Authors: Jack, Claire and Mary Kate Three local high school students recently completed a service project with Birthright St. Charles. One of their assignments was to write a blog post for Father’s Day. Today, we share their thoughts on what Father’s Day means to them. Dads have the potential to have influence and play […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator Ah, Mother’s Day – that time of year when we officially recognize the all-powerful women living among us: moms. But let’s not get too sappy; instead, let’s celebrate the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood, complete with its ups, downs, and sideways loops! Mother’s Day is for Moms Who are […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator In our minds, we all have some funky mental stuff going on, right? It’s what psychologists call “complexes.” They’re like the mental patterns that shape how we see ourselves and the world. They come from past experiences, trauma, belief systems, and upbringings. So, what are these “complexes”? Think of them […]
By: Ella Bland, Teen to Teen Contributor It’s something that has always bothered me – how makeup, initially designed to enhance our beauty and make us feel our best, has evolved into a requirement to leave the house, making many feel the need to hide their true selves behind layers of cosmetics. It’s similar to […]
By Jami McDermott, B.S. Speech Comm., Outreach Coordinator Seasonal holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to express affection and create lasting memories by exchanging gifts, planning special outings, and writing heartfelt notes. The joy experienced during these festive times is mutual, making everyone involved feel cherished and appreciated. However, once the holiday season comes to an […]
By: Josephine Berra As a teenager, it is understandable how much we can have on our schedule at one time. During the week, I typically feel so busy with my schoolwork on top of going to practice or a game a couple of hours right after that I barely have time to catch up with […]
By Jami McDermott, B.S. Speech Comm., Outreach Coordinator In a world that can often seem dark, especially when focusing on the negative, our instinct is to retreat by turning off the lights, closing the blinds, and isolating ourselves. However, perhaps a few simple actions could bring about positive change, especially during the holidays—an ideal time […]
By Jami McDermott, B.S. Speech Comm., Outreach Coordinator The magic of gift-giving lies not in extravagant price tags but in the thoughtfulness, effort, and special touches that take a simple token into a cherished keepsake. In the spirit of spreading holiday joy without straining your budget, here is a list of simple and affordable gift […]
By Noah Schuessler – Student Author As a teenager living an ever-so-fast-paced life, I know that managing both my free time and my busy time will keep me at bay. Playing volleyball year-round, dealing with school, trying to earn money, and figuring out where I am going to play volleyball in college are the biggest […]
By Terry Blanton, LCSW Choosing adoption can be a difficult decision for many women, but did you know that today’s adoption plans offer more choices than ever before? As a master-level counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how the process has evolved and how it can benefit both birth parents and adoptive families. How Adoption Has Changed […]