alijahlee Phillips — attending Brightpoint Community College to study Business Administration, with plans to transfer to a four‑year university.
• Diego Velez — attending Virginia State University, majoring in Engineering.
• Jenna Ackerman — attending William & Mary to pursue a major in Computer Science with a minor in Creative Writing.
Help us wish these amazing young leaders the very best as they take the next steps in their academic journeys! 🎓✨

05/28/2026

The month of May may be coming to an end, but our commitment to mental health shouldn’t. 💚
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember that checking in on our friends, loved ones, and ourselves is something we should carry forward every day.
✨ Keep practicing self‑care
✨ Be gentle with yourself
✨ Reach out and stay connected
✨ Ask the hard questions when someone seems “off”
✨ Make space for rest, balance, and healing
Mental health isn’t a moment—it’s a movement. Let’s continue to show up for one another, today and always. 💛

Send a message to learn more

05/25/2026

When someone you love is facing mental health or substance use challenges, it can feel overwhelming — but hope is real, and recovery is possible. 💚
Your support matters more than you may ever know.
A kind word, a listening ear, or simply showing up can make the difference between someone feeling alone and someone feeling supported.
Recovery isn’t always a straight line, but with compassion, connection, and access to the right resources, healing can happen. Every step forward counts — no matter how small.
✨ Let them know you believe in their strength.
✨ Remind them they’re not alone.
✨ Encourage reaching out — help is always within reach.
Hope. Healing. Recovery. It all begins with support.

05/25/2026

🌱 Mental Health Is for Everyone — And Help Is Always Within Reach 🌱
No matter your background, your story, or your challenges, your mental health matters.
You are not alone — support exists, hope is real, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
Whether you're taking the first step or continuing your journey, remember:
• Everyone deserves compassion and care.
• Everyone deserves understanding.
• Everyone deserves help — including you.
Let’s continue building a community where seeking support is encouraged, celebrated, and welcomed.
Together, we create connection. Together, we create healing.
💚 You matter. Help is here.

05/18/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness month...
🌿 Celebrate What Sustains You 🌿
Take a moment today to honor the people, places, and small moments that nurture your well-being.
Whether it’s a supportive colleague, a quiet cup of coffee, a meaningful conversation, or simply a breath of fresh air — these moments ground us, uplift us, and remind us we’re not doing life alone.
Surround yourself with what brings you peace.
Celebrate what helps you grow.
And don’t forget to be that light for someone else, too.
✨ Here’s to the connections that sustain us — today and every day. ✨

05/18/2026

Mental Health Awareness
When we focus on the person — not the diagnosis — we create space for more supportive, compassionate conversations about mental health. Every story is unique, and every person deserves to be seen with dignity and humanity.
If you're looking to support someone you care about, this SAMHSA guide is a great place to start:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help

05/18/2026

Words Matter. Words Can Heal. 💚
The way we speak to one another—and to ourselves—can shape how we feel, heal, and move forward. In moments of stress, worry, or uncertainty, even small words of encouragement can make a big difference.
Choose words that uplift.
Choose words that support.
Choose words that let someone know they’re not alone.
Mental health awareness begins with compassion in action—and often, that starts with the language we use every day.
✨ Be kind. Be mindful. Speak hope.

05/11/2026

Words matter.
Mental health touches every one of us — whether through our own experiences or those of someone we love. The way we talk about mental health can either open doors to support or close them.
Let’s choose language that shows care, honesty, and humanity. Let’s commit to seeing the whole person, not just their struggle.
Learn more about mental health and the facts behind it: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts

05/11/2026

Early Support Matters ❤️
Children and youth often communicate their needs through changes in behavior long before they have the words to explain how they feel. When we pay attention early, we can make a life‑changing difference.
Watch for signs such as:
• Sudden shifts in mood or personality
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Difficulty concentrating or a drop in school performance
• Increased worries, irritability, or emotional outbursts
Every change has a story behind it—early support helps ensure that no child faces their challenges alone.
✨ Be present. Be observant. Be supportive.
The earlier we recognize the signs, the sooner we can connect children and youth with the care, understanding, and encouragement they deserve.

05/05/2026

Serious mental illnesses — including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression — are medical conditions, not personal failures.
Increasing understanding starts with learning. When we take time to educate ourselves, we help reduce stigma and create communities where people feel supported, valued, and never alone on their journey. 💚
Let’s continue to listen, learn, and advocate for compassion and awareness.