Above: SYFS is promoting a series of events this month to promote mental health awareness. (Image processed from flyer)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Once again, Southborough Youth and Family Services is coordinating a series of special related events and is issuing a call for related one-page articles.
Their 2024 theme is “When Life Gives You Lemons.” His SYFS message regarding this effort explains:
The idea is that through negative things, you can also find positive things. You can’t eliminate the bad things, but you can rebuild them and learn about your strengths. It also gives us permission to find moments of joy when we are experiencing hardship. We hope all of this year’s events focus on “Make Lemonade.”
Story wanted (until May 6th)
SYFS Announcement is seeking stories from writers (either signed or anonymous) It will be on display at the Celebrate Wellness reception on May 29th.
For families who don’t leave the city, the all-ages challenge is another activity to keep the kids busy during spring break.
We are looking for storytellers of all ages! SYFS is looking for one-page stories to share at our annual celebration of wellness in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May. . .
We want you to share a time in your life when you went through a difficult time but somehow managed to find a glimmer of hope and happiness.
We’re looking for authentic personal stories of resilience, but you can also submit other types of writing, such as fiction and poetry.
The deadline for submission is May 6th. Scroll to the bottom of this post for more information. *
special events
apart from the first one (I’ve already explained this)Please stay tuned for further information on the following events.
Read community discussions
Thursday, May 2nd at 7pm via Zoom
Group discussion using Zoom of Community Read selections; 
Before the Ever After is a YA novel by Jacqueline Woodson.
Click here to read our dedicated post for more information.
Southboro turns green
Friday, May 3rd
The community is encouraged to wear green to show support. Look for green ribbons throughout Southboro.
shop with purpose
Sunday, May 5th, 11am – 4pm @ Community House, 28 Main Street
3rd Annual Artisan Fair and Raffle held by the Friends of Southboro Youth Committee as a fundraiser to support the SYFS Endowment and Scholarship Program. Look forward to a day of fun food trucks and shopping “all for a good cause.” This year there will also be additional fun activities for kids.
Laugh and Learn: The Power of Positivity
Tuesday, May 14th, 6:30pm
A talk by Say YES Institute’s “cheerful Carrie Stack” will “help you find the positive in difficult times.” Seating is limited as this is a ticketed event. Community Room at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Southboro, 6:30 p.m.
Story time with Miss Kim (ages 2-5)
Monday and Tuesday, May 20th and 21st, 10:30-11:15 a.m. @ Southboro Library Children’s Room
The week’s regular preschool story time (with crafts) for children aged 2-5 includes stories selected to promote that month’s mental health awareness theme. Registration is not required.
Questions, Persuasion, Counseling: How Anyone Can Prevent Suicide
Tuesday, May 21st, 6:30pm – 8:30pm @zoom
Join Shannon on SYFS to learn why preventing suicide is everyone’s job. Shannon teaches us that all we need is empathy and love to help our friends and loved ones. Registration required.
Story time with Miss Kim (ages 0-2)
Thursday, May 23rd, 11:00am – 11:30am @ Southboro Library Children’s Room
The week’s regular baby and toddler storytimes (with puppets and music) are aimed at children aged 0-2 and aim to promote the month’s mental health awareness theme. Registration is not required.
celebrate wellness event
Wednesday, May 31st, 6pm @ Community House, 28 Main Street
This is a gala that concludes the monthly MHAM event and recognizes this year’s Laurie Sugarman Whittier Wellness Award winners. (Click here for details about the award.)
The free event will include music, art, entertainment and refreshments. Registration is not required.
To search for past posts (and future ones too) Click here to learn about activities during Mental Health Awareness Month.
*Post a story It must fit on a single page, 8 1/2 x 11 inches, with 1-inch margins, and be edited for grammar and spelling. Let us know if you’d like your name included in the story or if you’d like it published anonymously.If you have any questions or would like to submit your story, please send us an email Shannon Kinayman (skinayman@southboroughma.com).
